Browse Articles

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

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

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

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

Efficient remote sensing image classification using the novel STConvNeXt convolutional network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract P2011: Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of Caribbean and South America Team-based Strategy to Control Hypertension (CATCH) Trial

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension is a major global public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In the Caribbean and South America Team-based Strategy to Control Hypertension (CATCH) trial, we are testing the effectiveness and implementation of a team-based care strategy for blood pressure control among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Colombia and Jamaica. Objectives: To describe the baseline characteristics of participants in the CATCH trial. Methods: The CATCH is a cluster randomized-effectiveness implementation trial conducted in 40 primary care clinics in Colombia and Jamaica. We randomly assigned 20 clinics to the team-based care intervention and 20 to provider training intervention stratified by county and urbanization. A care team consisting of physicians-nurses-community health workers collaborated to deliver the intervention. The intervention and data collection will last for 18 months. Results: We screened 2,339 individuals and successfully recruited 1,710 hypertensive patients (1,050 in Colombia and 660 in Jamaica) who met the eligibility criteria. A total of 692 individuals were excluded from the trial: 563 (81.4%) due to BP <130/80mmHg with standardized measurement, 63 (9.1%) due to kidney disease or heart failure, and 58 (8.4%) due to other reasons. Approximately 1% refused to consent for the trial. Participants were, on average, 62 years old, 70% were women, and 51% has less than high school education. Overall, 50% of participants identified as Mixed race and 36% identified as Black. Almost all (98%) of participants were taking antihypertensive medications at recruitment. In addition, 29% participants had diabetes, 46% had hypercholesterolemia, and 7% had grade 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease. Compared to Jamaicans, participants from Colombia were older (63 vs. 60 years) and more likely to be male (37% vs. 18%), and to identify as Mixed race (76% vs. 10%). Education status was similar between the two countries. Participants in Jamaica had a higher cardiovascular disease risk burden - diabetes (35% vs. 24%), hypercholesterolemia (51% vs. 43%), and chronic kidney disease (11% vs. 5%). Conclusion: We successfully recruited primary care patients with hypertension into the CATCH trial representative of primary care patients in Jamaica and Colombia. In future work we will assess reach by comparing our participants’ demographic characteristics to those of the overall hypertensive populations in both countries.

Abstract P2057: Virtual Hypertension Control Training and Technical Assistance Curriculum Design Helps Meet Community Health Center Learning Needs

The 2020 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension urged the nation to prioritize hypertension control, strengthen community support, and optimize patient care. In late 2020, the US Department of Health and Human Services launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI), awarding 350 federally supported community health centers (CHCs) with 3-year grants to improve hypertension control by leveraging self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring with training and technical assistance from the American Heart Association (AHA). Designing a clinical core curriculum embracing the strategies named in the Surgeon General’s report can optimize patient care and support hypertension control efforts with use of standardized, guideline-recommended care, team-based care, SMBP monitoring, and recognition of exemplary CHCs. The 3-year curriculum was designed to lay a foundation of hypertension fundamentals through didactic webinars, practical workshops, and interactive office hours in 2021, reinforce key concepts and introduce additional standardized tools for blood pressure measurement and treatment in 2022, and use evaluation data to focus quality improvement efforts and recognize success stories in 2023. The plan was rooted in the AMA MAP TM framework and featured new NHCI tools and existing resources from Target: BP TM and others. From 2021-23, 49 events drew a total of 8198 participants. Live knowledge comprehension and readiness polls were used to gauge needed reinforcement and curriculum pacing, respectively. For example, 15 pre/post knowledge check questions posed during the Year-1 events, where 73% showed improvement with the % correct ranging from 12.5-98.0%, informed the design of subsequent events. Average annual post-event evaluation scores demonstrated participants agreed/strongly agreed that the depth (90-95%), utility (90-96%), and pace (73-84%) of the training was appropriate. The likelihood that participants would make changes based upon the training ranged from 59-75%. As previously published, numerous exemplary CHCs improved control rates from less than 58% to greater than 70%, and blood pressure control rates for all NHCI health centers had a relative improvement of 12.3% from baseline to 2022 with 2023 data pending. The design of a virtual curriculum appeared to meet the learning needs of participants and enabled health centers to strengthen practices, deploy SMBP programs, and improve blood pressure control.

Publisher Correction: A hybrid explainable model based on advanced machine learning and deep learning models for classifying brain tumors using MRI images

