Activity Domains Research Articles

Comparison of Women's Sexual Activity Before and After being Infected with COVID-19

Introduction: Sexual activity is one of the main aspects of sexual health, which has been less considered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to compare the sexual activity of women before and after being infected with COVID-19. Methods:: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 110 women diagnosed with COVID-19. The data were collected before and after one month of quarantine in a 24-hour clinic and a 24-hour referral center for COVID-19 in Pakdasht city, Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted from the spring of 2020 to the winter of 2022. Demographic characteristics questionnaire and FSFI questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results:: Based on the results, there was a significant difference in the total scores of the women's sexual activity before and after the infection (P˂0.0001). The scores showed a decrease following the infection, and the greater the severity of the infection, the more was the decrease. A significant difference was observed in all domains of the women's sexual activity before and after the infection, indicating that the pre-infection scores were higher (P˂0.05). Conclusion:: Given the decreased scores of women's sexual activity after being infected with the coronavirus, more attention should be paid to this area. Women and their spouses should be educated during such pandemics and appropriate planning should be done before similar incidences to avoid long-term negative effects.

Effects of dental insurance and dental care utilization on oral health-related daily life activities among federally qualified healthcare center patients in the United States.

To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health-related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers in the United States. This cross-sectional study examined the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a survey of patients who received care at US health centers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the likelihood of the oral health-related impact on daily activities domains such as school/work performance, sleeping, eating/chewing, social and home activities considering sociodemographic, dental insurance, and dental care utilization. Among 7002 total participants, 6890 self-reported oral health-related impact on daily activities. Adults aged 18-44 were 2.6 times more likely to report an overall impact on everyday life activities compared to children and adolescents. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic patients were less likely to report any oral health-related impacts, while patients visiting rural centres reported higher odds of oral health related impairment. Patients who experienced delays in receiving dental care or were unable to access dental care when needed were 4.5 times more likely to encounter difficulties in their daily activities. This study linked limited dental insurance and care to increased oral health issues impacting daily life, particularly among adults, rural populations, and those facing delay in dental care. This highlights the need for policy reforms and interventions aimed at improving dental care access to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor oral health on daily functions for vulnerable populations.

The role of illness perception in the physical activity domain of health-promoting lifestyle among patients with non-communicable diseases: A systematic review.

The global mortality caused by non-communicable diseases is on the rise. Health-promoting lifestyles are among the most effective approaches, yet the physical activity domain consistently scores the lowest. Physical activity is linked to individual behaviour and influenced by numerous factors. Illness has been identified as a key factor in behavioural change. Therefore, the primary purpose of this review was to investigate the role of illness perception in the physical activity domain among patients with non-communicable disease. This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted across three scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science), targeting original articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. The quality of the eligible articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The findings were synthesised through content analysis. A total of 17 studies were included, identifying both the direct and indirect effects of illness perception variables as a whole or in their respective dimensions. The illness perception variable has demonstrated a significant positive and negative relationships with the physical activity domain. The majority of the included studies had a cross-sectional design. Therefore, the evidence quality was relatively low and exhibited a high risk of bias. Furthermore, there was language bias as only English-language publications were selected. The findings of this review will serve as a guide for healthcare providers in enhancing physical activity adherence among patients with non-communicable diseases through an illness perception approach. This approach can be integrated into clinic consultations and intervention programmes. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of the illness perception approach in promoting physical activity adherence.

Unveiling Relationship Between Specific Domain, Intensity, and Dose of Physical Activity and Biological Age: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Existing studies have separately explored the association between specific intensity and domain of physical activity (PA) and biological age (BA), potentially impeding more precise guide. We used data of 5216 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 and over to explore and compare the relationship of different domains, intensities, and doses of PA and BA. Transport-related walking and leisure-time moderate-intensity PA (MPA) were significantly associated with younger BA, rather than other intensity of work-related PA. There were U-shaped dose-response relationships between transport-related BA or leisure-time MPA and BA. In subgroup analyses for older adults, all intensities of PA were significantly associated with decreased BA. These findings highlighted the importance of considering the domain, intensity, and dose of PA in designing effective age-delaying interventions.

