Browse Articles

Abstract MP34: Circulating Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Increase with Overweight and Obesity and are Associated Endothelial Dysfunction

The prevalence of overweight/obesity continues to increase in the United States. With increased adiposity there is a shift in the phenotype and biology of adipose tissue resulting in an adipocyte secretome with proatherogenic consequences. Clinical interest in adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (Ad-EVs) has intensified due to their potential as systemic mediators of overweight- and obesity-related cardiometabolic dysfunction. While there are experimental data to suggest that Ad-EVs contribute to cardiovascular risk, to date there are no clinical data establishing a link between circulating Ad-EVs and vascular endothelial function. The purpose of this ongoing study is to determine: 1) if circulating Ad-EV levels are elevated in adults with overweight and obesity, independent of other cardiometabolic risk factors; and if so, 2) whether circulating Ad-EVs are associated with adiposity-related endothelial vasodilator dysfunction. Twenty-four sedentary, mid-life adults (45-66 years) were studied: 8 normal weight (4M/4F; age: 56 + 3 yr; BMI: 21.2 + 0.7 kg/m 2 ); 8 overweight (4M/4F; 56 + 2 yr; 28.4 + 0.3 kg/m 2 ); and 8 obese (4M/4F; 57 + 2 yr; 31.5 + 0.8 kg/m 2 ). All subjects were free of overt cardiometabolic disease. Ad-EV identification (perilipin A + vesicles) and concentration in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Forearm blood flow (FBF: via plethysmography) was assessed in response to intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine (4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min) and sodium nitroprusside (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min). Circulating Ad-EVs were markedly higher (P<0.001) in overweight (236 + 35 Ad-EV/µL) and obese (417±57 Ad-EV/µL) compared with normal weight (107±11 Ad-Ev/µL) adults. Additionally, Ad-EVs were higher (P<0.004) in the obese vs overweight adults. FBF response to acetylcholine was significantly lower (~35%) in the overweight (from 4.5±0.3 to 11.5±0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) and obese (from 4.7±0.3 to 9.7±0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) vs normal weight group (from 5.0±0.4 to 16.1±1.1 mL/100 mL tissue/min). Ad-EVs were strongly and inversely associated with the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (r=-0.74; P<0.001). In conclusion, increased adiposity, independent of other cardiometabolic risk factors, is associated with elevated circulating levels of Ad-EVs. Moreover, these circulating Ad-EVs may serve as a biomarker of, and possible contributor to, adiposity-related endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease risk.

Abstract P1095: Hair Cortisol Concentration, Perceived Stress, and Physical Activity Among Patients with Heart Failure

Introduction: Patients with heart failure (HF) often experience chronic stress arising from symptom burden and distress about the future. Chronic stress can be measured subjectively through questionnaires and objectively through biomarkers such as hair cortisol concentration (HCC). Cortisol, a catabolic hormone associated with skeletal muscle loss, may be associated with a decrease in physical activity (PA) tolerance. The interplay between chronic stress and PA may vary across different HF etiologies, including heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF), and combined HF, due to differing underlying contributing factors. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between perceived stress, HCC, and PA among patients with different HF etiologies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, perceived stress was measured using The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). HCC (pg/mg) was derived from cortisol collected from hair samples (3cm long, 20mg in weight) and analyzed using enzyme immunoassay. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short form (s-IPAQ) was used to measure PA. Results: The sample included 28 patients with HFrEF (mean EF: 41 ± 9%), 7 patients with HFpEF (mean EF: 54 ± 6%), and 11 patients with combined HF (mean EF: 43 ± 8%). Overall, participants were 71.8 + 11.2 years old, 44% female, 87% White, 4% Black, and 9% Hispanic. HCC was not significantly associated with perceived stress in any group. However, HCC was strongly and positively associated with PA among patients with HFpEF ( r = 0.91, p < 0.005), but not among patients with HFrEF ( r = -0.09, p = 0.64) or combined HF ( r = 0.26, p = 0.44). Conclusions: The absence of correlation between perceived stress and HCC suggests a potential dissociation between psychological and physiological stress in HF patients which could be due to a blunted stress response in chronic illness or to use of adaptive coping. Despite a small sample, PA was significantly and positively associated with HCC among patients with HFpEF, which was unexpected. PA in HFpEF patients may serve as a physiological stressor that increases cortisol production to help regulate metabolism. Because HFpEF is often associated with chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and other morbidities, physical exertion may also augment the stress response. Further research examining the association between chronic stress and PA with larger samples and objectively measured PA measures is needed.

