Evaluation of the usefulness of a paper-pencil group cognitive assessment for older adults in the community.

BACKGROUND: As the older population increases, the need for early detection of cognitive decline is also increasing. In this study, we examined whether our paper-pencil type group examination for cognitive assessment (PAPLICA) could detect the effects of years of education and aging. METHODS: PAPLICA was conducted on 829 older people. The inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and the ability to come to the event site alone. The exclusion criteria were participants with a medical or psychiatric disorder or dementia.One examiner conducted the test on a group of approximately 10-20 people in approximately 25 min. Participants were instructed on tackling the issues projected on the projector, and their answers were recorded in a response booklet. RESULTS: An independent sample t-test was performed for years of education, and ANCOVA was performed for aging. Among the test items included in PAPLICA, the Speed I and Letter fluency tests were unable to detect the effects of aging. Furthermore, the age at which the effect of aging manifests varies depending on the test item. For instance, a decline in scores in the Speed I and Picture ECR Free recall tests was observed in the 70-74 age group; for that of Word DRT, Picture ECR cued recall, and Similarity, in the 75-79 age group; for CFT, in the 80-84 age group, and for CLOX, the decline was observed in the 85 ≤ age group. CONCLUSIONS: PAPLICA, similar to other neuropsychological tests, was able to detect the effects of years of education and aging. Future testing should be conducted on different demographics to identify the differences in patterns of cognitive decline.

Role of Lipoteichoic Acid from the Genus Apilactobacillus in Inducing a Strong IgA Response.

Lactic acid bacterium-containing fermentates provide beneficial health effects by regulating the immune response. A naturally fermented vegetable beverage, a traditional Japanese food, reportedly provides health benefits; however, the beneficial function of its bacteria has not been clarified. Apilactobacillus kosoi is the predominant lactic acid bacterium in the beverage. Using murine Peyer's patch cells, we compared the immunoglobulin A (IgA)-inducing activity of A. kosoi 10HT to those of 29 other species of lactic acid bacteria and found that species belonging to the genus Apilactobacillus (A. kosoi 10HT, A. apinorum JCM30765T, and A. kunkeei JCM16173T) possessed significantly higher activity than the others. Thereafter, lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), important immunostimulatory molecules of Gram-positive bacteria, were purified from the three Apilactobacillus species, and their IgA-inducing activity was compared to those of LTAs from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JCM1149T and a probiotic strain, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. The results revealed that LTAs from Apilactobacillus species had significantly higher activity than others. We also compared the LTA structure of A. kosoi 10HT with that of L. plantarum JCM1149T and L. rhamnosus GG. Although d-alanine or both d-alanine and carbohydrate residues were substituents of free hydroxyl groups in the polyglycerol phosphate structure in LTAs from strains JCM1149T and GG, d-alanine residues were not found in LTA from strain 10HT by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis of the glycolipid structure of LTA revealed that LTA from strain 10HT contained dihexosyl glycerol, whereas trihexosyl glycerol was detected in LTAs from other strains. These structural differences may be related to differences in IgA-inducing activity. IMPORTANCE The components of lactic acid bacteria that exert immunostimulatory effects are of increasing interest for therapeutic and prophylactic options, such as alternatives to antibiotics, cognitive enhancements, and vaccine adjuvants. LTAs act as immunostimulatory molecules in the host innate immune system by interacting with pattern recognition receptors. However, as LTA structures differ among species, detailed knowledge of the structure-function relationship for immunostimulatory effects is required. Comparisons of the IgA-inducing activity of LTAs have demonstrated that LTAs from the genus Apilactobacillus possess distinctive activities to stimulate mucosal immunity. The first analysis of the LTA structure from the genus Apilactobacillus suggests that it differs from structures of LTAs of related species of lactic acid bacteria. This knowledge is expected to aid in the development of functional foods containing lactic acid bacteria and pharmaceutical applications of immunostimulatory molecules from lactic acid bacteria.

[Characteristics of older people who have an intention to work as assistance personnel for long-term care or childcare].

