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OBJECTIVES The purpose of present study was to analyze the acute effects of exergame on glucose control after glucose ingestion in individuals with pre- and type 2 diabetes.METHODS We enrolled 60 adults with pre-diabetes (Pre-DM, 58.1±9.2 years, n=20) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM, 61.7±9.9 years, n=40). We measured fingertip capillary blood glucose level at 10 min before, 30 min after, 60 min after and 120 min after the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). For the non-exergame control days, participants pursued normal daily activities but refrained from unusual strenuous physical activity. On the exercise days, participants conducted on exergame at 30 min after 75-g OGTT for 30 min.RESULTS Acute exergame reduced the glucose level 60 min, ∆BG30-60 and ∆BG60-120 after glucose ingestion compared to the control trials (pppp

OBJECTIVES The Candidate Physical Ability Capability Test (CPAT) is a complex performance test to assess whether firefighters have sufficient ability to meet the physical demands of firefighting, and is widely used in many countries, especially in North America. In South Korea, however, simple basic physical fitness assessments are still used for firefighters’ fitness evaluation. Here, we report the physical fitness of Korean firefighters using the CPAT for the first time in Korea.METHODS Eighteen male Korean firefighters aged between 20 to 30 years participated in this study. All subjects were measured for maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) by using gas analyzer and cycle ergometer before CPAT. On a separate day, each subject performed CPAT with the best effort. Each subject’s oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR) and completion time were measured during the CPAT. The results of CPAT were analyzed based on VO2max and HRmax and compared to the those of previous study from North American firefighter candidates.RESULTS VO2max was significantly (p< .001) lower and HRmax was significantly (p< .05) higher in Korean firefighters (45.4±4.6 ml/kg/min and 194.2±2.1 beat/min) than American firefighter candidates (53.0±7.4 ml/kg/min and 188.0±8.0 beat/min). During CPAT, Korean firefighters showed 69.4±15.8 %VO2max and 87.6±7.8 %HRmax and American firefighter candidates had 73.1±8.0 %VO2max and 90.1±5.3 %HRmax, but these were not statistically significant. However, the completed time of CPAT was significantly slower in Korean firefighters than American firefighter candidates (726.8±84.6 sec vs. 512.0±51.0 sec, p

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polyethylene (PE) fibers were employed to develop photocatalytic high-performance fiber-reinforced cement composites (HPFRCCs). To achieve high NOx removal capacity, it was necessary to confirm the dispersion of the TiO2 powder. For this purpose, various amounts of viscosity-modifying agent (VMA), ranging from 0% to 1% by weight to cement, were considered along with two types of white Portland cement: Union and Aalborg. Additionally, the PE fiber surface was modified via cold gas plasma and chromic acid treatment to improve the tensile performance of the HPFRCCs. The experimental results indicated that the plastic viscosity of the mortar increases with the addition of VMA. Optimum NOx removal capacities of 5.72 and 8.10 μmol were respectively achieved for the Aalborg and Union cement types in the mortar at a VMA content of 0.5%. The compressive strength of the tested photocatalytic HPFRCC was approximately 72.7–91.8 MPa. In the case of the hybrid argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) gases being subjected to plasma treatment, optimum tensile performance—in terms of tensile strength, strain capacity, and g-value—was achieved, whereas the samples subjected to chromic acid treatment exhibited poorer tensile performance. Moreover, the single Ar–or O2-gas-based plasma treatment yielded an intermediate tensile performance. The cracking behavior showed trends similar to those of the g-value: the hybrid plasma treatment produced the most microcracks because of its high fiber bridging capacity.

PURPOSE: Menopause is associated with increased carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, which is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the cfPWV, blood pressure, and body composition with habitual exercise for at least 1 year in postmenopausal women performing habitual aquatic walking versus age-matched sedentary postmenopausal and premenopausal women.METHODS: A total of 115 postmenopausal and premenopausal women were divided into the following groups: (1) postmenopausal women performing habitual aquatic walking (HAW; n=57), (2) sedentary postmenopausal women (SPO; n=41), and (3) sedentary premenopausal women (SPR, n=17). The HAW group participated 3 days per week, 60 minutes per day, for at least 1 year, whereas the SPO and SPR groups performed no regular exercise, for less than 2 days per week, 30 minutes per day, for at least 1 year. The cfPWV, BP, and body composition were assessed in all groups.RESULTS: The cfPWV (pppp