Association of cognitive performance with overall, dosage, intensity, and domain physical activity in aging: NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundThe specific relationship between PA in detailed types and cognition is still unclear due to limited evidence. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and various aspects of physical activity, including overall activity, dosage, intensity levels [moderate physical activity (MPA), vigorous PA], and different domains of activity [occupational PA (OPA), transportation PA (TPA), and leisure-time PA (LTPA)] in older adults using data from the NHANES database.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis used data from 2 cycles of NHANES (2011–2014). PA was determined through participants' self-reports using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Cognitive performance was evaluated by the presence of psychometric mild cognitive impairment (p-MCI), identified based on a composite measure derived from three cognitive tests including the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), the Animal Fluency test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association.ResultsA total of 2588 participants aged 60 years or older were included, with an average age of 69.4 years and 48% being male. In the fully adjusted model, compared to no PA, performing 300 min of PA, and MPA were associated with 44%, and 33% reductions in the prevalence of p-MCI, respectively. Additionally, engaging in 1–149 min/week [OR 0.56, 95% CI (0.33–0.92)] and ≥ 300 min/week [OR 0.66, 95% CI (0.44–0.96)] of OPA, as well as ≥ 300 min/week [OR 0.56, 95% CI (0.36–0.86)] of LTPA, were also associated with a lower prevalence of p-MCI. Additionally, engaging in a diverse range of PA had better outcomes.ConclusionsOur results suggested a positive association between higher levels of PA and enhanced cognitive performance. Different intensities and domains of PA have varying impacts on cognition. Future exploration, such as objectively measured PA and longitudinal studies were needed to validate our conclusion.

Cry1Ac toxin binding in the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis: study of midgut aminopeptidases N.

The velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis is one of the main soybean defoliators in Brazil. Currently, the main biopesticide used to control insect pests worldwide is the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces entomopathogenic Crystal toxins (Cry) that act in the midgut of susceptible insects, leading them to death. The mode of action of Cry toxins in the midgut involves binding to specific receptors present on the brush border of epithelial cells such as aminopeptidase N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cadherin, and others. Mutations in these receptors, among other factors, may be involved in the development of resistance; identification of functional Cry receptors in the midgut of A. gemmatalis is crucial to develop effective strategies to overcome this possible scenario. This study's goal is to characterize APNs of A. gemmatalis and identify a receptor for Cry1Ac in the midgut. The interaction of Bt spores with the midgut epithelium was observed in situ by immunohistochemistry and total aminopeptidase activity was estimated in brush border membrane vesicle (BBMV) samples, presenting higher activity in challenged individuals than in control ones. Ten APN sequences were found in a A. gemmatalis' transcriptome and subjected to different in silico analysis, such as phylogenetic tree, multiple sequence alignment and identification of signal peptide, activity domains and GPI-anchor signal. BBMV proteins from 5th instar larvae were submitted to a ligand blotting using activated Cry1Ac toxin and a commercial anti-Cry polyclonal antibody; corresponding bands of proteins that showed binding to Cry toxin were excised from the SDS-PAGE gel and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis, which resulted in the identification of seven of those APNs. Quantitative PCR was realized to compare expression levels between individuals subjected to sublethal infection with Bt spores and control ones, presenting up- and downregulations upon Bt infection. From these results, we can infer that aminopeptidases N in A. gemmatalis could be involved in the mode of action of Cry toxins in its larval stage.

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF SLEEP QUALITY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Objective: To evaluate the level of sleep quality and functionality in physical therapy students from the perspective of the International Classification of Functioning. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative study approved by CEP/UESPI. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to outline the sociodemographic profile, as well as the validated questionnaire “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” to evaluate the sleep quality of physical therapy students. Regarding the statistical analysis, a 95% confidence interval and a significance value of p<0.05 were considered. Results: 55.89% of the students presented poor sleep quality, 23.53% had sleep disorders and 20.58% had good sleep quality. Analyzing the sleep data, the median was: bedtime at 11:00 p.m., latency of 20 minutes to reach sleep, waking up at 6:00 a.m. and sleeping 6 hours per night. A predominance of females was identified with 69.12% and 30.88% for males. The age range varied between 18 and 32 years with a mean age of 21.64 (SD + - 2.29) years. Regarding functionality, the components of body functions, environmental factors and activity and participation are altered, among them b1341 (sleep functions), b1343 (sleep quality), e2250 (temperature), d230 (performing the daily routine). Conclusion: Physical therapy students presented poor sleep quality and alterations in sleep functionality within the domains of body functions, environmental factors and activity and participation.