Objectives　With the rapid progress of aging society and decreasing population, there is a shortage of workers in various areas, which has become a serious problem especially in the welfare field, for long-term care and childcare. As one of the countermeasures, some efforts are being made to hire people who are living independent daily lives, as auxiliary personnel, and have them take charge of non-specialized peripheral work of the facilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of older adults who have an intention to work as auxiliary personnel in the welfare field.Methods　A self-response questionnaire survey was conducted from October to November 2019 for 374 members of "REPRINTS" who are picture-book reading volunteers, aged 60 years or more, and are living in the capital area. There were 295 valid responses. We performed logistic regression analysis using the presence or absence of intention to work for long-term care assistance and for childcare assistance as the dependent variables. The missing values were supplemented by the multiple imputation method (10 files were created).Results　The results of analysis revealed that 24.9% of the respondents had an intention to work for long-term care assistance, and 36.6% for childcare assistance. From the results of logistic regression analysis, it was found that among those intending to work in long-term care assistance, participants involved in lifelong learning activities had significantly higher intention to work (OR: 2.98, 95%CI: 1.40-6.34). Among those intending to work in childcare assistance, those with a high subjective sense of health had a significantly higher intention to work (OR: 2.41, 95%CI: 1.01-5.76).Conclusion　The intention of work for childcare assistance was higher than that for long-term care assistance. A notable characteristic of older people willing to work as assistants in the welfare field is that those who participate in lifelong learning activities would be willing to actively work for long-term care assistance, and those with high subjective health would be willing to actively work for childcare assistance. By focusing on the older people with these characteristics, we may be able to contribute to identifying the those among them who want to work as assistant personnel.

Lentilactobacillus kosonis sp. nov., isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage.

A novel lactic acid-producing, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative and rod-shaped strain, designated as strain C06_No.73T, was isolated from a traditional Japanese fermented beverage called kôso. According to the results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain C06_No.73T belongs to the genus Lentilactobacillus. The closest type strain was Lentilactobacillus curieae CCTCC M 2011381T, with a sequence identity of 98.1 %. The identity values with other strains were all below 97 %. The isolate propagated under the conditions of 18-39 °C (optimum, 27 °C for 48 h incubation) and pH 4.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.5). The G+C content of its genomic DNA was determined to be 37.9 mol%. The main fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c, C18 : 1 ω9c and C19 : 0 cyclopropane 11,12. The major polar lipid was identified as phosphatidylglycerol. No isoprenoid quinone was detected. The predominant cell-wall amino acids were lysine, alanine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Neither meso-diaminopimelic acid nor ornithine were detected. On the basis of this polyphasic taxonomic study, the isolate is concluded to represent a novel species, for which the name Lentilactobacillus kosonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C06_No.73T (=NBRC 111893T=BCRC 81282T).

Lactobacillus kosoi sp. nov., a fructophilic species isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage.

A novel Gram-positive, fructophilic, catalase negative, and rod-shaped strain, designated strain 10HT was isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage obtained from a food processing factory in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed strain 10HT to belong to the genus Lactobacillus, with closely related type strains being Lactobacillus kunkeei YH-15T (95.5% sequence similarity), Lactobacillus ozensis Mizu2-1T (95.4% sequence similarity), and Lactobacillus apinorum Fhon13NT (95.3% sequence similarity). The isolate was found to grow at 18-39 °C (optimum 27 °C), pH 4.0-7.0 (optimum pH 6.5) and in the presence of 0-2% NaCl (optimum 0% NaCl). The G + C content of its genomic DNA was determined to be 30.5 mol%. The major fatty acid (≥ 10%) components identified included C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω7c, C19:0 cyclo ω9c, and C18:1 ω9c. The polar lipids were identified as lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and glycolipids. The predominant isoprenoid quinones (> 10%) were identified as MK-7, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10. The amino acid composition of the cell wall was detected as comprising Asp, Glu, Ala, and Lys but the strain lacks meso-diaminopimelic acid. As with other fructophilic lactic acid bacteria, such as L. kunkeei and L. apinorum, strain 10HT was found to prefer D-fructose to D-glucose as a growth substrate. On the basis of these genetic and phenotypic results, the isolate is concluded to represent a novel species, for which the name Lactobacillus kosoi is proposed. The type strain is 10HT (= NBRC 113063T = BCRC 81100T).

Changes in the bacterial community in the fermentation process of kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage.

