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Abstract 57: Optimizing the Number of Measurements Needed for Reliable Home Blood Pressure Assessment: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: The 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure (BP) Guidelines recommend home BP monitoring (HBPM) to confirm hypertension diagnosis, guide therapy, and support long-term control. However, the optimal number of HBPM measurements needed for accurate and reliable assessment is not established. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that repeated HBPM, when based on multiple readings per session, would plateau within 3 days. Methods: At ARIC study visit 10 (2021-23) participants completed 8 days of HBPM with two daily sessions (morning and evening) each consisting of 3 readings taken at 1-minute intervals after 5-minutes of rest using an Omron Series 10 BP7450 monitor. We assessed agreement between the 8-day mean (reference) and shorter protocols (fewer days, <3 readings per session, or only morning or evening measurements) using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and the proportion of participants with a <10 mm Hg difference from the reference. We then evaluated whether the number of days to reach BP stability (average systolic BP [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP] <5 mm Hg from reference) differed by age, sex, and anti-hypertensive medication use. Results: Among 812 participants (median age 83 years, 24% Black adults, 40% male), 29% had normal BP during the study visit, and 84% were on anti-hypertensive medications ( Table ). Median SBP and DBP remained within a 2 mm Hg range across each day of the 8-day protocol. Using cumulative averages, the largest improvement in agreement occurred when extending the averaging window from 1 to 2 days, with the CCC increasing for SBP from 0.856 (95% CI: 0.837, 0.873) to 0.929 (0.919, 0.937) and for DBP from 0.846 (0.826, 0.864) to 0.929 (0.919, 0.938) ( Figure 1 ). With 3 days of HBPM, the CCC exceeded 0.95 and the proportion of participants within 10 mm Hg difference achieved ≥97% for both SBP and DBP. Beyond 4 days, agreement metrics plateaued. Averaging ≥2 readings per session, including both morning and evening measurements, yielded better agreement than using a single reading or only one timepoint per day. On average, using 3 readings per session, BP stabilized in 1.28 (1.24, 1.33) days, with results similar within subgroups ( Figure 2 ). Conclusions: In this community-based cohort of very old adults, HBPM provided stable BP estimates within 2-3 days (morning and evening sessions with 2-3 readings each). These findings support shorter HBPM protocols to guide hypertension management while reducing burden in older adults.

Wearable sensor big data analysis reveals spatiotemporal injury patterns in professional tennis players

Limitations of serial cloning in mammals

Abstract TU237: Behavioral and Medication Adherence Versus Clinical Outcome Among Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases in Ghana

Background: Africa bears a disproportionate share of the cardiovascular diseases global burden. Despite numerous guidelines in Ghana to enhance cardiovascular health, non-adherence to both lifestyle modification and medication remains prevalent. Combined adherence assessment on medication and lifestyle is crucial to model interventions that address the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design to assess and quantify lifestyle and medication adherence among 419 patients with cardiovascular diseases at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. We used descriptive analysis to quantify adherence levels and multivariate logistic regression analysis to infer associations and predictors of adherence, uncontrolled hypertension and high blood glucose. Result: Among 419 participants (mean age = 60 ± 12.3 years), 71.6% adhered to medication (95% CI: 67.0–75.8). Despite high rates of healthy behaviors, non-smoking (98.8%), environmental coping (80%), alcohol abstinence (70%), physical activity (66.8%), and balanced diet (65.2%), only 28.4% limited salt intake. Clinical control was suboptimal, with just 8.3% achieving normal fasting blood glucose and 5.5% having controlled blood pressure. Comorbidity was associated with lower odds of medication adherence (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35–0.85, p = .007) and normal fasting glucose (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.99, p = .047). Increasing age was linked to a higher likelihood of uncontrolled blood pressure (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.22–2.51, p = .002). Conclusion: CVD management needs comprehensive patient-centered care intervention that accounts for optimal adherence to both medications and lifestyle and ensures blood pressure and blood glucose are well controlled among patient with CVD.

