Association between the utilization of senior centers and participation in health check-ups.

The global older adult population is increasing. Early detection and intervention through health check-ups are crucial for successful aging, as they play a significant role in identifying and addressing diseases. This study explored the relationship between the utilization of senior centers and the promotion of health check-ups. It utilized data from 10,097 individuals aged 65 years and above, sourced from the 2020 Elderly Survey in South Korea. The primary variable of interest was classified into two groups: those who utilized senior centers and those who did not. Subgroups were further categorized based on the frequency of usage and the presence of family members among senior centers users. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the utilization of senior centers and participation in health check-ups. Both men and women utilizing senior centers demonstrated a higher likelihood of participating in health check-ups compared with those who did not use senior centers. Participants visiting senior centers in a week exhibited a progressively higher likelihood of engaging in health check-ups compared with those who visited such senior centers zero times a week. Senior centers can serve as effective intervention methods to enhance health check-ups among older adults. Furthermore, this can contribute to fostering successful aging among older adults.

Synthesis of Isoamyl Fatty Acid Ester, a Flavor Compound, by Immobilized Rhodococcus Cutinase.

Isoamyl fatty acid esters (IAFEs) are widely used as fruity flavor compounds in the food industry. In this study, various IAFEs were synthesized from isoamyl alcohol and various fatty acids using a cutinase enzyme (Rcut) derived from Rhodococcus bacteria. Rcut was immobilized on methacrylate divinylbenzene beads and used to synthesize isoamyl acetate, butyrate, hexanoate, octanoate, and decanoate. Among them, Rcut synthesized isoamyl butyrate (IAB) most efficiently. Docking model studies showed that butyric acid was the most suitable substrate in terms of binding energy and distance from the active site serine (Ser114) γ-oxygen. Up to 250 mM of IAB was synthesized by adjusting reaction conditions such as substrate concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time. When the enzyme reaction was performed by reusing the immobilized enzyme, the enzyme activity was maintained at least six times. These results demonstrate that the immobilized Rcut enzyme can be used in the food industry to synthesize a variety of fruity flavor compounds, including IAB.

Pulmonary function characteristics in children with suspected asthma: implications for asthma diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: In children suspected of asthma, diagnosis is confirmed via variable expiratory airflow limitation. However, there is no single gold standard test for diagnosing asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function characteristics in children suspected of asthma without bronchodilator response (BDR) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). METHODS: We utilized two separate real-world retrospective observational cohorts of children who underwent both spirometry and bronchial provocation testing for asthma. Spirometry parameters were collected and compared between definite asthma, probable asthma, and non-asthma groups. The original cohort comprised 1199 children who visited the Severance Hospital (Seoul, Korea) between January 2017 and December 2019. The external cohort included 105 children who visited the Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2019 and December 2019. RESULTS: Probable asthma accounted for 16.8% and 32.4% of the original and external cohorts, respectively. This group showed a significantly higher FeNO level and prevalence of allergic sensitization. Baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75), and FEF75 showed stepwise decrements from non-asthma, probable asthma, to definite asthma patients (P < 0.001). The probable asthma group showed significantly higher odds of abnormal FEV1/FVC (OR, 2.24 [95%CI, 1.43-3.52])and FEF25-75 (2.05 [1.13-3.73]) than the non-asthma group and lower odds of abnormal FEV1(0.05 [0.01-0.19]),FEV1 /FVC (0.27 [0.18-0.41]), FEF25-75 (0.17 [0.11-0.28]), and FEF75 (0.14 [0.08-0.24]) compared to the definite asthma group. The external cohort was consistent with the original cohort. CONCLUSION: We show evidence of airway dysfunction in children for whom a high clinical suspicion of asthma exists without evidence of BDR and BHR. Repeated pulmonary function tests that closely monitor for subtle lung function impairments and active utilization of additional tests, such as allergic screening and FeNO, should be considered to close the gap in diagnosing asthma.