On the effectiveness of electrical characterization of mature Staphylococcal Biofilm

In the activation of HPV-specific human B cells HPV-VLP vaccines mimic membrane-associated antigens

B cell responses to membrane-presented antigens appear to be strongly favored over soluble antigens in vivo suggesting that vaccines that mimic membrane-presented antigens may be highly efficacious. We recently demonstrated that human B cell responses to membrane-associated but not to soluble antigens in vitro depended on the expression and activity of the plasma membrane mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1. Here, we provide evidence that the efficacy of the current human papillomavirus virus-like particle (HPV VLP) vaccines may be due in part to their inherent ability to mimic Piezo1-dependent membrane presentation of antigens to B cells. We compared HPV-specific human B cell responses to HPV VLPs versus soluble HPV pentameric capsomeres and showed that although both induced calcium responses, only HPV VLP-induced responses were blocked by Piezo1 inhibitors. The kinetics of internalization of HPV-VLP and capsomeres into HPV-specific B cells were similar and neither required Piezo1 function as shown by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Piezo. However, trafficking of HPV-VLPs into intracellular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) + antigen-processing compartments was Piezo1-dependent, whereas trafficking of capsomeres was not. In addition, a time course of intracellular trafficking suggested that colocalization of HPV-VLP with MHC classII was more stable over time as compared to capsomeres. Taken together these findings suggest that the ability of HPV-VLP vaccines to mimic Piezo1-dependent membrane antigen presentation may be exploited in the design of highly effective human vaccines.

Abstract P1031: Impact of Psychosocial and Socioeconomic Stress on Metabolic Health and Body Mass Phenotypes: Insights from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Background: Chronic psychosocial stress and low socioeconomic status (SES) are linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic diseases. This study investigates how these stressors impact metabolic health and body mass (MHBM) phenotypes in Hispanic/Latino adults. Objective: To assess the associations between chronic stress, SES, and MHBM phenotypes in Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (SCAS) (N=4,712, mean age 45.3±10.4 years, 52% female). Chronic stress was measured via the Chronic Burden Scale, SES was evaluated by education and income, and MHBM was assessed using BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose. Multivariable polytomous logistic regression models were used to assess associations between chronic stress, SES, and MHBM phenotypes. Results: Metabolically unhealthy phenotypes were prevalent (40% MUOB; 31% MUOW), while healthier phenotypes (MHNW, MHOW, MHOB) represented smaller proportions (4-7%). Table 1 shows that chronic stress was significantly associated with increased odds of MHOB (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.40) and MUOB (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06–1.34); however, losing significance after adjustment. Low SES compared with high SES was significantly associated with higher odds of MUOB in both unadjusted (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.46–3.87) and adjusted models (aOR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.46–3.87). Low SES was also significantly associated with MUNW (OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.33–3.50) and MHOW (OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.38–3.32) in unadjusted models but not in adjusted models. Moderate SES compared to high SES was not significantly associated with any phenotypes in either model. Conclusion: This study highlights the lasting impact of chronic stress and low SES on metabolic health in Hispanic/Latino adults. Interventions targeting stress reduction and social risk may help prevent and manage metabolic disorders in this population.

