Intermediate Levels Research Articles

Consumption of pollen contaminated with field-realistic concentrations of fungicide causes sublethal effects in Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) microcolonies.

Bumble bees are declining across the globe. The causes of this decline have been attributed to a variety of stressors, including pesticides. Fungicides are a type of pesticide that has been understudied in the context of bumble bee health. As a result, fungicides are often applied to flowering plants without consideration of pollinator exposure. Recent work demonstrates that fungicides have sublethal effects in bumble bees, but little is known about how much fungicide it takes to cause these sublethal effects. To address this gap in the literature, we fed microcolonies of the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiensCressonHymenoptera: ApidaeHymenoptera: ApidaeHymenoptera: ApidaeHymenoptera: Apidae) pollen contaminated with a range of fungicide concentrations. We chose these concentrations based on the range of fungicide concentrations in pollen and nectar that were reported in the literature. Results revealed that later-stage pupae and newly emerged males are potentially sensitive to fungicide exposure, showing smaller size and reduced fat reserves at intermediate levels of contamination. Compared to the control, intermediated levels of fungicide-contaminated pollen led to increased pupal mortality and delayed male emergence. Contrary to expectations, higher fungicide levels did not exhibit a linear relationship with negative impacts, suggesting nuanced effects. Because body size and emergence timing are important aspects of bumble bee reproductive behavior, results have implications for mating success, potentially disrupting colony development.

Implementation and Outcomes of Outdoor Science Education in an Urban Setting on Primary and Intermediate Level Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

The term nature deficit disorder describes the “human costs of alienation from nature” (Louv, 2019). While not meant to be a medical diagnosis, Louv argues that the condition has, “profound implications, not only for the health of future generations but for the health of the earth itself” (Louv, 2008). Children most at risk are those who live or go to school in an urban setting, as well as students diagnosed with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Students diagnosed with EBD are often kept indoors as their teachers and caretakers are frequently trained in the indoor use only of behavior management techniques (Riden et al., 2022). This means that during professional development training, any that pertain to behavior management techniques, procedure, or protocol are routinely taught inside of a classroom, conference room, or recently home office, using an indoor scenario (classroom, auditorium, cafeteria, etc.) as an example of when and how to use these behavior management tools. Outdoor professional development, equipping students with natural tools that can help improve not only their physical but also their mental health, as well as connecting students with nature in a way that teaches them to advocate for the health of the earth, thus becoming citizen stewards are all themes that are part of the massive, currently dysfunctional system that is outdoor education in schools. This study shows that when students are encouraged to interact with nature on their own terms on-task behaviors and motivation increase. Students also retained lesson information and asked follow-up questions after the lesson when taught outside using hands-on activities.

A benchmarking methodology for top-of-rail products: Carry distance and retentivity

Top-of-rail (TOR) products are used in railways to reduce wear and noise by providing an intermediate friction level and a positive creep curve. In addition to these general requirements, retentivity and carry distance are important for their effectiveness on the track. This study aims to determine these track performance parameters for three commercial TOR products. A contact simulator and portable tribometer were used to simulate track conditions. The results show that carry distance is the most limiting performance parameter of TOR products, especially for water-based products. TOR lubricants, on the other hand, caused a more significant drop in friction after application. A predictive model simulating product redistribution along the track was introduced for the best-performing product.

Orphan response regulator NnaR is critical for nitrate and nitrite assimilation in Mycobacterium abscessus