BACKGROUND Current research on genu varum shows the favorable influence of exercise on the biomechanics of the knee joint by reducing the static malalignment and mechanical imbalances, however the transference to a more optimum gait has not been investigated.OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of Pilates exercise on the changes of gait and lower limb malalignment in female students with genu varum.METHODS A total of 23 female college students with verified genu varum participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups a Pilates exercise group (n=15) and a control group (n=8). The Pilates exercise group participated in 1 hour Pilates exercise 3 times per week for a total of 10 weeks. Each of the participants had an X-ray and performed gait 5 times before and after the exercise treatment. The participants kinetic and kinematic data were gathered using an eight Vicon Motion camera system and two force platforms.RESULTS For the Pilates group gait their maximum extension and internal rotation knee moment, and maximum adduction and internal rotation hip moment significantly increased, while the maximum knee moment flexion decreased. For the control group gait their maximum hip extension and hip adduction moment significantly decreased. For the Pilates group there was a significant reduction in the distance from the anatomical axis to the weight bearing line in the left leg, but there was no significant change for the control group.CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Pilates exercise may be beneficial for females with genu varum by helping to improve both their static alignment and helping their gait to become more balanced.

Background Participating in voluntary exercise training is important to meet occupational requirements as well as firefighters’ health and safety. The purpose of this study is to identify salient beliefs associated with voluntary exercise training among firefighters in the pandemic era by comparing outcomes with those from a previous elicitation study, which was carried out before the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A total of 57 firefighters are recruited to participate in an elicitation study. Participants are requested to respond to six open-ended questions related to voluntary exercise training. Content analysis is used to create categories that combine similar factors in each belief. Beliefs mentioned by more than 30% of participants are used for comparison with the results of the previous research. Results “Improves my physical ability” (n = 44) and “cause injury” (n = 17) are identified as behavioral beliefs in the present study, whereas “makes me tired” and “takes too much time” were also elicited in Lee’s study. Normative beliefs are “family members” (n = 45) and “colleagues” (n = 27) and these results are consistent with those in Lee’s study. “Lack of time” (n = 28), “exercise facilities” (n = 19), and “COVID-19” (n = 19) are elicited as control beliefs in the present study, whereas “physical condition” (n = 21) and “exercise partners” (n = 14) were elicited as other control beliefs, and “COVID-19” was not mentioned in Lee’s study. Conclusion This study can contribute valuable information about salient beliefs associated with exercise training behavior among firefighters, particularly under pandemic conditions. Future researchers should develop tailored exercise training programs for firefighters based on current elicited beliefs.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is classified as a combination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and postmenopausal women are specifically at an increased risk for MetS, in part due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur at the menopause transition. It is crucial to combat the components of MetS with appropriate lifestyle interventions in this population, such as exercise. This study aimed to examine the effects of a resistance band exercise training program in obese postmenopausal women with MetS. A total 35 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON, n = 17) or a resistance band exercise training group (EX, n = 18). Participants in the EX group trained 3days/week. Levels of blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid profile, anthropometrics, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and after the exercise intervention. There were significant group by time interactions (p < 0.05) for blood glucose (Δ-4.5 mg/dl), insulin (Δ -1.3 μU/ml), HOMA-IR (Δ -0.6), triglycerides (Δ -9.4 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(Δ -10.8 mg/dl), systolic BP(Δ -3.4 mmHg), body fat percentage (Δ -3.0 %), and waist circumference (Δ -3.4 cm), which significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and lean body mass (Δ 0.7 kg) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ 5.1 mg/dl), which significantly increased (p < 0.05) after EX compared to no change in CON. The present study indicates that resistance band exercise training may be an effective therapeutic intervention to combat the components of MetS in this population, potentially reducing the risk for the development of CVD.

