Higher Activity Levels Research Articles

Effect of Physical Activity on the Association Between Diet and Constipation: Evidence From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010.

Previous studies have shown that diet and physical activity can influence constipation. However, the combined effect of diet and physical activity on constipation remains unclear. Constipation was defined based on stool consistency and frequency, while overall diet quality was assessed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores. Participants were categorized into low (metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/wk < 500) and high physical activity groups (MET-min/wk ≥ 500). The association between diet and constipation across physical activity groups was analyzed using survey logistic regression and restricted cubic splines. Higher HEI-2015 scores were associated with reduced constipation risk in the high physical activity group when constipation was defined by stool consistency (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-0.99). However, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not significantly affect constipation risk (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05). Similar results were found when constipation was defined based on stool frequency. In the high physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores were significantly associated with a reduced constipation risk (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98). Conversely, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not affect the risk of constipation (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90-1.03). Our findings suggest that a higher HEI-2015 score is negatively associated with constipation among individuals with high physical activity levels but not among those with low physical activity levels. This association was consistent when different definitions of constipation were used. These results highlight the importance of combining healthy diet with regular physical activity to alleviate constipation.

The influence of air pollution on asthma in athletes – a brief review of the literature

Introduction and purpose Air pollution, stemming from natural occurrences and human activities, significantly threatens global health, particularly impacting respiratory conditions like asthma. Air pollution substantially influences asthma exacerbation in athletes, a group particularly vulnerable due to their high physical activity levels and increased respiratory demands. Key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), play critical roles in asthma development and exacerbation. The State of Knowledge Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease influenced by genetic predisposition and environmental factors like air pollution, is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, obstruction, and chronic inflammation, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Research highlights the link between air pollution exposure and asthma development, with PM2.5 exposure associated with increased asthma risk and pollutants exacerbating symptoms, especially in children. Athletes inhaling air pollutants during exercise face increased airway inflammation, mucus production, and bronchospasm, worsening asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure decreases lung function, increasing reliance on medication and limiting outdoor training on polluted days. Summary Effective asthma management amidst air pollution requires personal, community, and governmental measures. Patients should minimize exposure by wearing N95 masks and choosing low-traffic routes. Governments must monitor pollution, inform the public, and control emissions through alternative fuels and technologies. Adhering to WHO air quality guidelines could prevent many new asthma cases, emphasizing comprehensive air quality management's importance, especially among vulnerable populations like children.

CuO vs. AgO: A comparative study of cathode catalysts for boosting oxygen reduction in microbial desalination cells

Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) is an innovative approach for water desalination that concurrently produces energy through the process of substrate oxidation. The primary issue of the technique is its limited power on capabilities during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). While the depletion of oxygen is a significant process in electrochemical energy conversion, its slow kinetics hinder its utilization in MDCs. One potential resolution to this problem is the utilization of a cathode catalyst with a high level of activity, which effectively enhances the rate of ORR. Different concentrations of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to investigate the behavior of ORR and its impact on the performance of the MDC. The optimal concentration of silver oxide (AgO) NPs was utilized to conduct a comparative analysis of both types of NPs. The size of CuO NPs and AgO NPs was found to be 65 nm and 55 nm respectively by material characterization studies. The power density achieved in the absence of the catalyst was 1.1 W/m3, and this value increased to 4.9 W/m3 with the incorporation of 3 mg/cm2 AgO. The use of a catalyst loading of 3 mg/cm2 has been determined to be efficacious in enhancing the desalination rate in MDC. The electrochemical investigations conducted also showed an improvement in the electrocatalytic behavior of cathodic kinetics while operating under these specific afterward. Therefore, the utilization of AgO catalyst exhibits potential as a viable option for the expansion of MDC processes, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development objectives.

Sacral neuromodulation in pediatric refractory bladder and bowel dysfunction Insights from Canada's first pediatric cohort.