Inhibition of amyloid beta oligomer accumulation by NU-9: A unifying mechanism for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Protein aggregation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, which connects these neuropathologies by a common phenotype. Various proteins and peptides form aggregates that are poorly degraded, and their ensuing pathological accumulation underlies these neurodegenerative diseases. Similarities may exist in the mechanisms responsible for the buildup of these aggregates. Therefore, therapeutics designed to treat one neurodegenerative disease may be beneficial to others. In ALS models, the compound NU-9 was previously shown to block neurodegeneration produced by aggregation-inducing mutations of SOD-1 and TDP-43 [B. Genç et al., Clin. Transl. Med. 11 , e336 (2021)]. Here, we report that NU-9 also prevents the accumulation of amyloid beta oligomers (AβOs), small peptide aggregates that are instigators of Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration [M. Tolar et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22 , 6355 (2021)]. AβO buildup was measured by immunofluorescence imaging of cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to exogenous monomeric Aβ. In this model, AβO buildup occurs via cathepsin L- and dynamin-dependent trafficking. This is prevented by NU-9 through a cellular mechanism that is cathepsin B- and lysosome-dependent, suggesting that NU-9 enhances the ability of endolysosomal trafficking to protect against AβO buildup. This possibility is strongly supported by a quantitative assay for autophagosomes that shows robust stimulation by NU-9. These results contribute additional understanding to the mechanisms of protein aggregation and suggest that multiple neurodegenerative diseases might be treatable by targeting common pathogenic mechanisms responsible for protein aggregation.

Abstract MP66: Sex Differences in the Association of Baseline and Longitudinal Changes in Cardiac Biomarkers with Risk of Heart Failure subtypes – a post-hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD trial

Background: Elevated levels of biomarkers of neurohormonal stress (NT-proBNP) and myocardial injury (hs-TnT) are associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) in diabetes. While sex differences in these biomarker profiles and the HF epidemiology are well-established, it is unclear if the prognostic association of biomarkers with the risk of HF differs by sex. Methods: The study included participants of the LookAHEAD trial with overweight/obesity and T2DM. NT-proBNP and hs-TnT were measured at baseline, 1- and 4-year follow-up. HFpEF (LV EF> 50%) and HFrEF (LV EF <50) incidence were adjudicated based on HF hospitalization reports using a well-established protocol. Separate adjusted Cox models were constructed to assess the associations of baseline and longitudinal biomarker changes with the risk of HF subtypes, including sex*biomarker interaction terms. Results: The study included 3959 participants (age: 59 years, 59.3% women, BMI=36 kg/m 2 ) with 108 HFpEF (men vs women: 3.3% vs 2.3%) and 84 HFrEF (men vs women: 2.9% vs 1.6%) events over 12.4 years of follow-up. At baseline, higher NT-proBNP levels were more strongly associated with the risk of HFpEF in females than males (P-int=0.02). In contrast, the association between NT-proBNP and the HFrEF risk was significant and comparable for both sexes ( Table ). The association of elevated hs-TnT levels with the risk of HFpEF did not differ by sex. In contrast, the risk of HFrEF associated with hs-TnT was significantly modified by sex, with a greater risk noted among males (vs. females, Table ). Among those with biomarker assessment on follow-up, an increase in NT-proBNP levels over time was more strongly associated with risk of HFpEF in females than males (P-int=0.01). In contrast, the association between an increase in NT-proBNP levels over time and HFrEF risk did not differ by sex. Repeated measures of hs-TnT over time were not associated with the risk of either HF subtype, with no significant interaction by sex. Conclusion: Among individuals with T2DM with overweight/obesity, the prognostic relevance of cardiac biomarkers for HF outcomes varies by sex. Elevated baseline levels and increase in NT-proBNP over time are more strongly associated with HFpEF risk in females than males. In contrast, elevated hs-TnT is more strongly associated with the risk of HFrEF in males. Further research is needed to determine if sex-specific biomarker screening strategies can inform HF prevention in high-risk individuals.

Abstract P1036: ABO Blood Type, Plasma Proteomic Profile, and Risk of Chronic Disease

Background: ABO blood type has been related to cardiometabolic diseases, but the underlying mechanism is not well-understood. Hypothesis: O blood group has lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases, and a cardiometabolic favorable plasma proteomic profile compared to non-O blood group. Methods: In ~500,000 participants from the UK Biobank, we examined associations of ABO blood type (O [43%] vs. non-O blood group) with 37 non-cancer diseases both cross-sectionally and prospectively. In a subsample with plasma proteomics data ( n = 44,562), we examined whether O-type-related proteins mediate the associations between O blood type and diseases. Results: O blood type was associated with six diseases in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses ( FDR < 0.05). Compared to non-O blood group, O blood group had lower risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE; HR = 0.75 [95% CI: 0.72–0.78]), peripheral artery disease (0.93 [0.88–0.98]), coronary artery disease (CAD; 0.96 [0.93–0.98]), diabetes (0.93 [0.90–0.96]) and vasculitis (0.85 [0.75–0.96]), and a higher risk of peptic ulcer (1.08 [1.02–1.13]; Figure 1A ). Out of 2911 proteins, 198 and 184 proteins were positively and negatively associated with O blood type, respectively; and these proteins were enriched in 30 KEGG pathways ( Figure 1B ). By constructing O-enriched protein pathway scores, we found that 13 and 6 scores were negatively associated with risks of diabetes and VTE, respectively, and seven scores were positively associated with risk of peptic ulcer ( Figure 1C; FDR < 0.05). Further mediation analyses revealed that certain protein pathways such as mucin O-glycan or glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis potentially mediated the negative associations of O blood type with VTE, diabetes, and CAD, while infection-related pathways potentially mediated the positive association between O blood type and peptic ulcer. Conclusions: O blood type is associated with lower risks of multiple cardiometabolic diseases. Circulating proteins may potentially link O blood type and these diseases.

