Classification of papyrus fragments by chemometric analysis of near-infrared spectra.

Papyrus has been used for millennia to record information, for sophisticated works of art as well as mundane notes. The collection, identification, and translation of papyrus fragments therefore opens a gateway into the past. To aid the efforts to access the history recorded in papyri, we investigated the suitability of NIR spectroscopy to perform two tasks: One is to support the authentication of ancient papyri, by differentiation of papyri that were manufactured more recently and subjected to accelerated ageing to resemble the originals. The other is the extensive task to piece together papyrus fragments into readable texts again. In museums around the world, more than 100,000 ancient papyrus fragments still wait for their proper assembly, deciphering and publication. The papyrus writing-ground was analysed by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and the spectra were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and self-organizing maps (SOM). Cluster analysis and PLS-DA proved to be useful tools for distinguishing modern papyri from ancient papyri which were provided by collections in Vienna and Leipzig. Neither natural nor accelerated ageing affected the classification. A PLS-DA classification model, constructed from NIR spectra of 89 model scores, detected recent Papyri samples with 100 % sensitivity and specificity, even after accelerated ageing. The identification of groups of fragments of ancient papyri based on NIR spectra and chemometry is not straightforward. HCA, which focuses on the differences between samples, only grouped the fragments of 4 out of 20 papyri correctly. SOM, which rather focuses on the similarities, grouped 6 sets of fragments correctly. An automated grouping of fragments remains difficult, since the fragments themselves are heterogeneous while similarities between unrelated ancient papyri can be large.

The impact of opioids on the hallmarks of ageing.

Opioids rank among the most hazardous substances of abuse, leading to opioid use disorders (which greatly diminish life quality) and contributing to the highest drug-related mortality rates. Nonetheless, both the therapeutic and recreational use of opioids is escalating globally. Interestingly, chronic opioid users often exhibit signs consistent with accelerated ageing, suggesting that they likely interfere with well-characterized ageing mechanisms (e.g., telomere shortening, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence). Here, we review the most recent advances regarding the impact of opioids on well-characterized hallmarks of ageing, to ascertain a potential association between opioid use and accelerated ageing. Our findings indicate that there is accumulating evidence supporting a close association between the use of opioids and the early onset of some ageing hallmarks, namely mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, or telomere shortening. However, there is still limited data available regarding how opioids specifically impact other ageing hallmarks, like nutrient sensing, cellular senescence, or loss of proteostasis. Taking into consideration the high prevalence of opioid use, strengthening the understanding of the mechanisms underlying opioids' impact on ageing assumes utmost relevance, both in terms of improving risk assessment, as well as to help researchers and clinicians prevent or mitigate these effects in clinical settings.

Surface Characteristics and Artificial Weathering Resistance of Oil-Based Coatings on the Chemically and Thermally Modified Short-Rotation Teak Wood.

Improving the durability of short-rotation wood can be achieved through chemical and thermal modification. Chemical and thermal modification can have an impact on the physicochemical properties of wood, which can affect wood's surface characteristics and its resistance to weathering. The purpose of this study was to investigate the surface characteristics and artificial weathering resistance of chemically and thermally modified short-rotation teak wood coated with linseed oil (LO)-, tung oil (TO)-, and commercial oil-based coatings consisting of a mixture of linseed oil and tung oil (LT) and commercial oil-based polyurethane resin (LB) coatings. The short-rotation teak woods were prepared in untreated and treated with furfuryl alcohol (FA), thermal treatment (HT) at 150 and 220 °C, and combination of glycerol-maleic anhydride (GMA) impregnation with thermal treatment at 150 and 220 °C. The surface characteristics measured were surface free energy, wettability, Persoz hardness, bonding quality, and color changes before and after artificial weathering exposure. The results showed that chemical and thermal modifications treatment tended to reduce total surface free energy (SFE), hardness, wettability, and bonding quality. FA and GMA at 220 °C treatments provided homogenization effect on surface characteristics, especially in total SFE and wettability. The total SFE of untreated wood ranged from 45.00 to 51.13 mN/m, and treated wood ranged from 40.58 to 50.79 mN/m. The wettability of oil-based coating according to K-value ranged from 0.20 to 0.54. TO presented better photostability than LO. Short-rotation teak wood coated with oil-based commercial coatings presented better weathering resistance compared to pure natural drying oil. Commercial oil-based coatings provided better weathering protection for the chemically and thermally modified teak wood. The application of oil-based coatings on chemically and thermally modified short-rotation teak is being considered for the development of a better wood-protection system.