Refractory bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) significantly affects the health and quality of life of children and their caregivers, emphasizing the need for effective and minimally invasive treatments. This study aims to present the inaugural Canadian experience using sacral neuromodulation (SNM ) as a therapeutic option for children with refractory BBD. Patients <18 years old with refractory BBD were prospectively followed from 2018 to the present. Preoperative evaluation included spinal MRI and video urodynamics. Two-stage SNM implantation was executed with a minimum two-week stage 1 trial. Functional outcomes and complication rates were measured following validated questionnaires. Six patients completed staged implantation at a median age of 10.8 years (range 8.2-18). The median baseline Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) score was 12.5 (10-22). At six months of followup, only one patient required adjunct bladder medication. Median DVSS at one-year followup was 5.5 (0-7). Symptomatic resolution was noted in three patients at six months, sustained over one year. Early surgical complications were reported in one (infection) and late complications in three (lead fracture, battery depletion, non-traumatic malfunction), requiring reimplantation at a median of 37.5 (1-49) months. Post-SNM reimplantation, oral medication and rectal therapy decreased, and DVSS scores improved by 30% (0-63.6) at six months. SNM is feasible and offers promising results for refractory pediatric BBD in Canada. The significant improvement of symptoms highlights the treatment's potential, which must be balanced against the high need for revision detected at three years, possibly related to patients' growth and high activity level.

Physical Activity, Fitness, and Long-Term Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Observational studies have demonstrated an increased amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk among professional athletes in various sports. For moderately increased levels of physical activity and fitness, the results are diverging. Through a cohort study, we aimed to assess the relationship between indicators of physical activity and fitness (self-reported physical activity and resting heart rate) and long-term ALS risk. From a large Norwegian cardiovascular health survey (1985-1999), we collected information on self-reported physical activity in leisure time, resting heart rate, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with ALS were identified through health registries covering the whole population. We fitted Cox proportional hazard models to assess the risk of ALS according to levels of self-reported physical activity in 3 categories (1: sedentary; 2: minimum 4 hours per week of walking or cycling; 3: minimum 4 hours per week of recreational sports or hard training), and resting heart rate modeled both on the continuous scale and as quartiles of distribution. Out of 373,696 study participants (mean 40.9 [SD 1.1] years at inclusion), 504 (41.2% women) developed ALS during a mean follow-up time of 27.2 (SD 5.0) years. Compared with participants with the lowest level of physical activity, the hazard ratio was 0.71 (95% CI 0.53-0.95) for those with the highest level. There were no clear associations between resting heart rate and ALS in the total sample. In men, the hazard ratio of ALS was 0.71 (95% CI 0.53-0.95) for those reporting moderate levels of physical activity and 0.59 (95% CI 0.42-0.84) for those reporting high levels, compared with those reporting low levels. Men with resting heart rate in the lowest quartile had 32% reduced risk of ALS (hazard ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.94) compared with those in the second highest quartile. In women, no association was detected between neither self-reported levels of physical activity nor resting heart rate and ALS risk. Indicators of high levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with a reduced risk of ALS more than 30 years later in men, but not in women.

Does adherence to physiotherapy depend on the typologies of patients with back pain and their physiotherapists? A qualitative typology study

BackgroundPatient adherence to physiotherapy is influenced by a multitude of factors including the characteristics and attitudes of patients and physiotherapists. This study aims to identify typologies of patients with back pain and their physiotherapists and attempts to explain how typologies could influence patient adherence. MethodThis study was based on a secondary data analysis from focus group interviews to identify barriers and facilitators for adherence. Transcribed interview data were used for a structured content analysis based on deductive and inductive categorization and coding. The Big-five Personality Traits were applied to build deductive categories about the physiotherapists’ and the patients' typologies. ResultsTen patients with low back pain (6 women) and 11 physiotherapists (5 women) were recruited. The four patient types are based on conscientiousness, high activity level (HAL), internal locus of control (ILC), high adherence level (HADL) (= type 1); neuroticism, HAL, ILC, low adherence level (LADL) (= type 2); extraversion, HADL, external locus of control (ELC), HADL (= type 3); agreeableness, active behavior, ELC, HADL (= type 4). The three physiotherapist types are based on conscientiousness, high adherence influence (HADI), use of guidelines (= type 1); agreeableness, acceptance of requests, low adherence influence (= type 2); neuroticism, HADI, preference for active therapy (= type 3). ConclusionAwareness of typologies of patients with back pain and their physiotherapists may help to facilitate adherence and subsequently treatment effectiveness. Further quantitative research should aim to validate the correlation between the identified typologies and the adherence level of patients with back pain.

