Fitness Outcomes Research Articles

Effect of instant ear domes on real-ear gain

PurposeAs instant ear domes are the most commonly used fittings for RIC hearing aids and are available in standard sizes and shapes which may include vents, this study was designed to assess the acoustics of these different types of domes by estimating the insertion loss and vent effect of each using real-ear measurements to make the right fitting choice.MethodsThe study included 30 normal hearing individuals. REM procedures specifically insertion loss and vent effect measurements were obtained using Affinity 2.0 Interacoustics while using five types of domes: open, tulip, Bass 1 vent, Bass 2 vent, and double dome. The subjective occlusion rating of each dome was assessed as well.ResultsThe instant ear domes are arranged from least occluding (lowest insertion loss, highest vent effect, lowest subjective rating score) to most occluding (highest insertion loss, lowest vent effect, highest subjective rating score) as follows: open dome, tulip dome, and bass group which showed no significant difference between 1 and 2 vents and lastly double dome. Results showed high variability.ConclusionsInstant domes with larger vent whether a single large diameter or sum of several diameters vent have lowest insertion loss, highest vent effect and lowest score in subjective occlusion ratings, and vice versa. Individualized real-ear measurement should be considered for best fitting outcome.

Food Restriction During Development Impairs Reproductive Success but not Ornamentation in Zebra Finches.

Stress during development can elicit lifelong changes to an organism. However, whether these changes are beneficial or detrimental can only be determined by their effect on fitness outcomes. Furthermore, the effect of severe, chronic food restriction on the development of ornamentation, which can influence attractiveness, still needs to be explored. In this study, zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) were exposed to either an ad libitum (control) diet or a 40% restricted (food-restricted) diet throughout postnatal development. Pictures of beaks and cheek patches were captured throughout the juvenile period and into adulthood to measure the development of secondary sexual characteristics. In adulthood, females were paired with nonexperimental males to measure reproductive success. There was no effect of treatment on beak color development or final beak color, but food-restricted males developed cheek patches slower and had more asymmetry during cheek patch development. However, food restriction did not impact the final cheek patch color or size. Food-restricted females were found to have lower reproductive success than control females. These results suggest that while cheek patch ornamentation can experience 'catch-up growth', and beak and cheek patch color do not reflect past developmental stress exposure, developmental food restriction impairs female reproductive success in a short-lived passerine.

Pair-bond strength is consistent and related to partner responsiveness in a wild corvid.

The need to maintain strong social bonds is widely thought to be a key driver of cognitive evolution. Cognitive abilities to track and respond to information about social partners may be favoured by selection if they vary within populations and confer fitness benefits. Here we evaluate four key assumptions of this argument in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula), corvids whose long-term pair bonds exemplify one of the putative social drivers of cognitive evolution in birds. Combining observational and experimental behavioural data with long-term breeding records, we found support for three assumptions: (i) pair-bond strength varies across the population, (ii) is consistent within pairs over time and (iii) is positively associated with partner responsiveness, a measure of socio-cognitive performance. However, (iv) we did not find clear evidence that stronger pair bonds lead to better fitness outcomes. Strongly bonded pairs were better able to adjust hatching synchrony to environmental conditions but they did not fledge more or higher quality offspring. Together, these findings suggest that maintaining strong pair bonds is linked to socio-cognitive performance and may facilitate effective coordination between partners. However, they also imply that these benefits are insufficient to explain how selection acts on social cognition. We argue that evaluating how animals navigate trade-offs between investing in long-term relationships versus optimizing interactions in their wider social networks will be a crucial avenue for future research.