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is an opportunistic pathogen afflicting individuals with underlying lung disease such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF) or immunodeficiencies. Current treatment strategies for Mab infections are limited by its inherent antibiotic resistance and limited drug access to Mab in its in vivo niches resulting in poor cure rates of 30-50%. Mab’s ability to survive within macrophages, granulomas and the mucus laden airways of the CF lung requires adaptation via transcriptional remodeling to counteract stresses like hypoxia, increased levels of nitrate, nitrite, and reactive nitrogen intermediates. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to coordinate hypoxic adaptation via induction of respiratory nitrate assimilation through the nitrate reductase narGHJI. Mab, on the other hand, does not encode a respiratory nitrate reductase. In addition, our recent study of the transcriptional responses of Mab to hypoxia revealed marked down-regulation of a locus containing putative nitrate assimilation genes, including the orphan response regulator nnaR (nitrate/nitrite assimilation regulator). These putative nitrate assimilation genes, narK3 (nitrate/nitrite transporter), nirBD (nitrite reductase), nnaR, and sirB (ferrochelatase) are arranged contiguously while nasN (assimilatory nitrate reductase identified in this work) is encoded in a different locus. Absence of a respiratory nitrate reductase in Mab and down-regulation of nitrogen metabolism genes in hypoxia suggest interplay between hypoxia adaptation and nitrate assimilation are distinct from what was previously documented in Mtb. The mechanisms used by Mab to fine-tune the transcriptional regulation of nitrogen metabolism in the context of stresses e.g. hypoxia, particularly the role of NnaR, remain poorly understood. To evaluate the role of NnaR in nitrate metabolism we constructed a Mab nnaR knockout strain (MabΔnnaR) and complement (MabΔnnaR+C) to investigate transcriptional regulation and phenotypes. qRT-PCR revealed NnaR is necessary for regulating nitrate and nitrite reductases along with a putative nitrate transporter. Loss of NnaR compromised the ability of Mab to assimilate nitrate or nitrite as sole nitrogen sources highlighting its necessity. This work provides the first insights into the role of Mab NnaR setting a foundation for future work investigating NnaR’s contribution to pathogenesis.

Accessibility of Motion Capture as a Tool for Sports Performance Enhancement for Beginner and Intermediate Cricket Players

Motion Capture (MoCap) has become an integral tool in fields such as sports, medicine, and the entertainment industry. The cost of deploying high-end equipment and the lack of expertise and knowledge limit the usage of MoCap from its full potential, especially at beginner and intermediate levels of sports coaching. The challenges faced while developing affordable MoCap systems for such levels have been discussed in order to initiate an easily accessible system with minimal resources.

#2225 Educational level and gender are associated with emotional well-being in a cohort of Dutch dialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Patients undergoing dialysis have an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are conflicting data from small series whether patient-related factors such as educational level have an impact on experienced HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between educational level and HRQOL in dialysis patients. Method In a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study HRQOL was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 (KDQOL-SF36) in prevalent chronic dialysis patients. Educational level was categorized into low, intermediate and high subgroups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and dialysis vintage on the association between HRQOL and educational level. Results 129 chronic dialysis patients were included. The median age of the patients was 65.0 years and 58% of the patients were male. The median age did not differ between men and women (67.0 vs. 63.0 years, p = 0.673). Median dialysis vintage was 15.0 months. Patients with an intermediate educational level (OR: 4.37 [1.89-10.13]) and a high educational level (OR 4.13 [1.04-16.42]) had significantly higher odds of higher emotional well-being than patients with a low educational level. The odds for women compared to men were 2.83 [1.32-6.06] for better general health and 2.59 [1.15-5.84] for emotional well-being. There was no interaction between gender and educational level for both subdomains. Each year of increasing age was associated with decreased physical functioning (OR 0.94 [0.91–0.97]). Conclusion Low educational level and male sex were associated with worse emotional well-being compared to intermediate and high educational level and female sex in dialysis patients. Physical functioning decreased with increasing age.

Development of Health-Promoting Edible Cricket Products by Using Sensory Evaluation Techniques.

In the fields of food science and technology, sensory evaluation is extensively studied to assess personal perception and acceptability. However, studies on Thai consumers' personal perceptions of and acceptability of food products containing crickets have not been conducted. The overall goal of this study was to find out how well-liked two food products containing house crickets were by Thai customers in good health regarding their sensory qualities. The 3-point Just-About-Right (JAR) scale measured the foods' sensory characteristics, including thickness, color, odor, sweetness, and saltiness. Food product approval among consumers was assessed using the 9-point Hedonic scale. Nutrient density was measured using the nutrient-rich foods (NRF) index, highlighting the potential health benefits of these products. For every attribute, the goodness-of-fit score of the cricket puffed rice (CPR) was higher than 70%. The cricket-galangal chili paste (CGCP) received a score of greater than 70% for color and odor, but the sweetness was required more since it had a JAR score of 53.3 percent. The customer acceptance scores of CPR and CGCP were 6.63-7.60 and 6.60-7.50 on the 9-point Hedonic scale. The NRF indices of the CPR and CGCP were 19.19 and 20.44 (intermediate levels). There was no need for improvements in the cricket puffed rice product, but cricket-galangal chili paste should be improved. Further study on nutrition facts is required.

Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pupal success and adult eclosion across variable soil type and moisture.

Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest in many crops in the southern United States. Upon reaching the final larval instar, H. zea quests for a pupation site in the soil. Pupae are vulnerable to mortality since their movement is limited. Soil type and moisture can influence H. zea emergence, but the interaction of these factors has not been demonstrated. We compared sandy and clay soils in greenhouse and laboratory experiments. In the first experiment, we evaluated the preference of larvae to choose either sandy or clay soil for pupation. In a second experiment, we set the sandy soils at different moisture levels and observed prepupae pupation preference in a choice scenario. In a third experiment, we observed prepupae pupation in different moisture levels in a no-choice scenario. In a 4th experiment, we evaluated adult emergence following pupation when we increased moisture or kept it constant. In a final experiment, we evaluated pupation behavior in sandy or clay soils with a webcam and a glass arena. We found that larvae preferred to pupate in sandy soils over clay soils and that pupal success was highest at intermediate moisture levels. In addition, elevated soil moisture levels did not impact the emergence of H. zea between sandy or clay soil. Finally, H. zea did not take longer to burrow in either sandy or clay soil, but the tunnels of the pupal burrow were larger in sandy soil compared to clay soil. Our results clarify H. zea behavior across soil moisture and soil type.

Predicting the dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in coastal regions of Africa: vulnerability index and adverse ecological pathways from remote-sensed variables.

This study aimed to predict the dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination and ecological vulnerability within coastal regions of Africa utilizing time-averaged remote-sensed data patterns from 2020 to 2023. The analysis identified PFAS contamination hotspots along the coast of Africa, particularly in western Africa around Nigeria and in areas spanning Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, with risk influenced by eastward wind patterns, overland runoff, and elevated aerosol optical depth (AOD) values. Regional trends indicated that variations in solar energy absorption and surface air temperature could influence PFAS dynamics in North Africa, South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. In North Africa, intermediate overland runoff and lower sea-surface temperatures were observed. In South Africa, there were intermediate runoff levels and warmer sea-surface temperatures. East Africa experienced intermediate runoff as well. In West Africa, there was increased susceptibility to high overland runoff and aerosol-related PFAS contamination. From the weighted vulnerability index, significant disparities in environmental conditions across African coastal regions revealed that North Africa had relatively lower vulnerability, while West Africa had the highest susceptibility to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination. This study emphasizes the necessity for region-specific vulnerability index models and targeted mitigation strategies to address diverse ecological and health risks from PFAS contamination along the African coast. Regional and international collaboration, spearheaded by organizations such as the AU and ECOWAS, is essential, with tailored policies aligned with the SDGs, Agenda 2063, and NEPAD crucial for effective environmental management, urging policymakers to prioritize cooperation and resource sharing for comprehensive sustainability goals.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive control in psychosis.

Cognitive control (CC) involves a top-down mechanism to flexibly respond to complex stimuli and is impaired in schizophrenia. This study investigated the impact of increasing complexity of CC processing in 140 subjects with psychosis and 39 healthy adults, with assessments of behavioral performance, neural regions of interest and symptom severity. The lowest level of CC (Stroop task) was impaired in all patients; the intermediate level of CC (Faces task) with explicit emotional information was most impaired in patients with first episode psychosis. Patients showed activation of distinct neural CC and reward networks, but iterative learning based on the higher-order of CC during the trust game, was most impaired in chronic schizophrenia. Subjects with first episode psychosis, and patients with lower symptom load, demonstrate flexibility of the CC network to facilitate learning, which appeared compromised in the more chronic stages of schizophrenia. These data suggest optimal windows for opportunities to introduce therapeutic interventions to improve CC.

#833 Spectrum of tuberculosis after kidney transplantation: a case-control study in a middle-endemic area

Abstract Background and Aims Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious-disease death worldwide. Post-transplant TB is a problem in successful long-term outcome of kidney transplantation recipients (KT) and is often associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features, risk factors, and outcome of TB after kidney transplantation in a middle-prevalence area. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of adult KT recipients from 2015 to 2020 at the Annaba University Hospital with follow-up until October 2022. Results Among 152 KT recipients evaluated, 8 developed TB, the prevalence was 5.26%. Median time to diagnosis was 28.4 months, with 25% of the cases occurring in the first Two year. Pulmonary TB represented 75% of the cases, including disseminated disease. Two patients received isoniazid prophylaxis for latent TB infection and developed active infection. Median duration of treatment was 12 months. However TB was associated with a significant reduction in patient and graft survival (74% vs. 90.2% in 5 years for patient survival, P=0.001; and 58.6% vs. 80.2% in 5 years for graft survival, P<0.001). Death and graft loss occurred in the first 6 months after diagnosis in one-third of the patients, 38.8% of them with disseminated disease. Disseminated disease was significantly associated with mortality compared to local disease (41.8% vs. 9.7%, P=0.035). It should also be pointed out that Algeria is a country with an intermediate level of tuberculosis endemicity. Conclusion TB is the archetype of opportunistic infection in KT, with significant impact on patient and graft survival. Our results emphasize the need for systematic screening for LTBI in all patients awaiting transplant. Treatment challenges in KT recipients with TB, drug interactions, drug toxicities and therapeutical adherence must be considered.