Teaching social support to promote inclusive physical activity for people with autism

Purpose Previous research found that when exercise partners provided social support to each other, both participants engaged in higher levels of activity (Gellert et al., 2011). These results suggest that there may be benefits to providing inclusive physical activity (PA) programming to individuals with autism; however, little research has explored specific strategies. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of a behavioral intervention consisting of visual social stories and additional intervention components (i.e. prompting, checklists) to teach adolescents/young adults with autism and their workout partners without disabilities to provide social support to one another during partnered PA. Design/methodology/approach A multiple probe across dyads was used to explore the effects of the intervention on social support (i.e. verbal encouragement and feedback). Findings The results indicate the treatment was effective during the intervention phase. When partners and settings changed during generalization, results were maintained in all but one participant. Originality/value Areas for future research and implications for practice to support inclusive PA for autistics are discussed.

Interface engineering assisted La1-xSrxCoO3/FeOOH heterostructure as a high-performance electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Perovskite oxides play a crucial role as catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) owing to their distinctive structure and diverse physical and chemical characteristics. Currently, enhancing the electronic structure and specific surface area of the perovskite surface through strategic regulation poses a significant challenge in the advancement of perovskite catalyst development. Here, we propose a novel method for enhancing the OER activity of LaCoO3 (LCO) perovskite through atomic doping and interface engineering. The La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–FeOOH (Fe-LSCO) composite exhibits a notable enhancement in electrocatalytic performance, manifesting a low overpotential of 296.3 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, while maintaining a high level of activity for a duration of 120 h. The enhanced activity of Fe-LSCO can be attributed to oxygen vacancy defects and the increase of the active site caused by A-site-doping and amorphous nanosheets of FeOOH, which synergistic effect reduces the energy barrier for water dissociation. The highly disordered surface and high surface energy of amorphous FeOOH render it highly active. This study presents a viable interface engineering approach for manipulating the reconstruction of the active phase in high-performance perovskite-based electrocatalytic materials.

Application of FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometric to Differentiate Azadirachta excelsa (Jack.) Jacobs Leaves Extracts Based on Solvent Polarity and Assessment of Antibacterial Activity

ABSTRACT. Azadirachta excelsa is a plant belonging to the same genus as the Indian neem (Azadirachta indica) which is expected to have similar biological activities. However, its active components and pharmacological effects are limited. The composition and quantity of these metabolites in A. excelsa may differ due to different polarities of extracting solvents, so selecting an effective extractive solvent with a high level of biological activity is important. Therefore, in this study, we examined differences in the metabolite finger printing using FTIR-based metabolomics, as well as evaluated their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). A. excelsa was extracted using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol p.a., 70% and 50% ethanol. Extracts obtained were analyzed using FTIR and the inhibition zones were then determined. The results showed that principal component analysis (PCA) could distinguish each sample based on the extraction solvent. In this study, we found 50% and 70% ethanol extracts had similar metabolite compositions and concentrations based on their respective FTIR spectrum. The inhibition zone of A. excelsa extracts ranged from 12.37-17.20 mm and 13.88-15.89 mm against S. aureus and E.coli, respectively. The chloroform extract was more effective against both bacteria. Duncan's further test showed that chloroform extract reduced E. coli similarly to ethyl acetate but not S. aureus. While 50%, 70%, and ethanol p.a. extracts inhibited S. aureus and E. coli equally. Based on these results, the polarity of the extracting solvent had an important influence on the metabolite profile and antibacterial activity of A. excelsa. Keywords: Azadirachta excelsa, antibacterial activity, metabolite fingerprinting, FTIR.

