Feasibility of Mobile Health App-Based Home Aerobic Exercise for Physical Performance in Healthy Young Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effects of a mobile app-based home cycling exercise program compared to home cycling exercise without additional monitoring system. Compared with fitness facilities or outdoor exercise, home-based exercise programs effectively improve physical performance in an indwelling community. However, a flexible, informal environment may decrease motivation and impair adherence to physical exercise. Mobile devices for aerobic exercise and mobile applications provide real-time monitoring, immediate feedback, and encouragement to increase motivation and promote physical performance. We investigated the feasibility and effects of a mobile app-based home exercise program on body composition, muscular strength, and cardiopulmonary function. METHODS: Between February and May 2023, 20 participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (mobile application with a tablet) and control groups, and they performed aerobic exercise using a stationary bicycle for ≥150 minutes per week for 6 weeks (≤30-minute exercise session, with 3-minute warm-up and 3-minute cool-down). Karvonen formula-based heartrate defined the weekly increase in exercise intensity. Outcome measures included body-composition parameters, isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength tests, cardiopulmonary exercise test results, and rate of target heart rate (HR) achievement. Participants were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Unrelated personal events led two participants to drop out. The intervention and control groups had similar baseline characteristics. Compared with the control group, in the post-intervention isokinetic strength test, bilateral knee flexor and extensor power, and time to target HR achievement significantly increased each week in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Home-based exercise to achieve long-term cardiovascular fitness with portable electronic/mobile devices facilitates individualized exercise using real-time feedback to improve motivation and adherence.

Effects of resistance training and nutritional support on osteosarcopenia in older, community-dwelling postmenopausal Korean females (ERTO-K study): a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcopenia is geriatric syndrome defined as the concomitant occurrence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Osteosarcopenia is a relatively new concept in geriatric medicine; however, it may increase the risk of fragility fractures, several morbidities and mortalities, and socioeconomic costs. Although resistance exercises and nutritional support-including protein, calcium, and vitamin D-are potential non-pharmacological management procedures, evidence is still lacking. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of combined resistance exercise and nutritional support on the quality and quantity of bone and muscle in postmenopausal females with osteosarcopenia. METHODS: This research proposal presents the protocol for a prospective, single-center, single-blinded, two-armed randomized controlled trial. Thirty-four participants with osteosarcopenia will be recruited and randomly divided into intervention and control groups; both groups will receive nutritional supplements (protein, 40 g; vitamin D, 1600 IU; calcium, 600 mg) daily. The intervention group will undergo 24 weeks of resistance exercise of increasing intensity, achieved through a three-phase step-up process. The primary outcomes will be the changes in skeletal muscle index and bone marrow density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck between the baseline and end of intervention (24 weeks). The secondary outcomes will be the body composition, whole body phase angle, physical function assessment, quality of life, psychological assessment, and bone turnover markers of participants, surveyed at multiple time points. DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial may reveal the effect of resistance exercise and nutritional support on older postmenopausal women with osteosarcopenia. The results will provide evidence for developing proper non-pharmacological management guidelines for postmenopausal women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea, KCT0008291, Registered on 16 March 2023, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/25262 .

Iridium-Cooperated, Symmetry-Broken Manganese Oxide Nanocatalyst for Water Oxidation.

The water oxidation reaction, the most important reaction for hydrogen production and other sustainable chemistry, is efficiently catalyzed by the Mn4CaO5 cluster in biological photosystem II. However, synthetic Mn-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts exhibit inferior catalytic activity at neutral pH under mild conditions. Symmetry-broken Mn atoms and their cooperative mechanism through efficient oxidative charge accumulation in biological clusters are important lessons but synthesis strategies for heterogeneous electrocatalysts have not been successfully developed. Here, we report a crystallographically distorted Mn-oxide nanocatalyst, in which Ir atoms break the space group symmetry from I41/amd to P1. Tetrahedral Mn(II) in spinel is partially replaced by Ir, surprisingly resulting in an unprecedented crystal structure. We analyzed the distorted crystal structure of manganese oxide using TEM and investigated how the charge accumulation of Mn atoms is facilitated by the presence of a small amount of Ir.