Association between Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio and Mortality after Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Background: Prognostic markers have not been extensively studied in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) in plastic and reconstructive surgery and to compare it with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS). Methods: From January 2011 to July 2019, we identified 2519 consecutive adult patients who were undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery with available preoperative CRP and albumin levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate predictability and estimate the threshold. The patients were divided according to this threshold, and the risk was compared. The primary outcome was one-year mortality, and the overall mortality was also analyzed. Results: The one-year mortality was 4.9%. The CAR showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.803, which was higher than those of NLR, PLR, and mGPS. According to the estimated threshold of 1.05, the patients were divided into two groups; 1585 (62.9%) were placed in the low group, and 934 (37.1%) were placed in the high group. After inverse probability weighting, the mortality rate during the first year after plastic and reconstructive surgery was significantly increased in the high group (1.3% vs. 10.9%; hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.83; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, high CAR was significantly associated with one-year mortality of patients after plastic and reconstructive surgery. Further studies are needed on prognostic markers in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Assessment of Patient-Derived Xenograft Growth and Antitumor Activity: The NCI PDXNet Consensus Recommendations.

Although patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are commonly used for preclinical modeling in cancer research, a standard approach to in vivo tumor growth analysis and assessment of antitumor activity is lacking, complicating comparison of different studies and determination of whether a PDX experiment has produced evidence needed to consider a new therapy promising. We present consensus recommendations for assessment of PDX growth and antitumor activity, providing public access to a suite of tools for in vivo growth analyses. We expect that harmonizing PDX study design and analysis and access to a suite of analytical tools will enhance information exchange and facilitate identification of promising novel therapies and biomarkers for guiding cancer therapy.

Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training using the inertial load of water on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress and diseases occur more frequently in middle-aged compared to younger women and this is often the result of physical, psychological and socio-economic changes. These health consequences reduce lower body muscle mass and flexibility, leading to generalized impairments in functional movement and balance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training using the inertial load of water is known for its positive impact on functional strength improvement and muscle stabilization. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of DNS training using inertial water loads on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women. METHOD: A sample of 24 middle-aged women participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, n = 12 (age: 58.33 ± 1.48 yrs, height: 162.16 ± 1.27 cm, weight: 61.77 ± 2.21 kg) and control group, n = 12 (age: 59.58 ± 1.13 yrs, height: 160.1 ± 1.13 cm, weight: 57.51 ± 1.12 kg). Center of Pressure (COP), moving distance, Root Mean Square (RMS), movement area and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) were conducted and analyzed pre- and post-examination. Participants engaged in the DNS training regimen, which utilized the inertial load of water, for 60 min each session, conducted twice weekly for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the COP distance (p < 0.001), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area and FMS test (p < 0.001) in the pre-post comparison of each group. And significant differences were found in COP distance (p < 0.05), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area (p < 0.05) and FMS test (p < 0.05) between groups. The DNS training improved the dynamic stability of single-leg standing, torso stability and functional movement in middle-aged women. CONCLUSION: DNS training programs using the inertial load of water have been shown to be effective in movement improvement and posture retention ability, which is beneficial for functional movement, equilibrium strategy, and dynamic stability of middle-aged women. Furthermore, the DNS training method designed in this study can be useful for trainees who require posture correction in a safe and effective way regardless of their age and gender.

Targeting DNA2 overcomes metabolic reprogramming in multiple myeloma.

DNA damage resistance is a major barrier to effective DNA-damaging therapy in multiple myeloma (MM). To discover mechanisms through which MM cells overcome DNA damage, we investigate how MM cells become resistant to antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy targeting Interleukin enhancer binding factor 2 (ILF2), a DNA damage regulator that is overexpressed in 70% of MM patients whose disease has progressed after standard therapies have failed. Here, we show that MM cells undergo adaptive metabolic rewiring to restore energy balance and promote survival in response to DNA damage activation. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 screening strategy, we identify the mitochondrial DNA repair protein DNA2, whose loss of function suppresses MM cells' ability to overcome ILF2 ASO-induced DNA damage, as being essential to counteracting oxidative DNA damage. Our study reveals a mechanism of vulnerability of MM cells that have an increased demand for mitochondrial metabolism upon DNA damage activation.