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Germany

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, mobility restrictions and protective measures have impacted both public and private life. In Germany, the population was advised to stay home except for work, outdoor sport activities, and essential shopping. This study aims to evaluate how these measures affected physical activity and sedentary behavior, focusing on identifying the groups most affected. Methods In April and May 2020, we distributed a COVID-19-specific questionnaire to participants of the German National Cohort (NAKO). The questionnaire was specifically designed to assess changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior compared to pre-restriction levels, along with data on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results Around 26 % of the 152,421 respondents reported increased sedentary time, and about 38 % reported reduced participation in sport activities compared to pre-restriction levels. Over one-third of those who previously met the WHO’s physical activity recommendation could not maintain it during the restrictions. There was also a notable decline in active transportation (M = - 0.12; 95% CI: -.126; -.117), whereas participants spent more time on recreational physical activities (M = 0.12; 95% CI: .117; .126). Based on multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models, we found that younger people were more affected by the restrictions than older adults. Factors such as transitioning to remote work, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms strongly correlated with changes in all physical activity domains, including sedentary behavior and adherence to physical activity guidelines. Conclusions The shift towards inactivity or low-intensity activities during the nationwide restrictions poses potential long-term health risks, highlighting the urgent need for public health policies to address the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and sedentary behavior.

International Legal Guiding Principles for State Activity in Cyberspace

The rapid development of information technologies and the emergence of cyberspace as a new domain of state activity raises critical questions regarding the regulation of state actions within this space under international law. It is evident that international law applies to cyberspace; any contrary approach would create a legal vacuum, implying that states lack international legal obligations related to cyberspace and undermining state sovereignty in this new realm. Given that states are the primary subjects of international law, denying their applicability to cyberspace is existentially untenable. Despite the clear applicability of international legal principles to cyberspace, international law, like law in general, is often rigid and fails to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Consequently, a key challenge in the international legal regulation of cyberspace is the specific application of international law in these contexts. This leads to several fundamental questions: How do the fundamental principles of international law apply to cyberspace? What is the effect of sovereignty in cyberspace? How are cyber operations attributed to the state? How is cyber-armed conflict regulated? This article addresses these fundamental issues of international legal regulation in cyberspace. Based on the findings of this research, draft guiding principles for state activity in cyberspace were proposed, which could serve as the foundation for an international methodological document, offering an alternative to the unrepresentative Tallinn Manual and potentially paving the way for a future universal international treaty in this area.

Tropical Intraseasonal Variability as a Leading Moisture Dynamic Mode of the Warm-Pool Background State

Abstract Tropical intraseasonal variability (ISV) is dominated by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and its spatiotemporal characteristics vary with the Indo-Pacific warm-pool background on seasonal and longer timescales. Previous works have suggested ISV dynamics in various frameworks, whereas a unifying view remains challenging. Motivated by the recent advance in moisture mode theory, we revisit the ISV as a leading moisture mode modulated by varying background states derived from a reanalysis, using a moist linear baroclinic model (mLBM) improved with a simple convective scheme relating convective precipitation to tropospheric and boundary-layer moisture anomalies and simple cloud–radiative feedback representations. Under a boreal winter background state, this mLBM yielded a large-scale but local eastward-propagating mode with a phase speed of 3–5 m/s over the warm-pool region, resembling the MJO. Background lower-tropospheric winds and thermodynamic fields are important in determining the growth rate and periodicity of the leading mode, whose stability depends on cloud–radiative feedback and background state variations. We further demonstrate why the MJO is locally contained in the Indo-Pacific warm-pool region. The local thermal/moisture condition and Walker circulation greatly enhance its instability, but outside this region, this mode is heavily damped. Thus, the expansion/contraction of this warm-pool condition may enhance/reduce its instability and expand/reduce its domain of activity. Prescribing El Niño background causes eastward displacement of the wintertime ISV activity, reminiscent of the observed MJO modulations by El Niño. Under a summer background state, the eastward-propagating leading mode resembles the boreal summer ISV but biased, requiring further model improvements.

