Image_2_Waist-to-calf circumstance ratio and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: Mediating roles of physical performance and social activity.TIF

BackgroundIn light of the potentially detrimental effects of central fat and decreased muscle mass on cognitive function, it would be beneficial to learn more about the mediating mechanisms underpinning the association between the two. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between waist-to-calf circumstance ratio (WCR) and cognitive function, as well as to investigate whether physical performance and social activity mediate the relationship between WCR and cognitive function among older Chinese adults.MethodsAn analysis of 9,652 older Chinese adults was conducted during the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a self-reported scale were used to measure cognitive function, physical performance, and social activity, respectively. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted.ResultsThe findings suggest that a high WCR had a significant negative association with cognitive function (B = −0.535, 95% CI: −0.754, −0.317). Mediation analysis revealed that a high WCR influenced old adults' cognitive function in three ways: first, through the partial mediating effect of physical performance (B = −0.270; 95% CI: −0.340, −0.203); second, through the partial mediating effect of social activity (B = −0.035; 95% CI: −0.055, −0.017); and third, through the serial mediating effects of physical performance and social activity (B = −0.021, 95% CI: −0.029, −0.015).ConclusionThe study results suggest the adverse impact of a high WCR on older adults' cognitive function, and the possible mechanisms of physical performance and social activity by which the association takes place. Multidimensional health and social interventions aimed at improving physical, social, and cognitive functioning among older adults with sarcopenic obesity are recommended.</p

Image_1_Waist-to-calf circumstance ratio and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: Mediating roles of physical performance and social activity.TIF

BackgroundIn light of the potentially detrimental effects of central fat and decreased muscle mass on cognitive function, it would be beneficial to learn more about the mediating mechanisms underpinning the association between the two. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between waist-to-calf circumstance ratio (WCR) and cognitive function, as well as to investigate whether physical performance and social activity mediate the relationship between WCR and cognitive function among older Chinese adults.MethodsAn analysis of 9,652 older Chinese adults was conducted during the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a self-reported scale were used to measure cognitive function, physical performance, and social activity, respectively. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted.ResultsThe findings suggest that a high WCR had a significant negative association with cognitive function (B = −0.535, 95% CI: −0.754, −0.317). Mediation analysis revealed that a high WCR influenced old adults' cognitive function in three ways: first, through the partial mediating effect of physical performance (B = −0.270; 95% CI: −0.340, −0.203); second, through the partial mediating effect of social activity (B = −0.035; 95% CI: −0.055, −0.017); and third, through the serial mediating effects of physical performance and social activity (B = −0.021, 95% CI: −0.029, −0.015).ConclusionThe study results suggest the adverse impact of a high WCR on older adults' cognitive function, and the possible mechanisms of physical performance and social activity by which the association takes place. Multidimensional health and social interventions aimed at improving physical, social, and cognitive functioning among older adults with sarcopenic obesity are recommended.</p

Table_1_Waist-to-calf circumstance ratio and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: Mediating roles of physical performance and social activity.docx

BackgroundIn light of the potentially detrimental effects of central fat and decreased muscle mass on cognitive function, it would be beneficial to learn more about the mediating mechanisms underpinning the association between the two. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between waist-to-calf circumstance ratio (WCR) and cognitive function, as well as to investigate whether physical performance and social activity mediate the relationship between WCR and cognitive function among older Chinese adults.MethodsAn analysis of 9,652 older Chinese adults was conducted during the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a self-reported scale were used to measure cognitive function, physical performance, and social activity, respectively. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted.ResultsThe findings suggest that a high WCR had a significant negative association with cognitive function (B = −0.535, 95% CI: −0.754, −0.317). Mediation analysis revealed that a high WCR influenced old adults' cognitive function in three ways: first, through the partial mediating effect of physical performance (B = −0.270; 95% CI: −0.340, −0.203); second, through the partial mediating effect of social activity (B = −0.035; 95% CI: −0.055, −0.017); and third, through the serial mediating effects of physical performance and social activity (B = −0.021, 95% CI: −0.029, −0.015).ConclusionThe study results suggest the adverse impact of a high WCR on older adults' cognitive function, and the possible mechanisms of physical performance and social activity by which the association takes place. Multidimensional health and social interventions aimed at improving physical, social, and cognitive functioning among older adults with sarcopenic obesity are recommended.</p

Arylsulfonyl Radical Triggered 1,6-Enyne Cyclization: Synthesis of γ‑Lactams Containing Alkenyl C–X Bonds

Cascade radical cyclization of 1,6-enynes for the synthesis of biologically important γ-lactams containing alkenyl C–X bonds is reported. In these radical cascade processes, three new chemical bonds, including C–S, C–C, and C–X bonds, are formed in one step. The method is attractive and valuable due to its mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and the importance of the corresponding γ-lactam products

