Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Invariant dual mechanics of tensegrity and origami
Statics and kinematics are often viewed as intertwined branches of mechanics. The principle of virtual work indicates this interconnection: For a system in static equilibrium, the total work performed by all forces during any virtual displacement must equal zero. In this work, we make the interplay between statics and kinematics more explicit by focusing on two engineering structures—tensegrity and origami. Specifically, we demonstrate a quantitative duality relationship between the states of self-stress of tensegrity and the infinitesimal mechanisms of origami. More importantly, we show that this duality remains invariant under nondegenerate linear transformations applied to the tensegrity and origami configurations. Furthermore, we establish that the stability property of tensegrity, particularly superstability, is preserved under such transformations. We apply the invariant duality theory to tensegrity and origami structures with prismatic and polyhedral geometries, illustrating its broad applicability. Such duality is also applicable to the fast generation of irregular, three-dimensional architected materials and structures.
Abstract TU201: Higher Allostatic Load Is Associated With Lower Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among U.S. Adults: NHANES 1999–2004
Introduction: Allostatic load (AL) reflects cumulative physiological stress across multiple body systems and may influence cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Understanding this relationship may clarify how chronic stress contributes to early cardiovascular risk among U.S. adults aged 20–49 years (≈133 million individuals). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher AL would be associated with lower CRF, independent of smoking and physical activity. Methods: Data from NHANES 1999–2004 were analyzed among adults with complete AL components (nine biomarkers across cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory, lipid, obesity, and renal systems) and treadmill-derived VO2 max (N = 1,761). Six-year MEC weights and design variables (SDMVSTRA/SDMVPSU) were applied. The primary model used survey-weighted linear regression of VO2 max on AL adjusted for age and sex. Sensitivity analyses sequentially added smoking (≥100 lifetime cigarettes) and vigorous physical activity (VPA; PAD200 = Yes and PAQ560 ≥3/week; alternative “any vigorous” definition), tested nonlinearity (AL2), and evaluated AL×sex interaction. Results: Mean ± SD AL was 1.14 ± 1.32 and VO2 max 34.3 ± 9.0 mL/kg.min. AL correlated inversely with VO2 max (r = –0.37, p < 0.001). Each 1-unit higher AL was associated with a –2.62 mL/kg.min lower VO2 max (95% CI –2.92 to –2.32; p < 0.001; pseudo-R2 = 0.72). Results were consistent after additional adjustment for smoking (β = –2.62; SE 0.148; N = 1,759) and for any vigorous activity (β = –2.55; SE 0.147; N = 1,760), and unchanged in sensitivity models. The AL×sex interaction (p = 0.01) indicated a stronger inverse association in men. Conclusions: In conclusion, higher AL was consistently associated with ≈2.6 mL/kg. min lower VO2 max in U.S. adults aged 20–49 years, independent of smoking and physical activity. A ≈2.6 mL/kg .min reduction in CRF corresponds to a 10–15% higher mortality risk, highlighting AL as a modifiable target for stress reduction and a potential biomarker to enhance cardiovascular risk screening.
Abstract TH885: Clinical Obesity as Defined by Lancet Guidelines Is Significantly Associated with Neuroimaging Markers: The Bogalusa Heart Study
Context: Obesity is a driver of cardiometabolic (CM) disease and previous studies have suggested a relationship between obesity measures and structural brain health and cognition. However, most studies focused solely on BMI. Here we evaluate 2023 Lancet Commission obesity classifications, which include abnormal CM physiology, and MRI markers of brain integrity. Objective: To examine associations between obesity status across early-to-mid adulthood, using Lancet Commission obesity classifications, and midlife MRI markers of brain integrity in the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS). Design, Setting, and Participants: The BHS is a longitudinal study which began in childhood and followed black and white boys and girls in Bogalusa, Louisiana, for >50 years into midlife. Participants underwent repeated CM phenotyping between 1985–2010. Six examinations during young adulthood to midlife had all information necessary for the analysis. Brain MRI was obtained on n=283 participants between 2016–2024 to quantify white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and gray to total matter volume (GMV/TV). Longitudinal analyses included 283 participants. Analyses on specific examinations included 144 to 212 participants. Main Outcomes and Measures: Participants were classified as Non-Obese, Preclinically Obese, or Clinically Obese at each examination, per LancetCommission obesity guidelines. WMH and GMV/TV were compared across groups. Using Kruskal–Wallis tests followed by Dunn’s post hoc comparisons (Bonferroni adjusted), Hodges–Lehmann estimators, RT-ANCOVA followed by Holms post hoc test (to adjust for covariates), Results: Mean (SD) age at initial young adult examinations was 23.3 (2.2) years and 42.7 (4.3) during the last exam prior to MRI . Mean (SD) age at MRI was 57.4 (4.6) yrs. Participants who were clinically obese (n=184) at any time in their young adult years had significantly higher WMH volume in midlife compared to participants who were non-obese (n = 92) during the entirety of that same period (Bonferroni adjusted p = 0.0022; HL difference = 0.076 mL, 95% CI: 0.027–0.14, Holmes p= 0.0415). Conclusions: Having clinical obesity, as defined by the 2023 Lancet Commission, at any point in in young adulthood was significantly associated with greater WMH burden in midlife compared with non-obese individuals. These findings suggest that excess adiposity when paired with abnormal CM physiology may have long-term consequences for brain health and cognition.