Kôso is a Japanese fermented beverage made with over 20 kinds of vegetables, mushrooms, and sugars. The changes in the bacterial population of kôso during fermentation at 25 °C over a period of 10 days were studied using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The analysis detected 224 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) clustered from 8 DNA samples collected on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 from two fermentation batches. Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum in the starting community, but were replaced by Firmicutes within three days. Seventy-eight genera were identified from the 224 OTUs, in which Bifidobacterium, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Lactobacillus dominated, accounting for over 96% of the total bacterial population after three days' fermentation. UniFrac-Principal Coordinate Analysis of longitudinal fermented samples revealed dramatic changes in the bacterial community in kôso, resulting in significantly low diversity at the end of fermentation as compared with the complex starting community.

[Development of the community child-rearing support scale: Measuring supportive behavior among older adults].

OBJECTIVES: Isolation and anxiety among child-rearing mothers in Japan are a current social problem. Involving diverse people in the community is recognized as an important factor in successful child rearing. This study aimed to develop a scale to measure supportive behavior for child rearing among older adults in the community and examine its reliability and validity. METHODS: Items were selected to measure supportive behaviors for child rearing in the community in accordance with constructs introduced via literature reviews and a preliminary investigation. Participants were asked to evaluate the frequency of each behavior on a four-point scale in a mail-based survey. Of a random sample of 1,500 individuals aged 60-69, living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, 813 (54%) responded. Construct validity and reliability of the scale were examined by a confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's reliability coefficient. The validity was also examined by clarifying whether the assumed positive associations between the scale and the following variables were observed: frequency of contact with community residents; the generativity scale, which measured concern for the next generation; and experience of child rearing measured by number of own children and level of support for grandchildren. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed for the analysis of the results. RESULTS: The literature review and preliminary investigation revealed three constructs of supportive behaviors: "children's security and sound growth," "instrumental support to parents," and "emotional support to parents." A second-order factor analysis that modeled "child-rearing support in the community" as a higher-order factor above these three factors showed a good model fit when one item was deleted. The reliability coefficient was high enough (alpha=0.87) with the remaining seven items. As expected, the total score positively and significantly correlated with the frequency of contact with residents, especially with the younger generation, including children and their parents; generativity score; number of children; and care for grandchildren. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the measured child-rearing support in the community was largely explained by the frequency of contact with the younger generation. However, being female, taking care of grandchildren, and a higher generativity correlated with a higher child-rearing support score even after controlling for the frequency of contact. CONCLUSION: Reliability and validity of the community child-rearing support scale, consisting of seven items, were confirmed. Further studies are required to show applicability of the scale to diverse communities and age groups, and investigate the effects of the measured supportive behaviors on the child-rearing generation.

Effects of fear of COVID-19 on older volunteers' willingness to continue their activities: REPRINTS cohort study.

AIM: This study examined the effects of fear of COVID-19 on older volunteers' willingness to continue activities that required face-to-face interactions. METHODS: From September to November 2020, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with 481 older adult volunteers. A total of 423 responses were collected; 343 had no missing items and were included in the analysis. Analysis items included willingness to continue volunteer activities, fear of COVID-19, mental and physical health, and a group of items related to factors influencing the continuation of volunteer activities. RESULTS: The structural analysis of covariance indicated that volunteer orientation, which included items considered to be factors for continuing volunteer activities, had a significant positive influence on the willingness to continue activities. Fear of COVID-19 had a significant negative effect on the latent variable mental and physical health, which consisted of a subjective sense of health, but fear of COVID-19 and physical and mental health had no significant effect on the willingness to continue volunteering. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the willingness of older adults to continue volunteer activities during the COVID-19 pandemic is influenced by their volunteer orientation and is not affected by their fear of COVID-19. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 370-376.

Lipoteichoic acid composed of poly-glycerolphosphate containing l-lysine and involved in immunoglobulin A-inducing activity in Apilactobacillus genus.