Unveiling Neurocognitive Disparities in Encoding and Retrieval between Paper and Digital Tablet-Based Learning.

The widespread use of mobile devices and laptops has replaced traditional paper-based learning and the question of how the brain efficiency of digital tablet-based learning differs from that of paper-based learning remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in brain efficiency for learning between paper-based and digital tablet-based learning by measuring activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the paper-based learning or the digital tablet-based learning group. Subjects in each group performed a memory task that required memorizing a three-minute novel (encoding phase) on a paper or digital tablet, followed by a test in which they answered four multiple-choice questions based on the novel's content. To compare both groups, behavioral performance on the test (retrieval phase) and activity in the PFC were measured. As a result, no significant difference in behavioral performance between both groups was observed (p > 0.05). However, the paper-based learning group showed significantly lower activity in the PFC in the encoding phase than the digital tablet-based learning group (p < 0.05) but not in the retrieval phase. The current study demonstrated that brain efficiency in encoding is higher in subjects with paper-based learning than those with digital tablet-based learning. This finding has important implications for education, particularly in terms of the pros and cons of electronic document-based learning.

Effect of the peripartum depressive symptoms on the Internet use disorder of their offspring in late childhood: retrospective longitudinal study.

Internet use disorder (IUD) is an emerging social and mental health concern. This study aimed to analyze the relative risk of IUD in late childhood among children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms. This study included 762 participants (397 boys and 365 girls) and was conducted in 2017 (aged 9) and 2019 (aged 11). We analyzed the adjusted relative risk of being at high risk for IUD based on whether the mother experienced depressive symptoms during pregnancy or one month after delivery. We also considered the persistence of depressed mood for 4 months after delivery and the severity of peripartum depressive symptoms. From 2017, 20.7% of boys and 14.0% of girls were at high risk of developing IUD. Compared to the non-peripartum depressive group, girls whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms and those that persisted for 4 months were 1.084 and 1.124 times more likely to be at high risk of IUD (95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.170 and 1.013-1.248), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among boys. Peripartum depressed mood could be one of risk factors of IUD. IUD needs to be monitored in children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms.

Mild exercise improves executive function with increasing neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex of older adults.

This study examined whether a 3-month mild-exercise intervention could improve executive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults in a randomized control trial. Ultimately, a total of 81 middle-aged and older adults were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. The exercise group received 3 months of mild cycle exercise intervention (3 sessions/week, 30-50 min/session). The control group was asked to behave as usual for the intervention period. Before and after the intervention, participants did color-word matching Stroop tasks (CWST), and Stroop interference (SI)-related reaction time (RT) was assessed as an indicator of executive function. During the CWST, prefrontal activation was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). SI-related oxy-Hb changes and SI-related neural efficiency (NE) scores were assessed to examine the underlying neural mechanism of the exercise intervention. Although the mild-exercise intervention significantly decreased SI-related RT, there were no significant effects of exercise intervention on SI-related oxy-Hb changes or SI-related NE scores in prefrontal subregions. Lastly, changes in the effects of mild exercise on NE with advancing age were examined. The 81 participants were divided into two subgroups (younger-aged subgroup [YA], older-aged subgroup [OA], based on median age [68 years.]). Interestingly, SI-related RT significantly decreased, and SI-related NE scores in all ROIs of the prefrontal cortex significantly increased only in the OA subgroup. These results reveal that a long-term intervention of very light-intensity exercise has a positive effect on executive function especially in older adults, possibly by increasing neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex.

Production of octyl butyrate using psychrophilic mutant lipase from Croceibacter atlanticus LipCA lipase developed by a molecular evolution technique.