Abstract TU210: Bidirectional reallocations of sedentary time, physical activity, and sleep in relation to risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease: an analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE)-China cohort study
Background: Although prolonged sedentary time is linked to adverse health outcomes, evidence regarding its dose–response relationship in the low-exposure ranges remains limited. Moreover, the effects of reallocating time between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease have not been comprehensively examined. To address these gaps, we evaluated bidirectional time reallocations among sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep in a Chinese cohort. Methods: We analyzed data from the PURE-China study, which recruited 47,931 participants aged 35 to 70 years from 115 communities across 12 provinces between 2005 and 2009 in China and followed up every three years Sitting time, physical activity, and sleep duration were assessed using validated questionnaires. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events. Cox frailty models were used to examine the associations of sitting time with outcomes. Isotemporal substitution models were applied to estimate the bidirectional reallocations of time between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep. Results: Among 41,733 participants with a median follow-up of 11.9 years, the mean age was 50.6 ± 9.7 years, and the median sitting time was 3.0 hours/day (IQR: 1.7–4.6). Sitting time showed a J-shaped association with the composite outcome, with the lowest risk observed at 2–4 h/day. Both low (<2 h/day) and high (≥6 h/day) levels of sitting were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and composite outcome. Among participants sitting ≥4 h/day, replacing 30 minutes of sitting with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or work-related activity was associated with a 3–7% reduction in mortality risk. Conversely, among those sitting <4 h/day, reallocating time from physical activity or prolonged sleep to sitting time was associated with a 4%-10% reduction risk of mortality. Conclusions: Sedentary behavior shows context-dependent associations with health, where both low and high levels relate to higher risks. The “sitting paradox” observed in highly active individuals highlights the bidirectional effects of reallocating time between sitting, physical activity, and sleep. These findings underscore the need for more nuanced public health recommendations tailored to baseline activity and sedentary patterns.
Elucidation of a potent pro-resolving mediator of inflammation resolution via human neutrophil–vascular endothelial cell interactions
The acute inflammatory response is a highly coordinated programmed sequence that enables neutrophils to transmigrate from venules into tissues. Ideally self-limited, the active resolution phase produces specialized molecules that stimulate resolution and prevent collateral tissue damage from excessive neutrophil infiltration. The superfamily of pro-resolving molecules is termed specialized pro-resolving mediators including the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins. Given the intimate interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells in inflammation resolution, we investigated whether unique bioactive molecules carrying pro-resolution properties are biosynthesized by human neutrophils coincubated with activated vascular endothelial cells. Using metabololipidomics, we found that human coronary aortic valves from transplants contained 13-hydroxy-4Z,7Z,10Z,14E,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (13-HDHA) and inflammatory eicosanoids. We report that human endothelial cells convert DHA to 13-HDHA which in turn is transformed by human neutrophils to a previously unknown bioactive product 4,13-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid. This structure was established using physical properties including tandem-mass spectrometry, UV-analysis, and conversion of deuterated substrate. Biosynthesis of this product during neutrophil–endothelial coincubations involved bidirectional crosstalk between neutrophil 5-LOX and endothelial COX-2 as confirmed using isolated recombinant enzymes. The bioactive 4S,13R-dihydroxy-5E,7Z,10Z,14E,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid, also produced by M2-like macrophages and mononuclear cells, demonstrated potent nanomolar pro-resolving actions including, a) limiting neutrophil infiltration into mouse air pouch, b) reducing human neutrophil adherence to endothelial cells, c) protecting endothelial cell from senescence, and d) stimulating human macrophage efferocytosis of senescent red blood cells. These results provide evidence for a previously unknown pro-resolving pathway and molecule biosynthesized from DHA via cyclooxygenase-2–5-lipoxygenase during leukocyte crosstalk with the vasculature.