Educational level and gender are associated with emotional well-being in a cohort of Dutch dialysis patients

BackgroundPatients undergoing dialysis have an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are conflicting data from small series on whether patient-related factors such as educational level have an impact on experienced HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between educational level and HRQOL in dialysis patients.MethodsIn a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study HRQOL was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 (KDQOL-SF36) in prevalent chronic dialysis patients. Educational level was categorized into low, intermediate and high subgroups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and dialysis vintage on the association between HRQOL and educational level.ResultsOne hundred twenty-nine chronic dialysis patients were included. Patients with an intermediate educational level had significantly higher odds of a higher emotional well-being than patients with a low educational level 4.37 (1.-89–10.13).A similar trend was found for a high educational level (OR 4.13 (1.04–16.42), p = 0.044) The odds for women compared to men were 2.83 (1.32–6.06) for better general health and 2.59 (1.15–5,84) for emotional well-being. There was no interaction between gender and educational level for both subdomains. Each year of increasing age significantly decreased physical functioning (OR 0.94 (0.91–0.97)).ConclusionsEducational level and sex were associated with emotional well-being, since patients with intermediate and high educational level and females had better emotional well-being in comparison to patients with low educational level and males. Physical functioning decreased with increasing age.

Voice Typing to Enhance English Intermediate Level Learners’ Speaking Proficiency: A Case Study

This mixed-methods case study explores the effectiveness of Google Docs’ voice typing feature in enhancing the English oral skills of nine university students at the intermediate level. These university students were selected to utilize voice typing for their end-of-term oral presentations, engaging in two practice sessions each week for six weeks period. Training was provided to ensure proficiency in the use of voice typing. To gauge progress, a qualitative analysis of the data was performed, focusing on any advancements in speaking capabilities, with the students’ final speaking project scores serving as the primary metric for evaluation. Evaluation of the final speaking project was conducted by two teachers, and to validate the assessment process, inter-rater reliability tests were implemented. In addition to the quantitative assessment, qualitative data were gathered through interviews, wherein students conveyed their initial challenges with the voice typing feature, particularly concerning speech recognition inaccuracies. Despite these initial hurdles, participants reported a smoother experience as they became more accustomed to the tool. The study underscores the educational benefits of voice typing and advocates for continued investigation into this promising field, particularly given the rise of Artificial Intelligence technologies adept at accommodating diverse accents and proficiency levels.

A mathematical model for HIV dynamics with multiple infections: implications for immune escape.

Multiple infections enable the recombination of different strains, which may contribute to viral diversity. How multiple infections affect the competition dynamics between the two types of strains, the wild and the immune escape mutant, remains poorly understood. This study develops a novel mathematical model that includes the two strains, two modes of viral infection, and multiple infections. For the representative double-infection case, the reproductive numbers are derived and global stabilities of equilibria are obtained via the Lyapunov direct method and theory of limiting systems. Numerical simulations indicate similar viral dynamics regardless of multiplicities of infections though the competition between the two strains would be the fiercest in the case of quadruple infections. Through sensitivity analysis, we evaluate the effect of parameters on the set-point viral loads in the presence and absence of multiple infections. The model with multiple infections predict that there exists a threshold for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to minimize the overall viral load. Weak or strong CTLs immune response can result in high overall viral load. If the strength of CTLs maintains at an intermediate level, the fitness cost of the mutant is likely to have a significant impact on the evolutionary dynamics of mutant viruses. We further investigate how multiple infections alter the viral dynamics during the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The results show that viral loads may be underestimated during cART if multiple-infection is not taken into account.