Contaminant and Assessment of Heavy Metals in Maninjau Lake, West Sumatera, Indonesia

Purpose: Water is an important fundamental resource to support human, animal and plant life. Global reports highlight widespread contamination of water sources due to various human activities. The high level of anthropogenic activity in the Lake Maninjau area, both in agriculture, animal husbandry and settlements, has an impact on decreasing the quality of the lake as indicated by the quality of the sediment and lake water. The research aims to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in sediments and heavy metal processing strategies. Theoretical Framework: Lake Maninjau is one of the lakes in Indonesia that experiences pollution. Recently, this lake has become one of the priority lakes to reduce high levels of pollution (Ministry of the Environment, 2011). The source of Lake Maninjau pollution comes from floating net cages, agriculture, settlements and livestock. This is shown by the accumulation of heavy metals in waters and sediments which is important information for the survival of fish, humans, plants, microorganisms and other aquatic ecosystems (Wibowo et al. , 2022a). Method: The five distinct sample locations were chosen to represent various activities within the Maninjau Lake region, as outlined in Figure 1 and Table 1. Sediment was taken at the surface at a depth of 0-10 cm. samples were processed and analyzed at the P3IN soil science laboratory, Andalas University, as well as assessing sediment quality through Geoaccumulation (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollutant load index (PLI), contamination factor (CF), and potential ecological risk (PER) in five location of Lake Maninjau. Results and Discussion: The results of the research showed that Cu concentrations varied from 0.195 mg/kg to 0.290 mg/kg, with a moderate average of 0.246 mg/kg. Pb metal ranges between 0.325 mg/kg-0.412 mg/kg, with an average of 0.356 mg/kg. Cd metal 0.301 mg/kg- 0.365 mg/kg. The Igeo values for the metals Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu at the five locations show Igeo &lt; 0, meaning they are not contaminated with heavy metals. The Potential Ecological Risk Index (PER) ranges from 14.8303-19.0094, which shows the low potential ecological risk related to heavy metal pollution Research Implications: It is hoped that this research can help stakeholders in managing the Maninjau Lake ecosystem against potential heavy metal contamination that threatens the lake ecosystem Originality/Value: The use of combination or hybrid technologies to treat heavy metals from wastewater is an effective solution, but it is important to carefully consider and mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Time-series analysis of radon concentrations for Bengaluru's atmosphere.

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of the activity concentration of radon and selected meteorological parameters was carried out at Department of Physics, Bangalore University, Bengaluru (12056'44"N, 77030'25″E, 840m above MSL). All of the measured parameters, with the exception of pressure, showed a clear diurnal trend, which can be explained by the presence of typical atmospheric processes such as temperature inversion in the morning and greater vertical mixing in the afternoon. Radon's time series has a latent memory of sub-diurnal cycles, as shown via FFT analysis. The monthly average radon has higher levels of activity during winter months compared with monsoon and summer months. Days during the monsoon season had the lowest radon activity, which may be ascribed to the fact that less radon was being exhaled from the soil as a result of the rain. Radon was recorded at 8.06±0.56Bq/m3, temperature at 28.9°C, humidity at 55.2% and pressure at 918mbar.

