Browse Articles

Abstract TU211: Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Web-Based Physical Activity Program for Adults with Obesity: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Adults with obesity face multifaceted barriers to physical activity (PA), including stigma, low self-efficacy, and limited access to relatable content. Traditional interventions fail to address these obesity-specific barriers. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a web-based PA for the Heart (PATH) intervention among insufficiently active adults with obesity. Methods: This 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial enrolled 89 participants (aged ≥18 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, <150 minutes moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]/week) randomized 1:1 to PATH intervention or control. PATH participants received access to PATH platform with curated workouts, health coaching, and self-monitoring tools. Controls received the "Be Active Your Way" guide. Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANCOVA models adjusting for baseline values. Outcomes included platform acceptability, PA changes and cardiometabolic risk factors. Results: The sample was 91% female, 46% white, with mean BMI of 40.35±7.20 kg/m2 and mean age 48.66±12.17 years. The study demonstrated feasibility (recruitment completed in 6 months, 91% retention). PATH demonstrated high acceptability, with mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 81.4±13.5, 85.3% weekly engagement, and 97.2% rating PATH workouts as culturally appropriate. There were significant baseline imbalances in Fitbit MVPA (control 351.5 vs PATH 176.2 min/wk, p=0.021) and weight-loss medication use at end of study (Control: 9.1%, PATH: 2.2%, p=0.159). Within-group analyses showed significant PA decline in the control group (ActiGraph MVPA: -47.0/wk, p=0.090; Fitbit MVPA –104.4, p=0.232, steps -941.6/day, p=0.096) while the PATH group maintained baseline levels (ActiGraph MVPA: -0.5, p=0.985; Fitbit MVPA -12.2, p=0.715, steps -318.4/day, p=0.543). Sensitivity analyses adjusting for baseline Fitbit MVPA confirmed robustness of findings. The PATH group showed significant improvements in exercise goal setting (Cohen's d=0.347, p=0.002) and PA enjoyment (Cohen's d=0.59, p=0.007). Conclusions: The PATH intervention demonstrated strong acceptability and protective effects against natural PA decline in adults with obesity, supporting technology-enhanced approaches for this high-risk population.

Bioactivity-guided analysis of Moringa olifera fractionated extracts for potential medical application

Abstract Moringa oleifera, a nutrient-rich medicinal plant, has garnered growing scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological properties. In this study, spectroscopic analysis, coupled with cytotoxic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties testing, was followed by gene expression analysis of various fractionated Moringa oleifera extracts to assess their potential biomedical applications. Ethanolic leaf extract was fractionated using solvents with increasing polarity (hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and butanol). Cytotoxicity was tested against multiple cancer cell lines and normal cells, while antiviral activity was assessed against HAV ( Hepatitis A virus) and HSV-1/2 (Herpes simplex virus type 1/type 2). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH assays. Gene expression of BAX and BCL -2 was analyzed by qRT-PCR to understand apoptotic pathways. Chemical profiling was performed using LC–MS/MS and GC–MS. The hexane fraction showed potent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines MCF-7 (breast carcinoma) and HepG-2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), with low toxicity to normal PBMCs (normal human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells). The butanol fraction displayed strong antiviral activity, particularly against HAV and HSV strains, while the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The pro-apoptotic BAX gene was upregulated while the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene was downregulated, according to gene expression analysis. Metabolomic profiling identified over 60 bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which were consistent with the observed biological activities. These findings characterize Moringa oleifera as a rich source of multifunctional bioactive compounds and provide a preliminary in vitro foundation for its potential application in selective anticancer and antiviral therapies.

Crystal symmetry-dependent Orbital Rashba Edelstein effect in epitaxial CuO thin film

Abstract TH813: Multi-metabolite signatures of continuous glucose monitoring phenotypes are associated with future diabetes risk