PURPOSE: Machine learning (ML) refers to newly developed computer algorithms that are improved through iterative experiences. ML applications are expected to assist humans in analyzing large amounts of data. This review has outlined the application of ML in analyzing variable vital data such as walking steps, exercise intensity, heart rate, sleeping hours, sleep quality, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and calorie consumption in a day. Vital data consist of different variables that are closely related to genomic or exercise data. The prediction of healthy traits from a vital dataset has become a necessity in personalized medicine.METHODS: Considerations and repeated tasks in supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised ML methods are presented. ML methods such as artificial neural networks, Bayesian networks, support vector machines, and decision trees have been widely used in biomedical studies to develop predictive models. Through vital data, these models can help in effective and accurate decision-making for a healthier life.PURPOSE: Models based on genomic, exercise, and vital datasets provide a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise. We have provided guidelines to help in the selection of these ML methods and their practical application for variable vital data analysis.CONCLUSIONS: Our guidelines could serve as a foundation for implementing both participatory medicine and data-driven exercise science.

Background Despite growing evidence showing the effects of exercise and cognitive trainings on enhancing attention, little is known about the combined effects of exergame on attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Exergame, a form of exercise using a video game, has both cognitive stimulation and physical activity components and has been shown to improve cognitive function in children. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exergaming on attention and to compare the effect induced by exergaming with the effect of aerobic exercise on attention in children with ADHD. Methods In all, 30 children with ADHD, aged 8-12 years, were randomly divided into an exergaming group (EXG; n=16) or a bicycle exercise group (BEG; n=14). Before and after the 4-week intervention, the Frankfurter Aufmerksamkeits-Inventar (FAIR; Frankfurt Attention Inventory) test was administrated, and event-related potentials during the Go/No-go task was measured to assess attention. Results After intervention, both the EXG and BEG had significantly increased selective attention and continuous attention (all P Conclusions Exergaming has the comparable effects to bicycle exercise to enhance attention in children with ADHD, suggesting that exergaming can be used as an alternative treatment for children with ADHD. Trial Registration Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008239; https://tinyurl.com/57e4jtnb

BACKGROUND The development of electronic health (e-health) with an informative communication technology such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (MR) techniques play an important role in health care. These e-health could be beneficial for the Firefighter (FF)’s training who has limitations of fitness training due to their irregular schedule. However, there was no studies to compare the usability of fitness training program on special occupation using e-health device versus individual training. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compared the effects of “Kinect-based MR device (KMR) training” and “unsupervised individual training (UIT)” and evaluated the effects of “fitness program designed for Korean moderate-level of FFs (KFFP-m)”. METHODS Participants were tested cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max between 35ml/kg/min – 42ml/kg/min) and International physical activity questionnaire ( RESULTS The target population was Korean men age between 20yrs to 50yrs. The average age of the participants was 31.11±5.76 years and VO₂max 38.79±3.73ml/kg/min. Normality was found at the baseline and there was no significant difference at the baseline and their nutrition status for 8wks between groups. KMRG contained login service, feedbacks of their exercise (proper pose), counting system, timer and etc. UIG were provided the same fitness program with KMRG and room with the instructive fitness program banner and tools they need. As a result, body fat (%) was significantly increased, and skeletal muscle mass was significantly decreased in CG. VO₂max, 2-min push-up, and knee 180º extension were significantly increased in both KMRG and UIG by time. 60º flexion of the knee was significantly enhanced in UIG and 180º flexion of the knee was enhanced in KMRG by time. VO₂max (KMRG, UIG>CG), 60º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion of the knee (KMRG>UIG, CG), 180º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion (KMRG>CG) of the knee showed significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS We developed the usage of the KMR theory and scientific evidence. The KFFP-m was effective in either using KMR and UIT but KMR was more efficient than UIT. Next, we will evaluate the effect of other programs in other subjects.

BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence showing the effects of exercise and cognitive trainings on enhancing attention, little is known about the combined effects of exergame on attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Exergame, a form of exercise using a video game, has both cognitive stimulation and physical activity components and has been shown to improve cognitive function in children. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exergaming on attention and to compare the effect induced by exergaming with the effect of aerobic exercise on attention in children with ADHD. METHODS In all, 30 children with ADHD, aged 8-12 years, were randomly divided into an exergaming group (EXG; n=16) or a bicycle exercise group (BEG; n=14). Before and after the 4-week intervention, the Frankfurter Aufmerksamkeits-Inventar (FAIR; Frankfurt Attention Inventory) test was administrated, and event-related potentials during the Go/No-go task was measured to assess attention. RESULTS After intervention, both the EXG and BEG had significantly increased selective attention and continuous attention (all PP=.02 and BEG: P=.005). Similarly, both the EXG and BEG had significantly reduced response time on the Go/No-go test (all PP=.003) but was not changed in the BEG (P=.97). Importantly, the N2 amplitude in Fz was significantly greater in the EXG compared to the BEG (Go: P=.001 and No-go: P=.008). CONCLUSIONS Exergaming has the comparable effects to bicycle exercise to enhance attention in children with ADHD, suggesting that exergaming can be used as an alternative treatment for children with ADHD. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008239; https://tinyurl.com/57e4jtnb