Abstract P1091: Association of NSAIDs Use, Pain Interference, and Incident Heart Failure among REGARDS Participants with Diabetes.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). People with DM frequently have chronic pain, often treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Past research suggests that NSAID use among people with DM may be associated with cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we examined the association of NSAID use with incident HF hospitalization overall and by HF subtype among adults with DM. Methods: Incident HF hospitalizations and HF deaths were expert-adjudicated in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) biracial cohort (age ≥ 45 years), recruited in 2003-07 from the continental US. Baseline DM was defined by fasting or random serum glucose, anti-diabetic medication use, and/or self-report. Baseline NSAIDs use came from medication bottle review at an in-home visit and baseline pain interference was self-reported using the SF-12 scale. Propensity for NSAIDs use was computed using 54 baseline participant characteristics. Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for propensity score for NSAID use, examined risk for HF overall, by pain interference, and by opioid use. Results: We studied 5483 HF-free REGARDS participants with DM, aged 64 years; 53% female, 56% Black, 15% on NSAIDs, and 27% reporting pain interference in the past week. Over median 15-year follow up, there were 584 incident HF events. We observed no statistically significant associations between NSAID use and incident HF overall (TABLE). However, among those with high pain interference, NSAID use was associated with 1.5-fold increased risk of incident HF compared to similar NSAID nonusers, without differences by HF subtype. NSAID use was associated with 2-fold higher risk of incident HF among prescription opioid users compared to nonusers. Conclusions: Among adults with DM, NSAID use was associated with increased risk of incident HF among those with higher pain interference or concurrent opioid intake. NSAIDs should be used in people with DM with caution.

Production, isolation, optimization, and characterization of microbial PHA from Bacillus australimaris

Abstract Population explosion in recent years has driven the environment to overuse nondegradable substances. Microbial polyesters known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are generated and retained as cytoplasmic granules in microorganisms with restricted nutritional availability and can be used to manufacture bioplastics. The current study attempts to screen soil isolates for PHA production and optimize their media parameters. Among all the isolates, 17 were identified and confirmed by Sudan black staining, as they are screening for PHA production and are identified by their colony characteristics. The isolation of the most promising strain, GS-14, was achieved through the sodium hypochlorite method, and subsequent quantification involved establishing a standard curve of crotonic acid. Notably, isolate GS-14 presented the highest yield, which was determined by extrapolating its data onto the standard curve. Characterization of the PHA polymer was subsequently performed, and the results were used to discern its properties. FTIR confirmed characteristic PHA absorption bands, with a prominent C = O stretching peak at 1732 cm⁻¹. LC-MS detected a molecular mass of 641.6 g/mol, indicative of an oligomeric species, while the actual polymer molecular weight is estimated between 5,000 and 20,000 Da. DSC revealed an exothermic peak at 174 °C, allowing the calculation of crystallinity, a key determinant of mechanical properties. Furthermore, the PHA-producing organism was identified as Bacillus australimaris through the sequencing of 16 S ribosomal RNA. The media optimization was performed via Minitab software, with statistical analyses employed to interpret the resulting data comprehensively.

Environmental drivers of spatial variation in tropical forest canopy height: Insights from NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR

Forest canopy height is a fundamental ecosystem property—influencing patterns of forest carbon storage and forest ecosystem responses to climate variability and change. Previous studies have analyzed environmental drivers influencing spatial variation in canopy height at landscape-to-regional scales; however, far less is known about the environmental determinants underlying regional and global scale variation in forest canopy height. Using the canopy height metrics products from Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), a space-borne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) instrument specifically designed to characterize forest structure, we analyze the environmental correlates of spatial variation of global tropical forest canopy height. Our study demonstrates that climate, topography, and soil properties account for 75% of the variation in tropical forest canopy height. Elevation, dry season length, and solar radiation are the most important drivers in determining canopy height both locally and regionally. These results emphasize the vulnerability of tropical forest structure to ongoing changes in the earth’s climate and provide a valuable empirical baseline for tropical forest management.