Ru-Doped Co3O4 Nanoparticles as Efficient and Stable Electrocatalysts for the Chlorine Evolution Reaction.

The electrochemical chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is one of the most important electrochemical reactions. Typically, iridium (Ir)- or ruthenium (Ru)-based mixed metal oxides have been used as electrocatalysts for the CER due to their high activities and durabilities. However, the scarcity of Ir and Ru has indicated the need to develop alternative earth-abundant transition-metal-based CER catalysts. In this study, we report a Co3O4 nanoparticle (NP) catalyst synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Furthermore, Ru was successfully incorporated into the Co3O4 NPs (RuxCo3-xO4 NPs) for further improvement of catalytic performance in chlorine generation. Electrokinetic analyses combined with in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) results suggested an identical CER mechanism for the Co3O4 NPs and RuxCo3-xO4 NPs. Various characterization techniques demonstrated that the homogeneous substitution of Ru4+ ions into the Co3+ octahedral sites enhanced the structural disorder and changed the electronic state of Co3O4, resulting in additional exposed active sites. Remarkably, the Ru0.09Co2.91O4 NP electrode exhibited outstanding stability for more than 150 h even at a high current density of 500 mA/cm2, which shows its commercial viability for active chlorine generation.

Physical activity and osteosarcopenia in Korean adults aged 65 years and older: a national cross-sectional study using the KNHANES data.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the co-existence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between various types of physical activity and osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling Korean adults aged 65 years or older. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used raw data from the fourth and fifth editions of the Korean National Health and Nutritional Survey Examination, conducted from 2008 to 2011. The researchers exclusively recruited participants aged 65 years or older for the study. These participants were categorized into four distinct groups based on their clinical factors, namely individuals without osteoporosis or sarcopenia, those with osteoporosis alone, those with sarcopenia alone, and individuals with osteosarcopenia. The International Physical Activity Short-Form was used to calculate the weekly time spent walking, moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, and vigorous aerobic physical activity. Number of days in performing strengthening or stretching exercises were also surveyed. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the association between various physical activities and occurrence of osteosarcopenia. RESULTS: A total of 1,342 participants (639 men and 703 women) were included in the analysis. No significant difference was observed in the amount and level of aerobic physical activity between the groups. The odds ratios below were based on participants without osteoporosis or sarcopenia as the reference category. The un-adjusted odds ratio of participants who performed stretching (male, 0.179, 95% CI 0.078-0.412; female 0.430, 95% CI 0.217-0.853) and strengthening exercises (male, 0.143, 95% CI 0.051-0.402; female, 0.044, 95% CI 0.006-0.342) at least twice per week was significantly lower in participants with osteosarcopenia compared to those without. In the adjusted analysis (adjusted by age, body mass index, house income, educational level, smoking habits, drinking status, and protein intake), only female patients in the osteosarcopenia group had a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio for performing strengthening exercise compared to female participants without osteoporosis or sarcopenia (0.062, 95% CI 0.007-0.538). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for confounding factors and protein intake, women aged 65 years and older who suffered osteosarcopenia had considerably lower odds ratio of performing strengthening exercises.

Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy delayed diagnosis due to cerebellar infarction: A case report.

RATIONALE: Metronidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacterial and parasitic infections. Long-term use may cause side effects in the central nervous system, although the occurrence of encephalopathy is rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 73-year-old man was diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis and received antibiotic treatment. During the treatment, the patient complained of back pain. Lumbar spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed infective spondylitis, and metronidazole (1.5 g) was administered daily for approximately 160 days. The patient developed cognitive dysfunction and gait disorder after antibiotic treatment, and brain MRI showed acute infarction in both cerebellar lobes. Secondary prevention with antiplatelet and physiotherapy was prescribed; however, functional recovery was not achieved. DIAGNOSIS: After 1 month, a follow-up brain MRI showed high signal intensity and diffusion restriction in the corpus callosum on diffusion-weighted images and high signal intensity in the dentate nucleus on T2-weighted images. Therefore, metronidazole-induced encephalopathy was suspected. INTERVENTIONS: Metronidazole was discontinued, and ceftriaxone (2 g/day) was administered to manage the infective spondylitis. OUTCOMES: One week after the discontinuation of the drug, the patient's cognition improved to the extent that communication was possible. Thus, even if other neurological deficits, such as cerebellar infarction, are found in patients with long-term disability, the possibility of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy should be considered when metronidazole is used for a long time.