Determining the Need for Palliative Care Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Multiple sclerosis is characterised by the manifestation of heterogeneous symptoms that affect daily functioning. Patients face physical impairment, psychological problems and socioeconomic changes. Depending on the form of the disease, they may have different needs, which are often unsatisfied and could be overcome by including palliative care in the treatment. Despite the above, not enough is known about this population's needs for palliative care. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the need for palliative care and assess the functional dependence level in daily living activities in patients with multiple sclerosis. The sample consisted of 120 patients from the Neurology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Serbia. The following research instruments were used: a General questionnaire, Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and Barthel Index. The need for palliative care was expressed by 36.7% of patients, who expressed the most concern for the physical symptoms, independence and activity domains. Also, it was determined that the disease prevents patients from doing demanding physical tasks and that they are worried about multiple sclerosis. Almost a quarter of patients have had complete/severe dependence on other persons in performing daily activities. The most frequently reported physical symptoms by patients with MS were weakness, bladder problems, fatigue and different levels of dependence, while concerns related to sexual health, low mood and anxiety emerged as key challenges in the psychological domain. These findings underscore the importance of conducting needs assessments to guide the development of an appropriate palliative care model for MS patients.

The landscape of Functional Outcome Measures Used in Patients with Bone Sarcoma of the Lower Extremity or Pelvis: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review provides a structured overview of the measurement instruments of functional outcome used in lower extremity and pelvic bone sarcoma patients. We identified 42 unique instruments covering 18 distinct functional outcome constructs with most studies measuring constructs within the activity domain of the International Classification of Functioning, disability, and health. The MusculoSkeletal Tumor Society 1993 and 1987 score, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, and range of motion instruments were the measurement instruments most commonly used.

Nuclear factor kappa B 1 A > G single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs4648068) in Egyptian patients with Behcet’s syndrome, case–control study

BackgroundBehcet's syndrome (BS) is a variable-vessel vasculitis characterized by hyperactive innate immunity. The nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) pathway is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses including innate and adaptive immune responses. BS could be associated with NFKB hyperactivation. We aimed to study the association between the NFKB1 A > G (rs4648068) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and BS in Egyptian patients, in comparison to healthy controls, and to correlate the presence of rs4648068 SNP with the different activity domains of the disease. After ethical committee approval (Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt, code MD-228-2022), the International Study Group Criteria for Behçet's Disease (ISG) criteria was used to recruit 60 BS patients, and the activity of the disease was assessed using Behcet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) and the Behcet Syndrome Activity Score (BSAS). Another 60 matched controls were recruited. DNA extraction was done followed by PCR amplification to detect the target SNP.ResultsThe GG genotype was significantly higher in BS versus controls (21.7% and 5%, respectively, p value = 0.015). Also, the G allele was significantly higher in BS versus controls (43.3% and 30%, respectively, p value = 0.033). Of the whole activity domains, only arthralgia was found to be significantly correlated with rs4648068 SNP.ConclusionNFKB1 rs4648068 A > G SNP increases the risk of developing BS. Among patients with BS, the GG genotype is protective against developing arthralgia. There is no statistically significant relation between rs4648068 SNP and either other activity domains of BS or the different activity scores of the disease.

Association between self-care activities and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Northwest Ethiopia general hospitals : a multicenter cross-sectional study

Diabetes self-care activities are essential for achieving optimal glycemic control. However, little investigation has been conducted in Ethiopia to evaluate the relationship between the rate glycemic controland self-care activities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study was conducted to assess self -care activities and their association with glycemic control among patients with T2DM in Northwest Ethiopia general hospitals. This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia general hospitals diabetic clinics. Diabetes self-care activities were measured using the Amharic version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA-Amharic). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were used to assess the rate of glycemic control. A linear regression model was used to identify predictors of self-care activities and glycemic control. P-value of < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI) was considerd as statistically significant. Of 413 participants included in the final analysis, two-thirds (66.3%) had poor glycemic control, with a mean HbA1c of 7.94% (SD = 1.75). Blood glucose testing was the most important self-care activity domain for predicting better glycemic control [β=-0.36, 95% CI (-0.48, -0.24); P = 0.0001] followed by diet [β=-0.29, 95% CI (-0.39, -0.083); P = 0.0001], foot-care [β=-0.28, 95% CI (-0.3, -0.061); P = 0.003], and physical activity [β=-0.27, 95% CI (-0.29, -0.056); P = 0.004], respectively. Moreover, unable to read and write [β = 0.72, 95% CI (0.57, 3.8); P = 0.037], overweight [β = 0.32, 95% CI (0.011, 0.62); P = 0.042], obesity [β = 0.67, 95% CI (0.39, 0.94); P = 0.0001], and low level of medication adherence [β = 0.7, 95% CI (0.39, 1.1); P = 0.0001] were significant predictors of poor glycemic control. Previous diabetes education [β=-0.88, 95% CI (-1.2, -0.57); P=0.0001] was a significant predictor of good glycemic control. The prevalence of poor glycemic control and poor self-care activities were high among patients with T2DM. Self-care activities were independent predictors of glycemic control among patients with T2DM. Therefore, management interventions for patients with T2DM should focus on improving self-care activities and other predictor variables.

