Low Activity Levels Research Articles

Beyond unionism and nationalism: do the ‘neithers’ want a border poll and a United Ireland?

ABSTRACT This article draws upon new data from a recent Economic and Social Research Council funded project, Beyond Unionism and Nationalism, 1 to examine whether electors in Northern Ireland identifying as neither nationalist/republican nor unionist/loyalist, the ‘neithers’, desire a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional status (often labelled a border poll) on whether it should remain part of the UK or form part of a United Ireland and which of those two options they prefer. With surveys of public opinion and election results suggesting there are now three minorities in the region, unionists, nationalists and ‘neithers’, the views of the lattermost category may be vital in determining the arrival and outcome of a referendum. Utilising the largest n (2,045) set of face-to-face interviews with ‘neithers’ yet undertaken, the article suggests that their low levels of electoral activity extend to a current lack of enthusiasm for both an exercise in self-determination and a United Ireland. The piece also indicates, however, that national identification and religious affiliation are significant attitudinal indicators even among a group of electors located beyond the traditional bloc divide.

Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Health Status According to Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Korean Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between water and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, health behaviors, and self-perceived health status using data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). The subjects included in this analysis were 57,302 Korean adolescents from the 7th to 12th grades. The intake patterns of water and SSBs were categorized into four groups: Group I, adequate water intake (≥4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake (≤1-2 times/week); Group II, adequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake; Group III, inadequate water intake (<4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake; Group IV, inadequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake (≥3 times/week). Complex sample analyses were used for considering strata, clusters, and weights for samples. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics between the water and SSB intake groups. As grade levels increased or if students were female, there was a significant increase in the proportion of students characterized by low water intake and high consumption of SSB. Adolescents with healthier beverage habits, characterized by adequate water intake and low frequency of SSB consumption (Group I), generally abstained from smoking and alcohol, were more physically active, and maintained a desirable diet, reporting a better perceived health status. In contrast, those with higher SSB consumption and inadequate water intake (Group IV) were more likely to perceive their health as poor, with higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, and poorer dietary habits compared to Group I. In conclusion, adolescents with desirable beverage consumption habits differed by sex and grade and they reported positive health behaviors and better overall health status. This suggests that there is a need for more active education and intervention in schools and families, as well as increased efforts by adolescents to promote healthy beverage habits.

Influence of Pain, Risk Factors, and Functional Ability on Physical Activity Levels in Women with Anterior Knee Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Anterior knee pain (AKP) refers to chronic prepatellar pain and is one of the most common knee complaints in physically active women. This condition can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life. This study aims to assess the impact of pain, risk factors, and functional ability on different levels of physical activity (comparing low versus moderate activity) in women with AKP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved fifty-six women diagnosed with AKP (aged 20-45 years) who were equally allocated into low and moderate physical activity groups. Their AKP and functional ability were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and double squats and step-down tests, respectively. Possible risk factors were assessed using the Q-angle, modified Thomas test, sit and reach test, and patellar glide test. A person's correlation coefficient and independent t-tests were used to determine the relationship and the differences between these variables while keeping the confidence interval level at 95%. Result: Women with moderate activity levels showed significantly higher scores on the VAS than those with low activity levels (p = 0.040). However, both groups had no significant difference in their functional ability or potential risk factors (p > 0.05). Additionally, their functional ability (double squat) showed a positive association with hamstring flexibility (Pearson correlation coefficient [r]:0.3; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Women with AKP who were engaged in moderate physical activity experienced higher levels of pain compared to those with low activity levels. These findings underscore the urgent need for further investigation into different levels of physical activity to develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for women with AKP.

Distinct Replication Kinetics, Cytopathogenicity, and Immune Gene Regulation in Human Microglia Cells Infected with Asian and African Lineages of Zika Virus.