Quality of honey from Tubuna bees (Scaptotrigona bipunctata) fresh, thermally treated and during storage

Intrinsic characteristics, such as the presence of sugars and high levels of moisture and water activity, give stingless bee honey a greater tendency to fermentation than Apis mellifera honey. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant parameters of honey sourced from Tubuna bees (Scaptotrigona bipunctata) in its fresh state, following thermal treatment, and during storage. Samples were collected from three meliponaries in the South of Brazil. Thermal treatment involved a 3 min immersion at 65 °C, and storage occurred at ambient temperature. Parameters assessed included moisture, free acidity, pH, water activity, soluble solids, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, hydroxymethylfurfural, color, ash, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts, Escherichia coli, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). Thermally treated honey demonstrated improved moisture stability, acidity, water activity, and increased color during storage. There were no significant differences in pH, soluble solids, hydroxymethylfurfural, bacteria, molds, yeasts, and antioxidant activity between thermally treated and fresh honey, and during storage. Both fresh and thermally treated S. bipunctata honey samples were free from E. coli and maintained values within state legislation limits for moisture, sugars, hydroxymethylfurfural, ash, molds, and yeasts during storage. However, the microorganism count was reduced, and an increase in antioxidant activity after 360 days was observed. The treatment in a water bath at 65 °C for 3 min preserved the physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant quality of Scaptotrigona bipunctata honey during storage. The results hold promise for supporting “meliponicultores”, offering market opportunities, ensuring product quality, and fostering sustainability while preserving local biodiversity and culture.

Satisfaction Paradoxes in Health Behaviors: Contrasting Patterns across Weight, Physical Activity and Dietary Habits.

(1) Background: Obesity, a poor diet, and inactivity are major health issues among Saudi youth. However, satisfaction with unhealthy lifestyles could impede change. This study assessed lifestyle factors and related satisfaction among Saudi university students. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1957 students at Jazan University completed surveys on demographics, physical activity, dietary habits, and 10-point satisfaction scales for weight, activity, and diet. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the associations between behaviors and satisfaction. (3) Results: Overweight/obesity prevalence was 25.45%, and only 26.67% of the subjects met activity guidelines. Many of them exhibited poor dietary habits. Despite unhealthy behaviors, some expressed high satisfaction, especially regarding their diets. Subjects with a normal BMI had the highest weight satisfaction. Activity satisfaction increased with higher activity levels. Dietary satisfaction was minimally impacted by healthfulness. Males and higher incomes were correlated with greater satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: A concerning paradox exists between unhealthy lifestyles and satisfaction among Saudi university students, particularly regarding their diets. Multicomponent interventions informed by behavior change theories and employing motivational techniques are urgently needed to address this disconnect and facilitate positive behavior change.

Income Diversification of Rural Households in Bangladesh (2022-23)

This study examines income diversification and inequality among rural households in Bangladesh in 2022- 23, focusing on agricultural and non-agricultural sources of income. The analysis includes three districts: Chadpur, Sirajganj and Rajshahi, with specific economic activities. Data were collected through household surveys that collect income from agriculture, livestock, fishing, services and industries, and demographic data. Rajshahi has the highest income, due to high income from cattle, while Chadpur has the lowest. The results show significant income disparities, high levels of animal activity and differences in economic activity between regions. Larger houses in Rajshahi reflect changes in family structure. The main challenges identified were land fragmentation, climate change and limited access to finance and infrastructure. Recommendations for policy interventions include targeting support to low-income areas, investing in livestock development, promoting income diversification, improving infrastructure, strengthening climate livelihoods, expanding access to finance, the adoption of technology and the implementation of family planning programs. These strategies aim to reduce income inequality, improve economic opportunities and promote sustainable development in rural Bangladesh.