Abstract TU178: Higher education level and years of education are negatively associated with equol-producing status among older adults
Background: Equol, a gut microbiome-derived metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, is a selective estrogen receptor-agonist that has been associated with lower arterial stiffness, reduced subclinical atherosclerosis, lower risks of coronary heart disease and dementia through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. However, equol-producing status, defined as the ability to convert the soy isoflavone daidzein into equol, occurs in only 20–30% of Westerners. Socioeconomic factors, such as education, may influence equol-producing status through dietary patterns and gut microbiome composition, yet the role of these factors remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate whether education level and years of education are associated with equol-producing status among older healthy Western adults and to test for effect modification by sex. Methods: The Arterial Stiffness, Equol, and Cognition (ACE) trial (NCT05741060) enrolled healthy US adults aged 65-85 years with low habitual soy consumption to test whether equol supplementation slows the progression of arterial stiffness, white matter lesions, and cognitive decline. The current analysis included baseline data from ACE participants who were tested for equol-producing status after a three-day soy challenge and completed self-reported questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and 24-hour dietary recall. Equol producers were defined using the urinary equol-to-daidzein ratio (log10 ≥ -1.75). Associations of equol-producing status with education level and years of education were evaluated and potential effect modification by sex was examined using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, energy intake, total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total fiber intake (Table 2). Results: Among 349 ACE participants (mean age 72 ± 4.8 years; 52% female; 20% African American), 28% of participants were equol producers. Higher education level and more years of education were significantly associated with lower odds of being equol producers. These negative associations were driven by females and not observed in males; yet, sex interactions were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Higher education level and longer years of education were unexpectedly negatively associated with equol-producing status, possibly reflecting dietary, lifestyle or microbiome differences less conducive to equol production.
Abstract TH840: In a Large Minnesota Healthcare System Most Patients with Hypertension Do Not Use Their Nearest Pharmacy
Background: Recent pharmacy closures have fueled research into “pharmacy deserts” raising concerns about limited pharmacy access and disparities in convenience of pharmacy use. However, it is unclear if proximity to pharmacy is a primary factor driving pharmacy choice. Methods: We created a cohort of patients with hypertension using electronic health record data from M Health Fairview, a health system with hospitals and clinics that serve patients across MN with >1 million outpatient visits annually. We geocoded all MN pharmacies open to the public in 2022, categorized them by type (chain, grocery store, community, and health system), and determined drive times from census blocks to the nearest pharmacies. Patient characteristics included age, sex, census block of residence, and pharmacies used in 2022. A preferred pharmacy was designated as the one where most prescriptions were sent. Census blocks were characterized by geographic region and poverty quartiles. We evaluated differences between those who preferred the nearest pharmacy and those who preferred a more distant pharmacy (DP). Results: In 2022, 153,926 patients were seen in an outpatient clinic and received at least one medication prescription. A large majority (121,294, 79%) did NOT prefer to use the nearest pharmacy. There was little difference by age and sex, but choice of nearest pharmacy varied significantly by geographic region and poverty level with higher use of nearest pharmacy in the non-metro regions and the lowest use in the highest poverty group (Table). Average drive time to the nearest pharmacy was 4.5 minutes overall. In the total DP group, average drive time beyond the nearest pharmacy was 4.1 minutes. Those in rural/non-metro regions added the most extra travel time, 5.6 minutes. When assessed by poverty quartiles, the highest poverty group traveled the furthest beyond the nearest pharmacy, 4.5 minutes (Table). Patients in the DP group tended to choose chain pharmacies more often and community pharmacies less often. Conclusion: A majority of patients with hypertension in a large healthcare system preferred to use a pharmacy that was not nearest to their residence, suggesting proximity to residence may not be the most important factor for determining adequate pharmacy access. Other factors (e.g. insurance coverage, costs) need to be considered in future research.
Abstract WE455: Effect of Spironolactone versus Alpha or Beta Blockers on Systolic BP in Patients with Resistant Hypertension
Introduction: The optimal fourth-line drug therapy for resistant hypertension remains uncertain. We emulated a target trial of initiating spironolactone versus an alpha or beta blocker as an add-on therapy on blood pressure (BP) control in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). Methods: We emulated sequential trials for adults with resistant hypertension, defined as having a systolic BP > 130 mm Hg while concurrently on three classes of anti-hypertensive medication. We included patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) who met eligibility criteria between 2016 and 2022 who initiated one of three add-on medications for treatment of RH: spironolactone, an alpha-1 blocker, or a beta blocker. We applied inverse probability of treatment weights using >50 baseline covariates to approximate randomization. The outcome of interest was the difference in change in systolic BP from baseline to 6 months and baseline to 12 months between spironolactone and other drug classes, estimated through a weighted linear mixed effects model. Results: Among 918 adults who initiated spironolactone, 916 adults who initiated an alpha-1 blocker, and 3690 patients who initiated a beta blocker (mean age 67.6 years [SD, 9.7], mean systolic BP 146.7 mm Hg [SD, 13.1]), the average duration of continuous treatment was 14.7 months (SD, 9.5), 11.7 months (SD, 9.8), and 15.8 (SD, 9.6) months respectively. The change in systolic BP from baseline to 6 and 12 months was 7 mm Hg (95% CI, 6, 8) and 9 mm Hg (8, 11) respectively for spironolactone; 6 mm Hg [5, 7] and 7 mm Hg [5, 8]) for an alpha 1 blocker; and 5 mm Hg [4, 6] and 5 mm Hg [4, 6]) for a beta blocker. The difference between change in systolic BP at 12 months between spironolactone versus an alpha-1 blocker or beta blockers was significantly larger for spironolactone at 12 months (vs alpha-1 blockers, 3 mm Hg [1, 5]; vs beta blockers, 3 mm Hg [2, 5]). Conclusions: Spironolactone was more effective add-on fourth-line therapy for systolic BP lowering in the treatment of RH, supporting findings from PATHWAY-2 in a larger population with more comorbidity.
