Trends In Levels Research Articles

CD66b+/CD68+ circulating extracellular vesicles, lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can differentiate coronavirus disease 2019 severity during and after infection.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major public health burden. We hypothesised that circulating extracellular vesicles (cEVs), key players in health and disease, could trace the cell changes during COVID-19 infection and recovery. Therefore, we studied the temporal trend of cEV and inflammatory marker levels in plasma samples of COVID-19 patients that were collected within 24h of patient admission (baseline, n=80) and after hospital discharge at day-90 post-admission (n=59). Inflammatory markers were measured by standard biochemical methods. cEVs were quantitatively and phenotypically characterized by high-sensitivity nano flow cytometry. In patients recovered from COVID-19 lower levels of inflammatory markers were detected. cEVs from vascular (endothelial cells) and blood (platelets, distinct immune subsets) cells were significantly reduced at day-90 compared to admission levels, a pattern also observed for cEVs from progenitor, perivascular and epithelial cells. The best discriminatory power for COVID-19 severity was found for inflammatory markers lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and for granulocyte/macrophage-released CD66b+/CD68+-cEVs. Albeit inflammatory markers were good indicators of systemic inflammatory response and discriminators of COVID-19 remission, they do not completely reveal cell stress and organ damage states. cEVs reaching baseline pre-infection levels at 90 days post-infection in recovered patients discriminate parental cells affected by disease.

Impact of MIC Breakpoint Changes for Enterobacterales on Trends of Antibiotic Susceptibilities in An Academic Medical Center

Background: The Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommends use of annual antibiograms to help guide empiric antibiotic therapy. Because CLSI periodically updates minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints, we assessed the impact of these updates on longitudinal trends in antibiotic susceptibility rates for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae at a single academic medical center in Atlanta, GA. Methods: Susceptibilities for cefepime, ceftazidime, and levofloxacin in E. coli and K. pneumoniae were extracted from hospital antibiograms from 1988 to 2022. Starting in 1995, intensive care units (ICUs) and wards had separate annual antibiograms, which we combined using weighted averages to create annual overall hospital antibiograms. After summarizing the frequency of isolates tested and susceptibilities using medians and interquartile ranges (IQR), we conducted an interrupted time series analysis using linear segmented regression models, to evaluate the level changes and trends in susceptibility, before and after CLSI MIC breakpoints were updated for ceftazidime (2010 and 2017), cefepime (2014 and 2017), and levofloxacin (2013). Results: Among 21,214 E. coli, there was a median of 291 [IQR: 104, 555] isolates tested annually. Similarly, among 8,686 K. pneumoniae isolates, the median was 125 per year (IQR: 76, 178). Prior to the MIC breakpoint changes, baseline susceptibility trends of both organisms to all 3 antibiotics significantly declined at a rate between 0.2% to 2.4% per year (Table 1). For cefepime (Figure 1), susceptibility decreased annually during 1988 – 2013 for both E. coli (-0.5%) and K. pneumoniae (-1.2%). There were no significant level changes but there were trend changes after 2018, for E. coli (+2.1%) and K. pneumoniae (– 5.5%). For ceftazidime (Figure 2), significant level changes occurred after 2010 for both organisms (E. coli: -5.7%; K. pneumoniae: -5.2%). For levofloxacin (Figure 3), the breakpoint update in 2013 lead to significant level change in susceptibility (E. coli: +8.4%; K. pneumoniae: +11.4%). Conclusion: Overall, we observed a consistent decrease in antibiotic susceptibility in E. coli and K. pneumoniae over three decades, with immediate increases in the level change of susceptibility when MIC breakpoints were changed, followed by a decreasing trend. These findings highlight the importance of longitudinal surveillance and MIC breakpoint changes to inform antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

Faecal contamination in China: Trends, sources, and driving mechanisms

Faecal contamination of surface waters is a global public health and economic burden. Here, we constructed a 30-year dataset to analyse the spatiotemporal trends and driving mechanisms of faecal coliforms (FCs) in China. We found that previous national policies to reduce water pollution have significantly improved the quality of surface water and, correspondingly, faecal contamination. However, the downward trend in FC levels has been more gradual than that for physico-chemical pollutants, and this trend may be exaggerated. Our results show that the driving mechanisms of faecal pollution were seasonal and complex. During the dry season, forests and grasslands were the source landscapes that exacerbated faecal pollution; during the wet season, urbanisation dominated, highlighting China's poorly designed drainage systems. Our projections revealed that faecal contamination will continue to worsen from 2022 to 2035, highlighting the need for pollution control. In the future, faecal indicators should be included in routine monitoring, evaluation, and assessment at the national level. Moreover, coordinated design of forest, grassland, and wetland landscapes is recommended for faecal pollution control at the regional level, whereas stormwater-related source control needs to be further strengthened at the urban level.