Symbiotic T6SS affects horizontal transmission of Paraburkholderia bonniea among Dictyostelium discoideum amoeba hosts

Abstract Three species of Paraburkholderia are able to form facultative symbiotic relationships with the amoeba, Dictyostelium discoideum. These symbiotic Paraburkholderia share a type VI secretion system (T6SS) that is absent in other close relatives. We tested the phenotypic and transcriptional effect of tssH ATPase gene disruption in P. bonniea on its symbiosis with D. discoideum. We hypothesized that the ∆tssH mutant would have a significantly reduced ability to affect host fitness or transmit itself from host to host. We found that the T6SS does not directly affect host fitness. Instead, wildtype P. bonniea had significantly higher rates of horizontal transmission compared to ∆tssH. In addition, we observed significant differences in the range of infection prevalence achieved by wildtype vs. ∆tssH symbionts over multiple host social stages in the absence of opportunities for environmental symbiont acquisition. Successful symbiont transmission significantly contributes to sustained symbiotic association. Therefore, the shared T6SS appears necessary for a long-term evolutionary relationship between D. discoideum and its Paraburkholderia symbionts. The lack of difference in host fitness outcomes was confirmed by indistinguishable host gene expression patterns between hosts infected by wildtype or ∆tssH P. bonniea in an RNA-seq time series. These data also provided insight into how Paraburkholderia symbionts may evade phagocytosis by its amoeba host. Most significantly, cellular oxidant detoxification and lysosomal hydrolase delivery appear to be subject to the push and pull of host-symbiont crosstalk.

Exploring the Impact of Choice and Variety on Adolescents’ Motivation to Participate in High-Intensity Interval Training During Physical Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether variety and choice affect adolescents’ motivation in high-intensity interval training during physical education. Method: We conducted a four-armed randomized controlled trial involving 206 students from one school (aged 12.6 ± 0.5 years), who participated in a 6-week high-intensity interval training program, delivered twice weekly during physical education. Students were randomized by class to the low- or high-varieties, choice, or control (standard warm-up) conditions. Results: Group-by-time effects resulted for the low- and high-variety groups on intrinsic motivation (d = 0.43, 0.47) compared with the control group; high-variety and choice groups had higher enjoyment than the low-variety group, and the high-variety group showed greater positive affect than low-variety and choice groups (d = 0.68, 0.61). Low-variety and choice groups had significant improvements for cardiorespiratory and lower body muscular fitness (respectively). Conclusion: Offering variety or choice in high-intensity interval training during physical education may enhance intrinsic motivation, enjoyment, positive affect, and/or fitness outcomes in adolescents.

Social dominance influences individual susceptibility to an evolutionary trap in mosquitofish.

Plastic pollution threatens almost every ecosystem in the world. Critically, many animals consume plastic, in part because plastic particles often look or smell like food. Plastic ingestion is thus an evolutionary trap, a phenomenon that occurs when cues are decoupled from their previously associated high fitness outcomes. Theory predicts that dominance hierarchies could dictate individual responses to evolutionary traps across social environments, but the social dimension of evolutionary trap responses has rarely been investigated. We tested how variation in group size influences the formation of dominance relationships and, in turn, how these dominance relationships drive differences in foraging behavior in Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). This included foraging for a variety of familiar and novel food-like items, including microplastics. Overall, dominant individuals were often the first to sample food and had higher bite rates than subordinates, including when foraging for microplastics. Importantly, how dominance affected foraging behavior depended on group size and on whether groups were presented with familiar or novel foods. Furthermore, individuals were consistent in their foraging behavior across trials with different group sizes, indicating the formation of stable social roles. These results suggest that predicting the ecological and evolutionary consequences of evolutionary traps will require an understanding of how social structures influence trap susceptibility.

Predictive accuracy of saggital height measurements in optimizing scleral contact lens fitting