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is a significant global health concern due to its association with neurodevelopmental disorders such as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This study aimed to compare the replication kinetics, viral persistence, cytopathogenic effects, and immune gene expression in human microglia cells (CHME-3) infected with an Asian lineage ZIKV (PRVABC59, referred to as ZIKV-PRV) and an African lineage ZIKV (IBH30656, referred to as ZIKV-IBH). We found that ZIKV-PRV replicated more efficiently and persisted longer while inducing lower levels of cell death and inflammatory gene activation compared with ZIKV-IBH. These findings suggest that the enhanced replication and persistence of ZIKV-PRV, along with its ability to evade innate immune responses, may underlie its increased neuropathogenic potential, especially in the context of CZS. In contrast, ZIKV-IBH, with its stronger immune gene activation and higher cytopathogenicity, may lead to more acute infections with faster viral clearance, thereby reducing the likelihood of chronic central nervous system (CNS) infection. This study provides crucial insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving the differential pathogenicity of ZIKV lineages and highlights the need for further research to pinpoint the viral factors responsible for these distinct clinical outcomes.

Comparative study on the association between types of physical activity, physical activity levels, and the incidence of osteoarthritis in adults: the NHANES 2007–2020

It is known that physical activity is beneficial for the prevention of osteoarthritis (OA), but specific discussions on which types and levels of physical activity are more effective in reducing the incidence of OA are restricted. This study is aimed at exploring the correlation concerning the types of physical activity, levels of physical activity, and the incidence of OA by assessing the participation in five typical forms of physical activity (vigorous work activity, vigorous recreational activity, moderate work activity, moderate recreational activity, and walking or bicycling). Cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-reported data on specific types of physical activity were obtained from individuals in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020 with the use of the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). The incidence of OA was assessed through the "Health Conditions" questionnaire section of NHANES. Weighted logistic regression analysis was employed to study the correlation between physical activity types and levels, and the incidence of OA. Different kinds of physical activity and physical activity levels have varying impacts on the incidence of OA. Among the types of physical activity, vigorous recreational activity and moderate recreational activity are found to have a preventive effect on OA. In terms of physical activity levels, low physical activity levels of moderate work activity are associated with an increased risk of OA, while moderate physical activity levels are confirmed to have a protective effect against OA in the age groups of 20–44 and 45–64. However, gender-stratified analyses reveal that both low and moderate physical activity levels provide protection against OA in males, with moderate physical activity levels showing a more significant protective effect.

Factors associated with physical activity in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer during outpatient chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to clarify the physical activity level of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer during outpatient chemotherapy and the factors associated with decreased physical activity levels after drug administration. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, activity intensity and steps were measured using an accelerometer in 39 patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer for 1 week before and after drug administration. Furthermore, the participants responded to a questionnaire on their lifestyles. ResultsNo significant differences in steps and activity intensity were found before and after drug administration, and many participants had low activity levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that the Geriatric 8 scores and domestic roles were positively associated with higher activity levels after drug administration, whereas total bedtime showed a negative association. A predictive score for low activity was calculated from the three associated factors, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted, resulting in an area under the curve of 0.90. ConclusionsPhysical activity may be low in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer during outpatient chemotherapy. To maintain and promote physical activity, the results suggest the need to predict those who become less active after treatment and to support them by focusing on their domestic roles and total bedtime while considering their general condition. Our newly proposed predictive score can objectively identify patients with lower physical activity, regardless of the nurse's experience and ability, and improve patients' support during chemotherapy, even in the limited time available as outpatients.

Role of water activity on sporulation traits and resistance to 915 MHz microwave in the emetic type of Bacillus cereus on rice

The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of water activity on the sporulation of emetic strains of Bacillus cereus and the subsequent susceptibility of sporulated B. cereus to 915 MHz microwave treatment. Water activity levels were manipulated in the sporulation medium by adjusting glycerol concentrations to 0 %, 3 %, 7.5 %, and 10 %, resulting in corresponding water activities of 0.996, 0.981, 0.971, and 0.960, respectively and sporulated at 30℃. These changes in water activity were intended to simulate the variations in water activity that can occur during the cultivation and processing of rice, where B. cereus is commonly found. Sporulation rates increased with higher water activity, achieving over 90 % of total cells after 3, 5, 5, and 6 days of incubation at water activities of 0.996, 0.981, 0.971, and 0.960, respectively. Resistance to microwave treatment increased with higher water activity levels during sporulation. Microwave treatment for 5 min yielded a reduction of 3.03 log CFU/g at a water activity of 0.960 and 1.98 log CFU/g at 0.996 during sporulation. Lower water activity led to higher % dipicolinic acid (DPA) release during microwave treatment, as measured using a spectrometer, indicating greater membrane damage. To investigate the morphology of spores, transmission electron microscopy was used. Spores produced at lower water activity levels were observed to be enveloped by the mother cell, whereas those sporulated at higher water activity levels were distinct from the mother cell. Additionally, spores sporulated at higher water activity levels exhibited higher wet density in Percoll gradient. The levels of germination were also compared after sporulation under different water activity medium using L-alanine. The spores evolved under low water activity exhibited higher germination level compared to those from high water activity conditions. These findings suggested that water activity conditions during sporulation induce variations in morphology, density, germination level, and resistance to 915 MHz microwave. Our experimental results indicated that, even with the same sporulation percentage, there can be differences in the maturation stage, indicating that the level of 915 MHz microwave treatment should be adjusted according to the sporulation conditions of B. cereus.