A DNA-encoded recipe to direct multistage colloidal assembly
In equilibrium self-assembly, microscopic building blocks spontaneously self-organize into stable structures as dictated by their interaction potentials, which limits the accessible structural features to those that correspond to global minima in free energy landscapes; they are often ordered and periodic on length scales comparable to the building block size. Coupling the assembly process to an exergonic reaction drives the system out of equilibrium so that an assembly pathway can be engineered to target a specific kinetically stabilized state, which in principle opens up a vast design space with access to diverse complex structures with features on multiple length scales. However, the question of how such features might be specifically targeted remains unanswered. Here, we explore this design space using a DNA-encoded recipe consisting of multiple biomolecular reactions that dictate the time-dependent binding strength and specificity of each type of subunit in the sample independently, which makes it possible to program an assembly pathway that leads to a kinetically trapped final state. With this kinetic control, we show that the same set of building blocks can form clusters with different final structures. These structures, with tunable core-shell compositions, have feature sizes much larger than the building block size and are governed by the DNA-encoded assembly kinetics. Tuning the timing of individual biomolecular reactions using DNA-encoded recipes offers the opportunity to independently regulate how the many interactions of a large set of coassembling components evolve over time, opening up the potential of creating morphogenesis-like assembly processes involving engineered species.
Abstract MPTH76: Genetic Propensity Modifies the Association Between Saturated Fat Intake and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Introduction: The concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood varies widely among individuals, and this variation is influenced by both genetics and diet. Clinical trials have implicated saturated fat (SFA) as a key macronutrient that raises LDL-C, yet individual responses to changes in SFA intake vary substantially. We investigated whether a polygenic score for LDL-C interacts with SFA intake to influence LDL-C. Methods: This study included 20,940 genotyped participants of the Women’s Health Initiative with baseline LDL-C and food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data. A multi-ancestry polygenic score for LDL-C (PGS-LDL) was used to summarize genetic effects on LDL-C. The PGS-LDL was normalized by genetically inferred ancestry [European (EUR) = 10,488; African (AFR) = 7,046; American (AMR) = 2,996; East Asian = 410]. The effect of the PGS-LDL was modeled per 1 SD increase. Daily macronutrient intake was estimated from the FFQ. The effect of SFA was modeled as a 200 kcal/day increase of SFA at the expense of carbohydrates, using an isocaloric macronutrient substitution model. Multivariable linear regression was used to test the independent and interaction effects of the PGS-LDL and SFA on LDL-C. Models were adjusted for genetic PCs, genotyping array, and relevant clinical and lifestyle covariates. Both pooled and ancestry-stratified analyses were performed. Results: The mean age was 64 ± 7 years. The mean LDL-C, adjusted for lipid-lowering therapy, was 152 ± 42 mg/dL. In a pooled analysis, the PGS-LDL and SFA were independently associated with LDL-C (PGS-LDL: 14.9 mg/dL, P < 2e-16; SFA: 4.3 mg/dL, P = 2e-4), and a significant PGS-LDL x SFA interaction was observed (P-interaction = 0.002). The magnitude of association between SFA and LDL-C became more pronounced with higher polygenic risk ( Figure ). This finding was consistent in stratified analyses among the three largest ancestry groups (AFR, AMR, EUR). In sensitivity analyses, we examined individuals without ASCVD (n = 19,483), without diabetes (n = 18,999), or not on lipid-lowering therapy (n = 19,049). We also repeated our analysis with an alternative EUR-derived PGS-LDL. All sensitivity analyses showed similar results (all P-interaction < 0.05). Conclusions: Individuals with genetic propensity towards elevated LDL-C may be more sensitive to SFA intake. Further studies are needed to test these findings in clinical trials and evaluate their effects on cardiovascular disease risk.