Development of an accelerated ageing protocol for the study of phytocannabinoid stability in Cannabis sativa L.

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family known primarily for its recreational use due to the psychoactive properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Despite this, several compounds belonging to the category of phytocannabinoids have shown in recent years a number of potentially promising therapeutic effects that have increased the interest in the pharmaceutical field towards this plant. However, the content of these compounds is very variable and influenced by different factors, such as growing conditions and time of the year. An indication of the status and age of Cannabis samples is provided by the content of CBN, a minor phytocannabinoid and degradation product of other phytocannabinoids, including THC. In this research work an innovative, solid state analytical approach has been developed to observe and evaluate the variations in the content of two phytocannabinoids (CBN and CBD) in Cannabis-derived products over time. In order to simulate the ageing of the Cannabis samples, an artificially accelerated ageing procedure has been developed and optimised by using high temperatures. The analyses were carried out using an innovative ATR-FTIR method for solid state analysis, enabling direct analysis of a solid sample without any pretreatment phase. This study has allowed the development of an innovative analytical approach for the evaluation of the age and state of conservation of Cannabis samples and may be a useful tool both in the industrial, pharmaceutical and forensic fields.

A genome-wide association study uncovers a ZmRap2.7-ZCN9/ZCN10 module to regulate ABA signalling and seed vigour in maize.

Seed vigour, including rapid, uniform germination and robust seedling establishment under various field conditions, is becoming an increasingly essential agronomic trait for achieving high yield in crops. However, little is known about this important seed quality trait. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to identify a key transcription factor ZmRap2.7, which regulates seed vigour through transcriptionally repressing expressions of three ABA signalling genes ZmPYL3, ZmPP2C and ZmABI5 and two phosphatidylethanolamine-binding genes ZCN9 and ZCN10. In addition, ZCN9 and ZCN10 proteins could interact with ZmPYL3, ZmPP2C and ZmABI5 proteins, and loss-of-function of ZmRap2.7 and overexpression of ZCN9 and ZCN10 reduced ABA sensitivity and seed vigour, suggesting a complex regulatory network for regulation of ABA signalling mediated seed vigour. Finally, we showed that four SNPs in ZmRap2.7 coding region influenced its transcriptionally binding activity to the downstream gene promoters. Together with previously identified functional variants within and surrounding ZmRap2.7, we concluded that the distinct allelic variations of ZmRap2.7 were obtained independently during maize domestication and improvement, and responded separately for the diversities of seed vigour, flowering time and brace root development. These results provide novel genes, a new regulatory network and an evolutional mechanism for understanding the molecular mechanism of seed vigour.

Nano zinc oxide mediated resuscitation of aged Cajanus cajan via modulating aquaporin, cell cycle regulatory genes and hormonal responses.