Mediterranean diet and exercise are associated with better disease control in psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with obesity and other related comorbidities, which impose an additional burden on disease activity and response to treatment. We investigated the impact of Mediterranean diet, and exercise on the presentation and severity of PsA. Three hundred fifty-five patients with PsA (n = 279) and psoriasis (PsO) (n = 76) were included in a cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical characteristics and dietary and exercise patterns were recorded. Patients were grouped into (i) high, moderate, and low Mediterranean diet adherence and (ii) high, medium, and low activity level. Levels of diet and exercise were correlated with disease activity indices. PsA patients had more comorbidities than their PsO counterparts (42.7% vs. 26.3%, p = .038). The majority showed a low exercise pattern (total = 71.3%, PsA = 72.4%, PsO = 67.1%). Approximately half (total = 44.2%, PsA = 43.4%, PsO = 47.4%) did not follow a Mediterranean diet. Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis Score (DAPSA) (p = .004), tender (p = .003) and swollen (p = .015) joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = .001), and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p = .015) had an inverse correlation with exercise. Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with reduced ESR (p = .056), PASI (p = .011), and body surface area (BSA) (p = .009) indices. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), exercise retained its positive correlation with PsA disease activity, but diet showed significant correlation only with enthesitis (p = 0.015). Uptake of a Mediterranean diet and exercise have positive effects on PsA activity, independently of BMI. These findings support lifestyle recommendations to supplement conventional treatment for improvement in disease outcomes. Key points • Diet and lifestyle are important influencers of health-related outcomes in PsA. • In this cross-sectional study of 355 patients with psoriatic disease, we found that Med Diet and exercise improve outcomes in PsA independently of weight loss. • Our results suggest that diet and lifestyle modifications should supplement conventional medical treatments.

The September 6, 2021 MW 5.4 Tofalaria earthquake at a weakly active segment of the Main Sayan fault (Eastern Siberia)

We study in detail the Mw 5.4 September 6, 2021 Tofalaria earthquake occurred in a mountain area of the Eastern Sayan which is characterized by a low level of seismic activity. An interest in the seismic event is caused, on the one hand, by poor knowledge about stress-strain field of the crust in the considered region, and, on the other hand, by its relation to the NW segment of the ancient Main Sayan fault – a structural boundary between the Sayan-Baikal fold belt and the tectonically stable Siberian platform. Seismic moment tensors and hypocentral depths of the mainshock and its largest aftershock (Mw 4.6) are inverted from intermediate-period surface wave amplitude spectra calculated at the stations located at teleseismic distances. Integral source parameters of the mainshock, characterizing its spatio-temporal development, are also estimated and the fault plane is determined. Epicenters of 31 aftershocks with M ≥ 1.8, occurred up to the end of 2021, are constrained from body waves recorded at regional seismic stations. The obtained results show that the Tofalaria earthquake occurred under the influence of the SW-NE compression, which is observed in Western Mongolia. Focal mechanism of the largest aftershock and the NE elongation of the aftershock epicentral field (22 km) indicate stress redistribution after the mainshock in a local crustal volume, bordered by small-scale faults.