Effect of water filtration infrared-A (wIRA) sauna on inorganic ions excreted through sweat from the human body.

Sweat discharged as a result of exposure to sauna plays an important role in removing inorganic ions accumulated in the body, including heavy metals. In this study, inorganic ions (toxic and nutrient elements) excreted in the form of sweat from the body using a water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) sauna were determined using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. The analyzed elements included eight toxic elements (Al, As, Be, Cd, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Hg) and 10 nutrient elements (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se, V, and Zn), and their correlations were determined. Analysis of the sweat obtained from 22 people using the wIRA sauna showed a higher inorganic ion concentration than that obtained from conventional activities, such as exercise or the use of wet sauna, and the concentration of toxic elements in sweat was higher in females than in males. Correlation analysis of the ions revealed a correlation between the discharge of toxic elements, such as As, Be, Cd, and Ni, and discharge of Se and V, and Ni was only correlated with Mn. This study provides fundamental information on nutritional element supplementation when using wIRA sauna for detoxification.

Severe Headache and Hypertension due to Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in a Patient With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

Autonomic dysreflexia is suspected when patients with spinal cord injury report headaches and hypertension. A 52-year-old man was diagnosed with C5-C6-C7 cervical spinal cord injury, traumatic subdural hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and skull fracture. The patient underwent surgery at another hospital. The patient was hospitalized for comprehensive rehabilitation after 7 months. The assessment revealed an American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale grade A at the C7 level due to complete spinal cord damage. Evaluation of muscle weakness that occurred after experiencing severe headache and hypertension revealed an intracerebral hemorrhage caused by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The patient showed improvement in muscle strength over time and was monitored for warfarin administration. Furthermore, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when patients with spinal cord injury who have experienced polytrauma complain of headache and hypertension, as they share clinical symptoms with autonomic dysreflexia. Additional evaluations, such as imaging examinations, should be conducted, as necessary.

The complete chloroplast genome of Korean bred apple 'Kamhong' (Malus domestica Borkh.).

Apple (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh., 1803) is economically important horticultural fruit crop in the world. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Korean apple cultivar 'Kamhong' was characterized through the de novo assembly of Illumina sequencing data. The chloroplast genome is a circular molecule of 161,069 bp length with 36.55% GC content and has a total of 112 genes including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with protein-coding sequences of chloroplast genome revealed that 'Kamhong' was closely grouped with M. domestica cultivars reported in China. The genomic data generated in this study can extend a molecular basis for phylogenetic relationships of Korean cultivar 'Kamhong' with other M. domestica cultivars bred in other countries.

sEMG-Based Hand Posture Recognition and Visual Feedback Training for the Forearm Amputee.

sEMG-based gesture recognition is useful for human-computer interactions, especially for technology supporting rehabilitation training and the control of electric prostheses. However, high variability in the sEMG signals of untrained users degrades the performance of gesture recognition algorithms. In this study, the hand posture recognition algorithm and radar plot-based visual feedback training were developed using multichannel sEMG sensors. Ten healthy adults and one bilateral forearm amputee participated by repeating twelve hand postures ten times. The visual feedback training was performed for two days and five days in healthy adults and a forearm amputee, respectively. Artificial neural network classifiers were trained with two types of feature vectors: a single feature vector and a combination of feature vectors. The classification accuracy of the forearm amputee increased significantly after three days of hand posture training. These results indicate that the visual feedback training efficiently improved the performance of sEMG-based hand posture recognition by reducing variability in the sEMG signal. Furthermore, a bilateral forearm amputee was able to participate in the rehabilitation training by using a radar plot, and the radar plot-based visual feedback training would help the amputees to control various electric prostheses.

The complete chloroplast genome of Korean cultivar 'Harmony' (Prunus salicina × Prunus armeniaca).