Lipases are used to synthesize a variety of industrially useful compounds. Among them, psychrophilic lipase can be used to synthesize thermo-labile compounds at low temperatures. In this study, random mutagenesis was introduced into Antarctic Croceibacter atlanticus lipase gene using error-prone PCR, resulting in changes in its protein sequence. Through two rounds of mutagenesis and screening, we found that a mutant R1 showed an enhanced activity at low temperatures. Mutant R1 had five mutations (F43L, S48G, S49G, D141K, and K297R) and higher kcat/KM value than the wild type (WT) at 10 °C. We immobilized this enzyme on methacrylate divinylbenzene resin and used it to synthesize octyl butyrate, a flavor compound. The esterification reaction proceeded even at 10 °C. Mutant R1 synthesized the ester compound faster than the WT. To determine which amino acids were responsible for the increase of activity, site-directed mutagenesis was performed to introduce five back mutations into mutant R1. Three back mutants (L43F, G48S, G49S) showed significant decreases of activity at low temperatures, indicating that these amino acids were closely related to the increase in activity. This psychrophilic mutant R1 is expected to be used in low-temperature enzyme conversion reactions in the food industry.

Development of Shape Prediction Model of Microlens Fabricated via Diffuser-Assisted Photolithography.

The fabrication of microlens arrays (MLAs) using diffuser-assisted photolithography (DPL) has garnered substantial recent interest owing to the exceptional capabilities of DPL in adjusting the size and shape, achieving high fill factors, enhancing productivity, and ensuring excellent reproducibility. The inherent unpredictability of light interactions within the diffuser poses challenges in accurately forecasting the final shape and dimensions of microlenses in the DPL process. Herein, we introduce a comprehensive theoretical model to forecast microlens shapes in response to varying exposure doses within a DPL framework. We establish a robust MLA fabrication method aligned with conventional DPL techniques to enable precise shape modulation. By calibrating the exposure doses meticulously, we generate diverse MLA configurations, each with a distinct shape and size. Subsequently, by utilizing the experimentally acquired data encompassing parameters such as height, radius of curvature, and angles, we develop highly precise theoretical prediction models, achieving R-squared values exceeding 95%. The subsequent validation of our model encompasses the accurate prediction of microlens shapes under specific exposure doses. The verification results exhibit average error rates of approximately 2.328%, 7.45%, and 3.16% for the height, radius of curvature, and contact angle models, respectively, all of which were well below the 10% threshold.

Diversity and pathogenic characteristics of the Fusarium species isolated from minor legumes in Korea.

Legumes are primarily grown agriculturally for human consumption, livestock forage, silage, and as green manure. However, production has declined primarily due to fungal pathogens. Among them, this study focused on Fusarium spp. that cause Fusarium wilt in minor legumes in Korea. Diseased legume plants were collected from 2020 to 2021, and diverse fungal genera were isolated from the internal tissues of the plant roots and stems. Fusarium spp. were the most dominant, accounting for 71% of the isolates. They were identified via morphological characteristics and molecular identification. In the pathogenicity test, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium fujikuroi generally exhibited high virulence. The host range investigation revealed that the NC20-738, NC20-739, and NC21-950 isolates infected all nine crops, demonstrating the widest host range. In previous studies, the focus was solely on Fusarium wilt disease in soybeans. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate Fusarium wilt occurred in minor legumes, which are consumed as extensively as soybeans, due to the scarcity of data on the diversity and characteristics of Fusarium spp. existing in Korea. The diverse information obtained in this study will serve as a foundation for implementing effective management strategies against Fusarium-induced plant diseases.

Correction: Rheu et al. Effect of Fermented Sarco Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Extract on Muscle Strength Enhancement in Postmenopausal Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 16450.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

PTEN-induced kinase 1 exerts protective effects in diabetic kidney disease by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis.