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of corneal and scleral tomography analysis for determining the initial selection of a 16.5 mm scleral lens to enhance fitting outcomes and patient comfort.Methods: This single‐site, consecutive study fitted scleral lenses in 30 eyes in 16 patients (mean age 39.7 yrs., 11 males)). Patients underwent comprehensive evaluations, including detailed corneal and scleral tomography. Initial fitting used the manufacturer's standard protocol. Lens fitting was assessed with Anterior Segment OCT after 1 hour of wear, focusing on vaulting and overall fit. The required 300‐micron central sagittal vaulting was compared with tomography measurements at 10 mm, the limbal area, and 15 mm.Results: The group included 24 eyes with keratoconus, 2 with high regular astigmatism, and 4 with dry eyes. The mean HVID was 12.05 mm (SD = 0.33 mm, 95% CI: 11.92‐12.18 mm). The mean central corneal astigmatism was 2.91 D (SD = 1.74 D, 95% CI: 2.22‐3.60 D). Mean sagittal heights were 1869.3 microns (SD = 172.4, 95% CI: 1800.7‐1937.9) at 10 mm, 2727.7 microns (SD = 287.6, 95% CI: 2620.4‐2835.0) at the limbus, and 3970.5 microns (SD = 308.5, 95% CI: 3850.0‐4091.0) at 15 mm. The estimated ideal sagittal depth was 4321.8 microns (SD = 258.6, 95% CI: 4233.6‐4410.0). Sagittal height at 15 mm was the strongest predictor for ideal lens fitting (R2 = 0.9367). The multiple regression model, including all three measurements, showed a marginal improvement in accuracy (R2 = 0.947).Conclusions: The sagittal height at 15 mm is a highly effective predictor for initial scleral lens fittings, providing significant accuracy. This measurement can streamline the fitting process, reduce chair time, improve clinical outcomes, and increase patient comfort.

Effects of high intensity interval training on mobility and fitness outcomes in stroke

Background: Stroke causes severe impairments in mobility, balance, and quality of life, making it the leading cause of disability globally. New research indicates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may benefit stroke patients more. Objective: To determine the effects of high-intensity interval training on mobility and fitness outcomes in stroke. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study was carried out on n=44 ambulatory stroke survivors between the ages of 45 and 65 years. The participants were randomly assigned to group A (n=22) received conventional physiotherapy (CPT). While Group B received HIIT in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Heart Rate Recovery (HRR), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were the outcome measures. At baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, assessments were carried out. Results: The HIIT group had significantly improved mobility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. In the 6MWT (p<0.001), BBS (p<0.001), FAC (p=0.002,), insignificant p-value in HRR (p=0.93, ηp²=0.00), SS-QOL (p=0.01, ηp²=0.16), and TUG tests (p=0.01, ηp²=0.16), and hence was better (p < 0.05) in all variables except FAC (0.48). Conclusion: High-intensity interval Training significantly improves walking capacity, balance, cardiovascular recovery, and quality of life in stroke survivors when combined with conventional standard physiotherapy interventions, as compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Keywords: Fitness, FAC, HR reserved, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Ischemic, Mobility, Stroke Rehabilitation, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge in Pregnant Women of Lahore: An Interview Based Study at Major Hospitals of Lahore During Prenatal Visits

Background: The intentions of the following study were to assess women knowledge regarding dietary practices during pregnancy. The study expresses the nutrition related knowledge of pregnant females and its correlation with associated factors of these women. The study also shows the sources of dietary guidance for these women during pregnancy. Method: The study members visited different hospitals of Lahore, interviewed pregnant women and filled questionnaire regarding their knowledge of dietary practices during pregnancy. The statistical tests applied were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Regression, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman’s correlation. Results: 364 questionnaires were finished and analysed using software. Pregnancy related nutrition knowledge was positively correlated with level of education (rs= 0.46, p<0.05) and monthly income (rs=0.27, p<0.05). Only 4.3% of women attained pregnancy scores related to nutrition knowledge above 50%. They mostly get information from their mothers and doctors. Majority of the women recommended increasing intake of supplies from all food groups and fluid. The result indicated that nutritional behaviour of women was characterized by many ill practices. Conclusion: Women interviewed for this research had restricted nutrition knowledge and proper nutrition guidelines were not provided to pregnant women at health care facilities. Women followed insufficient food routines in pregnancies that were mostly directed by mothers of women. The diet of a female during pregnancy has a direct effect on fitness outcomes of mother and child. Many women lacked this information and thus ended with micro-nutrient deficiencies. So there is an alarming need to train women to enhance their knowledge for appropriate dietary patterns to avoid severe outcomes in the form of compromised maternal-child health

Benefits of physical exercise through multivariate analysis in sedentary adults and elderly: An analysis of physical fitness, health and anthropometrics.