Abstract P2074: The Association of Lipoprotein(a) with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events and All-cause Mortality in US Hispanics/Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). An Lp(a) threshold of ≥125 nmol/L is commonly used to identify those at higher risk, but there is paucity of data on Hispanic/Latino individuals. Methods: We evaluated the association between Lp(a) and myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and all-cause mortality (ACM) among 16,117 self-identified Hispanic/Latino HCHS/SOL participants. Event rates were compared across Lp(a) quintiles and below/above median IQR. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models assessed the relationship between events and Lp(a) (log-transformed, per quintiles and above/below 125 nmol/L). Kaplan-Meier curves showed outcome-free survival across quintiles. Sampling weights and survey methods were used to accommodate the stratified probability sampling of the cohort. Results: Among HCHS/SOL participants (median age 41.1 years, 52.4% female), the median Lp(a) was 19.7 nmol/L (IQR 7.3-60.6), 11.4% had an Lp(a) over 125 nmol/L, and the highest quintile of Lp(a) was >77 nmol/L. Over a median of 9.8 years, 883 events (135 MI, 99 stroke, 649 ACM) occurred. Incident MI and ACM, but not IS, occurred more often in those in the highest quintile of Lp(a) compared with other quintiles. In multivariable models, continuous log-transformed Lp(a) and categorial Lp(a) (fifth quintile) were independently associated with incident MI but not IS or ACM. Lp(a) ≥125 nmol/L was associated with a higher risk of both incident MI and ACM. Outcome-free survival was significantly lower for the highest Lp(a) quintiles, Figure 1. Conclusion: Hispanic/Latino individuals with elevated Lp(a) are at increased risk of MI and ACM. Although Lp(a) ≥125 nmol/L is a valid risk threshold, Hispanics/Latinos show an increased risk at a lower Lp(a) threshold.

Abstract 040: Statin Initiation Is Not Associated With Gut Microbiome Changes: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Introduction: Gut microbiome (GMB) has been implicated in the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins. Observational studies and animal models suggest statins increase GMB diversity and alter GMB composition. However, secondary analyses of a rosuvastatin trial (N=20/arm) did not support these findings. This trial was limited in demographics (Norwegian women) and GMB measurement (16s rRNA sequencing, which lacks data on species and function). We sought to emulate a randomized trial of statins on GMB in a longitudinal cohort with greater demographic inclusion and higher-resolution GMB sequencing. Hypothesis: Statins increase GMB diversity and alter GMB composition and function. Methods: We selected statin initiator and non-initiator-matched participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Eligible participants had to have 2+ GMB samples (collected between 2013 and 2019), be statin naïve at start of collection, have non-missing matching covariate data, and be statin eligible at their baseline visit (using 2013 ACC/AHA Guidelines). We used a 1:1 matching algorithm on the baseline propensity score, with nearest-neighbor matching on age, BMI, education, LDL-c, and ASCVD lifetime risk category (Yes/No/Prior ASCVD event); and exact matching on sex, diabetes status, smoking, and race. We measured GMB features (diversity, composition, and functional genes) using shotgun sequencing. We tested associations of statin initiation with post-treatment GMB alpha diversity and with changes in GMB beta diversity using ANCOVA g-computation, and with differential abundance of microbial species and functional genes using ANCOM-BC2. We adjusted models for the baseline matching covariates; alpha diversity models were further adjusted for baseline alpha diversity. Results: We identified N=30 matched pairs (N=60 total; 40% female, 30% Black). Matching covariates were well-balanced (all absolute standardized mean differences <0.1). Samples were also balanced on baseline GMB features. Among treated participants, statins lowered LDL-c (B: -40.7, 95%CI: -53.8 to -27.6), but did not affect other lipids. Statins were not associated with GMB diversity. Statins decreased Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and altered 10 functional genes (mostly increased fatty acid biosynthesis) (all p <0.05); however, these associations were not significant at FDR <0.20. Conclusions: Using an emulated randomized trial, statins did not alter GMB diversity, but may induce changes in GMB function.