The relationship between physical activity and procrastination behavior among Chinese university students: a chain mediated effect of body self-esteem and overall self-esteem.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity and procrastination behavior among college students and the serial mediating roles of body self-esteem and overall self-esteem. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1,018 college students. The Physical Activity Rating Scale, the College Students' Physical Self-perception Profile, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the Chinese Procrastination Scale were utilized. Serial mediating effect analysis and Bootstrap analysis were applied to the data. (1) Individuals engaging in high levels of physical activity demonstrated significantly lower levels of procrastination behavior compared to those with moderate or low levels of physical activity (Partial η2 = 0.01, F = 2.762, p < 0.01). (2) Physical activity was positively correlated with body self-esteem (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and overall self-esteem (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with procrastination behavior (r = -0.14, p < 0.01). body self-esteem was positively correlated with overall self-esteem (r = 0.11, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with procrastination behavior (r = -0.13, p < 0.01). Overall self-esteem also showed a significant negative correlation with procrastination behavior (r = -0.26, p < 0.01). (3) Mediation effect analysis indicated that body self-esteem and overall self-esteem played partial mediating roles in the relationship between physical activity and procrastination behavior among college students. The mediating effects were composed of three pathways: "Physical Activity → body self-esteem → Procrastination Behavior," "Physical Activity → Overall Self-Esteem → Procrastination Behavior," and "Physical Activity → body self-esteem → Overall Self-Esteem → Procrastination Behavior," with the effect sizes accounting for 27.70, 12.26, and 7.28% of the total effect, respectively. The findings of this study lead to several key conclusions regarding the relationship between physical activity, self-esteem, and procrastination behavior among college students. Firstly, engagement in moderate levels of physical activity is more effective in reducing procrastination behavior among college students. Secondly, participation in high volumes of physical activity is associated with increased levels of both body self-esteem and overall self-esteem. Lastly, physical activity not only directly impacts procrastination behavior but also indirectly influences it by enhancing body self-esteem and overall self-esteem, thereby further reducing the individual's level of procrastination. These conclusions suggest that physical activity plays a multifaceted role in mitigating procrastination behavior in college students. By promoting self-esteem, physical activity can foster a positive psychological state that is conducive to proactive behavior and academic success. The study's findings underscore the importance of integrating physical activity into college students' daily routines as a strategy to combat procrastination and enhance self-esteem.

Clustering of methamphetamine users based on personality characteristics and self-efficacy in the west of Iran

With the substantial increase in the use of stimulants, especially methamphetamine, in recent years, the present study aimed to cluster methamphetamine users based on personality traits and self-efficacy, and compare their mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse in the identified clusters. This cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling on 501 methamphetamine users in addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah, western Iran. The data were collected using the Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS). A total of 501 methamphetamine users were distinguished into three clusters with frequencies of 111 (22.2%), 298 (59.5%), and 92 (18.4%) members through hierarchical cluster analysis. The participants in the first cluster were characterized by low self-efficacy, high neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, along with low extroversion and activity, low positive health, high negative health, low sleep quality, and high risk of drug relapse. The participants in the second cluster reported moderate levels of self-efficacy, neuroticism, sensation seeking, activity, and aggressiveness, high extroversion, and moderate levels of mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse. Moreover, the participants in the third cluster reported the highest level of self-efficacy, the lowest level of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, moderate extroversion and high activity, low relapse risk, high sleep quality, as well as high positive and low negative health symptoms. The third cluster was significantly different from the other two clusters in terms of the mentioned factors. The findings of this study suggest that low self-efficacy and the presence of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and high aggressiveness contribute to reduced mental health and sleep quality, as well as an increased risk of relapse in methamphetamine users.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in relation to high physical activity level in men over 27 year follow up

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common type of cardiovascular disease. An association between high level of physical activity (PA) and the onset of VTE has been found in some, but not all previous studies. We aim to study the association between PA-level and VTE in a cohort of men with updated data on PA levels at four occasions. We used data from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM) study initiated in 1970, a study of men at age 50 years (n = 2,294 at baseline) examined on leisure time PA by questionnaire and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Examinations were repeated at ages 60, 70, and 77, and follow-up was completed after a median time of 33 years. Cox regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) using updated covariates for PA and risk factors was performed on the association of PA levels with incident VTE, with adjustments for established cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, diabetes, and smoking). Totally 186 men experienced a VTE during follow-up of 68,263 person-years at risk. Individuals with the highest PA level had an increased relative risk of VTE, adjusted HR, 2.22 (95% CI 1.05–4.67), when compared to individuals with the lowest level of PA. In this cohort of men with a follow-up of 27 years, the risk of VTE was increased at the highest PA level. Findings indicate that there could be an increased VTE risk with higher PA level including strenuous activities.Graphical In this cohort of men with a follow-up of 27 years, the risk of venous thromboembolism was increased at the highest level of physical activity

Effect of Stocking Density during CO2 Stunning of Pigs on Induction Time and Activity Level Measured Using AI.