Abstract TU274: Social Vulnerability and Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use in Reproductive-Aged Women with Atrial Arrhythmias
Objective: To examine how social vulnerability and unmet social needs affect direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use among reproductive-aged women with atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL). Background: Reproductive-aged women face greater healthcare costs and cost-related barriers than men. With the increasing rates of AF/AFL in this population, it is essential to investigate social factors that limit the optimal use of DOACs in this understudied population. Methods: We analyzed 3,755 women aged 18–50 with AF/AFL from the 2013-2024 AHA Get With The Guidelines–AF registry. Unmet social needs (socioeconomic, behavioral health, health insurance, community/environment) were assessed and used to classify levels of social vulnerability (ranked by the number of unmet needs: no (0), mild (1), and moderate to severe (mod-sev, ≥2). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 VASc scores and odds of DOAC treatment were compared across social vulnerability levels, with adjustments for age, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities (renal impairment, liver disease, and mechanical valves). Results: Among the 3,755 women with AF/AFL, the mean age was 43 years, 65% were white, 21% were black, 8% were Hispanic, and 6% other races. About 34% lacked or had public health insurance, 2% had behavioral health needs, 0.7% had community/environmental needs, and 1% had socioeconomic needs. Overall, 65.4% had no social vulnerability, 33% had mild vulnerability, and 1% had mod-sev vulnerability ( Table ). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 VASc scores increased with increasing levels of vulnerability (no: 2.09 (SD 1.13); mild: 2.68 (SD 1.30); mod-sev: 2.90 (SD 1.43, p < 0.005). Women with mild vulnerability were 47% less likely to be treated with a DOAC (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.66) compared to those with no social vulnerability, which remained similar after adjustment (OR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.70). Though not statistically significant, there was a trend toward lower DOAC use in the mod-sev group (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.33, 1.69). Conclusion: The increasing trend in CHA 2 DS 2 VASc scores across increasing social vulnerability highlights how those with higher social vulnerability have a greater burden of AF/AFL-related comorbidities. Although few women with AF/AFL had higher levels of social vulnerability, many with mild social vulnerability were less likely to receive DOACs despite guideline recommendations. Addressing unmet social needs, particularly health insurance, will likely enhance equitable healthcare access for this population.
Abstract WE425: Non-Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Is Associated with Mortality Risk and Organ Ages across Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Stages
Introduction: Beverage consumption is an essential dietary component providing hydration, nutrients, and energy. Different cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) stages represent distinct metabolic and hydration requirements, yet evidence on beverage consumption effects across CKM stages remains limited. Hypothesis: Non-alcoholic beverage consumption impacts on mortality and organ aging vary across CKM disease stages. Methods: We analyzed 180,613 UK Biobank participants with completed 24-hour dietary recalls, classified into CKM stages 0-4 per American Heart Association criteria. Eight beverage types (coffee, tea, sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs], artificially-sweetened beverages [ASBs], natural juice, plain water, low-fat milk, whole milk) were assessed in servings/day. Hierarchical clustering identified beverage patterns. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations between individual beverages, beverage patterns, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, associations between beverage patterns and plasma proteomics-derived organ ages were examined across CKM stages in a subset of 16,120 participants. Results: ver median 12.3-year follow-up, 14,253 deaths occurred. Whole milk (>1 serving/day) associated with increased mortality across stages: HR 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02-1.26) stages 0-1, 1.20 (1.12-1.28) stage 2, 1.15 (1.02-1.29) stages 3-4. SSBs and ASBs showed stage-progressive mortality associations, strongest in stages 3-4 (established cardiovascular disease): HR 1.05 (1.00-1.11) SSBs, 1.07 (1.01-1.13) ASBs. Tea (>4 servings/day) demonstrated protection in stages 3-4: HR 0.91 (0.86-0.97). Three distinct beverage patterns were identified through hierarchical clustering: SSB/ASB pattern, coffee/tea pattern, and natural juice/plain water pattern. CKM progression associated with multiple accelerated organ aging. SSB/ASB pattern showed substantially greater aging acceleration versus other patterns for adipose, kidney, liver, and lung across all stages. Conclusions: Beverage choices significantly impact outcomes across CKM stages. Minimizing SSBs and ASBs, especially in advanced stages, may lower mortality risk and mitigate organ aging. These findings support CKM stage-specific dietary guidance for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease prevention.