KEY MESSAGE: Nanoparticle pretreatment improved the health of aged Cajanus cajan seeds viz., regulation of redox status, gene expression, and restoration of hormonal homeostasis. Ageing deteriorates the quality of seeds by lowering their vigor and viability, and terminating with loss of germination. These days, nanotechnology has been seen to revolutionize the agricultural sectors, and particularly nano zinc oxide (nZnO) has gained considerable interests due to its distinctive properties. The aim of the present work was to decipher the possibilities of using nZnO to rejuvenate accelerated aged (AA) seeds of Cajanus cajan. Both chemically (CnZnO) and green (GnZnO; synthesized using Moringa oleifera) fabricated nZnOs were characterized via standard techniques to interpret their purity, size, and shape. Experimental results revealed erratic germination with a decline in viability and membrane stability as outcomes of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) buildup in AA seeds. Application of nZnO substantially rebated the accrual of ROI, along with enhanced production of antioxidants, α-amylase activity, total sugar, protein and DNA content. Higher level of zinc was assessed qualitatively/ histologically and quantitatively in nZnO pulsed AA seeds, supporting germination without inducing toxicity. Meantime, augmentation in the gibberellic acid with a simultaneous reduction in the abscisic acid level were noted in nZnO invigorated seeds than that determined in the AA seeds, suggesting possible involvement of ROI in hormonal signalling. Furthermore, nZnO-subjected AA seeds unveiled differential expression of aquaporins and cell cycle regulatory genes. Summarizing, among CnZnO and GnZnO, later one holds better potential for a revival of AA seeds of Cajanus cajan by providing considerable tolerance against ageing-associated deterioration via recouping the cellular redox homeostasis, hormonal signaling, and alteration in expression patterns of aquaporin and cell cycle regulatory genes.

Application of toasted vine-shoot chips and ultrasound treatment in the ageing of Primitivo wine.

Ageing wine in barrels is an historical practice used to improve the aromatic complexity of wine, but due to the high cost and the long ageing period, alternative approaches have been developed, such as the use of wood chips and ultrasound treatment. The present paper reports the results of an investigation performed on wine (cv. Primitivo). Three treatments were investigated: a) control wine untreated; b) wine with toasted vine-shoot chips (10 g/L); c) wine with toasted vine-shoot chips (10 g/L) and treated by ultrasound. Wines were analysed after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The application of ultrasound combined with vine-shoot chips promoted tannin evolution, thereby accelerating the ageing process of wine. The chips addition decreased the total anthocyanins content and increased the stilbenes (trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid) and wood-related aromas (i.e., furfural, 5-methylfurfural) concentration. Finally, wines added with chips were richer in woody, vanilla, oak, and chocolate notes and more preferred by the tasters.

Seed priming with gas plasma-activated water in Ethiopia's "orphan" crop tef (Eragrostis tef).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Seed priming with gas plasma-activated water results in an increased ageing resilience in Eragrostis tef grains compared to a conventional hydropriming protocol. Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a cereal grass and a major staple crop of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Despite its significant importance in terms of production, consumption, and cash crop value, tef has been understudied and its productivity is low. In this study, tef grains have undergone different priming treatments to enhance seed vigour and seedling performance. A conventional hydropriming and a novel additive priming technology with gas plasma-activated water (GPAW) have been used and tef grains were then subjected to germination performance assays and accelerated ageing. Tef priming increases the germination speed and vigour of the grains. Priming with GPAW retained the seed storage potential after ageing, therefore, presenting an innovative environmental-friendly seed technology with the prospect to address variable weather conditions and ultimately food insecurity. Seed technology opens new possibilities to increase productivity of tef crop farming to achieve a secure and resilient tef food system and economic growth in Ethiopia by sustainable intensification of agriculture beyond breeding.

Associations among loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing in older adults who received the booster vaccination.