Status of infection prevention and control programs in 25 facilities of Rwanda: Results from the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework

AbstractBackgroundInfection prevention and control (IPC) is important in ensuring patient safety, protecting healthcare workers, and reducing healthcare‐associated costs. The World Health Organization (WHO)‐validated Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was used to evaluate IPC practices in Rwandan healthcare facilities.MethodologyIn this cross‐sectional study, we assessed 25 health facilities across Rwanda, including district and referral hospitals. Using the IPCAF tool, we assessed eight core components (CCs) of IPC programs. We calculated median scores and interquartile ranges to determine the levels of implementation of IPC practices.FindingsAmong the 25 facilities, all showed some degree of IPCAF implementation, with an overall median IPCAF score of 545.0, reflecting an intermediate level. Three facilities (12%) were at a basic level, 16 (64%) at an intermediate level, and 6 (24%) at an advanced level of IPC practices. The presence of IPC guidelines scored the highest among CCs (median: 87.5). About 96% of facilities did not have a dedicated full‐time IPC staff, 64% of facilities did not offer IPC training to new staff, and 84% did not have protocols for multidrug‐resistant pathogens.ConclusionsThis initial IPCAF assessment in Rwanda reveals critical IPC strengths and gaps. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions, such as appointing dedicated IPC staff, strengthening IPC committees, and enhancing IPC training and resources.

Research on the influencing factors of Chinese agricultural brand competitiveness based on DEMATEL-ISM

Agricultural products are pivotal to the national economy, and a comprehensive analysis of brand competitiveness significantly contributes to the support of agricultural structural adjustment and modernization. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta region of China, this study develops an evaluation index system encompassing four dimensions: core brand competitiveness, brand management, market competitiveness, and innovation in branding. Utilizing a DEMATEL-ISM model, this research elucidates the intrinsic relationships among factors that influence brand competitiveness, resulting in a four-tier hierarchical model. The analysis delineates key factors at superficial, intermediate, and profound levels that influence brand competitiveness. Notably, regional production bases, along with innovations in brand technology and systems, emerge as profound influencers. Drawing on these findings, the study recommends strategies to enhance production foundations, accurately define development trajectories, spearhead technological innovation to foster collective reform efforts, and advocate for institutional advancements to bolster healthy brand growth.

The effects of intra-detector Compton scatter on low-frequency DQE for photon-counting CT using edge-on-irradiated silicon detectors.

Edge-on-irradiated silicon detectors are currently being investigated for use in full-body photon-counting computed tomography (CT) applications. The low atomic number of silicon leads to a significant number of incident photons being Compton scattered in the detector, depositing a part of their energy and potentially being counted multiple times. Even though the physics of Compton scatter is well established, the effects of Compton interactions in the detector on image quality for an edge-on-irradiated silicon detector have still not been thoroughlyinvestigated. To investigate and explain effects of Compton scatter on low-frequency detective quantum efficiency (DQE) for photon-counting CT using edge-on-irradiated silicondetectors. We extend an existing Monte Carlo model of an edge-on-irradiated silicon detector with 60mm active absorption depth, previously used to evaluate spatial-frequency-based performance, to develop projection and image domain performance metrics for pure density and pure spectral imaging tasks with 30and 40cm water backgrounds. We show that the lowest energy threshold of the detector can be used as an effective discriminator of primary counts and cross-talk caused by Compton scatter. We study the developed metrics as functions of the lowest threshold energy for root-mean-square electronic noise levels of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2keV, where the intermediate level 1.6keV corresponds to the noise level previously measured on a single sensor element in isolation. We also compare the performance of a modeled detector with 8, 4, and 2 optimized energy bins to a detector with 1-keV-widebins. In terms of low-frequency DQE for density imaging, there is a tradeoff between using a threshold low enough to capture Compton interactions and avoiding electronic noise counts. For 30cm water phantom, 4 energy bins, and a root-mean-square electronic noise of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2keV, it is optimal to put the lowest energy threshold at 3, 6, and 1keV, which gives optimal projection-domain DQEs of 0.64, 0.59, and 0.52, respectively. Low-frequency DQE for spectral imaging also benefits from measuring Compton interactions with respective optimal thresholds of 12, 12, and 13keV. No large dependence on background thickness was observed. For the intermediate noise level (1.6keV), increasing the lowest threshold from 5 to 35keV increases the variance in a iodine basis image by 60%-62% (30cm phantom) and 67%-69% (40cm phantom), with 8 bins. Both spectral and density DQE are adversely affected by increasing the electronic noise level. Image-domain DQE exhibits similar qualitative behavior as projection-domainDQE. Compton interactions contribute significantly to the density imaging performance of edge-on-irradiated silicon detectors. With the studied detector topology, the benefit of counting primary Compton interactions outweighs the penalty of multiple counting at all lowest threshold energies. Compton interactions also contribute significantly to the spectral imaging performance for measured energies above10keV.