Abstract TH836: WinCare 2.0—An Innovative Nonmedical-Care Provider Network for Older Adults With Hypertension: Effects on Blood Pressure Control, Health Status, and Predicted 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk in Urban Primary Care in Eastern Thailand

Background: WinCare 2.0, an innovative home-care provider network, aims to deliver continuous, proactive, people-centered primary health care. It comprises two components: (1) trained community-based home-care providers and (2) the WinCare mobile application. We evaluated the effects of WinCare 2.0 on blood pressure (BP) control, health status (0-100), and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among older adults with hypertension (HTN) receiving care in urban primary care settings in Rayong Province, Eastern Thailand. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study (May–August 2025) among adults aged ≥60 years with HTN at two urban primary care units. Participants were nonrandomly allocated to WinCare 2.0 (intervention) or usual care (control). In the intervention group, trained WinCare providers made weekly in-person visits for four months, monitored home BP, measured weight, provided nonmedical support, and recorded data in the WinCare app. Outcomes at 2 and 4 months were estimated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors. Results: We enrolled 102 participants (mean age 71.7 ± 7.1 years; 83.3% women): 54 in WinCare and 48 in the control group. WinCare group showed larger declines in systolic BP: −11.6 mmHg (95% CI: −16.5, −6.5) at 2 months and −5.7 mmHg (95% CI: −10.4, −1.0) at 4 months; changes in controls were -4.3 mmHg (95% CI: -9.8, 1.14) at 2 months and -2.6 mmHg (95% CI: -8.9, 3.6) at 4 months. Controlled HTN (<140/90 mmHg) increased by 24.1% (95% CI: 3.6, 44.6) at 2 months and 24.2 % (95% CI: 6.1, 39.0) at 4 months in WinCare, with no significant change in controls by 2.1% and by 0.74% at 2 and 4 months, respectively. Optimal-target HTN control increased by 32.0% (95% CI: 11.3, 52.7) at 2 months and 33.2% (95% CI: 13.0, 53.3) at 4 months in WinCare; the control group showed no improvement (Figure 1). At 4 months, health status increased by 6.2 (95% CI: 1.8, 10.7) in WinCare versus −3.7 (95% CI: −9.3, 2.0) in controls. Predicted 10-year CVD risk fell by 1.6% (95% CI: -2.3, -0.8) and 0.8% (95% CI: -1.5, -0.1) at 2 and 4 months, respectively, in WinCare, and fell by 0.5% and 0.4% in controls. Conclusion: WinCare 2.0 was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in BP outcomes, health status, and predicted 10-year CVD risk among older adults with HTN in urban primary care in Eastern Thailand, supporting a people-centered, community-based model for chronic disease management.

Rolling predictive optimal scheduling of reservoirs for flood control and power generation under prediction uncertainty

Abstract The Xiajiang Reservoir, located in the middle Ganjiang River of the Yangtze River Basin, requires scientific inflow prediction and optimised scheduling to balance the flood control and power generation. Traditional methods are constrained by an overreliance on historical data, insufficient flood samples, and poor high-flow performance, necessitating improved models. Focusing on the Xiajiang Reservoir, this study developed a multi-model series–parallel coupling inflow prediction model to test different coupling modes and a rolling prediction optimisation scheduling model integrated with the inflow model. Using typical design floods as input, we analysed the impacts of the flood forecast period and dynamic flood control water level on benefits and explored performance across flow scenarios. The key results showed that the parallel coupling framework achieved excellent short-term prediction, whereas the series coupling model had obvious limitations, and the series–parallel model underperformed. The rolling scheduling modelwith dynamically updated hydrological dataeffectively balances the two objectives. Within 72 h, the maximum outflow first decreased and then stabilised; moderately raising the dynamic flood control water level boosted power generation with minimal flood risk. Additionally, traditional forecasting struggled with high flows because of scarce samples, whereas abundant low-flow samples ensured higher accuracy and better scheduling results. This study strengthens the scientific basis for inflow prediction and scheduling in the Xiajiang Reservoir and provides a valuable reference for similar reservoirs in the Yangtze River Basin.

