ObjectiveTo explore the effect of intervention based on theory of planned behavior on muscle attenuation and balance of the elderly with sarcopenia. MethodsFrom September, 2022 to February, 2023, 124 elderly people with sarcopenia were conveniently sampled from Lishuiwan Community and Shuxiangyuan Community in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. According to the coin toss, 62 elderly people from Shuxiangyuan Community were designated as control group, and 62 elderly people from Lishuiwan Community were as intervention group. The intervention group implemented the intervention based on the theory of planned behavior, including behavior attitude, behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and behavior awareness; the control group maintained their original lifestyle, for twelve weeks. Before and after intervention, the grip strength, time of Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, relative appendicular skeletal muscle index (RASM), 6-minute walking speed and the score of Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were compared. ResultsAfter intervention, the grip strength, RASM, 6-minute walking speed, and the score of BBS significantly increased, and the time of Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test shortened in the intervention group (|Z| > 6.257, |t| > 28.643, P < 0.001), and they were better in the intervention group than in the control group (|Z| > 2.288, |t| > 3.177, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe intervention based on theory of planned behavior can effectively relieve the muscle attenuation of the elderly with sarcopenia, and improve their balance ability.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of nutrition combined with exercise intervention on stroke patients with sarcopenia. MethodsFrom January to June, 2022, 60 stroke patients with sarcopenia were randomly divided into control group (n = 15), nutrition group (n = 15), exercise group (n = 15) and combined group (n = 15). All the groups received routine rehabilitation training, while the nutrition group received nutrition intervention, the exercise group received exercise intervention, and the combined group received both the nutrition and exercise intervention, for four weeks. Before and after intervention, the muscle index was measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis, gripping strength of the healthy and the affected side was measured with gripping strength meter, and the patients were assessed with modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). ResultsFour cases in the control group, two in the nutrition group, one in the exercise group, and three in the combined group dropped down. The muscle index, gripping strength, and the scores of MBI and BBS improved in all the groups after intervention (|t| > 3.004, P < 0.05), while all improved more in the combined group than in the other three groups (P < 0.05), and the grip strength of the healthy side was more in the exercise group than in the nutrition group (P < 0.05). ConclusionNutrition or exercise intervention alone can improve the muscle quality, grip strength, activities of daily living and balance of stroke patients with sarcopenia, while the combination is more effective.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally regarded as a major contributor to dental caries because of its ability to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that aid in the formation of plaque biofilm. The VicRKX system of S. mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vicK gene on specific characteristics of EPS in S. mutans biofilm. We constructed single-species biofilms formed by different mutants of vicK gene. Production and distribution of EPS were detected through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microcosmic structures of EPS were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cariogenicity of the vicK mutant was assessed in a specific pathogen-free rat model. Transcriptional levels of cariogenicity-associated genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that deletion of vicK gene suppressed biofilm formation as well as EPS production, and EPS were synthesized mostly around the cells. Molecular weight and monosaccharide components underwent evident alterations. Biofilms formed in vivo were sparse and contributed a decreased degree of caries. Moreover, expressional levels of genes related to EPS synthesis were down-regulated, except for gtfB. Our report demonstrates that vicK gene enhances biofilm formation and subsequent caries development. And this may due to its regulations on EPS metabolism, like synthesis or microcosmic features of EPS. This study suggests that vicK gene and EPS can be considered as promising targets to modulate dental caries.
Animals ; Biofilms ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Rats ; Streptococcus mutans/genetics*