Detection of Glucose Based on Bimetallic PtCu Nanochains Modified Electrodes

A series of novel bimetallic PtCu nanochains have been synthesized through a water-based mild chemical route, and their compositions (Pt_<i>x</i>Cu_1–<i>x</i>) can be conveniently tuned at the mesoscopic scale by a facile dealloying process. These nanomaterials have been characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis. They have different compositions (Pt₈₈Cu₁₂, Pt₇₅Cu₂₅, and Pt₅₀Cu₅₀) but have similar morphology. Electrochemical activity of these nanomaterials is compared to Pt and nanochains of Pt when they are chemically modified onto a glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the sensors made by these PtCu nanomaterials are very sensitive and selective for glucose detection due to the wiring of dispersed crystals, porous nanostructure, clean surface, and synergetic electronic effects of the alloyed atoms. Among them, the modified electrode made of Pt₇₅Cu₂₅ shows the best performance. The superior catalytic activity and selectivity make nanomaterials, via the green synthesis, very promising for applications in direct biosensing of glucose

Silver(I)- and Base-Mediated [3 + 3]-Cycloaddition of <i>C</i>,<i>N</i>‑Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Aza-oxyallyl Cations

A silver­(I) and base-mediated [3 + 3]-cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated <i>C</i>,<i>N</i>-cyclic azomethine imines with in situ formed aza-oxyallyl cations is reported. This one-pot cycloaddition process shows broad substrate scope an excellent functional group tolerance and provides the corresponding biologically important isoquinoline-fused triazines in good to excellent yields

Detection of H₂O₂ at the Nanomolar Level by Electrode Modified with Ultrathin AuCu Nanowires

Bimetallic AuCu nanowires (AuCuNWs) are synthesized via a facile water solution method at room temperature. Enhanced electrocatalytic activity is observed toward the oxidation of H₂O₂, which makes the AuCu nanowire, along with its unique catalytic properties, intriguing bifunctional mechanism, and surface atomic construction, a promising platform for the amplification of interfacing signal. A highly sensitive H₂O₂ biosensor is thus developed on the base of the as-prepared AuCuNW catalyst. A very low real determination limit (2.0 nM) was reached, and a linear range as wide as 5 orders of magnitude was demonstrated. In addition, a trace amount of H₂O₂, which was released from Raw 264.7 cells, was selectively detected, hinting at the possible applications for real-time quantitative detection of H₂O₂ in a biological environment

Predicting Reoffending Using the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY): A 5-Year Follow-Up Study of Male Juvenile Offenders in Hunan Province, China

<div><p>Background</p><p>Juvenile violent offending is a serious worldwide public health issue.</p><p>Objective</p><p>The study examined whether the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) can be used to predict violent reoffending in Chinese male juvenile offenders, and to determine which risk/protective domains (items) are associated with violent recidivism.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A total of 246 male juvenile offenders were recruited. SAVRY domains were scored by trained raters based on file review and interviews with participants and their legal guardians. Information on further arrests, charges, or convictions for violent offences were collected from police records over a five year follow-up.</p><p>Results</p><p>Over the course of the five year follow-up periods, 63 (25.6%) juvenile offenders were re-arrested for a further violent reoffence. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses showed Areas Under the Curve (AUCs) ranging from 0.60 to 0.68 for the SAVRY total, risk and protective score domains. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that 7 of the 30 SAVRY items were significantly associated with reoffending; explaining 36.2% of the variance. Backward stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed the independently predictive items were items 2 (‘history of non-violent offending’), 17 (‘negative attitudes’), 18 (‘risk-taking/impulsivity’), and 20 (‘anger management problems’). Together these four items explained 25.0% of the variance in reoffending.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The results suggested that the SAVRY can be meaningfully used to inform the development and evaluation of effective violence risk assessment and management approaches for male juvenile offenders detained in a Youth Detention Center in Hunan province, China.</p></div

Descriptive statistics on the demographics characteristics of reoffending and no reoffending youth offenders on baseline (<i>n</i> = 246).

<p>Descriptive statistics on the demographics characteristics of reoffending and no reoffending youth offenders on baseline (<i>n</i> = 246).</p

Debate in science: The case of acculturation

The acculturation paradigm of measuring assimilation, separation, integration and marginalization confuses dimensional and categorical conceptions of its constructs, fails to produce ipsative data from mutually exclusive scales, misoperationalizes marginalization as distress, mismeasures biculturalism using double-barreled questions instead of computing it from unicultural measures, and then tends to misinterpret and miscite this faulty science. Extensive published but widely uncited data cast doubt on claims that integration is preferred by minority groups or is beneficial for them. Such salient but unseen problems suggest that the community of acculturation researchers is biased and blinded by an ideology, probably the commendable ideology of liberalism, which advocates freedom of choice, tolerance, plurality, and redress of harm. Phenomenological observations that challenge the paradigm include the absence of studies of majority group acculturation, the well-replicated fact that minorities never prefer pure uniculturalism, the indistinctiveness of cultures, and the predominance of researchers, theory and data from similar Anglo-Saxon settler societies (USA, Australia, Canada)