Background: Despite the popularity of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) usage, especially in diabetes, prognostic and physiological implications of CGM phenotypes in individuals without diabetes remain uncertain. We investigated associations of comprehensive CGM phenotypes with a broad circulating metabolome in community-dwelling individuals and assessed their relations with future diabetes risk. Methods: We included Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants without diabetes who had up to 10 days of Dexcom G6 pro CGM data and fasting blood sampling for metabolite profiling. We selected 8 CGM variables representing distinct physiologies a priori and conducted principal component (PC) analysis of all 61 CGM variables. Associations of circulating metabolites (N=449) with each of the key CGM phenotypes (selected variables and PCs) were examined using LASSO regression to account for collinearity. In Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study participants without diabetes who completed metabolite profiling at Year 7, we applied FHS-derived LASSO coefficients to calculate multi-metabolite scores for each CGM phenotype, and tested their associations with incident diabetes through Year 35 in multivariable Cox models adjusted for age, sex, race, fasting glucose, and body mass index (BMI). Results: In 571 FHS participants (55% women, median age 61 years, fasting glucose 97 mg/dL, BMI 27.3 kg/m 2 ), 3 PCs explained >80% of variation, with loadings weighted on measures of high glucose (PC1), glycemic variability (PC2), and hypoglycemia (PC3; excluded due to null metabolite associations in linear models). There were 35-67 LASSO metabolite coefficients per score representing diverse pathways ( Figure A ). The metabolites with the highest absolute loading values for PC1 and PC2 reflected metabolites with known (e.g., amino acids, glyceropholipids, bile acids) and novel (e.g., ketoisovaleric acid, 3-methylhistidine) relations to diabetes. In 2332 CARDIA participants (45% women, 45% Black individuals, median age 33 years, fasting glucose 87 mg/dL, BMI 24.8 kg/m 2 ), 343 incident diabetes events occurred between Years 7 and 35. All multi-metabolite scores were associated with diabetes incidence in multivariable-adjusted models (Figure B) . Conclusion: Multi-metabolite signatures of CGM phenotypes are associated with future risk of developing diabetes independent of fasting glucose, identifying novel potential metabolic pathways underlying cardiometabolic risk.

Abstract TH908: Housing Insecurity Is Positively Associated With Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors In Northern New England

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Housing insecurity has been associated with adverse health outcomes including CVD and more prevalent in rural areas. Northern New England (NNE) (Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) has a high percentage of rural areas, making them vulnerable. We sought to explore the association between housing insecurity and age-adjusted prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD in NNE. Methods: Housing insecurity, age-adjusted prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD were obtained from CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health (2024 release). Simple linear regression was used to examine the bivariate relationship between housing insecurity and CVD risk factors and CVD. Adjusted R 2 as a measure of strength of association and a p < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Data was analyzed on Excel Analysis ToolPak. Results: Figure 1 shows across the counties in NNE, housing insecurity shows a significant positive association with prevalence of CVD risk factors and heart disease. Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that county-level housing insecurity across NNE was positively associated with higher prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD. Future CVD preventive strategies should incorporate measures to address housing insecurity in addition to CVD risk factors and CVD as well.

A lasso-based model combining miRNA and clinical variables predicts future risk of breast and ovarian cancer

Abstract Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is principally caused by germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 . However, most women with HBOC are undiagnosed, and some patients meeting clinical criteria for HBOC will have no identifiable mutation after genetic testing. Here, we deploy a lasso-based model to combine serum miRNA profiles with clinical data to identify women at elevated risk for ovarian cancer among a population of 1831 individuals enrolled in an institutional biobank. The miRNA and metadata variables are mapped to two-dimensional space using lasso, after which a linear classification model is trained to estimate “ BRCA ness” and long-term risk of cancer. After tenfold cross-validation, the method offers a BRCA prediction AUC score of 0.98 (95% CI 0.94–1.0) and generalizes across subgroups stratified by age, cancer history, and racial/ethnic group. To demonstrate the clinical relevance of this phenotype, we use the lasso-based model to assess 5-year ovarian cancer risk among an independent cohort of 1044 subjects agnostic to genetic testing results enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. In this unselected population, the output of the lasso-based model strongly correlates to the log 5-year relative risk of ovarian cancer (R = 0.93, 95% CI 0.83–0.97, p  < 0.0001). When the model was used to predict future onset of ovarian cancer directly, the AUC offered was AUC = 0.75 (95% CI 0.70–0.78). Together, these data suggest the proposed model is a predictor of future ovarian cancer risk.