This study employed multivariate analysis to investigate the effects of a 14-week multicomponent training program on sedentary adults and older populations, focusing on improvements in physical fitness, health markers, and anthropometric measures. The data included 376 participants aged 30 to 84 years who had been inactive for at least 3 months. Results showed that participants aged 71 and above had lower systolic blood pressure, height, body mass, elbow flexion and extension, sitting and standing up from a chair, agility, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and handgrip strength values compared to younger age groups (p < 0.05). Initially, the 6MWT was inversely correlated with anthropometric measures and positively correlated with strength tests, but after the intervention, it remained correlated only with handgrip strength and agility. Interestingly, the elbow flexion and extension strongly correlated with other fitness measures pre-intervention, but these relationships weakened afterward. Agility became a key intermediary variable in the analysis. Despite improvements, anthropometric variables like body mass and waist circumference continued to have a strong relationship with fitness outcomes. Significant gains were observed in the 6MWT and elbow flexion and extension (p < 0.05), indicating improvements in aerobic fitness and strength. Multivariate analysis showed that hip circumference, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and agility significantly influenced 6MWT performance. Using multivariate analysis, we were able to highlight the importance of incorporating regular exercise into daily life to promote active and healthy aging. Furthermore, agility emerged as the most significant intermediate variable after the intervention. This insight suggests that improvements in agility may be crucial for physical fitness and overall health.

Application of the Tonnis Game Branch of Sports in Improving Physical Fitness

This research investigates the impact and correlation of tennis games on the physical fitness of students at State Elementary School 11 Tanjung Batu. The study employs a quantitative descriptive approach to analyze data collected in percentage form, which is then discussed descriptively using a solid theoretical framework. The research involved 40 students from Tanjung Batu State Elementary School during the academic year 2023-2024. The findings reveal a robust relationship between the application of tennis games and improvements in physical fitness among students. The correlation coefficient (r) of 0.774 indicates a strong relationship, highlighting the effectiveness of tennis games in enhancing physical fitness levels. This is particularly evident in fostering creativity and skill development in small ball sports within the physical education curriculum. The implications drawn from this research underscore the practical benefits of incorporating tennis games into educational settings to bolster students’ physical fitness. The successful implementation of tennis games as a means to enhance physical fitness outcomes underscores its viability and relevance in educational practices. This research contributes valuable insights into the positive outcomes of integrating sports like tennis into physical education programs, emphasizing its role in promoting overall health and skill development among school children. In conclusion, the study substantiates the significance of tennis games not only as a recreational activity but also as a structured approach to improving physical fitness and fostering motor skill development among elementary school students. The findings encourage further exploration and adoption of tennis and similar activities within educational curricula to optimize physical education outcomes.

Early motor developmental milestones and health outcomes in preadolescent children

IntroductionThe prevalence of depression and anxiety in children has risen in recent years, while childhood obesity and sedentary behavior continue to be a major public health concern. Existing evidence suggests early motor development and locomotor experiences contribute to psychosocial and physical development. By further understanding the far-reaching effects of early motor development, early life interventions aimed at preventing physical and mental health adversity may benefit from investigating early motor developmental milestones (MDM) attainment. The current study is the first to assess the longitudinal association between parent-reported gross MDM timing with objective measures of mental health, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), subcutaneous abdominal (SAAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) outcomes later in childhood.MethodIn total, 131 children aged 8–11 years (46% female) were recruited. The parents of these children reported the age of attainment for five MDMs: holding their head unsupported, rolling over, sitting unsupported, standing, and walking independently. The study encompassed a comprehensive assessment, including measures of mental health, CRF (VO2 max), body–mass index (BMI), SAAT, and VAT. Data were analyzed using multiple stepwise linear regressions, adjusting for demographic and parental factors in Step 1 and including each MDM individually in Step 2.ResultsOur findings indicated earlier rolling over and walking were associated with higher CRF during preadolescence. Earlier rolling over was also linked to healthier BMI and lower levels of VAT, lower levels of trait anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression.ConclusionThis study provides further evidence with potential clinical implications that parent-reported MDM age of attainment is related to later preadolescent physical and mental health. The age at which a child first rolls over emerges as a particularly predictive factor for various preadolescent health outcomes, highlighting the multi-finality of MDM timing in understanding developmental trajectories.