Substrate-interacting pore loops of two ATPase subunits determine the degradation efficiency of the 26S proteasome

Abstract The 26S proteasome is the major eukaryotic protease responsible for the degradation of misfolded, damaged, and obsolete regulatory proteins. Commitment to degradation occurs when conserved pore loops in the heterohexameric ATPase motor of the proteasome engage the flexible initiation region of a polyubiquitinated protein substrate for subsequent mechanical unfolding and translocation into a proteolytic chamber. Here, we use in vitro biochemical assays, single-molecule FRET-based measurements, and cryo-EM structure determination to characterize how the pore-1 loops of individual ATPase subunits in the yeast 26S proteasome contribute to the different steps of substrate degradation and affect the proteasome conformational dynamics. We find that the pore-1 loops of the Rpt6 and Rpt4 ATPase subunits play particularly important, yet distinct roles in substrate capture and unfolding, and in holding the ATPase motor in a static state prior to substrate engagement. Interestingly, these pore-1 loop contributions correlate with the positions of ATPase subunits in spiral-staircase arrangements for the substrate-free and substrate-degrading proteasome, providing insights into the mechanisms of substrate processing by the 26S proteasome and related ATPase motors.

Abstract TH907: Assessing the Impact of Unmet Social Needs on Clinical Outcomes in Reproductive-Aged Women with Atrial Fibrillation

Objective: To explore the association between unmet social needs (USN) and atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes in reproductive aged women. Background: Individuals with USN often face barriers to regular medical care. In patients with AF, regular follow up with appropriate intervention is essential to mitigate long term complications. Thus, it is crucial to identify risk factors that limit monitoring and intervention of AF. Methods: We included reproductive aged women (18-50 years) with hospital admissions due to AF from the 2013 to 2024 AHA Get With The Guidelines-AF registry. USN were defined as lacking or using public insurance (Medicaid and Medicare, which was used as a surrogate of low income and/or disability), homelessness, low education level, unemployment, financial strain, substance abuse and a lack of environmental safety. Rhythm control strategies included cardioversion, ablation, or anti-arrhythmic therapies. AF recurrence was defined as a discharge rhythm of AF and used as a marker of poor outcomes. Statistical analysis to compare baseline characteristics and outcomes between those with and without USN was performed with Chi-square test and t-test. Results: Our study included 3,755 reproductive age women with a mean age of 42.4 (SD 7.1). Of this cohort, 34.6% were identified to have USN and 65.4% did not have an USN. A higher proportion of rhythm control strategies were used in the women without USN group (72.6% vs. 60.2%, p <0.001). Women with USN were less likely to have an AF ablation than in women without USN (21.1% vs. 41.4%, p <0.001) (Table 1). Of those with USN, 14.2% had a discharge rhythm of AF versus 7.3% without a USN ( p <0.001). Additionally, sinus rhythm at discharge was observed in 74.7% of women with USN compared to 81.9% in those without an USN (p <0.001, Table 2). Conclusion: In our study, women with an USN had a significantly higher rate of AF at discharge and lower rate of AF ablation, suggesting a potential link between USN, worse AF-related outcomes, and inequities in rhythm control strategies. These findings underscore the importance of identifying USN and highlight the need for targeted interventions to support this vulnerable population.

Abstract TU268: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Positively Correlated with hs-CRP and Not With Other Key Inflammatory Markers