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in diabetic kidney disease initiation and progression. PTEN-induced serine/threonine kinase 1 (PINK1) is a core organizer of mitochondrial quality control; however, its function in diabetic kidney disease remains controversial. Here, we aimed to investigate the pathophysiological roles of PINK1 in diabetic tubulopathy, focusing on its effects on mitochondrial homeostasis and tubular cell necroptosis, which is a specialized form of regulated cell death. PINK1-knockout mice showed more severe diabetes-induced tubular injury, interstitial fibrosis, and albuminuria. The expression of profibrotic cytokines significantly increased in the kidneys of diabetic Pink1-/- mice, which eventually culminated in aggravated interstitial fibrosis. Additionally, the knockdown of PINK1 in HKC-8 cells upregulated the fibrosis-associated proteins, and these effects were rescued by PINK1 overexpression. PINK1 deficiency was also associated with exaggerated hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and defective mitophagic activity, whereas PINK1 overexpression ameliorated these negative effects and restored mitochondrial homeostasis. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species triggered tubular cell necroptosis under hyperglycemic conditions, which was aggravated by PINK1 deficiency and improved by its overexpression. In conclusion, PINK1 plays a pivotal role in suppressing mitochondrial dysfunction and tubular cell necroptosis under high glucose conditions and exerts protective effects in diabetic kidney disease.

Efficacy of futibatinib, an irreversible fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, in FGFR-altered breast cancer.

Several alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes have been found in breast cancer; however, they have not been well characterized as therapeutic targets. Futibatinib (TAS-120; Taiho) is a novel, selective, pan-FGFR inhibitor that inhibits FGFR1-4 at nanomolar concentrations. We sought to determine futibatinib's efficacy in breast cancer models. Nine breast cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) with various FGFR1-4 alterations and expression levels were treated with futibatinib. Antitumor efficacy was evaluated by change in tumor volume and time to tumor doubling. Alterations indicating sensitization to futibatinib in vivo were further characterized in vitro. FGFR gene expression between patient tumors and matching PDXs was significantly correlated; however, overall PDXs had higher FGFR3-4 expression. Futibatinib inhibited tumor growth in 3 of 9 PDXs, with tumor stabilization in an FGFR2-amplified model and prolonged regression (> 110 days) in an FGFR2 Y375C mutant/amplified model. FGFR2 overexpression and, to a greater extent, FGFR2 Y375C expression in MCF10A cells enhanced cell growth and sensitivity to futibatinib. Per institutional and public databases, FGFR2 mutations and amplifications had a population frequency of 1.1%-2.6% and 1.5%-2.5%, respectively, in breast cancer patients. FGFR2 alterations in breast cancer may represent infrequent but highly promising targets for futibatinib.

Moderate intensity walking exercises reduce the body mass index and vascular inflammatory factors in postmenopausal women with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

Postmenopause, the secretion of female hormones changes, causing excessive fat accumulation in the body and leading to chronic inflammation, which increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Walking is an easily accessible daily exercise and effective non-pharmacological treatment for reducing obesity and the incidence of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity walking exercises on body composition, vascular inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in postmenopausal women with obesity. Twenty-six older postmenopausal women with obesity (ages 68-72) were randomly assigned to control (n = 12, BMI 26.06 ± 1.37) or exercise (n = 14, BMI 26.04 ± 1.94) groups. Following a 12-week moderate intensity walking exercise program, we measured the participants' body composition with an InBody S10 analyzer and assessed blood sera using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. There was a significant clustering by weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), percentage body fat (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05) being significantly decreased in the exercise group. Although VEGF levels did not change significantly, a tendency to increase was observed in participants that exercised. Our results indicate that walking exercise may help prevent CVD in postmenopausal women with obesity by reducing obesity and vascular inflammatory factors.

FAM64A aggravates proliferation, invasion, lipid droplet formation, and chemoresistance in gastric cancer: A biomarker for aggressiveness and a gene therapy target.