Steps to transform African opportunity crops into reality crops

Abstract TU158: Improving Hypertension Through Self-monitoring and Target Blood Pressure

Nicole Cabrera-Heiring 10/9/2025 Background: Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly in underserved populations. Effective blood pressure control is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a structured self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) intervention on blood pressure control among adults with uncontrolled hypertension in a federally qualified health center in the southwestern United States. Methods: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was conducted using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension participated in a 10-week SMBP program. Pre- and post-intervention blood pressure readings were collected through supervised clinic visits and chart review. Intervention: The project implemented the American Heart Association’s Target: BP™ protocol, providing patient education, SMBP training, weekly monitoring, and ongoing staff support to promote adherence and accurate measurement. Results: Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvements in blood pressure, with systolic values decreasing from M = 153.1 (SD = 8.5) to M = 126.9 (SD = 7.2) (p < .001) and diastolic values decreasing from M = 92.4 (SD = 6.1) to M = 80.5 (SD = 5.7) (p < .001). Conclusions: The project demonstrated that structured SMBP interventions integrated into primary care can improve hypertension control, support patient engagement, and enhance nursing practice. Ongoing staff training and quality improvement infrastructure are essential for sustainability. Keywords: Hypertension, Self-Measured Blood Pressure, Target: BP™, Nurse-Led Intervention, Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract WE410: Association Between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Estimated Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Adults Living at High Altitude in Bogotá, Colombia

Background: Leukocyte count has been linked to cardiometabolic risk and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived from complete blood counts, integrates innate and adaptive immune activity and may better reflect low-grade inflammation associated with impaired CRF. Bogotá (2,640 m above sea level) presents chronic hypobaric hypoxia, which reduces maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and alters hematologic parameters. The relationship between NLR and VO 2 max at high altitude has not been previously described. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in adults aged 18–80 years participating in a comprehensive health evaluation program at a tertiary-care medical center located at 2,640 m in Bogotá, Colombia (2015–2023). VO2max (ml*kg -1 *min -1 ) was estimated using a standardized Bruce treadmill protocol. Correlations between VO 2 max and hematologic and clinical variables were assessed using Spearman’s rank test, and sex differences were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A total of 684 adults (mean age 52.6 ± 12.9 years; 63.6% men; BMI 25.9 ± 3.9 kg/m 2 ) were included. VO 2 max showed significant inverse correlations with age (ρ = –0.51, p < 0.001), BMI (ρ = –0.32, p < 0.001), higher number of comorbidities (ρ = –0.28, p < 0.001), total leukocyte count (ρ = –0.16, p < 0.001), neutrophils (ρ = –0.17, p < 0.001), and NLR (ρ = –0.12, p = 0.0012). In contrast, hemoglobin (ρ = 0.15, p < 0.001) correlated positively with VO 2 max. VO 2 max was significantly higher in men than in women (z = –3.02, p = 0.0025). Conclusions: At 2,640 m of altitude, higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, as well as elevated NLR, were associated with lower VO 2 max. These findings indicate that leukocyte-derived parameters, particularly NLR, may reflect the level of cardiorespiratory fitness among high-altitude residents. Although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, these associations support the potential use of hematologic markers as accessible indicators of aerobic fitness and provide a rationale for future multivariate and longitudinal studies to validate these relationships.

Interactive effects of electrical conductivity and light intensity on growth, yield, and nutrient dynamics of hydroponic lettuce

Abstract Precise management of nutrient solution properties, such as electrical conductivity (EC), and environmental factors, such as light intensity (LI), is essential for optimizing crop yield and quality in hydroponic production. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of two EC ranges (EC1: 1.5–2.0 dS m-1; EC2: 4.5–6.0 dS m-1) and three LI levels (L1 = 145, L2 = 185, and L3 = 240 $$\mu$$ mol m-2 s-1) on the growth, yield, leaf mineral uptake, and nitrate accumulation of butterhead lettuce grown in hydroponic system under artificial lighting. The greatest leaf area (1338.31 cm2) and yield (57.97 g plant-1) were observed in EC1L3 treatment, corresponding to reductions of 75% and 77.2%, respectively, compared to EC2L3 (330.79 cm2 and 13.98 g plant-1), indicating the adverse effects of salinity stress. Furthermore, within the same EC1 level, LI positively impacted yield, which increased by 47% under EC1L3 compared to EC1L1. Mineral composition analysis revealed that EC2 significantly reduced the uptake of essential macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) and micronutrients boron (B), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), whereas LI had no significant effect, except for a minor interaction in B uptake. An inverse correlation ( $$R^2$$ = -0.80) between solution and leaf nitrate levels was observed; however, leaf nitrate content was low and did not differ significantly across treatments. This closed-loop hydroponic study in a vertical cultivation setup offers practical insights for efficient controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. The results highlight that the interaction between EC and LI plays a significant role in influencing lettuce morphology and yield, but not mineral uptake. Maintaining EC between 1.5 and 2.0 dS m-1 and LI at 240 µmol m-2 s-1 resulted in the highest growth and yield under the tested conditions. The findings from this study will be critical for future research on investigating the interactive effect of different light and nutrient recipes for other hydroponic crops.