Intro: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), classified by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 3% or 4% desaturation, has been associated with elevated hs-CRP levels, but little is known about the association of OSA with other oxidative inflammatory biomarkers. In addition to hs-CRP, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and F2-isoprostane normalized to creatinine were observed to determine the effect of OSA on vascular-specific inflammation, neutrophil activation, and reoxygenation injuries. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that patients with higher AHI sleep apnea scores will exhibit significantly elevated levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers compared to patients with lower AHI scores due to the contributory role of sleep apnea in systemic inflammation. Methods: This correlational biomarker analysis used a non-randomized, observational retrospective cohort study design. Eligible adult patients had a diagnostic overnight polysomnography and laboratory testing for inflammatory biomarkers performed within one year. Both linear OLS regression and M-estimator robust regression was calculated to account for outliers. Results: This study observed 187 patients (Figure 1). No statistically significant correlation was found between AHI 3% or 4% and myeloperoxidase, F2-isoprostane/creatinine, or Lp-PLA2 levels (p > 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between AHI 3% and 4% and hs-CRP levels (p < 0.05) with coefficients of 0.0265 and 0.0272 respectively (Figures 2 and 3). The robust regression confirmed the results of positive correlation between AHI 3% and 4% and hs-CRP, while maintaining no significant correlation between AHI and other inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions: The findings of this study corroborate existing literature associating OSA with elevated levels of hs-CRP. While other biomarkers were hypothesized to reflect oxidative stress and vascular injury, the lack of significant correlation indicates a discrepancy in hypothetical and practical inflammatory stress. The high sensitivity and low specificity of hs-CRP make it an excellent indicator of early-stage OSA disease. Severe OSA may be required to affect more specific markers, or its effect on these markers may be masked by other, more potent factors. We conclude that while a theoretical link may exist between OSA and other inflammatory markers, hs-CRP remains the best indicator of early, systemic inflammation related to OSA.

A fully implantable intraspinal microstimulation device for early preclinical evaluation of feasibility, stability, and functionality

Post-pandemic changes in population immunity have reduced the likelihood of emergence of zoonotic coronaviruses

Abstract Infections by endemic viruses, and the vaccines used to control them, often provide cross-protection against related viruses, potentially altering the transmission dynamics and likelihood of emergence of new zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential. Here, we investigate how population immunity after the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the likelihood of emergence of a novel sarbecovirus, termed SARS-CoV-X. To this end, we combined empirical cross-neutralisation data with mathematical modelling to identify key immunological and epidemiological factors shaping sarbecovirus emergence. We show that sera from individuals with different COVID-19 immunological histories contained cross-neutralising antibodies against the spike (S) protein of multiple zoonotic sarbecoviruses. Simulations parameterised by these data predict that the likelihood of emergence of a novel sarbecovirus has been reduced significantly by population cross-immunity, with outcomes determined by the extent of cross-protection and R0 of the novel virus. Preventative vaccination against SARS-CoV-X using available COVID-19 vaccines can help resist emergence even in the presence of co-circulating SARS-CoV-2. However, a theoretical vaccine with high specificity to SARS-CoV-2 can increase emergence probability by suppressing SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and, by extension, levels of natural cross-protection. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 circulation and vaccination have generated widespread immunity against related sarbecoviruses, creating an immunological barrier to novel sarbecovirus emergence in humans.

Abstract MPTH55: Maximum and visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease stratified by antihypertensive treatment: EPOCH-JAPAN (Evidence for Cardiovascular Prevention From Observational Cohorts in Japan)

Introduction: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Blood pressure (BP) indices, such as maximum and visit-to-visit variability (VVV) in BP, have been reported to be associated with CVD. However, few studies have investigated the association of maximum or VVV in BP with CVD over a period of ≥10 years according to antihypertensive treatment status. Hypothesis: This study aimed to examine (1) the association of BP indices, including maximum and VVV in BP, with CVD over a period of ≥10 years and (2) whether the association differed by antihypertensive treatment. Methods: The Evidence for Cardiovascular Prevention from Observational Cohorts in Japan (EPOCH-JAPAN) study is a meta-analysis of individual participant data from Japanese cohorts. A total of 16,655 participants (46.3% women; mean age 57.5 years) from 6 cohorts were analyzed. We used the 1-year, 5-year mean, 5-year maximum, and 5-year mean and standard deviation (SD) values of systolic BP obtained during 5-year time periods. The outcomes were defined as the incidence or mortality of CVD. The Cox model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) per 1-SD increase in each BP index after stratification by antihypertensive treatment. Results: During a mean 10.4-year follow-up, 1,044 participants developed CVD, 666 developed stroke, and 316 developed coronary heart disease (CHD). Using the 1-year, 5-year mean, 5-year maximum, and 5-year mean and SD values of systolic BP, the adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval [CI]) for CVD were 1.21 (1.12–1.30), 1.42 (1.28–1.56), 1.35 (1.24–1.46), and 1.10 (1.02–1.19) in individuals without antihypertensive treatment. Meanwhile, the HRs (95%CI) for CVD were 1.11 (1.00–1.23), 1.12 (0.99–1.27), 1.11 (1.01–1.22), and 1.04 (0.96–1.12) in individuals with antihypertensive treatment. Although similar results were observed for stroke, the SD values of systolic BP were not associated with the risk of developing CHD. Conclusions: Untreated individuals showed higher HRs for CVD and stroke with 5-year mean and 5-year maximum BP values than with 1-year values. A significant association of the SD values of BP with CVD and stroke was observed in untreated participants, but not in treated participants. In individuals without antihypertensive treatment, the 5-year mean, 5-year maximum, and SD values of BP may be more important than the 1-year values in predicting the risk of CVD and stroke.