FAM64A is a mitogen-induced regulator of the metaphase and anaphase transition. Here, we found that FAM64A messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels were higher in gastric cancer tissue than in normal mucosa (p < .05). FAM64A methylation was negatively correlated with FAM64A mRNA expression (p < .05). The differentially expressed genes of FAM64A were mainly involved in digestion, potassium transporting or exchanging ATPase, contractile fibers, endopeptidase, and pancreatic secretion (p < .05). The FAM64A-related genes were principally categorized into ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell cycle, chromosome segregation and mitosis, microtubule binding and organization, metabolism of amino acids, cytokine receptors, lipid droplet, central nervous system, and collagen trimer (p < .05). FAM64A protein expression was lower in normal gastric mucosa than intestinal metaplasia, adenoma, and primary cancer (p < .05), negatively correlated with older age, T stage, lymphatic and venous invasion, tumor, node, metastasis stage, and dedifferentiation (p < .05), and associated with a favorable overall survival of gastric cancer patients. FAM64A overexpression promoted proliferation, antiapoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the EGFR/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB, while the opposite effect was observed for FAM64A knockdown. FAM64A also induced chemoresistance directly or indirectly through lipid droplet formation via ING5. These results suggested that upregulation of FAM64A expression might induce aggressive phenotypes, leading to gastric carcinogenesis and its subsequent progression. Thus, FAM64A could be regarded as a prognosis biomarker and a target for gene therapy.

Effect of Saengmaeksan on Fatigue, Liver Function, and Immunity Combined with High-Intensity Training.

Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a traditional drink that consists of three natural herbs, Lirio platyphlla, Panax ginseng, and Schisandra chinensis, and improves fatigue, liver function, and immunity. Moderate-intensity exercise has a positive effect on fatigue, liver function, and immune function, whereas long-term high-intensity training has a negative effect on these aspects. We hypothesized that SMS intake will improve fatigue (ammonia, lactic acid), liver function (aspartate transaminidase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and immunity (IgA, IgG, IgM) with high-intensity training. To investigate this hypothesis, 17 male college tennis players were randomly assigned to SMS and placebo groups with high-intensity training. SMS and placebo were consumed in 110 mL doses for a total of 770 mL. High-intensity training was performed at 70%-90% of heart rate reserve, conducted five times weekly for 4 weeks. A significant interaction effect was observed between the SMS and control (CON) groups regarding ammonia, ALT, and IgA levels. Ammonia levels significantly decreased in the SMS group, but there was no difference in the lactic acid levels. AST significantly decreased in the SMS group. IgA significantly increased in the SMS group, IgM significantly decreased in both groups, but there was no change in IgG. The correlation analysis revealed positive correlation in ΔAST vs. ΔALT, ΔALT vs. ΔIgG, and ΔIgA vs. ΔIgG in the SMS group. These findings demonstrate that SMS intake can reduce ammonia, AST, ALT, and IgM levels, while causing an increase in IgA, which has a positive effect on fatigue reduction, liver function, and immunoglobulins in a high-intensity training or related environment.

Body composition affects blood lipids and vascular function in metabolically unhealthy or metabolically healthy older adult women with obesity: A multi-group path analysis/impact verification following latent profile analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform latent profile analysis (LPA) in older adult women with metabolic syndrome to extract a group according to their characteristics while controlling for body composition, blood lipid levels, and vascular function. The study also examined the relationship between different variables. METHODS: The participants were 35 women aged ≥65 years, who met the Korean female standards for metabolic syndrome. Blood collection, blood pressure measurements, and vascular function measurements were performed. LPA and multigroup path analysis (MGPA) were performed to statistically analyze the effects of body composition on blood lipid levels and vascular function in older adult women with metabolic syndrome. Mplus 8.3 and jamovi 2.0.0 were used for the analyses, and the control significance level was set at .05. RESULTS: The participants were divided into the following three groups: (G1) metabolically unhealthy participants with normal weight, (G2) normal-weight participants with arteriosclerosis, and (G3) obese but metabolically healthy participants (G3). The effect of body composition on blood lipid levels showed a significant difference only in G1. The effect of body composition on vascular function was influenced by various variables in G1 and G3, while G1 showed a higher explanatory power. CONCLUSIONS: The MGPA results showed that the relationship between variables differs depending on the group. Therefore, the metabolic syndrome should be studied by subdividing it and confirming the characteristics of the classified groups, such as normal-weight but metabolically unhealthy individuals and obese but metabolically healthy individuals.