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in the gram-positive bacterial cell wall acts as an immunomodulatory factor in host cells. The chemical structures vary among bacterial species and strains, and may be related to biological activities. In our previous work, much higher immunoglobulin A (IgA)-inducing activity was observed in cells of the Apilactobacillus genus (Apilactobacillus kosoi 10HT, Apilactobacillus apinorum JCM 30765T, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei JCM 16173T) than other lactic acid bacteria, and their LTA was responsible for the activity. In the present study, we elucidated the chemical structures of LTA from these Apilactobacillus strains to explore the structure-function relationship of the IgA-inducing activity. The 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra suggested that their LTA structures were similar. All have a poly-glycerolphosphate main chain, which comprised 12 to 20 average number of the repeating units, with partial substitutions of glucose(α1-, glucosyl(α1-2)glucose(α1- (α-linked-kojibiose), and l-lysine at the C-2 hydroxy group of the glycerol residue. l-Lysine is a substituent never seen before in LTA, and is a probable characteristic of the Apilactobacillus genus. Removal of l-lysine residue from LTA by mild alkaline treatment decreased IgA induction in murine Peyer's patch experiments. The novel l-lysine residue in Apilactobacillus LTA plays a crucial role in the remarkably high IgA-inducing activity.

Suppression of melanin synthesis by the phenolic constituents of sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan).

Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan Linn.) is used as an herbal medicine. It is sometimes used to treat skin damage or as a facial cleanser. In the present study, the methanol (MeOH) extract of sappanwood was found to inhibit melanin synthesis in cultured human melanoma HMV-II cells stimulated with forskolin, and six active compounds (1-5 and 7) were isolated from the extract along with a non-active compound (6). Compounds 2-7 were identified as sappanchalcone (2), 3'-deoxy-4-O-methylsappanol (3), brazilein, (4), brazilin (5), sappanol (6), and 4-O-methylsappanol (7). Compound 1 was a new compound, and its structure was determined to be (6aS,11bR)-7,11b-dihydro-6H-indeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,6a,10,11-tetrol by spectroscopic analyses. Among the six active compounds, brazilin (5) (EC50: 3.0 ± 0.5 µM) and 4-O-methylsappanol (7) (EC50: 4.6 ± 0.7 µM) strongly suppressed melanin synthesis in HMV-II cells. Bioactive compounds showed moderate cytotoxicities against HMV-II cells with IC50 values of 83.1 ± 4.0 µM (for 2), 72.0 µM ± 2.4 (for 3), 33.8 ± 1.1 µM (for 4), 18.4 ± 0.8 µM (for 5), and 20.2 ± 0.8 (for 7), respectively. Brazilin (5) selectively suppressed the expression of mRNAs for tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP) 2 and tyrosinase but did not influence the expression of TYRP1. These results suggest that brazilin (5) is a new class of melanin inhibitor and that sappanwood could be used as a cosmetic material.

Nondestructive characterization of diseased Chinese chive leaves using X-ray intensity ratios with microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

The Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a core crop grown in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. However, withering symptoms occur during greenhouse growing, which have a negative impact on crop management Chinese chive leaves with physiological disorders (PD) or necrotic streak disease (ND) present with withering as typical blight symptoms. Excess or deficiency of elements may cause such withering in Chinese chive leaves with PD. Therefore, visualizing the elemental distribution in plant bodies may help clarify the cause of this withering. In this study, using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) imaging, we examined the elemental distribution conditions in healthy Chinese chive leaves without withering, those that withered due to PD, and those that withered due to ND. Segmentation analysis of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was performed on the SR-XRF imaged Chinese chive leaves and the data from the two analytical methods were compared. SR-XRF imaging provided more detailed data on elemental distribution compared with segmentation analysis using ICP-OES. Based on the SR-XRF imaging results, the X-ray intensity ratios for Ca/K, Fe/Mn, and Zn/Cu were calculated. These findings support that the Ca/K, Fe/Mn, and Zn/Cu X-ray intensity ratios can be used in the early detection of withered leaves and to predict the factors causing withering.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers in Japan.