Prunus Linnaeus 1753 species include many economically important fruit crops, of which plumcot is generated by inter-species crossing between Prunus salicina Lindley 1830 × Prunus armeniaca Linnaeus 1753. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Korean plumcot cultivar 'Harmony' was characterized through the de novo assembly of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing data. The chloroplast genome is a circular molecule of 157,916 bp length with 36.75% GC content and has a total of 113 genes including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with protein-coding sequences of chloroplast genome revealed that 'Harmony' showed closer to P. salicina than P. armeniaca.

Prediction of lower extremity strength by nerve conduction study in cauda equina syndrome.

An electrodiagnostic test is more useful than the lower extremity isometric strength test for objectively determining the degree of nerve damage and prognosis in cauda equina syndromes (CES). This study evaluated the correlation between nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters and the lower extremity isometric strength and manual muscle test (MMT) grades. The isometric strengths of knee extension (KE), ankle dorsiflexion (ADF), and ankle plantarflexion (APF) were measured. NCS parameters, MMT, and isometric strength of femoral, peroneal, and tibial nerves were evaluated, including their correlations with each other. A regression equation between the isometric strength and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes was derived and cutoff values were used to confirm boundary values of strength and amplitude between the MMT grades. KE isometric strength and femoral nerve CMAP amplitude were significantly correlated (r = 0.738, P < .001). ADF isometric strength and peroneal nerve CMAP amplitude were significantly correlated (tibialis anterior, r = 0.707, P < .001). KE (r = 0.713, P < .001), ADF (r = 0.744, P < .001), and APF (r = 0.698, P < .001) isometric strengths were correlated with the MMT grades. For the regression curve, the second-order curve was more reasonable than the first-order curve. Cutoff femoral nerve CMAP amplitude and isometric strength cutoff values were ≥2.05 mV and 17.3, respectively, for MMT grades 2 to 3 and 2.78 ± 1.08 and 20.8 ± 9.33, respectively, for grade 3. The isometric strengths of the KE, ADF, and APF and the CMAP amplitude of the electrophysiologic parameters were correlated in CES patients and a significant correlation with MMT grade was also identified. Accordingly, it is possible to identify the precise neurological condition, objectively evaluate the degree of paralysis and disability, and determine the quantitative muscle strength from MMT in order to establish an appropriate rehabilitation treatment plan.

Atomic Reconstruction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Mn3O4 Nanoparticles.

Understanding the chemical states of individual surface atoms and their arrangements is essential for addressing several current issues such as catalysis, energy stroage/conversion, and environmental protection. Here, we exploit a profile imaging technique to understand the correlation between surface atomic structures and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in Mn3O4 nanoparticles. We image surface structures of Mn3O4 nanoparticles and observe surface reconstructions in the (110) and (101) planes. Mn3+ ions at the surface, which are commonly considered as the active sites in OER, disappear from the reconstructed planes, whereas Mn3+ ions are still exposed at the edges of nanoparticles. Our observations suggest that surface reconstructions can deactivate low-index surfaces of Mn oxides in OER. These structural and chemical observations are further validated by density functional theory calculations. This work shows why atomic-scale characterization of surface structures is crucial for a molecular-level understanding of a chemical reaction in oxide nanoparticles.

Detection and Quantification of Apple Stem Grooving Virus in Micropropagated Apple Plantlets Using Reverse-Transcription Droplet Digital PCR.

Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) is a destructive viral pathogen of pome fruit trees that causes significant losses to fruit production worldwide. Obtaining ASGV-free propagation materials is essential to reduce economic losses, and accurate and sensitive detection methods to screen ASGV-free plantlets during in vitro propagation are urgently necessary. In this study, ASGV was sensitively and accurately quantified from in vitro propagated apple plantlets using a reverse transcription droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR) assay. The optimized RT-ddPCR assay was specific to other apple viruses, and was at least 10-times more sensitive than RT-real-time quantitative PCR assay. Furthermore, the optimized RT-ddPCR assay was validated for the detection and quantification of ASGV using micropropagated apple plantlet samples. This RT-ddPCR assay can be utilized for the accurate quantitative detection of ASGV infection in ASGV-free certification programs, and can thus contribute to the production of ASGV-free apple trees.