Proposal for a Flipped Classroom Program with Massive Open Online Courses to Improve Access to Information and Information Literacy in Primary School Teachers

The objective of this study was to propose a teacher training program based on the flipped classroom model with MOOCs to strengthen access to information and information literacy among primary education teachers in the Lambayeque region of Peru. The non-experimental design was assumed with a quantitative approach and a propositional, descriptive type. A diagnosis was made using a questionnaire given to 917 primary school teachers. It was discovered that nearly all of the items in the questionnaire revealed a deficiency in the ability to navigate, search, and filter information, data, and digital content; the highest percentages were at the Basic level, with the exception of the item expressing information needs in an organized manner, which was at the Advanced C2 level. The lowest percentage was at the Advanced C1 level, and the majority of the lower percentages were at the Advanced level. In addition, there are competency deficiencies in the evaluation of information, data, and digital content of nearly all the items: the highest percentages were at the Basic level, with the exception of the item involving the processing of information, data, and digital content, where 26.4% were at the Intermediate B1 level and just 2.8% managed to be at the highest level, which is Advanced C2. Furthermore, when it came to storage and retrieval of information, data, and digital content competency, all the high percentages were at the Basic level, and all the low percentages were at the highest level, that is, Advanced. These findings helped us to understand that teachers have only a basic knowledge of information literacy and information competency. As a result, it is necessary to advocate for a teacher training program based on the flipped classroom model with MOOCs. This idea was supported by the opinions of five experts, who stated that its implementation would enable primary teachers of Regular Basic Education in the region of Lambayeque (Peru) to develop their access to information and information literacy competency area.

Genetic Liability to Cardiovascular Disease, Physical Activity, and Mortality: Findings from the Finnish Twin Cohort.

We investigated whether longitudinally assessed physical activity (PA) and adherence specifically to World Health Organization PA guidelines mitigates or moderates mortality risk regardless of genetic liability to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also estimated the causality of the PA-mortality association. The study used the older Finnish Twin Cohort (FTC) with 4,897 participants aged 33-60 years (54.3% women). Genetic liability to coronary heart disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was estimated with polygenic risk scores (PRSs) derived from the Pan-UK Biobank (N ≈ 400,000; > 1,000,000 genetic variants). Leisure-time PA was assessed with validated and structured questionnaires three times during 1975-1990. The main effects of adherence to PA guidelines and the PRS × PA interactions were evaluated with Cox proportional hazards models against all-cause and CVD mortality. A co-twin control design with 180 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for meeting the guidelines was used for causal inference. During the 17.4-year (mean) follow-up (85,136 person-years), 1,195 participants died, with 389 CVD deaths. One standard deviation higher PRSs were associated with a 17%-24% higher CVD mortality risk but not with all-cause mortality except for the PRS for diastolic blood pressure. Adherence to PA guidelines did not show significant independent main effects or interactions with all-cause or CVD mortality. Twins whose activity levels adhered to PA guidelines over a 15-year period did not have statistically significantly reduced mortality risk compared to their less active identical twin sibling. The findings were similar among high, intermediate, and low genetic risk levels for CVD. The genetically informed FTC data could not confirm that adherence to PA guidelines either mitigates or moderates genetic CVD risk or causally reduces mortality risk.

Effects of La-N Co-Doping of BaTiO3 on Its Electron-Optical Properties for Photocatalysis: A DFT Study.

In cation-anion co-doping, rare earth elements excel at regulating the electronic structure of perovskites, leading to their improved photocatalytic performance. In this regard, the impact of co-doping rare earth elements at the Ba and Ti sites in BaTiO3 on its electronic and photocatalytic properties was thoroughly investigated based on 2 × 2 × 2 supercell structures of BaTiO3 with different La concentrations of 12.5% and 25% using DFT calculations. The band structure, density of states, charge density difference, optical properties, and the redox band edge of the co-doped models mentioned above were analyzed. The results indicated that the BaTiO3 structure co-doped with 25% La at the Ti site exhibited higher absorption in the visible range and displayed a remarkable photocatalytic water-splitting performance. The introduced La dopant at the Ti site effectively reduced the energy required for electronic transitions by introducing intermediate energy levels within the bandgap. Our calculations and findings of this study provide theoretical support and reliable predictions for the exploration of BaTiO3 perovskites with superior photocatalytic performances.