Understanding the Past to Preserve the Future: Genomic Insights Into the Conservation Management of a Critically Endangered Waterbird.

To ensure the success of genetic rescue, we must minimise the potential negative effects of outbreeding depression that may arise from selecting source populations. The difficulty in assessing the likelihood of outbreeding depression has hindered its consideration in endangered species conservation. However, genomic research offers feasible indications. Here, we conduct conservation genomic analyses on the East Asian (EA) population and the relict Western/Central Asian (WCA) population of the critically endangered Siberian crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus). We aim to assess genetic rescue's potential advantages and disadvantages between the two populations. Our analysis shows genomic evidence of limited genetic differentiation between them. The persistent decline in population size due to historical climatic oscillations leads to a decrease in genetic diversity and an increase in inbreeding. The WCA population has excessive deleterious homozygous mutations than the EA population, suggesting suffering from inbreeding depression resulting from less effective purifying selection. Forward simulations support the increase in genetic load due to elevated levels of inbreeding compromises fitness during population collapse. We strongly recommend an urgent genetic rescue for the WCA population through population supplementation from the EA population. However, the continuous monitoring of fitness outcomes is required through captive breeding. This work provides useful insights into the genetic management of a critically endangered species and emphasises the importance of evaluating the likelihood of outbreeding depression through genomic approaches.

Factors influencing nest site selection in a rapidly declining shorebird, the Eurasian curlew

In this period of rapid human‐induced environmental change, it is vital that influences of habitat on the distribution and productivity of threatened species are understood. Ground‐nesting birds are declining more rapidly across Europe than any other group, with large‐bodied birds at the greatest risk of extinction. Productivity and adult survival cannot both be maximised concurrently, and individuals will make decisions during the nest‐placement phase which will favour one outcome or the other; however, under conditions of accelerating change, these decision processes may become decoupled from positive fitness outcomes. The Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata is Europe's largest wader and is showing steep declines in breeding productivity. Curlews are known to use a diverse range of habitats for nesting, where anthropogenic or natural features may influence distribution. There is an urgent need to understand the spatial scales of these impacts, and whether habitat characteristics have a positive or negative impact on nest survival. In our study site in southern England, curlew showed a marked preference for nesting in wetter habitats, primarily mire, and a weaker selection of dry heathland. Nest survival improved in wetter habitats, and the area of mire round a nest site was positively associated with increased levels of nesting success, whilst area of scrub had a negative association. Woodland significantly excluded curlew from potentially suitable breeding habitat, with an impact observed up to 2 km from the nest site, but nest survival did not improve with distance from woodland. Curlews strongly avoided nesting near a major road passing through the study site, despite seemingly suitable habitat nearby. Understanding landscape effects will assist in planning future habitat management for curlew, impacts of forestry and avoidance of additional pressures on a species of high conservation concern.

Host control by Acmispon strigosus constrains fitness gains of ineffective Bradyrhizobium symbionts in mixed infections.