Abstract WE527: Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Improves Predictive Validity of Fried Frailty Phenotype for All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: UK Biobank

Introduction: Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP) is a widely used frailty measure defined by five criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, slowness, weakness, and low physical activity (PA). Low PA is typically assessed by self-report, which is less accurate than accelerometer-based measures. This study examined whether accelerometer-measured PA improves the predictive validity of FFP for mortality. Hypothesis: Frail and prefrail older adults would have higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality than robust individuals. FFP incorporating accelerometer-measured PA would show stronger associations with mortality than that using self-reported PA. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 38,429 UK Biobank older adults (mean age 63.8±2.8 years; 48% male) with valid accelerometer and frailty data. Frailty status was defined by 5 FFP criteria (frail ≥3; prefrail=1–2; robust=0). Two definitions were used: FFP-Mod (questionnaire-based) and FFP-MVPA (low PA as lowest quintile of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA time). Cox proportional hazards models examined associations of frailty with mortality, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and health covariates. Results: Over a median 6.95-year follow-up, 2,225 all-cause and 471 CVD deaths occurred. FFP-Mod and FFP-MVPA classified 666 and 1,150 as frail. Compared to robust individuals, frail individuals had 1.89 (95% CI: 1.51–2.37) times risk of all-cause mortality based on FFP-Mod and 2.41 (2.01–2.89) times risk based on FFP-MVPA. Prefrail individuals had 1.13 (1.03–1.24) times risk based on FFP-Mod and 1.38 (1.26–1.51) based on FFP-MVPA, with non-overlapping CIs between these estimates. Significant associations with CVD mortality were observed only for FFP-MVPA, with frail individuals having 2.48 (1.68–3.66) times risk and prefrail individuals having 1.57 (1.29–1.93) times risk; no significant associations were observed for FFP-Mod (frail: 1.57, 0.95–2.60; prefrail: 1.13, 0.93–1.38). Conclusion: Integrating accelerometer-derived PA into frailty assessment enhances the predictive validity of FFP for mortality. The accelerometer-based FFP definition demonstrated improved sensitivity in identifying prefrail individuals at risk of all-cause mortality and better ability to detect CVD mortality risk. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of integrating accelerometer metrics into frailty assessments to facilitate earlier identification of health decline in older adults.

Radiation-resistant C-type dipole dump magnet for MIR/THz FEL applications at TARLA

Unveiling the biodiversity of large DNA viruses in intertidal mudflats via metagenomics

Abstract MPTU24: Associations between Dietary and Circulating B-Vitamins and Incident Stroke: Evidence from Two Large Prospective US Cohorts