BACKGROUND: A rise in loneliness among older adults since the COVID-19 outbreak, even after vaccination, has been highlighted. Loneliness has deleterious consequences, with specific effects on perceptions of the ageing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping with stressful life events and the challenges of ageing may result in a perception of acceleration of this process. AIM: Studies have shown a buffering effect of an internal locus of control in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. The current study examined whether loneliness predicts subjective accelerated ageing and whether internal locus of control moderates this relationship. METHOD: Two waves of community-dwelling older adults (M = 70.44, s.d. = 5.95; age range 61-88 years), vaccinated three times, were sampled by a web-survey company. Participants completed the questionnaire after the beginning of the third vaccination campaign and reported again 4 months later on loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing level in the second wave. RESULTS: Participants with higher levels of loneliness presented 4 months later with higher subjective accelerated ageing. Participants with a low level of internal locus of control presented 4 months later with high subjective accelerated ageing, regardless of their loneliness level. Participants with a high level of internal locus of control and a low level of loneliness presented with the lowest subjective accelerated ageing 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasise the deleterious effects of loneliness and low internal locus of control on older adults' perception of their ageing process. Practitioners should focus their interventions not only on loneliness but also on improving the sense of internal locus of control to improve subjective accelerated ageing.

Targeting accelerated pulmonary ageing to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-induced neuropathological comorbidities.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major incurable health burden, ranking as the third leading cause of death worldwide, mainly driven by cigarette smoking. COPD is characterised by persistent airway inflammation, lung function decline and premature ageing with the presence of pulmonary senescent cells. This review proposes that cellular senescence, a state of stable cell cycle arrest linked to ageing, induced by inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD, extends beyond the lungs and affects the systemic circulation. This pulmonary senescent profile will reach other organs via extracellular vesicles contributing to brain inflammation and damage, and increasing the risk of neurological comorbidities, such as stroke, cerebral small vessel disease and Alzheimer's disease. The review explores the role of cellular senescence in COPD-associated brain conditions and investigates the relationship between cellular senescence and circadian rhythm in COPD. Additionally, it discusses potential therapies, including senomorphic and senolytic treatments, as novel strategies to halt or improve the progression of COPD.

Effect of titanium dioxide nanocoating on the colour stability of room temperature vulcanizing maxillofacial silicone-an invitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of an oxide nanocoating to prevent colour degradation of maxillofacial silicone elastomers following accelerated ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (N = 40) of specified dimensions were fabricated in Factor II room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two groups were classified with 20 specimens each. Specimens in the first group were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) by atomic layer deposition technology. The colour stability test was conducted with a UV-VIS spectrometer (Schimadzu) for both titanium dioxide nanocoated and uncoated specimen groups after subjecting them to accelerated ageing. It was analysed using the CIE L*a*b method. RESULTS: The average colour change was highest for uncoated specimens (2.868), and the average colour change for titanium dioxide-coated specimens was significantly low (1.774). The average colour change of uncoated specimens (2.868) was close to the acceptable threshold value (3), and that of coated specimens (1.774) was far below the acceptable threshold (3). CONCLUSIONS: The colour change that occurred in titanium dioxide nanocoated specimens following accelerated ageing was significantly lower than that in the uncoated group, showing that the TiO2 nanocoating was effective in reducing the colour degradation of silicone elastomers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maxillofacial prostheses fabricated from silicone elastomers go through undesirable colour degradation over time. The development of a scientific technique that retards the colour deterioration of silicone prostheses would be of great clinical significance.

Metabolic syndrome accelerates epigenetic ageing in older adults: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. It has an estimated prevalence of 40 % among older adults. Epigenetic clocks, which measure biological age based on DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, are a candidate biomarker for ageing. GrimAge is one such clock which is based on levels of DNAm at 100 Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) sites. This study hypothesised that those with MetS have 'accelerated ageing' (biological age greater than their chronological age) as indexed by GrimAge. This study examined MetS's association with GrimAge age acceleration (AA) using data from a subsample of 469 participants of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria, operationalised using the conventional binary cut-off, and as a count variable ranging from 0 to 5, based on the presence of individual components. This study also explored inflammation (as measured by C reactive protein) and metabolic dysfunction (as measured by adiponectin) as possible mediating factors between MetS and GrimAge AA. We found that MetS as defined by IDF criteria was associated with GrimAge AA of 0.63 years. When MetS was treated as a count, each unit increase in MetS score was associated with over 0.3 years GrimAge AA for both ATP III and IDF criteria. Inflammation mediated approximately one third of the association between MetS and GrimAge AA, suggesting that chronic subclinical inflammation observed in MetS has a relationship with DNAm changes consistent with a faster pace of ageing. Metabolic dysfunction mediated the association between MetS and GrimAge AA to a lesser extent (16 %). These data suggest that chronic subclinical inflammation observed in MetS has a relationship with DNAm changes consistent with a greater pace of ageing.