Plant hosts can gain significant growth benefits from symbiosis with microbes, but these benefits could be threatened by divergent fitness interests among partners. Here, we measured fitness outcomes in symbiosis, by varying the genotypes of both microbes and hosts, to examine scenarios that might favor uncooperative symbionts. We studied associations between Acmispon strigosus, an annual legume native to California, and its nitrogen fixing symbionts in the genus Bradyrhizobium. Bradyrhizobium symbionts form root nodules on compatible hosts, with strains varying from effective, fixing substantial nitrogen for the host, to ineffective strains that do not fix nitrogen and provide no benefit to host growth. We co-inoculated four A. strigosus plant lines with nine combinations of effective and ineffective Bradyrhizobium strains and measured the relative fitness of ineffective strains within individual nodules, as hosts must select against uncooperative symbionts to maintain benefits. In mixed infections, ineffective strains always had lower relative fitness in nodules compared to beneficial strains, consistent with efficient punishment of nonfixing rhizobia. However, ineffective strains exhibited genotypic variation in their fitness in nodules within individual nodules co-infected with a beneficial strain, suggesting a role for symbiont competitiveness in shaping this joint phenotype. Variation in symbiont fitness during co-inoculations did not measurably affect plant performance, suggesting that predicted conflict over the joint phenotype of rhizobia fitness has negligible effect on the host.

Analyzing the Impact of an 8-Week Structured Physical Activity Program on Health-Related Fitness in Bhutanese Seventh-Grade Students

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week physical activity program (PAP) on health-related fitness (HRF) components of seventh graders in Bhutan. Its emphasis areas included assessing the program’s effects on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Materials and methods. Sixty-two students were allocated into two groups using simple random sampling: a control group (n = 31) following the standard physical education curriculum and an experimental group (n = 31) participating in the PAP utilizing the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle. Fitness Gram assessments were used to measure HRF before implementing the intervention. Independent t-tests were used to compare results between groups, whereas paired t-tests were used to compare pre-test and post-test scores within groups. Results. All HRF components demonstrated notable improvements in the experimental group. Cardiorespiratory endurance increased from a mean of 23.23 to 30.57 (p &lt; 0 .05), muscular strength — from 7.47 to 12.37 (p &lt; 0.05), muscular endurance — from a mean of 10.10 to 16.40 (p &lt; 0.05), and flexibility — from 27.98 to 29.85 (p &lt; 0.05). It was additionally observed an improvement in body composition, with a notable decline in BMI. Conversely, the control group showed a less significant decrease in flexibility and BMI, while demonstrating marked enhancements in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Conclusions. The study indicates that the organized PAP was more effective than the standard physical education curriculum in improving HRF components. These findings suggest that the implementation of structured PA programs using the FITT principles can lead to enhanced physical fitness and health-related outcomes among children and young people.

What Drives Users to Recommend Mobile Fitness Apps? A Three-Stage Analysis Using PLS-SEM, Machine Learning, and fsQCA

In response to the growing demand for studies into recommendation behaviour for mobile fitness apps, this study identified key drivers of users' recommendation intentions through a comprehensive three-stage analysis incorporating PLS-SEM, machine learning, and fsQCA. The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that perceived task facilitation, experiential gratification, and fitness stratification enhanced flow state, while perceived operational facilitation did not. The findings also showed that flow state positively influenced perceived fitness outcomes and recommendation intentions. Machine learning classifiers validated these relationships and highlighted the mediating role of perceived fitness outcomes. The final fsQCA stage identified nine configurations driving recommendation intentions, highlighting the need for app features tailored to user preferences. The findings are important for marketers, app developers, and policymakers. Marketers can design targeted campaigns based on user preferences, while app developers should prioritize intuitive, enjoyable user experiences. Policymakers can use insights to promote standards for user engagement. The study also contributes methodologically by integrating PLS-SEM, machine learning, and fsQCA.

Meeting Aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines and Associations With Physical Fitness in Men With Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Baseline Results of the Multicentre INTERVAL-GAP4 Trial.