240 Does fall prevention also have to hinder physical activity?

Abstract Purpose Physical activity is effective for preventing falls and improves physical and mental health, increase function and quality of life. Regarding people at high risk of falling, such as residents at nursing homes, global guidelines recommend individually adapted exercise programs to prevent falls. These guidelines are not followed. We aimed to map out physical activity among people living at a nursing home. To our knowledge, this is the first study measuring physical activity 24 hours per day among residents at a nursing home. Method In this pilot study, persons who lived at one nursing home and could walk without a walking aid wore an Inertial Measurement Unit for 24 hours per day for 3 months. Main outcome measure was steps per day. For each participant, the mean steps per day during the period was calculated and for the total group, the median value of the mean steps per day was calculated. Results The participants (n = 5), three women and 2 men, 72 to 98 years old, walked in a median of 65 steps per day (10-356). Conclusion In Sweden, instead of following guidelines, technical solutions that monitor if a person tries to move are introduced at nursing homes, often in the form of web cameras. This means that falls are prevented by hindering physical activity and making sure the residents do not move at all. Our study shows that people living in nursing homes can have a very low level of physical activity. We call on all responsible organizations to initiate activities and efforts that enable rather than hinder physical activity. For example, use technology that promotes physical activity, build gyms located in nursing homes, use Virtual Reality to make the bike ride seem to take place outside in a beautiful landscape, and employ physiotherapists who can do balance-training exercises on an everyday basis.

Computational modeling establishes mechanotransduction as a potent modulator of the mammalian circadian clock.

Mechanotransduction, which is the integration of mechanical signals from the external environment of a cell to changes in intracellular signaling, governs many cellular functions. Recent studies have shown that the mechanical state of the cell is also coupled to the cellular circadian clock. To investigate possible interactions between circadian rhythms and cellular mechanotransduction, we have developed a computational model that integrates the two pathways. We postulated that translocation of the transcriptional regulators MRTF (herein referring to both MRTF-A and MRTF-B), YAP and TAZ (also known as YAP1 and WWTR1, respectively; collectively denoted YAP/TAZ) into the nucleus leads to altered expression of circadian proteins. Simulations from our model predict that lower levels of cytoskeletal activity are associated with longer circadian oscillation periods and higher oscillation amplitudes, which is consistent with recent experimental observations. Furthermore, accumulation of YAP/TAZ and MRTF in the nucleus causes circadian oscillations to decay in our model. These effects hold both at the single-cell level and within a population-level framework. Finally, we investigated the effects of mutations in YAP or lamin A, the latter of which result in a class of diseases known as laminopathies. In silico, oscillations in circadian proteins are substantially weaker in populations of cells with mutations in YAP or lamin A, suggesting that defects in mechanotransduction can disrupt the circadian clock in certain disease states; however, reducing substrate stiffness in the model restores normal oscillatory behavior, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism. Thus, our study identifies that mechanotransduction could be a potent modulatory cue for cellular clocks and that this crosstalk can be leveraged to rescue the circadian clock in disease states.

154 Avoidance of Physical Activity Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Observational Study

Abstract Purpose While physical activity is recognized as an essential component in COPD treatment, patients with COPD often exhibit lower levels of physical activity compared with their lung-healthy peers. The primary objective of our study was to describe the proportion of patients with COPD who report avoidance behavior related to physical activity. Methods A questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted among patients with COPD, scheduled to attend a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Participants completed the COPD Anxiety Questionnaire (CAF-R) and functional tests were conducted prior to participation of the rehabilitation program. Results We included 48 participants (24 males, mean: age 70±7.8 years, body mass index 25±5.0, MRC dyspnoea scale 2.5±0.9, One-Minute-Sit-To-Stand-Test 19 ±6.0 repetitions). Findings revealed that 60% (95% CI [46%-0,74%]) reported avoidance of physical exertion, 44% (95% CI [24%-52%]) avoid activities causing breathlessness, and 35% (95% CI [22%-48%]) try avoid any form of physical activity. Conclusions Our findings show that a large proportion of patients with COPD exhibit avoidance behavior concerning physical activity. While the underlying reasons are likely multifaceted, apprehension towards breathlessness emerges as a potential contributing factor. The results underscore the importance of investigating avoidance behavior in people with COPD to better understand how to promote physical activity within this population. Future interventions designed to increase physical activity in patients with COPD should include identification of the extent of avoidance behavior and implementation of strategies to manage the behavior, such as exposing individuals to physical activity within a secure environment. Support/funding This study received financial support from the Karen Elise Jensen Foundation and the Eva Merethe Falck Crones Foundation.