Dental anxiety and ageing anxiety: Moderated mediation roles of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and subjective accelerated ageing.

BACKGROUND: Oral health and its relation to ageing is an important topic often neglected among geriatric populations. Proper oral rehabilitation may aid in alleviating mental health burdens in such populations. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to explore the association between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety, with regard to the interplay of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) as mediator and subjective accelerated ageing as a moderator. METHODS: A total of 577 participants with mean age 72.78 years (SD = 3.832, range = 68-87) were recruited via a survey company in Israel. They completed a self-report battery of questionnaires about dental anxiety, OHRQoL, subjective accelerated ageing and ageing anxiety, along with their informed consent. RESULTS: The findings revealed that dental anxiety was positively associated with ageing anxiety (direct effect), and that OHRQoL mediated the link between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety (indirect effect). Additionally, subjective accelerated ageing moderated the positive link between dental anxiety and OHRQoL, as well as the positive link between OHRQoL and ageing anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide insight for the roles of OHRQoL and subjective accelerated ageing among older adults between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety. Tailoring oral rehabilitation interventions that focus on these factors are warranted to improve older adults' dental health.

Assessment of the Prediction Power of Forced Ageing Methodology on Lager Beer Aldehyde Evolution during Maritime Transportation.

The globalisation of the beer market forces brewers to have methodologies that rapidly evaluate the evolution of beer flavour stability. Commonly used forced ageing methods have limitations since temperature and transportation conditions (temperature, vibrations, long-distance travel, and other factors) impact beer quality. This study assessed the prediction power of a forced ageing methodology on the evolution of aldehydes during maritime transportation across four sample groups (maritime transport, storage simulation, and three ageing periods: 7, 21, and 28 days at 37 °C), which differed in their bottle-opening system (either crown cap or ring pull cap). The results revealed that forced ageing up to 28 days could estimate the evolution of phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylpropanal, and hexanal during maritime transport. In contrast, the benzaldehyde content was consistently underestimated, on average, 0.8 times lower. In general, the ageing conditions significantly favoured the formation or liberation from a bound state, up to 2.2 times higher, of trans-2-nonenal, acetaldehyde, and 5-hydroximethylfurfural in comparison to the levels registered on exportation simulation beers. Moreover, forced-aged beers with ring pull caps developed quantifiable levels of nonanal and increased phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and acetaldehyde content over time. Moreover, thermal stress induced a continuous increase in the extent of beer staling, up to seven times higher, in most samples.

Persistent accelerated epigenetic ageing in a longitudinal cohort of vertically infected HIV-positive adolescents.

We have previously shown accelerated ageing in adolescents perinatally infected with HIV (PHIV +), based on discrepancies between epigenetic and chronological age. The current study examines follow-up longitudinal patterns of epigenetic ageing and the association of epigenetic ageing with cognition as well as whole brain structure changes in PHIV + and healthy controls enrolled in the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort Study (CTAAC). The Illumina EPIC array was used to generate blood DNA methylation data from 60 PHIV + adolescents and 36 age-matched controls aged 9-12 years old at baseline and again at a 36-month follow-up. Epigenetic clock software estimated two measures of epigenetic age acceleration: extrinsic epigenetic accelerated ageing (EEAA) and age acceleration difference (AAD) at both time points. At follow-up, each participant completed neuropsychological testing, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging. At follow-up, PHIV infection remains associated with increased EEAA and AAD. Accelerated epigenetic ageing remained positively associated with viral load and negatively associated with CD4 ratio. EEAA was positively associated with whole brain grey matter volume and alterations in whole brain white matter integrity. AAD and EEAA were not associated with cognitive function within the PHIV + group. Measures of epigenetic ageing, as detected in DNA methylation patterns, remain increased in PHIV + adolescents across a 36-month period. Associations between epigenetic ageing measures, viral biomarkers, and alterations in brain micro- and macrostructure also persist at 36-month follow-up. Further study should determine if epigenetic age acceleration is associated with cognitive functional changes due to brain alterations in later life.