Navigating artificial general intelligence development: societal, technological, ethical, and brain-inspired pathways

Cluster dynamical mean-field study of intra-unit-cell charge nematicity in hole-doped cuprates

Recent scanning-tunneling microscopy on hole-doped Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 , one of the materials of the cuprate family, finds a long-range ordered spontaneous splitting of the energy levels of oxygen orbitals inside the CuO 2 unit cells [S. Wang et al ., Nat. Mat. 23, 492–498 (2024)]. This spontaneous intra-unit-cell orbital ordering, also known as electronic nematicity, breaks C 4 symmetry and is thought to arise from the Coulomb interaction (denoted by V pp ) between oxygen p x and p y electrons. In this work, we study the spontaneous emergence of electronic nematicity within the three-band Hubbard [aka the Emery-VSA (Varma-Schmitt-Rink-Abrahams) model], using cluster dynamical mean-field theory. This method incorporates short-range electronic correlations and gives us access to the density of states, a quantity that is directly probed in experiments. We argue that there is a delicate competition between V pp and V pd (the latter being the Coulomb interaction between copper d x 2 − y 2 and oxygen p x , y electrons) that must be taken into account in order to find a Zhang-Rice singlet band well-resolved from the upper Hubbard band, and a splitting of the charge-transfer band (one of the signatures of charge nematicity) by roughly 50 meV, as observed recently.

Abstract P3058: Social determinants of health correlates and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among older adults in Baltimore: The engAGE with Heart Study

Background: Social determinants of health (SDoH) are linked with cardiovascular health, yet timely community-based atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment is often limited. We examine the associations between SDoH and ASCVD risk among older adults in Baltimore. Methods: In this cross-sectional study in 4 Black churches in Baltimore; we assessed the cardiovascular health of older adults ages 40-79 years. We estimated ASCVD risk using the 2013 ACC/AHA pooled cohort equation (PCE) and dichotomized risk as high (PCE ≥7.5%) versus low (PCE <7.5%). An aggregate SDoH score was quantified as a cumulative number of adverse SDoH on a 7-item domain (primary care provider, health insurance, income, housing, support network, education, and employment) identified from the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients' Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE) tool; and participants were divided into groups with no adverse and at least one adverse SDoH. Logistic regression models were fitted to examine the association between SDoH factors and ASCVD risk adjusting for sex and age. Results: Among 119 older Black adults, (mean age 59 ± 17 years, 79% female), mean systolic and diastolic BP were 130 ± 18.3 and 79 ± 10 mmHg, respectively. Overall, the mean ASCVD risk score was 13.08 (SD 10.2) with 69% having at least one adverse SDoH. From the adjusted model, compared with an income of > $20,000, ASCVD risk was 3.28 greater (95% CI, 1.15 – 9.30) among those with low income ( < $20,000). Compared with the employed, ASCVD risk was 6.63 higher (95% CI, 2.61-16.67) among those who are unemployed. Having at least one adverse SDoH was associated higher risk for ASCVD 7.25 (95% CI:1.53-12.71) compared with those without no adverse SDoH (Table ). Conclusion: We found a strong association between lower income, unemployment, and having at least one adverse SDoH with increased ASCVD risk. Our findings suggest a need for targeted socio-economic policies to address these SDoH, particularly among older Black individuals, rather than individual-level strategies alone.

Abstract P1174: Endometriosis diagnosis, staging, and typology in relation to inflammatory cytokines