Recording morphogen signals reveals mechanisms underlying gastruloid symmetry breaking.

Aggregates of stem cells can break symmetry and self-organize into embryo-like structures with complex morphologies and gene expression patterns. Mechanisms including reaction-diffusion Turing patterns and cell sorting have been proposed to explain symmetry breaking but distinguishing between these candidate mechanisms of self-organization requires identifying which early asymmetries evolve into subsequent tissue patterns and cell fates. Here we use synthetic 'signal-recording' gene circuits to trace the evolution of signalling patterns in gastruloids, three-dimensional stem cell aggregates that form an anterior-posterior axis and structures resembling the mammalian primitive streak and tailbud. We find that cell sorting rearranges patchy domains of Wnt activity into a single pole that defines the gastruloid anterior-posterior axis. We also trace the emergence of Wnt domains to earlier heterogeneity in Nodal activity even before Wnt activity is detectable. Our study defines a mechanism through which aggregates of stem cells can form a patterning axis even in the absence of external spatial cues.

An integrative review of challenges and strategies in the work of cultural entrepreneurs

The growing recognition of the importance of cultural and creative sectors as sources of creativity and innovation has put emphasis on the development of entrepreneurs within this field. Cultural entrepreneurs are often described as being driven by artistic, rather than entrepreneurial, ambitions, where value creation is based on unique expressions, requiring them to engage in continuous innovation to sustain their activities, as well as facing challenging conditions. However, more understanding is needed on the work of these entrepreneurs and how they deal with challenges. The purpose of this paper is thus to explore the work of cultural entrepreneurs by integrating the current understanding of its challenges and strategies. Through reviewing empirical articles focusing on entrepreneurs in these industries and analyzing how the activities of entrepreneurs are described, we argue that the academic conversation around these entrepreneurs revolves around broad questions: who they are, what they have and where they are. These questions constitute three domains of entrepreneurial activity. We outline the challenges and strategies of cultural entrepreneurs and discuss the dynamics in the interplay between challenges and strategies within and across these domains. In highlighting the interplay between challenges and strategies, we advance the knowledge of entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative sectors and provide avenues for further research.

Defining the complex needs of families with rare diseases-the example of telomere biology disorders.

Families with rare diseases, such as telomere biology disorders (TBDs), may have extensive unmet needs given the heterogeneity, chronicity, and potential severity of illness. TBDs are rare inherited syndromes associated with high risk of bone marrow failure, cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and other severe, chronic complications. To identify gaps in clinical care, we aimed to ascertain the perceived unmet needs of adults and family caregivers, current or bereaved, of individuals with TBDs. Participants were aged ≥18 years with a self-reported TBD diagnosis and/or ever caregivers to one or more family members with a TBD. Participants completed an online survey (N = 35) and/or an audio-recorded telephone interview (N = 32). We calculated descriptive statistics in SPSS and thematically analyzed interview transcripts. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed concurrently. Most participants were aged ≥35 years, female, highly educated, and medically insured. Survey respondents reported numerous unmet needs in psychosocial, medical, financial, and daily activity domains. In interviews, participant descriptions validated and contextualized the salience of these unmet needs. Both qualitative and quantitative data identified critical shortfalls in addressing chronic family distress and specialty care coordination. Adults and caregivers of individuals with TBDs have a high risk of adverse psychosocial sequelae given extensive unmet needs. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the range and extent of gaps in care for families with rare diseases, especially TBDs but that are likely applicable to others. Tailored multi-disciplinary interventions involving patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy communities are required to appropriately address care needs for all rare diseases.