BACKGROUND Despite increasing interest in the effects of exergaming on cognitive function, little is known about its effects on older adults with dementia. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this is to investigate the effects of exergaming on executive and physical functions in older adults with dementia compared to regular aerobic exercise. METHODS In total, 24 older adults with moderate dementia participated in the study. Participants were randomized into either the exergame group (EXG, n=13, 54%) or the aerobic exercise group (AEG, n=11, 46%). For 12 weeks, EXG engaged in a running-based exergame and AEG performed a cycling exercise. At baseline and postintervention, participants underwent the Ericksen flanker test (accuracy % and response time [RT]) while recording event-related potentials (ERPs) that included the N2 and P3b potentials. Participants also underwent the senior fitness test (SFT) and the body composition test pre- and postintervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of time (pre- vs postintervention), group (EXG vs AEG), and group×time interactions. RESULTS Compared to AEG, EXG demonstrated greater improvements in the SFT (F1.22=7.434, P=.01), reduction in body fat (F1.22=6.476, P=.02), and increase in skeletal mass (F1.22=4.525, P=.05), fat-free mass (F1.22=6.103, P=.02), and muscle mass (F1.22=6.636, P=.02). Although there was a significantly shorter RT in EXG postintervention (congruent P=.03, 95% CI 13.581-260.419, incongruent P=.04, 95% CI 14.621-408.917), no changes occurred in AEG. EXG also yielded a shorter N2 latency for central (Cz) cortices during both congruent conditions compared to AEG (F1.22=4.281, P=.05). Lastly, EXG presented a significantly increased P3b amplitude compared to AEG during the Ericksen flanker test (congruent: frontal [Fz] F1.22=6.546, P=.02; Cz F1.22=5.963, P=.23; parietal [Pz] F1.22=4.302, P=.05; incongruent: Fz F1.22=8.302, P=.01; Cz F1.22=15.199, P=.001; Pz F1.22=13.774, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that exergaming may be associated with greater improvements in brain neuronal activity and enhanced executive function task performance than regular aerobic exercise. Exergaming characterized by both aerobic exercise and cognitive stimulation can be used as an effective intervention to improve cognitive and physical functions in older adults with dementia. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008238; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/24170

Highlights • Regular moderate aerobic exercise has decreased the accumulation of lipids and suppressed the expression of monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 in the liver, despite a continued high-fat diet. • Regular moderate aerobic exercise shows an independent effect on improvements in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and contribute to the suppression of the monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 pathway. • This study first reports that exercise suppressed the monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 pathway and this is a powerful molecular evidence to demonstrate the effect of exercise on the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease., Purpose Monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (MGAT1) is reported to play a key role in the development of diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, this study investigated the effect of exercise on suppression of the MGAT1 pathway in NAFLD tissue of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an HFD containing 45% fat for 6 weeks. Upon confirmation that NAFLD had been induced in the obese animals, they were divided into HFD-fed groups provided with exercise (HFD + EXE) or without exercise (HFD) and a group given dietary adjustment (DA) only, for a further 6 weeks of intervention treatment. The 6-week regular moderate aerobic exercise consisted of an accommodation phase with increasing exercise. Lipid accumulation in the liver tissue was determined by Oil Red O staining. The MGAT1 and liver lipogenic gene mRNA levels were measured by qPCR, and their protein levels by western blot assay. Results Oil Red O staining showed that NAFLD was successfully induced by HFD-fed. The gene expression of MGAT1 was significantly lower in HFD + EXE than HFD. However, there was no significant difference between HFD + EXE and DA. The protein expression of MGAT1 was significantly lower in HFD + EXE than both HFD and DA. Messenger RNA and protein expression of other lipogenic genes were not different among groups. These data indicate that exercise suppresses MGAT1 pathway regardless of HFD feeding; in part, this effect could be greater than DA. Conclusion Our data suggest that exercise can improve NAFLD, which is probably due to suppression of MGAT1 pathway., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Background/Objecitves Fire-fighting is highly required with aerobic fitness, strength, and body composition. However, there is a lack of comprehensive physical fitness data for South Korean firefighters. The purpose of this study was to collect fundamental data obtained with precise methods to compare with previously reported values form other countries. Methods A total of 102 Korean national firefighters (84 males and 18 females) participated in this study. A graded exercise test was performed to measure the VO2max of the participants. Muscle strength and muscular endurance of the knees, shoulders, and trunk were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer and grip strength was measured using a grip dynamometer. DXA was utilized for body composition measurements. Results The VO2max of the Korean male firefighters was 42.27 ml/kg/min and it was 35.93 ml/kg/min in the female firefighters. The right and left shoulder peak torque values were 103.1 Nm and 93.3 Nm in male firefighters and the torques in the female firefighters were 37.5% and 37.4% of those values, respectively. The grip strength of male and female firefighters was 49.9 kg and 30.8 kg. The body fat percentage of the male firefighters was 25.1% and it was 33.4% for female firefighters Conclusion In our study, the Korean firefighters had relatively lower levels of physical fitness compared to different country's firefighters. The Korean National Fire Agency may reconsider modifying physical fitness test standards or making exercise guidelines to conform to published standards.