Background: While B-vitamins have long been hypothesized to hold promise for primary stroke prevention, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive assessment of the impact of the full range of folate intake and status, as well as other B-vitamins. Methods: We examined roles of B-vitamins (dietary intake and supplements) in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI, 154,718 postmenopausal women) and circulating biomarkers in the United States (US) All of Us Research Program (AoU, 99,667 adults) for incident stroke, adjusting for known risk factors using multivariable Cox models. Mendelian randomization (MR), B-vitamin interactions, homocysteine mediation, and subgroup analyses by risk factors were evaluated. Results: In WHI (7,577 incident strokes over median 19.2-year follow-up), higher baseline intakes of thiamin (highest vs. lowest quintile medians: 4.6 vs. 0.9 mg/d), riboflavin (5.9 vs. 1.3 mg/d), niacin (54.6 vs. 11.8 mg/d), pyridoxine (6.2 vs. 1.1 mg/d), and folate (913.6 vs. 253.9 mcg/d) were associated with lower stroke risk (HRs for highest vs. lowest quintile: 0.85-0.90). In AoU (5,163 incident strokes over median 5.7-year follow-up), higher plasma folate (24 vs. 7 nmol/L) and pyridoxine (234 vs. 18 nmol/L) linked to lower overall stroke risk (HRs: 0.82 and 0.60). Inverse relations for intakes and levels persisted for ischemic stroke, except plasma pyridoxine with hemorrhagic stroke. Significant interactions seen for thiamin-folate, riboflavin-niacin, and niacin-folate pairs. Inverse associations for thiamin, pyridoxine, and folate intakes were stronger in younger participants; thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, and cobalamin in lipid-lowering drug users. Higher plasma folate strongly associated with reduced risk in college-educated or smokers. Homocysteine mediated 12% of plasma folate-stroke link. MR supported pyridoxine and folate effects on small vessel stroke (OR per standard deviation: 0.96 and 0.52). Conclusions: Higher folate and pyridoxine exposures consistently linked to lower stroke risk, largely independent of homocysteine. Higher thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin intakes also associated with lower risk, varying by participant characteristics. Findings support considering these vitamins in stroke prevention guidelines for subgroups like younger adults, smokers, and lipid-lowering drug users.

Abstract WE502: Culturally Concordant Nutrition Education Leads to Heart-Healthy Dietary Improvements in South Asian Adults Following the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention

Background: South Asian Americans face disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease but remain underrepresented in behavioral nutrition research. Culturally adapted dietary interventions for this population are scarce. The South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI) was among the first community-based, randomized control trials in the U.S. to deliver culturally adapted education focused on dietary change in this high-risk population. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the SAHELI intervention in improving diet quality among South Asian adults and identify pedagogical features that facilitated change. Methods: This secondary analysis included 190 South Asian adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk in the SAHELI intervention arm who completed baseline and 12-month dietary assessments. Participants underwent a 16-week program incorporating culturally relevant dietary guidance taught in native languages. Changes in diet were measured using the Healthy Heart Score, and paired t-tests assessed within-subject changes. Twenty-four interviews were analyzed using an inductive, iterative coding framework to explore facilitators of dietary change. Results: Participants demonstrated improvement in mean overall diet score from baseline to 12 months (+0.35, p <0.05), with healthier intake of vegetables (+0.34 servings per day, p<0.01), fruits (+0.23, p<0.01), whole wheat (+0.21, p<0.05), brown rice (+0.04, p<0.05), healthy grains like millet and quinoa (+0.04, p<0.05), cooked cereals (+0.05, p<0.05) and processed meat (-0.02, p<0.05). Interview analysis identified three core drivers of success: (1) practical training in reading nutrition labels and making heart-healthy diet decisions, (2) instructors who shared language and culture with participants, and (3) visual demonstrations that made portion recommendations tangible and actionable. Conclusion and Implications: This study strengthens the evidence that culturally adapted interventions integrating nutritional literacy, hands-on demonstrations, and native language instruction with culturally concordant educators can improve dietary behaviors in immigrant communities. These findings support expanding similar strategies to other high-risk ethnic groups. Clinicians can adopt these principles in lifestyle counseling, while policymakers can prioritize investment in community-based, culturally adapted nutrition education to reduce chronic disease disparities and improve long-term public health outcomes.