TMPRSS4 as a prognostic biomarker after gastric cancer surgery in a multicenter retrospective study

Reply to Johnson: Holistic evaluation of ecological models in paleobiology

Abstract P2066: Measured Raised Blood Pressure, Its Awareness and Control in the Adult Population: the Italian Health Examination Survey 2023-2024 - CUORE Project

Introduction: Raised blood pressure (RBP) constitutes a leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide, since it significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia and blindness. The WHO recommends a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of RBP by 2025, considering 2010 as baseline. Hypothesis: In order to monitor the achievement of this target, prevalence of RBP and mean blood pressure were measured in the Italian general adult population within periodic health examination surveys (HESs) conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods: In 2023 a new HES started including, up to now, data from random samples of residents aged 35-74 years (1,216 men, 1,235 women) in 12 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy. Blood pressure was measured at the right arm, in sitting position, by automated oscillometric device using standardized procedures and methods; the average of two measurements performed within 1-minute interval was used for the analysis. RBP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. The survey is implemented with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health - National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Results: Preliminary analysis shows that prevalence of RBP is 37% (95% Confidence Interval -95% CI: 32-42%) in men and 23% (95% CI: 19-28%) in women. Mean value of systolic blood pressure is 135 mmHg (95% CI: 134-136 mmHg) in men and 126 mmHg (95% CI: 125-127 mmHg) in women. Mean value of diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg (95% CI: 79-81 mmHg) in men and 75 mmHg (95% CI: 75-76 mmHg) in women. Among those with RBP and/or in treatment (49% of men and 37% of women), 36% of men and 31% women are unaware they could have BP control problems, 9% and 9% are aware but not in treatment, 24% and 37% are under treatment and at target, 30% and 23% are under treatment but not at target, respectively. Conclusions: These preliminary data underline that RBP is still high in the Italian adult population. Significant reductions in RBP prevalence occurred in comparison to previous HES data, 20% from 25 years ago, about 10% from 15 year ago, while a stable trend was found in comparison to 5 years ago. Improvements on RBP awareness and control are still necessary.

Abstract P1139: Lower Pre-Pregnancy Cardiovascular Health is Associated with Higher Odds of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA)

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia lead to increased maternal morbidity, mortality, and are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. It remains unknown whether HDP is a result of pathological events associated with pregnancy complications and/or due to pre-existing cardiovascular traits of the mother unmasked by the stressful nature of pregnancy. Objective: To determine whether cardiovascular health prior to pregnancy, assessed by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score, is associated with risk of HDP. Methods: CARDIA is a prospective cohort study of 5,115 Black or White US adults aged 18-30 at baseline (1985-86), from four US cities, followed over 30 years across nine study visits. Participants underwent assessments of health behaviors (diet, smoking, physical activity, sleep) and clinical metrics (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, medication use) used to estimate the LE8 score (range: 0 to 100). Cardiovascular health was categorized as low (LE8 <50), moderate (LE8 50-79) or high (LE8 ≥80). HDP was self-reported as having a post-baseline pregnancy lasting ≥20 weeks gestation complicated by gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia. We used generalized mixed models to determine the association between time-updated LE8 and incident HDP accounting for the 2,036 live births nested within 1,227 women. Models were adjusted for baseline education and income, time-updated age and parity, follow-up time, and cumulative live births. Missing values for LE8 computation at an exam were imputed from the most proximal available value. Results: Mean (SD) baseline age was 24.1 years (3.6), 48.7% were Black women; 19.9% reported HDP in ≥1 pregnancy post-baseline. At baseline, the average LE8 score was 79.0 (11.0) and significantly lower among women who developed HDP (77.0 [10.9]) than in women who did not (79.5 [11.0]), p<0.01. From fully adjusted mixed models, compared to women with high pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health, women with moderate (OR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.81) and low cardiovascular health (OR: 4.03, 95%CI: 1.09, 14.95) prior to pregnancy had greater odds of HDP. Conclusions: Women with low or moderate cardiovascular health were at greater risk of developing HDP compared to women with high cardiovascular health. Results suggest that lower pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health is an independent risk factor for HDP.

The correlation between calcaneocuboid joint involvement and sustentacular fragment displacement among male patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Vimentin undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation to form droplets which wet and stabilize actin fibers

The cytoskeleton is composed of F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments (IFs). Vimentin is one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied IFs. It is involved in many activities including wound healing, tissue fibrosis, and cancer metastasis, all of which require rapid vimentin IF assembly. In this paper, we report that vimentin forms liquid condensates which appear to enable rapid filament growth. Given the transient nature of these droplets, we focus on properties of vimentin-Y117L, which has a point mutation that leads to formation of condensates but not IFs, enabling us to study these droplets in detail. The droplets dissolve under 1,6-Hexanediol treatment and under decreasing concentration, confirming that they are liquid, and phase separated. These condensates extensively wet actin stress fibers, rendering them resistant to actin-binding drugs and protecting them from depolymerization. We show similar behavior occurs in wild-type vimentin during its assembly into filaments.