During the CO2 stunning of pigs, a variation in their reaction to the gas and the duration of the induction period is observed. The stunning process can be affected by several conditions, such as stressful events and previous experiences, but the stocking density in the gondola may also have an impact. The objective was to investigate the effect of stocking density on the stunning process under commercial conditions. To quantify the pigs' reactions under industrial settings with a stocking density of up to eight pigs pr. Gondola (3.91 m2), the activity level was measured using an AI solution. Compared with a simulation of the expected induction period, a significantly longer induction period was found in gondolas containing seven and eight pigs (p < 0.001) but not when the gondolas contained three or four pigs. Both high and mean activity levels were significantly higher when stocking density was increased from three or four pigs to seven or eight pigs. The stunning process was thus negatively affected when increasing the stocking density. More knowledge is needed to explain this effect and to make statements on optimal stocking density. The measured activity levels may be a useful tool for obtaining information under commercial conditions and for documenting animal welfare.

Consumer wearable devices for evaluation of heart rate control using digoxin versus beta-blockers: the RATE-AF randomized trial

Consumer-grade wearable technology has the potential to support clinical research and patient management. Here, we report results from the RATE-AF trial wearables study, which was designed to compare heart rate in older, multimorbid patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and heart failure who were randomized to treatment with either digoxin or beta-blockers. Heart rate (n = 143,379,796) and physical activity (n = 23,704,307) intervals were obtained from 53 participants (mean age 75.6 years (s.d. 8.4), 40% women) using a wrist-worn wearable linked to a smartphone for 20 weeks. Heart rates in participants treated with digoxin versus beta-blockers were not significantly different (regression coefficient 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) −2.82 to 5.27; P = 0.55); adjusted 0.66 (95% CI −3.45 to 4.77; P = 0.75)). No difference in heart rate was observed between the two groups of patients after accounting for physical activity (P = 0.74) or patients with high activity levels (≥30,000 steps per week; P = 0.97). Using a convolutional neural network designed to account for missing data, we found that wearable device data could predict New York Heart Association functional class 5 months after baseline assessment similarly to standard clinical measures of electrocardiographic heart rate and 6-minute walk test (F1 score 0.56 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.70) versus 0.55 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.68); P = 0.88 for comparison). The results of this study indicate that digoxin and beta-blockers have equivalent effects on heart rate in atrial fibrillation at rest and on exertion, and suggest that dynamic monitoring of individuals with arrhythmia using wearable technology could be an alternative to in-person assessment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02391337.

Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity with Cognition in Middle- Aged Adults.

The increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline highlights the importance of physical activity for cognitive health. Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental health and reduced risk of cognitive decline. This study investigated the connection between self-reported physical activity and cognitive function in middle-aged adults. This cross-sectional study included 56 Indian adults aged 30-55, selected based on a health screening questionnaire. Participants reported their physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which categorized them into low, moderate, and high activity levels. Cognitive functions, including visual memory, executive function, and attention, were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testing Battery (CANTAB). Results were statistically analyzed for relationships between cognitive domains and physical activity parameters using Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis. The study showed a significant positive correlation of attention with moderate and vigorous physical activity, while sedentary behavior negatively impacted attention. Linear regression showed that attention is affected by moderate-intensity activity whereas executive function and visual memory are affected by age. This study supports the view that moderate and vigorous intensity activities may positively affect attention in middle-aged adults highlighting the benefits of physical activity.