Cardiomyocyte Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 directly binds to and phosphorylates NF-κB p65 subunit to drive cardiac inflammation and remodeling

Abstract MPWE47: Effects of the DASH for Diabetes diet on fecal and plasma metabolites in people with type 2 diabetes

Backgrounds: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for Diabetes (DASH4D) diet, a DASH-style diet adapted for people with diabetes, improved glycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Here we conducted a metabolome-wide analysis to examine the effects of the DASH4D diet on plasma and fecal metabolites in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a 4-period crossover feeding trial, we randomized 105 participants with type 2 diabetes to a random sequence of 4 diets: the DASH4D diet or a typical US comparison diet, each with a higher and lower sodium version, for 5 weeks each. Participants provided plasma and fecal specimens prior to randomization and at the end of each diet period. We measured metabolites using Metabolon’s UPLC-MS/MS. We included in the analysis participants who finished at least one DASH4D diet and one comparison diet. We used linear mixed effects models to assess associations of diet and sodium interventions with each metabolite. Statistical significance was defined using an FDR-adjusted p<0.05. Results: A total of 92 and 95 participants were included in the fecal and plasma metabolomic analyses, respectively. On average, participants were 66.5 years, 67.3% female, and 87.4% Black. A total of 206 of 739 (27.9%) fecal metabolites significantly differed between the DASH4D and comparison diets, with 28 having >2-fold effect sizes; 279 of 1160 (24.1%) plasma metabolites significantly differed between diets, with 11 having >2-fold effect sizes ( Fig. 1 ). Of the top 20 most affected metabolites in fecal and plasma, 5 overlapped ( Fig. 2 ). Of a priori interest, the metabolite imidazole propionate, which is microbially-produced and related to dysglycemia, was lower in the DASH4D vs comparison diet by 52.2% (95% CI: 29.0-67.9%) in feces and by 14.8% (3.4-24.9%) in plasma. In comparison, only 76 of 1160 (6.6%) plasma metabolites and no fecal metabolites significantly differed between lower vs higher sodium diets ( Fig. 3 ). Conclusions: In adults with type 2 diabetes, the DASH4D diet affected a high proportion of metabolites measured in plasma and in feces. Several of the metabolites affected by diet, including imidazole propionate, changed in similar direction in fecal and plasma samples, suggesting the effects derive in the gut. Dietary sodium, on the other hand, affected only plasma metabolites, and the effects were smaller in magnitude. These findings may help to elucidate diet-disease pathways and identify biomarkers of healthful dietary patterns.

Abstract TU229: Delay Discounting in First-Year Medical Students: Associations with Cardiovascular and Psychoemotional Profiles

Introduction: Delay discounting, a behavioral index of choice impulsivity, is associated with unhealthy behaviors, cardiovascular risk, and adverse psychoemotional outcomes. Stress may influence these associations, yet evidence in medical students who face sustained academic and psychosocial demands remains limited. We examined whether higher delay discounting is associated with adverse cardiovascular and psychoemotional profiles and whether perceived stress modifies these relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional study of first-year medical students in Colombia (2019–2020). Cardiovascular profile was assessed using the AHA Life’s Simple 7 and traditional metrics and Psychoemotional health using validated scales to measure stress, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Choice impulsivity was quantified with a computerized delay discounting task, in which students were asked to share between smaller sooner and larger delayed monetary rewards. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used. Results: 172 participants (62.2% female; median age 18 years), in univariate analyses, waist circumference correlated with the computational measure of impulsivity, the discount rate (β=0.22; 95% CI 0.00–0.44; p=0.049). In multivariable models, higher discount rate was associated with systolic blood pressure (β=0.60; 0.24–0.96; p=0.001), waist circumference (β=2.02; 1.31–2.73; p<0.001), and the perceived stress score (moderate vs low β=3.54; p<0.001; high vs low β=4.32; p=0.045), personal distress (β=1.70; 0.37–3.04; p=0.013), and moderate physical activity (β=1.01; 0.33–1.70; p=0.004). Age was inversely associated (β=−0.41; −0.69 to −0.12; p=0.006). Conclusions: Higher levels of perceived stress are associated with higher choice impulsivity and worse cardiovascular health indicators. Given the young age of this sample of medical trainees, this finding underscores the importance of early preventative interventions aimed at protecting this vulnerable population’s health. Furthermore, in addition to its direct adverse effects on cardiovascular health, stress may operate as a contextual modifier of impulsive decision-making, further worsening cardiometabolic vulnerability through maladaptive behavioral mechanisms. m. We recommend embedding stress-management and physical-activity programs in medical training programs and conducting longitudinal trials to test the effect of these interventions on delay discounting and cardiometabolic markers.