Abstract TH896: Exploring the Potential of Barbershop-Based Cardiovascular Health Interventions in a State Prison: a Qualitative Study
Background: Barbershops have emerged as culturally significant spaces for cardiovascular health promotion, particularly among Black men, by leveraging trust, frequent interactions, and community connection. Despite their success in community settings, barbers have not been utilized in prisons, where cardiovascular health disparities are marked. Incarceration is independently associated with higher incidence of hypertension, worse control, and greater risk for left ventricular hypertrophy even years after exposure. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC) runs a cosmetology program, training incarcerated men as licensed cosmetologists. Leveraging this setup could support novel, low-cost heart health programs in prisons, but the feasibility is unknown. Methods: We conducted a 75-minute in-person focus group with six incarcerated men (five Black, one Hispanic), all licensed cosmetologists employed in a PA DOC facility barbershop. The session was facilitated by an academic researcher, a formerly incarcerated individual, and a former correctional officer. In addition, the session was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Codes were applied in NVivo, and themes were developed inductively. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis. (1) Participants emphasized the special role of the cosmetologist in the prison ecosystem, noting the trust and respect they hold within the facility that positions them as confidants and influential leaders. (2) They described a strong motivation to safeguard health and hygiene, highlighting their responsibility for sanitation, infection control, and protecting communal health. (3) Cosmetologists also saw themselves as health promoters, reporting that they often engage in conversations about rashes, diet, cardiovascular health, and vaccines, including encouragement of COVID-19 vaccination. (4) Finally, participants expressed interest in participating in future health interventions, describing enthusiasm for structured training, curricula, posters, and pamphlets to support their role as health advocates. Conclusions: Prison barbershops are a promising but rarely used place for health education and heart disease prevention. Barbers in prison are trusted voices who can shape health habits. Integrating structured training and health communication resources into prison cosmetology programs could enhance cardiovascular disease prevention, addressing critical health inequities in carceral systems.
Abstract MPWE33: Lipidome Aging Clock And Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease In American Indians: The Strong Heart Family Study
Background: Individuals of the same chronological age often show considerable variation in health due to differences in biological aging, the process of accumulating molecular and cellular damage. Because lipidomics has shown strong associations with cardiometabolic disorders, we hypothesize that a lipidomic aging clock can more accurately reflect metabolic health and serve as a more powerful predictor of cardiometabolic disorders. We aim to assess the lipidomic aging clock and its associations with cardiometabolic disorders in American Indians. Methods: We quantified 1,542 lipid species from 1,800 American Indian adults (mean age 40.0, 62.3% women) in the Strong Heart Family Study (2001-2003) using untargeted LC-MS lipidomics. A lipidomic aging clock was constructed by regressing chronological age on 1,542 standardized lipid species using elastic-net, adjusting for sex and BMI. We defined lipidomic age acceleration (mAgeΔ) as the residual of lipidomic age regressed on chronological age. Finally, we used logistic mixed-effects models (adjusted for age, sex and LDL-C) to evaluate associations of mAgeΔ quintiles with obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Results: Among the 1,800 participants, the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders was high: obesity (54%), hypertension (28%), and T2D (17%). The constructed lipidomic aging clock was strongly correlated with chronological age (Pearson r = 0.78). Compared to those in the bottom quintile (Q1) of lipidomic age acceleration, participants in the top quintile group (Q5) showed significantly higher odds for all outcomes: obesity (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.02), hypertension (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04-2.23), and T2D (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.26-2.62). Conclusion: Accelerated lipidomic aging is significantly associated with higher odds of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in American Indians. These findings underscore the potential of the lipidomic aging clock as a powerful and precise biomarker of current cardiometabolic health.
Abstract WE543: Association of Weekend Warrior and Other Physical Activity Patterns with Mortality Among Adults with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Cohort Study
Background: "Weekend warrior" and regularly active physical activity patterns have been associated with reduced mortality risk in the general population. The association in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is unknown. Objective: To examine the associations of different physical activity patterns, particularly weekend warrior and regularly active behavior, with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among adults with CVDs. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: National Health Interview Survey (1997 to 2018) linked to the National Death Index records through 31 December 2019. Participants: 82,031 U.S. adults with self-reported CVDs. Measurements: Participants categorized by 4 physical activity groups: inactive (reporting no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]), insufficiently active (MVPA <150 minutes per week), weekend warrior (MVPA ≥150 minutes per week in 1 to 2 sessions), and regularly active (MVPA ≥150 minutes per week in ≥3 sessions). Results: During a median follow-up of 10.75 years, 29,273 deaths (CVDs, 11,670; cancers, 5,114) were documented. Compared with inactive participants (n=39,484), multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were significantly lower across physical activity groups: insufficiently active persons (n=15,220; HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.79 to 0.85]), weekend warriors (n=1,524; HR, 0.72 [CI, 0.64 to 0.80]), and regularly active persons (n=25,803; HR, 0.83 [CI, 0.78 to 0.70]). These reductions were mostly due to benefits with cardiovascular mortality: insufficiently active persons (HR, 0.81 [CI, 0.77 to 0.87]), weekend warriors (HR, 0.67 [CI, 0.55 to 0.81]), and regularly active persons (HR, 0.64 [CI, 0.60 to 0.68]). There were fewer differences by cancer mortality: insufficiently active persons (HR, 0.87 [CI, 0.79 to 0.96]), weekend warriors (HR, 0.80 [CI, 0.62 to 1.02]), and regularly active persons (HR, 0.84 [CI, 0.77 to 0.91]). Limitation: Physical activity was self-reported and assessed at a single time point. Conclusion: Weekend warrior and regularly active physical activity patterns meeting current physical activity recommendations (MVPA ≥150 minutes per week) were associated with 28% and 33% lower risks for all-cause mortality and 33% and 36% lower hazards of cardiovascular mortality among adults with CVDs compared with those with CVDs who are physically inactive.