A thermostable tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine in the StablevaX™ pre-filled delivery system.

A syringe for the long-term, room-temperature storage and injection of vaccines is described. Stabilisation was achieved by drying from a trehalose-containing buffer which formed an inert soluble glass distributed in the internal interconnected voids in an absorbent, compliant, reticulated, medical-grade, porous sponge. The sponge is stored inside the barrel of a syringe and the vaccines are re-solubilised by the aspiration of water. The syringe contains the sponge throughout the filling and drying processes in manufacture, and in transport, stockpiling and finally injection. The active vaccine is delivered to the patient in the normal injection process by depressing the plunger, which compresses the sponge to completely expel the dose. Full recovery of vaccine potency, after 7-10 months @ 45 °C, was shown by complete protection against supra-lethal doses of active toxins in immunised Guinea pigs.

Decoupling hydrolysis and oxidation of cellulose in permanent paper aged under atmospheric conditions.

In order to investigate a synergetic role of water and oxygen in the degradation of permanent paper in archiving climate, accelerated ageing in three different conditions was conducted: humid air, humid nitrogen and dry air. This allowed to decouple acid-catalysed hydrolysis versus oxidation of cellulose. After ensuring the reliability of the ageing experiment, the degradation state of the paper was assessed. Various techniques (size exclusion chromatography, pH extraction, alkaline reserve, paper colour and water content) were used. It appeared that the cellulose scission rate of the Canson® permanent paper was reduced compared to the Whatman No. 40 acidic cotton paper used as reference, but not in the same proportion for all the ageing conditions. This was attributed to a lower acidification, inhibiting acid-catalysed hydrolysis, due to the presence of the alkaline reserve. The degradation mechanisms are the same for both papers, which exhibited a similar chemical and physical degradation.

Influence of Surface Treatment and Accelerated Ageing on Biaxial Flexural Strength and Hardness of Zirconia.

The aim was to investigate how the surface treatment and the process of accelerated ageing of zirconia for dental implants affect the biaxial flexural strength and hardness. Zirconia discs with a diameter of 12.6 mm were subjected to either one of the following treatments: polishing (Zp); polishing and heat treatment at 1250 °C for 1 h (Zpt); machining (Zm); machining and heat treatment (Zmt); or sandblasting, acid-etching, and heat treatment (Z14) (n = 45 per group). Biaxial flexural strength and Martens hardness (HM) were measured without further treatment and after accelerated ageing for 5 h or 5 × 5 h according to ISO 13356 (n = 15 per group). Two-way ANOVA was applied to test the effect of surface treatment and ageing (α = 0.05). The reliability of the specimens was described with Weibull two-parameter distribution of biaxial flexural strength data. Overall, the surface treatment (p < 0.001) and ageing (p = 0.012) revealed a significant effect on biaxial flexural strength values, while HM was only affected by the surface treatment (p < 0.001) but not ageing (p = 0.160). Surface treatment significantly affected HM (p < 0.001) but not ageing (p = 0.160). The applied surface treatments affected the biaxial flexural strength and HM of zirconia. For accelerated ageing, a duration of both 5 h and 5 × 5 h is recommended to evaluate the effect of surface treatments. Zm was the most reliable surface as it was least affected by ageing and provided low standard deviations of biaxial flexural strength values.