Shear-enhanced dynamic permeability development of magma vesiculating in cylindrical conduits

Abstract During magma vesiculation, permeability is established when growing bubbles form connected networks which allow fluids to percolate. This percolation threshold controls the relative rates between magma ascent and volatile outgassing, which in turn dictate eruptive style. Percolation in crystal-poor magmas is controlled primarily by vesicularity and shear. We investigate the effect of realistic shear conditions on system-spanning connectivity via vesiculation experiments on rhyolitic melts in a cylindrical, conduit-like geometry. The amount of shear experienced is controlled by varying the sample and confining diameters to allow for various degrees of free (isotropic) followed by confined (anisotropic) expansion. We observe two regimes of behavior for samples dominated by (1) initial isotropic vesiculation, in which the onset of permeability corresponds with the beginning of shear deformation that connects existing vesicles and (2) anisotropic vesiculation which shows low percolation thresholds (< 20%) followed by continuous deformation. We find distinct trends in porosity and permeability for sheared and unsheared samples. Furthermore, We recover the bulk dynamic permeability time series in the shearing melts which requires maintaining connectivity both within bubbles and to the exterior. The development of anisotropy is ubiquitous in vesiculating magmatic networks and our data highlight the importance of considering the in situ shear conditions when investigating the percolation threshold.

Emergent discrete space-time crystal of Majorana-like quasiparticles in chiral liquid crystals

Abstract Time crystals spontaneously break the time translation symmetry, as recently has been frequently reported in quantum systems. Here we describe the observation of classical analogs of both 1 + 1-dimensional and 2 + 1-dimensional discrete space-time crystals in a liquid crystal system driven by a Floquet electrical signal. These classical time crystals comprise particle-like structural features and exist over a wide range of temperatures and electrical driving conditions. The phenomenon-enabling period-doubling effect in 1 + 1-dimensional discrete space-time crystals comes from their topological Majorana-like quasiparticle features, where periodic inter-transformations of co-existing topological solitons and disclinations emerge in response to external stimuli and play pivotal roles. Our discrete space-time crystals exhibit robustness against temporal perturbations and spatial defects. Our findings show that the simultaneous symmetry breaking in time and space can be a widespread occurrence in numerous open systems, not only in quantum but also in a classical soft matter context.

Abstract TU133: Childhood and Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Symptom Trajectories and Cardiovascular Health in Young Adulthood: The Future of Families–Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults study

Background: Internalizing and externalizing problems are the most prevalent childhood onset mental health syndromes. These reflect early behavioral patterns underlying lifestyles that presage a cardiovascular risk pathway. However, these areas of inquiry have rarely been integrated. Here, we examine their associations with cardiovascular health and subclinical atherosclerosis in young adulthood. Methods: We included 1,125 participants from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study who completed the Year 15 examination and the Year 22 cardiovascular health assessment. At Year 15, primary caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to assess internalizing problems (anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal; 8 items) and externalizing problems (aggression and rule-breaking behaviors; 20 items). Scores were averaged (range: 0–2.0), with higher values indicating more problems. Among those with CBCL data at Years 3, 5, and 15 (n = 626), group-based multi-trajectory modeling was used to identify developmental patterns of internalizing and externalizing problems. Life’s Essential 8 (LE8; range: 0–100) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were assessed at Year 22. Multivariable linear regression models with multiple imputation examined the associations of (1) Year 15 internalizing and externalizing scores and (2) trajectory groups with LE8 and CIMT, adjusting for child’s sex, race, maternal education, maternal age at birth, poverty level, and adverse childhood experiences. Results: Higher internalizing and externalizing scores at age 15 were associated with lower LE8 scores in young adulthood (β = –3.36, 95% CI: –6.30 to –0.42; β = –4.19, 95% CI: –7.75 to –0.62, per 1-point increase). Internalizing problems were primarily associated with lower BMI scores, whereas externalizing problems were associated with lower smoking and sleep scores. Higher internalizing scores were associated with increased mean CIMT (β = 0.01 mm, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.03). Among the four developmental trajectories identified, the increasing-internalizing/high-externalizing group (group 1) had lower LE8 scores (β = –3.77, 95% CI: –7.28 to –0.27) compared with the low-internalizing/low-externalizing group (group 3). Conclusions: Higher internalizing and externalizing symptoms were associated with worse cardiovascular health in young adulthood. Addressing childhood emotional and behavioral problems may be important for maintaining cardiovascular health from youth to adulthood.