We wanted to find the intensity of exercise that could increase brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and improve spatial learning and memory without dietary control. C57BL/6 mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Obesity-induced mice were exercised on a treadmill for 8 weeks at various exercise in-tensities: HFD-control (n=7), HFD-low-intensity exercise (HFD-LIE, n= 7, 12 m/min for 75 min), HFD-middle intensity exercise (HFD-MIE, n=7, 15 m/min for 60 min) and HFD-high-intensity exercise (HFD-HIE, n=7, 18 m/min for 50 min). One week before sacrificing mice, the Morris wa-ter maze test was performed, and the hippocampus was immediately removed after sacrifice. The expression levels of BDNF (encoded by the gene Bdnf) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippo-campus were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction and western blot. In the last probe test of the Morris water maze test, occupancy in the target quadrant was sig-nificantly higher in the HFD-HIE group (P

Background: Hypertension is common in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS), and it is an important risk factor for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Compared to moderate-intensity co...

BACKGROUND Insufficient physical activity due to social distancing and suppressed outdoor activities increase people’s vulnerability against various diseases such as sarcopenia and severe COVID-19 illness. While bodyweight exercises like squats are effective in increasing the amount of activity at home while refraining from outdoor activities, incorrect postures can activate wrong muscles, potentially leading to ineffective sessions or even injuries, and avoiding incorrect postures is not an easy task for novices without the help of an expert. Although remote coaching or computer-assisted posture correction systems have been introduced, most existing solutions are costly or inefficient. OBJECTIVE We aim to use deep neural networks to design and develop a personal workout assistant capable of giving feedback on squat postures using only mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. We also evaluate the effectiveness of our mobile system by comparing it with simply following exercise videos, which is one of the most popular training methods at home. METHODS In the first part, we created a dataset with over 20,000 squat videos, annotated by experts, and trained a deep learning model using a combination of pose estimation and video classification to analyze the workout postures. In the second part, we developed a mobile workout assistant application and showed how our application helps people improve squat performance via an interventional study for two weeks in which the experimental group trained using our assistant application while the control group only watched and followed workout videos. RESULTS The participants in the group that used our application significantly improved their squat performance evaluated by the application after two weeks (P=.001) while the control group without the application had no significant change in performance (P=.13). There were significant differences in the left (P=.02) and right (P=.02) knee’s joint angles in the experimental group between the before and after, while no significant effect was found for the control group in the left (P=.68) and right (P=.61) knee’s joint angle. CONCLUSIONS While both groups managed to increase their muscle strength and endurance the participants in the experimental group who trained with our mobile assistant application experienced faster improvement and learned more nuanced details of the full squat exercise without additional guidance. CLINICALTRIAL This study does not include a clinical trial.