Wood Surface Finishing with Transparent Lacquers Intended for Indoor Use, and the Colour Resistance of These Surfaces during Accelerated Aging.

This work evaluates the effects of accelerated aging on the discolouration of surface-treated spruce wood and oak wood coated with solvent-based polyurethane lacquers, and surface-treated spruce wood coated with water-based transparent coating systems. All concerned coating materials were intended for indoor use. It was also explored how the colour stability of spruce wood and oak wood surfaces treated with solvent-based polyurethane lacquers was affected by wood surface layer modifications with pigment or stain mordants applied before these lacquers. Another issue studied was how the lignin stabilizer admixed into the primer and pigments admixed into the top coating layers affected the stability of water-based coating systems on spruce. The experimental results showed that the accelerated aging process with a simulation of indoor conditions induced significant discolouration of wood surfaces coated with solvent-based polyurethane lacquers and water-based coating systems. There were also confirmed significant impacts of all the studied factors (wood species, lacquer/coating system type, lacquer modification, wood pre-treatment with pigment and stain mordants). The spruce wood surfaces coated with solvent-based polyurethane lacquers were less stable (ΔE = 10-19, dependent on the lacquer type) than the oak surfaces treated in the same ways (ΔE = 4-11). There were also confirmed significant impacts of the particular surface treatment on the colour stability as well as significant impacts of wood surface pre-treatment with pigment and stain mordants (ΔE = 4-17-for spruce wood, and ΔE = 5.5-13-for oak wood). In the case of water-based lacquers, the ΔE values ranged between 3 and 11 (according to the coating system type). The results show that an appropriate UV absorbent combined with an appropriate lignin stabilizer and pigment mordant may enable attaining the required colour stability for a given surface treatment applied on a given wood species.

Accelerated ageing is associated with increased COVID-19 severity and differences across ethnic groups may exist.

Background: While increased age is an established risk factor for COVID-19, there is great heterogeneity in outcomes within age groups. This is because chronological age does not reflect health, unlike biological age. We intend to investigate the association between accelerated ageing and COVID-19 outcomes through the lens of three measures, namely phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel), telomere length (Adjusted T/S Ratio) and facial ageing, and to examine whether there are differences across ethnic groups. Methods: Taking participants from the UK Biobank, we associated accelerated ageing with severe COVID-19 outcomes, defined as COVID-related hospitalisation or death. Separate logistic regressions models were created for age and the three accelerated ageing-related variables, adjusting for a variety of covariates in each model. Multivariable logistic regression models were also created within White, Black, Asian and Other ethnic groups to assess for potential differing associations. Forward likelihood ratio logistic regression models were created to evaluate importance of the variables and to assess for patterns of association across the total population and ethnic groups. Results: After adjusting for all covariates, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of COVID-19 severe outcomes for age was 1.080 (1.074-1.086). After further adjusting age for the accelerated ageing variables, the ORs were 1.029 (1.020-1.039) for PhenoAgeAccel and 0.847 (0.772-0.929) for Facial Ageing's "Younger Than You Are" while Adjusted T/S ratio and "Older Than You Are" were statistically insignificant. The OR for age remained similar across ethnic groups. Both PhenoAgeAccel and younger facial ages in the White population and PhenoAgeAccel in the Black population had ORs of 1.031 (1.021-1.042), 0.853 (0.774-0.939), and 1.049 (1.001-1.100), respectively. Both Adjusted T/S Ratio and older facial ages showed statistical insignificance in all ethnicities. In forward logistic regression, age and PhenoAgeAccel were the age-related variables selected most frequently in all models. Interpretation: Accelerated ageing is associated with increased COVID-19 severity. The mechanisms at work here are likely immunosenescence and inflamaging. This association indicates that anti-ageing treatment may improve COVID-19 outcome. The results within ethnic groups and that of telomere length were inconclusive, but point to a need for future, more focused research on the topic.