Abstract TU175: The Global Diet Quality Score Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Most diet quality indices (DQIs) lack universal applicability and rely on detailed, often inaccessible nutrient composition data. In contrast, the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) measures diet quality using only food items, without population-specific adaptations. We aim to evaluate the association between the GDQS and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk relative to other DQIs in U.S. adults. Hypothesis: Higher GDQS is associated with lower CVD risk, with magnitude and precision comparable to other DQIs. Methods: Prospective cohort data from the Nurses’ Health Study I (NHS I), II (NHS II), and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) were used. Dietary intake was assessed every 2 to 4 years (NHS I: 1986-2010, NHS II: 1991-2015, HPFS: 1986-2018) using validated food-frequency questionnaires; medical, lifestyle, and anthropometric data were updated biennially. The GDQS, Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), Adapted Mediterranean Diet Score (aMed), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) index, and Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) were computed. Incident CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke were identified via medical and mortality records. Participants with baseline CVD, cancer, or implausible energy intake were excluded. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios (HR; 95% CI) of incident outcomes per 1-standard deviation [SD] increase in continuous DQIs and across their quintiles. DQIs were standardized (mean=0; SD=1) for comparison. Estimates from the three cohorts were combined using fixed-effects meta-analysis. Result: During a median follow-up of 24 years (IQR: 8 years), 16,055 cases were identified among 200,823 U.S. adults. Each SD increase in GDQS was associated with a lower risk of total CVD, CHD, and stroke. The magnitude of associations strengthened progressively across increasing GDQS quintiles. The GDQS was similarly or more strongly associated with CVD risk compared to other DQIs, with quintile-specific 95% CIs overlapping those of the AHEI-2010, which was specifically designed for CVD assessment (Figure 1). Conclusion: The GDQS was associated with lower CVD risk and displayed magnitude and precision comparable to or stronger than other, more complex DQIs, supporting its utility for CVD risk assessment. These findings warrant further evaluation of the GDQS in other population settings.

Thermal variations and urban compactness: developing UHI indices using remote sensing

Asymmetric sulfonamide design enabling high-voltage sodium-ion pouch cells in wide temperature

Abstract To advance toward commercial viability, sodium-ion batteries are required to operate under high cut-off voltages and low temperatures. This necessitates electrolyte designs that provide sufficient oxidative stability for high-voltage cycling while maintaining high ion mobility at low temperatures. Herein we design a non-flammable sulfonamide solvent molecule, N-ethyl-N-methyl-trifluoromethanesulfonamide, by introducing asymmetric alkyl substituents that create a geometric kink to hinder efficient crystal packing during cooling, leading to a low melting point (−86 °C). The resulting sulfonamide-based electrolyte exhibits weak ion–dipole interaction and favorable solvation structures enriched in contact ion pairs and aggregates, which promote the formation of highly stable and conductive interphases with both the positive and negative electrodes. Benefiting from these features, the sulfonamide-based electrolyte enables 1-Ah-level hard carbon||NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 pouch cells to retain 69.8% and 42.3% of room-temperature capacity even at −60 °C and −70 °C, while achieving capacity retentions of 90.0% and 81.6% after 1500 and 1000 cycles at high upper cut-off voltages of 4.15 V and 4.2 V, respectively. The sulfonamide-based electrolyte also improves the high-temperature cycling stability and delays the onset and trigger of thermal runaway at the pouch-cell level. This work offers fundamental insights into solvent molecule and electrolyte design for advancing high-energy and wide-temperature sodium-ion batteries.

Bert W. O’Malley (1936–2025): A great scientist, mentor, and proud Irishman

Bert W. O’Malley, the “father/grandfather” of the field of molecular endocrinology passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 88. In a distinguished career that spanned over 60 years, he probed fundamental aspects of steroid hormone action, work that informed our understanding of the biology of hormones and how their dysregulated activity underlies the pathobiology of reproductive abnormalities, metabolic diseases, and cancer. His work provided insights that have contributed considerably to the transition from empiric to mechanism-based discovery of drugs that can be used to manipulate steroid/nuclear hormone receptor action for therapeutic benefit. The field has lost a leader but the impact of his large body of work will endure.