Abstract TU128: Longitudinal Association Between Healthy Lifestyles and Cardiometabolic Risk in School-Aged Children
Background: Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors in childhood are strong predictors of future cardiovascular health. Identifying strategies to prevent or mitigate CMR early in life is essential. While individual lifestyle factors have been linked to CMR, the combined effect of multiple healthy behaviors remains unclear. This study aimed to develop a composite healthy lifestyle score (CHLS) for school-aged children and to evaluate its longitudinal association with CMR. Methods: A total of 1,272 children (mean age 6.6 years) from the PROC study were followed up to age 11.3 years. Anthropometric measurements, blood biochemical tests, and lifestyle questionnaires were collected at both time points. CMR was defined using the 2013 criteria by Shafiee et al., incorporating waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and HDL-C. Logistic regression was used to develop a β-weighted CHLS and to assess the association between baseline lifestyle and follow-up CMR. Longitudinal relationships were examined using generalized estimating equations (GEE), and changes in CHLS categories were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of CMR increased from 4.1% at baseline to 9.7% at follow-up (P < 0.001). Mean CHLS declined from 8.02 (SD = 5.23) to 4.56 (SD = 5.14) over time (P < 0.001). GEE analysis showed a lower risk of CMR among children with high (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94, P = 0.019) or moderately high (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38–0.84, P = 0.005) CHLS compared with those with low scores. Logistic regression further indicated reduced odds of CMR among children whose lifestyle scores improved from low to high (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28–0.94, P = 0.032), declined from high to low (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.75, P = 0.003), or remained consistently high (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16–0.52, P < 0.001), relative to consistently low scorers. In conclusion, adherence to healthy lifestyles substantially reduces cardiometabolic risk in childhood. Even temporary improvement offers measurable benefits, whereas sustained healthy behaviors confer the greatest long-term protection.
Abstract WE505: A WHO Nutrient Profile Model Provides The Most Robust Limits For Sugar, Sodium, And Saturated Fats To Underpin Nutrition Policy In Bangladesh
Background: Sodium, saturated fat, and sugar intake in Bangladesh is rising, primarily driven by increasing consumption of packaged foods high in these nutrients. A front-of-package nutrient warning label (FoPL) policy is being proposed by the national government to protect against rising rates of diet-related chronic disease. The government is seeking to develop evidence-based limits for sodium, sugar, and saturated fat to support this policy. Objective: To compare the proportion of packaged products that would receive FoPL when three nutrient profile models (NPM) are applied: the Brazil NPM and Chile NPM, based on product weight, and World Health Organization (WHO) NPM (modified from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) NPM), based on calories. All three NPMs divide liquids from solids but do not vary across food categories. Methods: Packaged foods and beverages in the Mintel Global New Products Database eligible for a FoPL and displaying information necessary to calculate nutrient content were evaluated. NPM limits were applied to each product. The proportions of products that would display FoPL for each nutrient under each NPM were calculated overall, for foods and beverages separately, and by product category. Results: The display of nutrient values varied across food categories. Among eligible food products, 15% lacked information on sodium content, 25-28% on saturated fat, and 21-26% on sugar (Figure 1). Among the three NPMs used, the Brazil NPM consistently captured fewer eligible products while the WHO NPM captured the most (Figure 2). A “high in sugar” FoPL would be applied to 92% of carbonated soft drinks using the WHO NPM, compared to 74% (Chile NPM) and 70% (Brazil NPM) (Figure 3). 58% of snacks would receive a “high in salt” FoPL (WHO NPM) compared to 50% (Chile NPM), and 29% (Brazil NPM) (Figure 3). Conclusions: The WHO NPM identifies the highest percentage of packaged foods and beverages in Bangladesh high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. Because it is grounded in WHO population nutrient intake goals for preventing diet-related chronic disease, it provides a health-protective basis for a FoPL system. This model ensures that the FoPL framework aligns with global public health standards and supports healthier food environments. Irrespective of NPM model used, stronger regulatory enforcement and compliance with nutrient disclosures on labels is needed for comprehensive product classification and effective FoPL policy implementation.