The main aim of the present study is to evaluate reach, dose, fidelity, and outcomes of the interventions for promoting voluntary exercise training among South Korean firefighters. Four interventions for promoting voluntary exercise training among firefighters (i.e., virtual reality exercise system intervention, poster intervention, monitor intervention, and wearable health device intervention) were performed in a fire station located in Seoul, South Korea. To evaluate reach and dose received related to each intervention, participants were asked to answer several simple questions. Three process evaluators completed a 20-item survey to share their impressions related to the quality of intervention delivery. Paired t test was used to examine mean changes in primary (i.e., mean minutes of exercise training per week) and secondary outcomes (i.e., beliefs and intention) between pre- and postinterventions. More than 60% of participants experienced monitor and wearable health device interventions. Process evaluators tend not to agree with a statement saying that the number of the virtual reality exercise equipment was appropriate. Among firefighters who participated in exercise training less than 150 min per week at 1-month follow-up, mean minutes of exercise training per week increased by 67.95 min after interventions. Future studies need to examine whether the monitor and wearable health device interventions effectively increase exercise training participation among firefighters in other fire stations located in Seoul, South Korea.

This study aims to investigate the effect of zinc on the sex ratio and intersexuality of Tegillarca granosa, a sequential hermaphroditic bivalve that undergoes sex change during the gonadal inactive stage. Groups of T. granosa in the gonadal inactive stage were first exposed to zinc under indoor aquarium conditions for 5 weeks, and then under wild conditions for 3 months. The proportion of males and females tended to increase and decrease, respectively as the zinc concentration increased. Intersexuality increased with an increase in zinc concentration, and occurred more in female than male groups in all zinc exposed groups. The intersex of T. granosa exposed to zinc could be divided into interfollicular and intrafollicular types according to the histological pattern. The results of this study suggest that zinc exposure higher than a certain concentration may induce male sexuality during the gonadal inactive stage in the same population of T. granosa, and could result in unequal sex ratios as well as intersex.

To understand the habitat ecology of Tresus keenae, an infaunal bivalve, the microanatomical structure of the siphon and the method of siphonal sheath formation were described. The diameter of the incurrent siphon was approximately 1.2 times greater than that of the excurrent siphon. Several irregular tentacles developed inside the distal end of the siphon. The tentacles in the incurrent siphon were approximately twice as long as those in the excurrent siphon. The siphon consisted of six tissue layers, which, from the outside inward, were the siphonal sheath, matrix, outer epithelial layer, connective tissue layer, muscular layer, and inner epithelial layer. The siphonal sheath was composed of an outer cuticle and dense microfilament layer and had vertical ducts. The matrix showed a loose microfilament layer. The outer epithelial layer was simple consisting of ciliated columnar epithelia and secretory cells. There were two types of secretory cells: arenophilic cells and proteinous granular cells. These were all unicellular glands, with cytoplasmic projections developing on the free surface and microstructural features of the cytoplasm showing secretory activity. Histochemical analysis indicated that the secretory granules of the secretory cells, the dense microfilament layer, and the matrix were composed of neutral carboxylated mucopolysaccharides. From these characteristics, it was concluded that the siphonal sheath was formed via the transportation of substances secreted by secretory cells of the outer epithelial layer to the outside through the duct. The hemolymph sinus developed in the connective tissue layer. The muscular layer had alternating longitudinal and circular muscle layers. The inner epithelial layer was simple and consisted of ciliated columnar epithelial cells and secretory cells. Secretory cells are goblet-like cells and contain acidic carboxylated substances. The siphonal sheath was identified starting at approximately 3.5 mm in shell length before the infaunal stage; as it grew, the siphonal sheath thickened, reflecting the infaunal habitat.

The ecological changes in the ocean due to the drastic global warming require that action be taken to sustain the productivity of fisheries. Proper ocean facilities could help prevent the loss of the expenditures made on marine aquaculture and reduce the related compensation for various ocean conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a floating ocean wave-breaker using an eco-friendly concrete and conducting a site survey, a structural analysis, and a test of towing the tank. As a result, the wave at the fish farm would be reduced. The results of the holding power of anchors and the capability of moving the floating structures were considered in the design of the wave-breaker. The analyses of the material properties of concrete and the steel structures, as well as the CAPEX and OPEX analyses of the manufacturing and operation processes confirmed the superiority of the floating concrete wave-breaker. In particular, this study demonstrated that the concrete floating breakwater can protect the fish farm against typhoons and reverse-waves, thereby reducing losses of the fish.