234 Unraveling the Link: How Emotional Self-Regulation and Procrastination Affect Physical Activity

Abstract Purpose Physical activity has been widely recognized as crucial for promoting optimal physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning. Given its significant impact on overall quality of life, it is essential to identify factors that may hinder engagement in regular physical activity. This study aims to explore the relationship between emotional self-regulation, general procrastination, physical activity procrastination, and physical activity levels among adults. Understanding these mechanisms can inform the development of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity engagement and ultimately promoting overall health and well-being. Methods 186 adults from general population participated in an online survey. They completed questionnaires assessing emotional self-regulation, general procrastination, and physical activity procrastination. Physical activity level was measured based on self-reported average weekly exercise minutes over the past year. Participants were then categorized into four activity levels according to the World Health Organization’s guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results Our results showed that lower levels of emotional self-regulation were significantly associated with lower levels of physical activity. Furthermore, this relationship was serially mediated by both general procrastination and physical activity procrastination. Specifically, individuals with lower levels of emotional self-regulation had a greater tendency to engage in general procrastination, which subsequently increased their tendency to delay or avoid physically active behaviors. As a result, these individuals had lower overall engagement in regular exercise or training. Conclusions The results suggest that emotional self-regulation plays a critical role in influencing procrastination and physical activity. Lower levels of self-regulation affect this indirectly through increased tendencies toward both general and specific form of procrastination related to engaging in physically active behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of targeting interventions aimed at improving emotional self-regulation skills to reduce procrastination and increase physical activity, thereby promoting healthier lifestyles and well-being. Future research should explore potential strategies to effectively address these barriers while promoting long-term adherence to physically active behaviors.

Localized and Long-Lasting Adaptation in Dragonfly Target-Detecting Neurons.

Some visual neurons in the dragonfly (Hemicordulia tau) optic lobe respond to small, moving targets, likely underlying their fast pursuit of prey and conspecifics. In response to repetitive targets presented at short intervals, the spiking activity of these "small target motion detector" (STMD) neurons diminishes over time. Previous experiments limited this adaptation by including intertrial rest periods of varying durations. However, the characteristics of this effect have never been quantified. Here, using extracellular recording techniques lasting for several hours, we quantified both the spatial and temporal properties of STMD adaptation. We found that the time course of adaptation was variable across STMD units. In any one STMD, a repeated series led to more rapid adaptation, a minor accumulative effect more akin to habituation. Following an adapting stimulus, responses recovered quickly, though the rate of recovery decreased nonlinearly over time. We found that the region of adaptation is highly localized, with targets displaced by ∼2.5° eliciting a naive response. Higher frequencies of target stimulation converged to lower levels of sustained response activity. We determined that adaptation itself is a target-tuned property, not elicited by moving bars or luminance flicker. As STMD adaptation is a localized phenomenon, dependent on recent history, it is likely to play an important role in closed-loop behavior where a target is foveated in a localized region for extended periods of the pursuit duration.

215 The Effectiveness of Digital Tools in Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract Purpose Individuals with a severe mental illness (SMI) have lower physical activity (PA) levels and higher sedentary behaviour (SB) than the general population. As a result, they have an elevated risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Participating in PA benefits SMI by improving symptoms, cardiorespiratory fitness, social connectedness, and motivation; helping to reduce bodyweight and SB. Despite the acknowledged benefits of PA, there are numerous barriers to engagement and participation rates remain low. The integration of a digital tool/s may mitigate these barriers and help increase the PA levels of individuals with SMI. This review aims to determine whether digital tool/s are effective at promoting PA in this population. Methods A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken in March 2023. A search string was developed around key concepts of SMI, PA, and digital interventions. Seven databases were searched. Additional records obtained via alerts from databases were added between March-September 2023. Returned records were exported to Rayyan. Duplicates were removed and the remaining articles were divided between the four-member team for title/abstract screening. Full-text screening followed, and quality checks were completed by the team via a standard checklist created on Google Forms. Articles selected for review were exported as a list into Microsoft Excel. Results Database searches yielded 1,730 articles, with 24 eligible for inclusion. Eleven studies found PA to increase from participation in a PA intervention that incorporated a digital tool. Walking was the most common form of PA (n = 13) and accelerometery (n = 13) was the most popular digital tool. Twice-weekly PA participation was most frequent. Moderate-vigorous PA was more effective than light PA at promoting PA. Supervised (n = 20) and group (n = 16) interventions were more successful in increasing PA. Community settings (n = 9) was the most common location for interventions. Few studies (n = 5) recorded follow-up data to ascertain if the intervention was effective long-term. Conclusion Overall, this review found digital tools are effective at promoting PA among SMI individuals. Future PA interventions aimed at this population should consider incorporating this technology in their design. However, more follow-up studies are needed to ascertain whether these tools can sustain PA long-term. Funding ADVANCE CRT