Introduction: Endometriosis, affecting 11% of reproductive-aged persons, is characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue and chronic inflammation. Prior research suggests those with endometriosis have higher cardiovascular disease risk, but mechanisms remain elusive. The objective of this study is to assess whether endometriosis diagnosis, staging, and typology (superficial endometriosis (SE), ovarian endometriomas (OE), and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE)) are associated with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) concentrations. Methods: The study analyzed data from 395 premenopausal persons in Utah undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy who participated in the NICHD ENDO study (2007–2009). Post-operative reports determined endometriosis typology (SE, OE, DE) and staging (minimal, mild, moderate, severe) using Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification. Elevated serum cytokine concentrations were defined as IL-6 ≥2pg/mL, IL-8 ≥3pg/mL, and TNF- ≥7.5pg/mL. Generalized linear models generated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) 95% CI controlling for age, BMI, marital status, race/ethnicity, and serum cotinine. Results: Participants were on average 32 years (SD=7) at time of gynecologic laparoscopy/laparotomy, non-Hispanic white (79%), married (71%), mean BMI 28 (SD=8) and non-smokers (83% serum cotinine <10ng/mL). Forty-two percent (n=166) were diagnosed with incident endometriosis. We found no differences among those with, compared to without, endometriosis and elevated IL-6, 12% vs 10%, aPR: 1.01 (0.97, 1.10), IL-8, 5% vs 8%, aPR: 0.99 (0.94, 1.04); and TNF, 16% vs 13%, aPR: 1.00 (0.96, 1.04). While there were no statistically significant associations between endometriosis staging or typology and cytokines, those with moderate to severe endometriosis had nonsignificant lower IL-6 and IL-8 (aPR: 0.61 [0.15, 2.52] and aPR: 0.74 [0.17, 3.20]) but higher TNF- (aPR: 1.27 [0.56, 2.84]), compared to no endometriosis. Individuals with OE and DE had nonsignificant trends of IL-6 and Il-8 (aPR: 0.86 [0.11, 2.52] and aPR: 0.93 [0.14, 6.43]) but higher TNF- (aPR: 1.93 [0.77, 4.84]). Conclusions: In summary, this study found no clear correlation between endometriosis diagnosis, staging, typology and inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-. Whether endometriosis severity or typology is associated with TNF- should be explored in future studies with adequate power and more representative samples.

Efficient remote sensing image classification using the novel STConvNeXt convolutional network

Stereospecific control of microbial growth by a combinatoric suite of chiral siderophores

Bacteria compete for iron by producing small-molecule chelators known as siderophores. The triscatechol siderophores trivanchrobactin and ruckerbactin, produced by Vibrio campbellii DS40M4 and Yersinia ruckeri YRB, respectively, are naturally occurring diastereomers that form chiral ferric complexes in opposing enantiomeric configurations. Chiral recognition is a hallmark of specificity in biological systems, yet the biological consequences of chiral coordination compounds are relatively unexplored. We demonstrate stereoselective discrimination of microbial growth and iron uptake by chiral Fe(III)–siderophores. The siderophore utilization pathway in V. campbellii DS40M4 is stereoselective for Λ-Fe(III)–trivanchrobactin, but not the mismatched Δ-Fe(III)–ruckerbactin diastereomer. Chiral recognition is likely conferred by the stereospecificity of both the outer membrane receptor (OMR) protein FvtA and the periplasmic binding protein (PBP) FvtB, both of which must interact preferentially with the Λ-configured Fe(III)-coordination complexes.

Abstract P3105: Joint Effect of Oral Health and Dietary Diversity on Cognitive Impairment Among Chinese Adults 65 Years or Older

Introduction: Studies have linked inferior oral health and limited dietary diversity with dementia independently, but their combined impact on cognition remains unprobed. Methods: We included 14,918 participants aged 65 and over from seven waves (1998–2014) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, with follow-up to 2018. We assessed oral health using baseline data on natural teeth and denture use, and dietary diversity through a food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score below 24. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the independent and joint effects of oral health and dietary diversity on cognitive impairment risk, adjusting for demographics, lifestyles, and comorbidities. Results: Among 14,918 participants (mean age 81.4 years, 48.4% female), 6,132 participants developed cognitive impairment during a median follow-up of 3.3 (IQR: 2.7–6.2) years. We found that either possessing 20 or more natural teeth coupled with denture use (Hazard Ratio = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.48–0.71), or maintaining a higher dietary diversity (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.70–0.77), was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment, respectively. In the joint effect analysis, compared to those with fewer teeth, no denture utilization, and low dietary diversity, individuals with 20 or more natural teeth and denture use, jointly with high dietary diversity, exhibited the lowest risk of cognitive impairment (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.33–0.55, P -interaction = 0.047). Conclusion: Retaining a good oral health status, through natural teeth maintenance and denture aids, along with a diverse diet, is associated with a lower cognitive impairment risk in Chinese older adults.