Risk of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system due to occupational chronic radiation exposure, considering the radiation dose rate

Abstract In this paper, we present findings of the analysis of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system in a cohort of Russian nuclear workers who were chronically exposed to ionizing radiation at radiation dose rate of 0.005–0.050 Gy/year. Excess relative risks of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system, cerebrovascular diseases, and ischemic stroke per unit total gamma-ray dose from external exposure accumulated at higher dose rates were found to be higher than the corresponding risks per unit total dose accumulated due to exposure at lower dose rates. Continuous radiation exposure at higher rates over a duration of 5 years was found to increase considerably the risk of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system, cerebrovascular diseases, and ischemic stroke.

Transient molecular chimerism for exploiting xenogeneic organelles

Abstract The symbiogenetic origin of organelles, such as chloroplasts, is established, and organelle genomes provide evidence of prokaryotic ancestry. Nevertheless, most organelle proteins are nuclear-encoded and function in concert with those expressed from the organelle genomes, representing constitutive molecular chimerism. The evolutionary forces generating chimerism have been widely discussed, but without much evidence. Here we provide biochemical evidence of transient molecular chimerism in nature, along with a possible mechanistic explanation for chimerism. In the flagellate, Rapaza viridis , nuclear-encoded proteins support photosynthesis in transient, xenogeneic chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) acquired from the green alga Tetraselmis sp. We focused on two putative kleptoplast-targeted proteins: a RuBisCO small subunit-like protein ( Rv RbcS-like) and a RuBisCO activase homologue. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the kleptoplast localization of the proteins, and the knockdown and knockout experiments demonstrated impaired photosynthesis, particularly for Rv RbcS-like. The unique carboxyl-terminal extension of the Rv RbcS-like protein suggests that it has an additional role in pyrenoid reorganization, a key step in kleptoplast remodelling. Protein translocation into kleptoplasts requires rapid, de novo assembly of transport systems after each acquisition, unlike the constitutive chimerism of established organelles. This previously unreported phenomenon in eukaryotes positions R. viridis as a unique, genetically tractable model for investigating the molecular and evolutionary origins of organelles.

Abstract WE533: Is occupational physical activity associated with cardiovascular health? Examining the physical activity paradox in Nepalese adults with high blood pressure.

Most of the evidence supporting the health benefits of physical activity (PA) is from activity performed during recreation. The PA paradox is a known phenomenon where individuals with high levels of PA from occupational work have a higher risk for certain health conditions. This paradox is particularly relevant in low- and middle-income countries, where total PA is high primarily due to occupation. The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association of domain-specific PA with blood pressure among hypertensive adults in Nepal. Data are from the Community Health Worker-led Hypertension and Control (CHPC) in Nepal: An Implementation Trial. Individuals aged 30 years or older with high blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg) were eligible for inclusion; exclusion criteria included severe illness or pregnancy. Data was collected via interviewer administered questionnaires and a physical exam. PA was measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Domain specific physical activity was summarized as moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes per week (MVPA) continuously and by quartiles. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were objectively measured using standard procedures three times in one occasion; the average of the second and third readings was used for analyses. Univariate and multivariable linear models were used to assess the cross-sectional associations between domain specific MVPA, occupation and recreation, and SBP and DBP. A total of 2,957 participants took part in the baseline assessment; after excluding missing data, 2,756 were included in analyses. Average age was 57 years (SD=40), and 56% were female (Table 1). Occupational PA was reported by 86% (n=2,369) of participants, while only 1% (n=39) reported recreational PA. Mean occupation MVPA was 1260 minutes/week (SD=1509). Due to the low participation of recreational physical activity, only occupational physical activity was examined in models. In multivariable models, one standard deviation increase in occupational MVPA was associated with a 0.54% increase in SBP (95% CI 0.03, 1.06), and a 0.82% increase in DBP (95% CI 0.36, 1.28). When examined as quartiles, there was evidence of a significant dose response relationship with DBP, but not SBP (Table 2). In summary, there is evidence of the physical activity paradox in this sample of Nepalese adults with high blood pressure, but examination of non-linear associations and effect modification is needed.