Background and aims: Research on the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted its negative and positive effects on children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. However, little is known about the neutral effects that remain the same, even in particular circumstances, and how children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents perceive each other. We explored how children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers perceived and experienced the pandemic in Japan. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Thirteen children with autism spectrum disorder and 12 mothers participated. Data were collected through online semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Similarities and differences in perceptions were compared. Results: The results revealed six broad themes and 27 categories. Regarding neutral effects, some mothers reported no substantial impact because there were no changes in their jobs or other dramatic life changes. In addition, some children were not affected because they had had no social contact before the pandemic or because their lives had not changed dramatically. Regarding the perceptions of children/mothers, most expressed that they/their children enjoyed spending time with their families. At home, mothers made various efforts to interact with their children. However, mothers and children differed in their perceptions, such as regarding the emergence of anxiety about conducting school events and the resolution of study-related concerns. Conclusions: There were negative, neutral, and positive effects on both children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers; specifically, they were striving to move forward to overcome the problems posed by the pandemic. Both parties tapped into their resilience by enhancing family interactions, such as cooking together or discussing children's interests. Implications: These findings have important implications for developing more creative solutions to the challenges of coping and resilience in future crises.

Effects of Physiatrist and Physiotherapist-supervised Therapeutic Exercise on Physical Function in Frail Older Patients with Multimorbidity.

Objectives: : To ease the burden on care facilities, there is a need to reduce the number of frail older people with multiple chronic and non-communicable diseases (multimorbidity) that require long-term care. We investigated the effects of therapeutic exercise in rehabilitation treatment for older individuals with frailty and multimorbidity. Methods: : We performed 4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation treatment for frail older patients with multimorbidity. The therapeutic exercise was performed based on whole-body evaluations by qualified physiatrists and physiotherapists. Sixty-minute sessions were conducted twice a day and six times a week in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Physical functions (grip strength, isometric lower muscle strength, 10-m walking test, and 6-min walking test) were measured at admission and discharge. Results: : Of the 33 patients, 8 were unable to complete physical function evaluations, and 1 patient had a stress fracture of the right calcaneus beyond the rehabilitation time. Twenty-four patients were included in the analysis. Compared to the admission period, significant improvements were observed for all evaluated parameters post-therapy (P < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the number of chronic diseases and changes to physical function (P > 0.05). Conclusions: : Physical function of frail older individuals with multimorbidity improves through rehabilitation treatments supervised by physiatrists and physiotherapists. The number of chronic illnesses and the improvements in physical function were not related. Therefore, rehabilitation treatments for older patients may target both frailty and multimorbidity. Our results will aid in the rehabilitation treatment plans for this demographic.

Perceptions of older adults and generativity among older citizens in Japan: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages worldwide, including in Japan, there is a growing expectation for older adults to remain active participants in society. The act of sharing one's experiences and knowledge with younger generations through social engagement not only enriches the lives of older individuals, but also holds significant value for our society. In this study, we examined both positive and negative perceptions of older adults and investigated the correlation between these perceptions and generativity among older citizens. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of life satisfaction on these factors. METHODS: We conducted a survey of 100 older adults in Japan (mean age, 71.68 years) and utilized multiple regression analyses, using positive and negative perceptions of older adults, life satisfaction, and demographic factors as independent variables. The sub-categories of generativity-namely, generative action, concern, and accomplishment-were used as dependent variables. RESULTS: Participants who held a more positive perception of older adults demonstrated a higher level of generative actions and concerns. Additionally, participants who reported higher levels of life satisfaction also exhibited more generative actions, concerns, and accomplishments. Conversely, those who held a more negative perception of older adults were found to have higher levels of generative actions. CONCLUSION: Enhancing positive perceptions of older adults among them can boost the sub-categories of generativity. This study, which was conducted from an exploratory perspective, has several limitations, including a potential sampling bias. A more comprehensive examination of the relationship between perceptions of older adults and generativity is anticipated in future research.

Psychological Factors That Suppress Help-Seeking among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living Alone.

Help-seeking among destitute adults has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study clarifies the mechanisms that suppress help-seeking in middle-aged and older adults living alone. Data were collected from 1274 individuals (aged 50-79 years) who were living alone, using a survey that measured future time perspective, barriers to help-seeking, help-seeking intentions, and current and childhood economic statuses. Men living alone experienced lower help-seeking intention than women, were more likely to try to solve problems by themselves, and experienced greater distrust in others. No sex differences were observed in "future anxiety" and "resignation to the future." Poor economic status was associated with high "resignation to the future," "future anxiety," and "distrust of others" for both sexes. "Resignation to the future" was particularly higher among men with a poorer current economic status, which suppressed help-seeking. Abandoning hope for the future, which is characteristic of middle-aged and older men living alone, may inhibit help-seeking behavior.