Clinical evaluation of usefulness and effectiveness of sitting type continuous passive motion machines in patients with total knee arthroplasty: a study protocol for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an important management strategy for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) refractory to conservative management. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) exercise is important to recover patients' activities of daily living. Continuous passive motion (CPM) is a machine that provides passive ROM exercises of the knee joint in a pre-defined arc of motion. The short- and long-term effects of CPM exercise are controversial. We hypothesized that the inconsistent results of the CPM exercise are due to poor fitting of CPM machines and measurement errors. This study aims to present a protocol for investigating a new type of CPM machine that could be applied in a sitting position in comparison with the conventional type of CPM machine for patients with unilateral TKAs. METHODS: This study presents the protocol of a prospective, multicenter, single-blinded, three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT). One hundred and twenty-six patients receiving unilateral TKAs will be recruited at the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of two urban tertiary medical hospitals. The patients were randomly divided into three groups with a 1:1:1 allocation. The intervention group will receive two weeks of post-operative rehabilitation using a new type of CPM machine. The control group will receive 2 weeks of post-operative rehabilitation using conventional CPM machines. The third group will receive post-operative rehabilitation with both types of CPM machines. The primary outcome will be the change in the passive ROM of the affected knee joint from baseline to 2 weeks after baseline assessment. The secondary outcomes will be pain and functional measurements, and will include patient-reported outcomes and performance tests surveyed at multiple time points up to 3 months after TKA. DISCUSSION: This is the first RCT to investigate the effect of a new type of CPM machine. The results of this RCT will determine whether the position of the patients during CPM exercise is important in post-operative rehabilitation protocols after TKAs and will provide evidence for the development of proper rehabilitation guidelines after TKAs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea, KCT0005520, Registered on 21 October 2020, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/21750.

Different temporal weight-bearing tendencies of persons with right and left hemiplegia while sitting in a wheelchair.

The tendency of persons with hemiplegia to sit for prolonged periods can cause excessive interface pressure (IP) on their buttocks. Due to the different neuromusculoskeletal conditions, different buttock IP relief methods are required for persons with left hemiplegia (LH) and right hemiplegia (RH). Therefore, this study investigates temporal characteristics of IP on the right and left buttocks for RH, LH, and able-bodied individuals (AB) sitting in a wheelchair for 30 min. Thirty-five males participated in the study: 13 LH, 12 RH, and 10 AB. In the initial adjustment phase, the participants maintained an erect sitting posture for 7 min (2 min for posture and 5 min for creep adjustments). After the adjustments, experiments were conducted for 30 min to measure the IP. In the experiments, significant right-sided asymmetries of the mean IP were found for each group (P < 0.05). The right buttocks of LH exhibited significantly more right-sided asymmetry of the mean IP than that of AB (p < 0.01). Moreover, the right buttocks of RH exhibited insignificant asymmetry of the mean IP compared to that of AB (p >0.21). The peak IPs of RH and LH were significantly higher than those of AB (p <0.05), and temporal changes of the mean and peak IP of hemiplegia were significant (p <0.05) and not significant (p >0.05), respectively. The RH exhibited affected-side weight-bearing based on the mean IP. In contrast, the LH relieved the mean IP on the affected-side buttock. Due to the right-sided asymmetric mean and high peak IP, hemiplegia in acute and recovery stages using wheelchairs can cause ulceration. Therefore, different rehabilitation approaches are required for the RH and LH to reduce the peak IP and avoid an uneven distribution of the mean IP.

Correlation of Femoral Muscle Volume Using Three-Dimensional Modeling and Locomotor Function After Unilateral Trans-femoral Amputation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between femoral muscle volume (FMV) and physiological outcomes after trans-femoral amputations (TFAs) affecting overall locomotor function in patients. METHODS: Seven individuals who underwent TFA and had been using a prosthesis participated in this cross-sectional study. Gait and balance were assessed using clinical tests, such as 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, Berg Balance Scale, and automatic balance system. Respiratory gas analysis was performed to check oxygen consumption rate. Five participants were evaluated for bilateral FMV by MR imaging and FMV was reconstructed using three-dimentional remodeling. RESULTS: In five participants, significant differences were found between the non-involved and involved sides in femur length, total FMV, and functional muscle volume (all p<0.01) in all groups except for the hip adductor volume. The %mean difference between the non-involved and involved sides was 30% for femur length, 52.55% for hip flexor volume, 26.55% for hip adductor volume, 51.86% for hip extensor volume, and 60.21% for knee extensor volume. The hip flexor volume to hip extensor volume ratio in the involved limb and oxygen consumption rate during comfortable gait were negatively correlated (r=-0.96, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In individuals who underwent unilateral TFA, hip girdle muscle imbalance in the involved limbs may be associated with oxygen consumption rate while using a prosthesis.