Effect of wearing N95 masks for 10 hours on ambulatory blood pressure in healthy adults.

The impact of wearing a face mask for an extended duration is unknown. This study aimed to determine if wearing a face mask for 10 h impacts blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness. Subjects received an ambulatory blood pressure cuff and were asked to wear it for 10 h while readings were taken every 15 min. During the face mask trial, subjects wore an N95 mask for 10 h. During the control, subjects did not wear a mask. Subjects were randomized to start their trial. An accelerometer was given to ensure no physical activity differences. Linear mixed models were used to determine group differences, and McNemar test was used to assess frequency differences when determining BP load. Twelve college-aged (20.5 ± 1.5 years) male (n = 5) and female (n = 7) individuals with normal BP participated in this study. There were no differences in time spent in any physical activity domain (all P > 0.05). There was no difference in brachial SBP (P = 0.688), brachial DBP (P = 0.063), central SBP (P = 0.875), central DBP (P = 0.246), heart rate (P = 0.125), and augmentation pressure (P = 0.158) between conditions. During mask condition, augmentation pressure was reduced by 5.2 ± 3.1% compared to control (P < 0.001). There were no frequency differences in the number of BP readings above 140 mmHg for SBP (P = 0.479) and >90 mmHg for DBP (P = 0.212). The current study found that wearing an N95 mask for 10 h did not affect brachial or central BP but significantly decreased augmentation pressure.

Running toward substance use recovery: Does delay discounting mediate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life?

BackgroundRecovery from substance use disorders is multifactorial with psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life (QOL), playing a particularly important role. Delay discounting, the degree to which individuals devaluate a reinforcer as a function of the delay to its receipt, is associated with QOL. Moreover, evidence shows that physical activity may decrease delay discounting rates. The present study aims to examine associations among physical activity, delay discounting, and QOL, and investigate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domains. MethodsData was collected from the International Quit & Recovery Registry (IQRR), and comprised of 267 participants (67% women) who reported being in recovery from substance use disorders. Participants completed the Health Behaviors Questionnaire (physical activity was measured using the fitness domain), a delay discounting minute task (higher delay discounting rates indicate a preference for smaller, sooner rewards), the World Health Organization QOL questionnaire, as well as demographics and substance use disorders-related questions. Multivariate linear regression was used to test associations between physical activity with delay discounting, and physical activity with each QOL domain. Mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domain. ResultsHigher levels of physical activity were associated with greater valuation of the future (lower delay discounting rates; p < .001) and higher levels of physical (p < .001), and environmental (p = .001) QOL. Delay discounting mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical (p = .004), and environmental (p < .001) QOL. ConclusionPhysical activity can be an important tool in the treatment and recovery of substance use disorders, as it is associated with future-oriented choices, which in turn contributes to improving the QOL of those individuals.

Evolutionary Innovations in Conserved Regulatory Elements Associate With Developmental Genes in Mammals.

Transcriptional enhancers orchestrate cell type- and time point-specific gene expression programs. Genetic variation within enhancer sequences is an important contributor to phenotypic variation including evolutionary adaptations and human disease. Certain genes and pathways may be more prone to regulatory evolution than others, with different patterns across diverse organisms, but whether such patterns exist has not been investigated at a sufficient scale. To address this question, we identified signatures of accelerated sequence evolution in conserved enhancer elements throughout the mammalian phylogeny at an unprecedented scale. While different genes and pathways were enriched for regulatory evolution in different parts of the tree, we found a striking overall pattern of pleiotropic genes involved in gene regulatory and developmental processes being enriched for accelerated enhancer evolution. These genes were connected to more enhancers than other genes, which was the basis for having an increased amount of sequence acceleration over all their enhancers combined. We provide evidence that sequence acceleration is associated with turnover of regulatory function. Detailed study of one acceleration event in an enhancer of HES1 revealed that sequence evolution led to a new activity domain in the developing limb that emerged concurrently with the evolution of digit reduction in hoofed mammals. Our results provide evidence that enhancer evolution has been a frequent contributor to regulatory innovation at conserved developmental signaling genes in mammals.