Draft Genome Sequence of Lentilactobacillus kosonis NBRC 111893, Isolated from a Japanese Sugar-Vegetable Fermented Beverage called Kôso.

Lentilactobacillus kosonis NBRC 111893 is a species of heterolactic acid bacteria isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage. The draft genome sequence of L. kosonis NBRC 111893 is useful for understanding the features of the genus Lentilactobacillus and its possible uses in fermented foods.

Suicide Prevention Program with Cooperation from Senior Volunteers, Governments, and Schools: A Study of the Intervention Effects of "Educational Lessons Regarding SOS Output" Focusing on Junior High School Students.

As a suicide countermeasure for young people, implementing "SOS output education" that provides young people with opportunities and approaches to seeking support with community cooperation can be expected to reduce lifelong suicide risk. We implemented an "SOS output education" for junior high school students with cooperation from educators, government staff, and older people working as community volunteers. A total of 188 students were allocated to an intervention group and a waiting group. Outcome assessments were implemented at three points in time: before the program (Time 1), after the program (Time 2), and three months after the program (Time 3). Results showed that the number of people with worries increased in the intervention group compared with the waiting group between Time 1 and Time 2. There was also an increase in people with "reliable adults" between Time 1 and Time 3, and people with "adults who you can talk to at any time" increased between Time 2 and Time 3 in the intervention group. By implementing the SOS output education program with community cooperation, an increase was observed in the intervention group in terms of support-seeking awareness and the number of people with reliable adults and with adults who they can talk to at any time.

Nondestructive Mineral Imaging of Chinese Chive Leaves Withered by Physiological Damage Using Microbeam Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis.

A significant problem encountered in Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum) grown in greenhouses is the reduction in the yield and quality due to symptoms of withered leaf tips. Withered leaf tips of three Chinese chive cultivars were nondestructively analyzed by microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (µ-SR-XRF) imaging. Dead, wilting, and healthy parts of the leaves exhibited significant variations in the mineral composition. The Ca/K X-ray intensity ratios were significantly increased with the degree of withering.

Comparison of cholesterol levels among lipoprotein fractions separated by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography in periparturient Holstein-Friesian dairy cows.

Changes in lipoprotein profiles occur in dairy cows during the periparturient period and in cows with transition cow disease. Here, the lipoprotein profiles of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the periparturient period were obtained by anion-exchange, high-performance liquid chromatography to evaluate the usefulness of lipoprotein profile evaluation during the periparturient period and in cows with fatty liver and milk fever. Lipoprotein levels (including total and high- (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol) in 10 healthy cows were low 4 weeks prepartum, with the lowest values at calving or within 1 week of calving; the values increased at 8 weeks postpartum. The lipoprotein levels were measured in 16 cows diagnosed with fatty liver (n=10) or milk fever (n=6) and compared to 10 healthy dairy cows. A significant difference was observed in HDL-C between healthy cows (at calving and 1 week postpartum), and the fatty liver and milk fever cows. Cows with fatty liver and milk fever had a lower mean HDL-C than the 10 healthy dairy cows at calving and 1 week postpartum. HDL-C might be a good indicator of energy balance for differentiating healthy cows from those with transition cow disease.

Association between the frequency of daily intellectual activities and cognitive domains: A cross-sectional study in older adults with complaints of forgetfulness.

OBJECTIVES: Frequent engagement in intellectual activities has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The present study sought to examine the association between the frequency of daily intellectual activities and cognitive domains in older adults with complaints of forgetfulness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of regional health examination in Tokyo from 2014 to 2016. A total of 436 participants were asked the frequency of intellectual activities in four categories: 1) reading, 2) writing, 3) using technology, and 4) watching TV and listening to the radio. The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) scale was used for the cognitive assessments. The relationships between MoCA-J scores and each intellectual activity were explored. RESULTS: Binominal logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequencies of reading, writing, and using technology were significantly related to the language and attention, language, and memory domains, respectively, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the frequency of daily intellectual activities differed depending on the activity type, and each activity was related to a specific cognitive domain.