Development and Evaluation of the Korean Version of Hospital-Based Transitional Rehabilitation Program Using Daily Living Home for Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the Korean version of a hospital-based transitional rehabilitation program (TRP), using daily living home for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. METHODS: In this study, we developed the Korean version of a hospital-based TRP through domestic and overseas surveys and focus group meetings. By applying this to chronic SCI patients, we observed the functional and quality of life (QOL) changes and evaluated the degree of achievement of the core goals set for each patient during hospital-based TRP. RESULTS: Hospital-based TRP, for 21.8±3.9 days on average, was applied to four chronic SCI patients (two patients with long-term hospital stays and two homebound disabled individuals) with an average injury period of 736.8±185.4 days. The Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (49.3±6.9 vs. 62.5±6.0; p<0.05) showed functional improvement at the end of TRP, when compared to that before the TRP. The Korean version of the World Health Organization's QOL scale, abbreviated version (159.8±36.6 vs. 239.8±36.1; p<0.05), showed improvement in QOL. Goal attainment scaling showed a significant degree of achievement for the core goals through TRP (33.6±4.4 vs. 70.0±2.8; p<0.05). These results confirmed that the effect was maintained 1 month after the end of TRP. Additionally, two patients were successfully discharged after TRP completion, and the other two could start social activities. CONCLUSION: The Korean version of the hospital-based TRP, applied to chronic SCI patients, showed the potential to improve the patients' functioning and QOL and appeared to be effective in successful discharge and social participation.

Inorganic Hollow Nanocoils Fabricated by Controlled Interfacial Reaction and Their Electrocatalytic Properties.

The fabrication of 3D hollow nanostructures not only allows the tactical provision of specific physicochemical properties but also broadens the application scope of such materials in various fields. The synthesis of 3D hollow nanocoils (HNCs), however, is limited by the lack of an appropriate template or synthesis method, thereby restricting the wide-scale application of HNCs. Herein, a strategy for preparing HNCs by harnessing a single sacrificial template to modulate the interfacial reaction at a solid-liquid interface that allows the shape-regulated transition is studied. Furthermore, the triggering of the Kirkendall effect in 3D HNCs is demonstrated. Depending on the final state of the transition metal ions reduced during the electrochemical preparation of HNCs, the surface states of the binding anions and the composition of the HNCs can be tuned. In a single-component CrPO4 HNC with a clean surface, the Kirkendall effect of the coil shape is analyzed at various points throughout the reaction. The rough-surface multicomponent MnOx P0.21 HNCs are complexed with ligand-modified BF4 -Mn3 O4 nanoparticles. The fabricated nanocomposite exhibits an overpotential decrease of 25 mV at neutral pH compared to pure BF4 -Mn3 O4 nanoparticles because of the increased active surface area.

Cerebral Autoregulation during Postural Change in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury-A Carotid Duplex Ultrasonography Study.

Patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently experience sudden falls in blood pressure during postural change. Few studies have investigated whether the measurement of blood flow velocity within vessels can reflect brain perfusion during postural change. By performing carotid duplex ultrasonography (CDU), we investigated changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during postural changes in patients with a cervical SCI, determined the correlation of CBF change with presyncopal symptoms, and investigated factors affecting cerebral autoregulation. We reviewed the medical records of 100 patients with a cervical SCI who underwent CDU. The differences between the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and CBF volume in the supine posture and after 5 min at 50° tilt were evaluated. Presyncopal symptoms occurred when the blood flow volume of the internal carotid artery decreased by ≥21% after tilt. In the group that had orthostatic hypotension and severe CBF decrease during tilt, the body mass index and physical and functional scores were lower than in other groups, and the proportion of patients with a severe SCI was high. The higher the SCI severity and the lower the functional score, the higher the possibility of cerebral autoregulation failure. CBF should be assessed by conducting CDU in patients with a high-level SCI.