Abstract TU242: Psychosocial and Behavioral Correlates of Weight Management Interest: Analysis of Self-Screening Data from a Large Integrated Health System
Introduction: Effective weight management interventions require an understanding of the psychosocial and behavioral profiles of individuals seeking support. This study explores themes from a self-administered screening tool used within Kaiser Permanente, aiming to uncover how psychological factors, demographics, and behavioral patterns intersect with BMI. By examining these dimensions, the research supports personalized, culturally responsive, and clinically relevant approaches to weight management and health care delivery. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to analyze data collected via REDCap from 465 adults aged 18–70. The sample included 67.53% females and 32.47% males who completed assessments on demographics, psychological well-being (GAD7, PHQ2), and alcohol use (AUDITC), along with self-reported height and weight to calculate BMI. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations to examine relationships between BMI and sex, race/ethnicity, age, and psychological variables. SAS software was used for all analyses. Results: No significant difference in mean BMI was found between males and females ( p >0.05). However, BMI varied significantly across racial/ethnic groups ( p =0.0082), with White individuals showing lower BMI than Black and Hispanic participants. BMI also differed across age categories ( p =0.08), with individuals aged 18–35 having significantly higher BMIs than those aged 50–70 ( p <0.05). Pearson correlations showed no significant associations between BMI and psychological measures (GAD: p =0.80; PHQ-2: p =0.20; AUDITC: p =0.85). A strong positive correlation was found between GAD and PHQ2 scores ( p <0.0001), indicating a link between anxiety and depression. Males reported significantly higher AUDITC scores than females ( p <0.0001), suggesting sex-based differences in alcohol use. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of racial/ethnic and age-related factors when evaluating BMI in clinical settings. The lack of association between BMI and psychological measures suggests BMI alone is not a reliable indicator of mental health. However, the strong correlation between anxiety and depression underscores the value of psychological screening. Clinicians should be aware of demographic disparities in BMI and alcohol use, particularly elevated AUDITC scores among males, which may warrant targeted behavioral health interventions. These insights support more personalized and culturally sensitive care.
Photoreceptor control of <i>Platynereis</i> growth and lifespan via evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways
Natural light is severely affected by human impact on Earth, yet little is known about the roles light receptors have outside vision and rhythmic processes, despite their tremendously wide abundance. Here we show that loss-of-function of the light-receptive cryptochrome ( l-cry ) in marine bristleworms significantly increases lifespan and adult size, similarly to wild-types reared in constant darkness. Quantitative transcriptomics revealed hormonal players crucial for invertebrate and vertebrate sexual development and reproduction affected in l-cry mutants. These include nr0b1/2 , ortholog of dax-1 ( nr0b1 ) and shp ( nr0b2 ), long considered vertebrate novelties. Depending on moon-phase, nr0b1/2 is up- or down-regulated in l-cry mutants. Matching the complex regulation, data consistent with loss of nr0b1/2 function partially recapitulate l-cry phenotypes. Molecularly, Platynereis Nr0b1/2 affects steroidogenic and other endocrine pathways, nuclear receptor signaling, and transcription factor orthologs involved in sexual developmental, reproductive, and timing processes in other organisms. Thus, our study suggests profound and direct effects of light on adult animal life-time, likely at least in part via conserved endocrine pathways involved in sexual maturation and reproduction in annelids and vertebrates.
Abstract TU234: Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Attributable to Behavioral and Metabolic Risk Factors: An Analysis of the Vietnamese Adult Population.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of disability and death in Vietnam and the world. Modifiable behavioral and metabolic risk factors largely drive this burden, but their combined impact on the Vietnamese populations remains unclear. Understanding these contributions is important for developing effective prevention and health policies. Hypothesis: To estimate the number and proportion of CVDs cases and deaths attributable to five behavior and metabolic-related risk factors in Vietnam in 2023. Methods: Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated to determine the relationship between CVDs and well-established behavioral (smoking, second-hand smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity) and metabolic (BMI, waist circumference-WC, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol) risk factors. This study synthesized data on risk factor prevalence from the nationally representative Vietnamese surveys (WHO-STEPS), relative risks from available meta-analyses where possible, and CVDs morbidity and mortality figures from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. Results: An estimated 90.4% of CVDs cases in men (154,966 cases) and 62.4% in women (83,861 cases) were attributable to combined metabolic and behavioral risks when WC represents adiposity. The proportions of CVDs deaths attributable to these risk factors were 96.6% in men (62,473 deaths) and 39.6% in women (11,960 deaths). In men, the leading causes were tobacco smoking (34.4%) and hypertension (27.6%) for new cases, and hypertension (31.3%) and smoking (25.6%) for deaths; second-hand smoke and WC also contributed. In women, second-hand smoke (24.9%) and hypertension (17.9%) made up the highest proportion of new cases, while hypertension (17.4%) and WC (10.5%) accounted for the highest proportion of CVDs deaths. For adiposity, using BMI yielded lower combined PAFs compared to WC by 6.5-10.2% for new cases and 1.6-6.5% for deaths. Conclusion: Most CVDs burden is preventable. Tobacco exposure and hypertension are the leading causes, with second-hand smoke notably impacting women. For adiposity, WC captures CVDs risk better than BMI, especially among men. Prioritizing blood pressure control, tobacco reduction, and central adiposity could avert most cases and deaths.