Commercial infant products influence body position and muscle use

The musculoskeletal and motor development of infants is affected by their environment, which varies from being held, lying on a firm flat surface, to seated in various nursery products. Nursery products can alter the body position of infants, particularly the position of the head/neck and trunk, which may inhibit an infant's ability to breathe. With U.S. infants spending an increasing amount of time in seated products, the purpose of this study was to assess muscle activation and body position in four commercial infant products (carrier, bouncer, rocker, and swing) during supine and prone positioning, compared to a firm flat surface. Thirteen healthy infants (age: 4.2 ± 1.4 months; 7 M/6F) were enrolled in this IRB-approved in-vivo biomechanics study. Surface electromyography sensors recorded muscle activity of the erector spinae, cervical paraspinals, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles and retro-reflective markers tracked movements to determine head-neck, trunk, and torso-pelvis flexion/extension in the sagittal plane. While supine, infants exhibited increased head-neck and trunk flexion of up to 21° and 27° above the playmat, respectively, in all seated products. While prone, high abdominal muscle activation compared to the playmat indicates that infants will fatigue faster in seated products. Additionally, the lower muscle activation levels exhibited in younger infants (< 4 months) compared to older infants (≥ 4 months) indicates that younger infants rely on the product design to maintain body position. However, offering infants a variety of environments to move within is important to avoid motor delay, therefore future work should explore how long-term use may impact an infant's development.

The high-energy environment of the heavy sub-Earth GJ 367 b indicates likely complete evaporation of its atmosphere

The planet GJ 367 b is a recently discovered high-density sub-Earth orbiting an M dwarf star. Its composition was modelled to be predominantly iron with a potential remainder of a hydrogen-helium envelope. Here we report an X-ray detection of this planet’s host star for the first time, using data from the spectro-imaging X-ray telescope eROSITA onboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission. We characterise the magnetic activity of the host star from the X-ray data and estimate its effects on a potential atmosphere of the planet. We find that despite the very low activity level of the host star the expected mass loss rates, both under core-powered and photoevaporative mass loss regimes, are so high that a potential primordial or outgassed atmosphere would evaporate very quickly. Since the activity level of the host star indicates that the system is several Gigayears old, it is very unlikely that the planet currently still hosts any atmosphere.

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Intervention at School on BMI and Body Composition in Overweight Children: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Overweight children usually have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than their normal-weight peers. Low PA predisposes to an increase in body fat mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based PA intervention on the anthropometric indicators and body composition of overweight and obese children during a two-year observation period, from the age of 10 to 12. (2) Materials and methods: The research included 148 children with overweight or obesity who were born in 2007. There were two groups of children with standard and elevated PA at school (SPA and EPA; 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons a week, respectively). Anthropometric and body composition measurements were carried out. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and total body water (TBW) were estimated. In total, five measurements were conducted at intervals of 5–6 months. (3) Results: In EPA group, the percentage of obese children decreased from 46% to 35.25%, and in SPA group, this percentage increased from 42.75% to 46%. Only 3.33% of children in the standard PA group (one child) and 17.2% in the elevated PA group (six children) changed their BMI and FM categories from overweight to normal body mass. In EPA children, FM decreased from 28.65% to 26.41%, and in SPA children, it increased from 30.31% to 31.75%. The highest increase in FFM was in EPA boys, while SPA boys recorded the highest decrease. In SPA children, SMM increased by 0.43% from 38.85% to 39.28%, and in EPA children, it increased by 2.51% from 40.27% to 42.78%. In EPA children, TBW slightly increased from 53.26% to 53.59%, and in SPA children, it decreased from 50.70% to 49.93%. (4) Conclusions: Elevated PA at school has a positive effect on the BMI and body composition of children who are overweight or obese. Increasing the mandatory number of physical education lessons in school curricula is an efficient strategy for reducing obesity in school-aged children.