Objective Recently, exergames have been used an exercise modality as aerobic fitness activities. However, evidence of its effectiveness on cardiovascular (CV)‐related risk factors remain unclear. Hypothesis We evaluate the effects of exergaming on CV‐related risk factors compared with traditional aerobic exercise in high CV risk patients. Methods Sixty‐five postmenopausal women with high CV risk were randomized among exergame (n = 22), treadmill (n = 22), and control (n = 21) groups. The exergame group was engaged in the running‐based exergame using Exer Heart and the treadmill group walked or jogged on a treadmill. Cardiorespiratory fitness, flow‐mediated dilation, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), epicardial fat thickness, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric parameters were measured in patients before and 12 weeks after the training. Results Exergaming significantly improved VO2 peak (P

Aims The dopamine transporter (DAT) actively translocates dopamine that is released from the presynaptic neurons across the membranes of nerve terminals into the extracellular space. We hypothesized that glucose loading-induced changes in striatal DAT levels could be associated with food intake in humans. Materials and methods An intravenous bolus injection of 18 F-FP-CIT was administered after infusion of glucose or placebo (normal saline), and emission data were acquired over 90 minutes in 33 healthy males. For a volume-of-interest-based analysis, an atlas involving sub-striatal regions of ventral striatum (VST), caudate nucleus and putamen was applied. DAT availability and binding potential (BPND ) were measured using a simplified reference tissue method with cerebellum as the reference. Results The glucose-loaded BPND from the VST negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), whereas the placebo-loaded BPND from the VST did not. After loading with glucose, there were substantial increases in BPND s: 18.3%, 71.7% and 34.0% on average in the VST, caudate nucleus and putamen, respectively. Conclusion Striatal DAT changes after glucose loading, and BMI is associated with glucose-loaded DAT availability, not with placebo-loaded DAT availability. DAT might have a role in the reward system of eating behavior.

In this study, the effects of fiber spacing and loading rate on the pullout behaviors of single and multiple straight steel fibers embedded in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) were investigated. Hence, three different fiber spacings, corresponding to the fiber volume fractions of 1, 2, and 7%, and loading rates, i.e., quasi-static and impacts, were considered. Bundled fiber specimens were also fabricated and tested to examine the fiber bundling effect at both the static and impact loading conditions. The test results indicated that the pullout resistance of straight steel fibers in UHPC improved by increasing the loading rate, regardless of their number, spacing, and bundles. Approximately 33–68% greater bond strengths were obtained in the single fiber specimen compared to the multiple fiber specimens at both the static and impact loads. The fiber bundles deteriorated the static pullout resistance, whereas both positive and negative bundling effects were found on the interfacial bond strength and pullout energy, respectively, under the impact loads. The strongest rate sensitivity on the dynamic increase factors of the pullout parameters, such as bond strength, maximum fiber tensile stress, and pullout energy, was found as the fibers were bundled, followed by the single and multiple fiber specimens. For the case of multiple fiber specimens, the loading rate sensitivity increased by decreasing the fiber spacing in general, such that the multiple fibers with closer spacings, corresponding to 2 and 7% by volume, were more sensitive to the rate of loading than their counterparts with greater fiber spacings.

In general, acute exercise is thought to inhibit immune function and increase the risk of opportunistic infections, but there is some opposition to this due to a lack of quantitative evaluation. Therefore, we quantified the effect of exercise on immune function and observed the interaction between antigens and cytokines using an intramuscular infection with Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), a common parasitic infection model. C57BL/6 mice were used for a non-infection experiment and an infection (Inf) experiment. Each experiment was divided further into three groups: one control (CON) group, and an exercise pre-infection (PIE)-only group and exercise-sustained (ES) group, each of which was subjected to exercise for 7 weeks. All animals in the infection experiment were infected with T. spiralis 30 min after acute exercise. After infection, the ES and Inf-ES groups continued exercise for 7 additional weeks. The number of T. spiralis nurse cells remaining in skeletal muscles was fewer in the infected exercise groups compared with the infected control. Expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was higher in the Inf-CON group and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression was lower in the Inf-CON group than in the CON group, as measured by RT-PCR. In the infection experiment, only IL-10 had significant differences between the groups. Immunofluorescence revealed that most cytokines were specifically expressed around the antigenic nurse cells following exercise. In conclusion, exercise training does not increase the risk of opportunistic infections even after acute exercise, but rather reduces it. These results may be due to antigen-specific immune responses.