Abstract P2026: Association Between Air Pollutants Exposure and Cardiovascular Hospital Admissions: A Systematic Review

Background: The air we breathe, along with the pollution it carries, has become an inseparable part of daily life for millions of people worldwide. Exposure to air pollutants has been linked to harmful effects on cardiovascular health. Objective: We aim to evaluate and present the data on cause-specific cardiovascular hospitalizations due to various air pollutants. Methods: We searched through PubMed and Google Scholar databases for literature from January 2019 to September 2024 using the keywords “air pollution and cardiovascular hospital admissions”. Studies of relevant design were included where cardiovascular hospital admission was the specific outcome, and one or more of the following exposures were investigated: PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , SO 2 , O 3 and CO. Only studies available in full text and in English language were included. Results: A total of 248 studies were identified, out of which 37 studies met our inclusion criteria. There were 16 time-series studies, 9 case-crossover, 7 cohorts, 4 regression analyses and 1 cross-sectional study. Across all studies (n=37), exposure to PM 2.5 (n=23) showed the most consistent association with hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) (n=18) being the most common outcome. Sixteen studies reported that an increase in the concentration of PM 2.5 , PM 10 and NO 2 was associated with a significant rise in the hospital admissions for overall CVD including IHD, Heart failure, Heart rhythm disturbances, Stroke and Hypertension. Hospital admissions for cerebrovascular events, particularly ischemic stroke, were more strongly associated with exposure to SO 2 , CO and PM 10 , among other pollutants. Similarly, hospital admissions for hypertension were more strongly associated with PM 10 exposure. O 3 and NO 2 exposure were closely linked to hospitalizations for IHD, among other CVD. Elderly populations were more susceptible to effects of air pollutant exposure. Hospital admissions also showed seasonal variations due to changing air pollutant levels throughout the year. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of air pollution as a major contributor to hospital admissions due to CVD. These findings amplify the need for public health interventions to reduce air pollutant levels, essential to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall health and quality of life. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of various air pollutants on cardiovascular outcomes.

Darcy number effects on natural convection around a porous cylinder in L-shaped enclosure using Lattice Boltzmann method

Independent and combined effects of long-term air pollution exposure and genetic predisposition on COVID-19 severity: A population-based cohort study

The relationships between air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and COVID-19-related outcomes, as well as the potential interplays between air pollution and genetic susceptibility, remain largely unexplored. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess associations between long-term exposure to air pollutants and the risk of COVID-19 outcomes (infection, hospitalization, and death) in a COVID-19-naive cohort (n = 458,396). Additionally, associations between air pollutants and the risk of COVID-19 severity (hospitalization and death) were evaluated in a COVID-19 infection cohort (n = 110,216). Furthermore, this study investigated the role of host genetic susceptibility in the relationships between exposure to air pollutants and the development of COVID-19-related outcomes. Long-term exposure to air pollutants was significantly associated with an increased risk of COVID-19-related outcomes in the COVID-19 naive cohort. Similarly, in COVID-19 infection cohort, hazard ratios (HRs) for COVID-19 hospital admission were 1.23 (1.19, 1.27) for PM 2.5 and 1.22 (1.17, 1.26) for PM 10 , whereas HRs for COVID-19 death were 1.28 (1.18, 1.39) for PM 2.5 and 1.25 (1.16, 1.36) for PM 10 . Notably, significant interactions were found between PM 2.5 /PM 10 and genetic susceptibility in COVID-19 death. In COVID-19 infection cohort, participants with both high genetic risk and high air pollutants exposure had 1.86- to 1.97-fold and 1.91- to 2.14-fold higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death compared to those with both low genetic risk and low air pollutants exposure. Exposure to air pollution is significantly associated with an increased burden of severe COVID-19, and air pollution–gene interactions may play a crucial role in the development of COVID-19-related outcomes.