This study compared the physical activity level of men with metastatic prostate cancer at baseline of the multicentre INTERVAL-GAP4 trial to the American Cancer Society guidelines and examined associations with physical fitness. A total of 140 men on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were included in this cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the INTERVAL-GAP4 trial. Exclusion criteria included a maximum of 1 h of vigorous aerobic exercise or one structured resistance exercise session per week but no restrictions on habitual physical activity. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using a modified Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical fitness measurements included peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), maximal power output (Wmax), 400 m walk time, one-repetition maximum (1RM) of leg extension, leg press, chest press and seated row, and handgrip strength. Quantile regression was used to analyse associations of MVPA with physical fitness outcomes at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of the physical fitness distributions. Total self-reported MVPA was 60 (IQR: 0, 180) min per week, with 29% meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines. There was a statistically significant association of higher MVPA with higher relative VO2peak at the 25th (β = 0.53, p = 0.020) and 75th percentiles (β = 0.66, p = 0.001), relative Wmax at the 25th (β = 0.05, p = 0.003), 50th (β = 0.05, p = 0.009) and 75th percentiles (β = 0.07, p = 0.004) and reduced 400 m walk time at the 75th percentile (β = -4.26, p = 0.023), with β corresponding to the change in the dependent variable for each one-hour increase in weekly MVPA. Few men recruited to the INTERVAL-GAP4 trial were meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines at baseline. Higher MVPA was associated with better aerobic capacity and walking performance but not maximal strength in men with metastatic prostate cancer on ADT. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02730338; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00010310.

OGC SO28 - Predictors of Pulmonary Complications Following Thoracoscopic Oesophagectomy

Abstract Background Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy, a minimally invasive technique, is associated with less postoperative pain and reduced pulmonary dysfunction. There is a correlation between preoperative cardiopulmonary fitness and postoperative outcomes, with certain variables linked to a higher risk of complications following oesophagogastric cancer surgery. This review aims to identify variables that correlate with pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. Method A retrospective review of patients undergoing thoracoscopic oesophagectomy between 2014 -2022 at a single oesophagogastric unit was performed. 96 patients were identified and separated into two groups (19 with serious complications (SC) (greater than Clavien Dindo 3b), and 77 without serious complications (Clavien Dindo 3a and below)(NC). The primary outcomes measured included FEV1, FVC, VE/VCO2, VO2 Peak, anaerobic threshold, Estimated Met Score (EMS). Secondary outcomes measured preexisting pulmonary complications, smoking status and operating (chest time, one lung ventilation time (OLVT)). Results Groups were similar in age, gender, BMI, ASA, and clinical stage. SC had a significantly less number of smokers (p=0.004) and less individuals with pulmonary disease (p=0.019). AT was higher in NC (14.15 vs 13.50, p=0.355) and VE/VCO2 was significantly greater in SC (28 vs 32, p=0.018). SC had a significantly lower FEV1 and FVC (2.12 vs 2.81, p=0.009 and 3.11 vs 3.80, p=0.010) and a trend towards a lower EMS (6.95 vs 7.25, p=0.245). There was no significant difference in chest time between NC and SC (295min vs 265min, p=0.151) and OLVT (270min vs 245min, p=0.381) in both groups. Conclusion VE/VCO2 ratio in thoracoscopic oesophagectomy patients is a significant predictor of postoperative complications and has increasing links to adverse outcomes. Smoking status and pulmonary history do not significantly correlate with pulmonary complications in our cohort. Lower EMS, FEV1, and FVC are significantly associated with complications. Although preoperative inspiratory muscle training has not broadly impacted postoperative outcomes, it may benefit specific groups. These variables are crucial for clinicians to consider when counselling patients and planning prehabilitation.

Exploring the possibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fulleranes as the carrier of the 21 micron emission feature

IntroductionThe 21 μm emission feature discovered in a small sample of carbon-rich protoplanetary nebulae has remained unidentified for over 30 years. A dozen of different molecular species (both organics and inorganics) have been proposed as the carrier candidates of this important feature, among which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fulleranes (hydrogenated fullerenes) have yet to be sufficiently examined.MethodIn this study, we attempt to fit the 21 μm features in observed spectra of the above-mentioned astronomical sources via theoretically simulated spectra of various PAHs and fulleranes, aiming to investigate whether the two hydrocarbon families can reproduce the 21 μm feature.Results and DiscussionBased on the fitting outcomes we conclude that fulleranes can provide a more plausible explanation for the origin of 21 μm feature than PAHs.