Характеристика факторів серцево-судинного ризику в пацієнтів з артеріальною гіпертензією, які приймають подвійну комбінацію антигіпертензивних препаратів: результати дослідження ФАКТОР-дуо

The aim – to study the characteristics of cardiovascular risk factors, the structure and effectiveness of treatment in hypertensive patients (pts) on the background of a dual combination of antihypertensive drugs, to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of calcium channel blockers (CCB) (amlodipine and lercanidipine) when added to the combination of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor with a diuretic.Materials and methods. A multicenter study with 1616 hypertensive pts who received dual combination antihypertensive therapy. Cardiovascular risk factors were studied (smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of cardiovascular disease), concomitant cardiovascular diseases, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, and body mass index were determined, and current antihypertensive therapy and its effectiveness were evaluated based on office blood pressure (BP) measurements. Amlodipine 5-10 mg/day or lercanidipine 10–20 mg/day was added to the combination of RAAS blocker with a diuretic in the case of office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. 1198 hypertensive pts received triple combined therapy. The effectiveness and tolerability of the treatment were evaluated after 4 weeks according to data from office BP measurements and home BP monitoring (HBPM). Lercanidipine was taken by 76 % of pts and amlodipine was taken by 24 % of pts.Results and discussion. Hypertensive pts were characterized by a significant prevalence of obesity (38.6 %), smoking (27.9 %), and insufficient physical activity (31.2 %). A significantly higher percentage of smoking and alcohol consumption was registered among men, while a lower level of physical activity was registered among women. Concomitant type 2 diabetes was present in almost a quarter of pts, stroke/TIA in 8.7 %, and myocardial infarction/revascularization in 8.3 %. At the same time, 53.2 % of the pts received statin therapy, and 64.7 % received antiplatelet drugs.Conclusions. The addition of CCB contributed to office BP target achievement in 69.1 % of pts, and optimal BP according to HBPM data in 54.3 % of pts. Lercanidipine and amlodipine have demonstrated comparable antihypertensive efficacy. Lercanidipine demonstrated a better tolerability profile compared to amlodipine: the incidence of side effects was significantly lower, respectively, 3.6 vs. 12.3 %; edema of the lower legs occurred in 6.5 times more often under amlodipine treatment than lercanidipine.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and its relationship with medical and social factors

Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and its relationship with medical and social factors and their combination. Material and methods. To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, 3077 employees (average age 46.9 ± 9.39 years) were examined within the framework of a single-stage study based on the Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies. This group consisted of 66.5 % men and of 33.4 % women (Adult Treatment Panel III program). To study the relationship of metabolic syndrome with medical and social factors, the place of residence, education, professional affiliation and physical activity (International Questionnaire on Physical Activity) of the study participants were taken into account. Results. According to Adult Treatment Panel III in 2001 and 2005, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region was 18.2 % and 21.2 %, respectively. At the same time, it significantly prevailed among urban residents (22.2 %) compared with rural residents (16.3 %) (p = 0.003), among the study participants with secondary education (22.6 %) compared with the group of people with higher education (17.9 %) (p = 0.002), among employees (26.5 %) compared with workers (17.3 %) (p &lt; 0.001), in individuals with low physical activity (29.3 %) compared with the group of individuals with normal physical activity (18.7 %) (p &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among urban residents was statistically significantly higher in the group of employees compared with workers (p &lt; 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the corresponding groups among the rural population (p &lt; 0.073). As a result of the logistic regression building, it was found that the following medical and social factors contribute to an increase in the developing metabolic syndrome probability: gender, age, body mass index more than 30 kg/m2 , profession (employees), living in the city. Limitation of the study. The conducted research is limited to the working population of the Saratov region. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and allow us to obtain a generalized picture of its relationship with the main medical and social factors (gender, age, body mass index more than 30 kg/m2 , profession (employees), living in the city), as well as lifestyle factors (low level of physical activity, lack of sports activities).