Paleoenvironmental and chemostratigraphic implications of variations in geochemical proxies across the Upper Jurassic–Lower cretaceous boundary: a case study from the Flemish Pass Basin

The Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary is the only Phanerozoic period-level boundary that lacks a golden spike on the geological timescale despite significant global geological and environmental change during this time related to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Paleoenvironmental proxy profiles (total organic carbon, δ34S, δ15N, Fe, Mn, Ce/Ce*, Th/U, δ13Corg, P, Ni, Zn, Cu, and B/Ga) for core 3 of the Baccalieu I-78 well in the Flemish Pass Basin, offshore eastern Canada, exhibit a geochemical anomaly between 3288.5 and 3289 m, overlapping with the biostratigraphic placement of the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary. Collectively the geochemical analyses are interpreted to indicate that the anomaly is associated with a fall in relative sea level, followed by a rise, which led to restricted circulation, stratification, and widespread anoxia. This anoxia, coupled with an arid climate, further resulted in reduced weathering, limited nutrient supply, and an overall reduction in primary productivity. The results of this study, in conjunction with previous biostratigraphic studies on core 3, suggest that the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary in Baccalieu I-78 likely falls within the geochemical anomaly, specifically between 3228.5 and 3288.85 m. Furthermore, the paleoenvironmental interpretations derived in this study agree with published reports on global sea level and climate trends around the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary, implying the influence of global, rather than regional, factors on deposition. This suggests that geochemical proxies may be useful in providing additional paleoenvironmental insights and helping to constrain stratigraphic boundaries, particularly in intervals that lack significant lithological or biological change.

Rotation and Dufour Impact on Unsteady Flow Past a Parabolic Accelerated Vertical Plate with Uniform Temperature and Mass Diffusion

Objective : Fluid dynamics and heat transfer theory examine the Dufour phenomenon and the rotational influence of unstable parabolic flow across an accelerating infinite vertical plate. This scenario involves several parameters, including the "mass Grashof number (Gr), thermal Grashof number (Gc), Prandtl number (Pr), Hartmann number (Ha), Schmidt number (Sc), Dufour number (Dc), and acceleration parameter". Method : We have applied the Laplace transform method to the resulting PDE. This method converts the equations to algebraic form, making it easier to solve for velocity, temperature, and concentration in terms of time and space. Graphs can show the relationship between the acceleration parameter and numerous parameters such as mass and thermal Grashof, Hartmann (Ha), and Dufour (Df), as well as the consequent velocity profile. If the velocity increases when these variables change, we'll look at the physical reasons that generate this behaviour. We will examine the conclusions using experimental data or existing theoretical models, considering the model's assumptions and limits. Finally, highlight the significant facts and insights gained from the analysis. We will discuss potential future research possibilities, such as exploring more complex geometries or accounting for new physical effects. Findings : The increase in Dufour parameter value causes an increase in temperature and level trends, demonstrating the significant influence of these factors on the researched phenomena. Novelty: This research advances our understanding of heat and mass transfer phenomena by isolating the Dufour effect in a novel scenario involving unsteady flow around a rotating vertical plate, filling a gap in the existing body of knowledge that is dominated by MHD-inclusive investigations. Suggestions: This approach is fairly general and may be applied to find analysis of heat and mass transfer on Dufour effect for other effects such as Soret effect, Hall current of heat and mass transfer. Keywords: Uniform Temperature, Thermo diffusion (Dufour), Inverse Laplace, Rotational, Constant Mass

Comparative efficacy of peptide-based versus standard polymeric enteral nutrition in ICU patients at high nutritional risk: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Within intensive care units (ICU), the administration of peptide-based formulas (PBF) may confer nutritional advantages for critically ill patients identified with heightened nutritional risk. This investigation aimed to ascertain the efficacy of PBF in comparison to standard polymeric formulas (SPF) among this patient cohort. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted across three ICUs, encompassing 63 adult patients characterized by elevated modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) scores. Enrollment occurred promptly subsequent to ICU admission, with participants allocated to receive either PBF or SPF. Primary outcome was the duration to achieve caloric targets. Secondary outcomes involved the evaluation of mean daily gastric residual volume, mechanical ventilation period, infection rates within the ICU, length of hospitalization, mortality rates, nutritional status and inflammatory markers, specifically serum albumin and interleukin-6 levels. Patients in the PBF group reached their caloric targets more expeditiously compared to the SPF group (2.06 ± 0.43 days versus 2.39 ± 0.79 days; p = 0.03). No significant differences were discernible between the groups regarding gastric residual volume, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, mortality, or infection rates. Both cohorts exhibited minimal adverse effects and were devoid of any instances of abdominal distension. While not reaching statistical significance, the observed trends in albumin and interleukin-6 levels suggest a potential advantage of PBF utilization. The implementation of PBF enabled swifter attainment of caloric goals in ICU patients at high nutritional risk without adversely impacting other clinical parameters. Given its favorable tolerance profile and potential immunomodulatory properties, PBF may be considered a valuable nutritional intervention in this setting.Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20220221006. Registered 21 February 2022, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220221006.

Characteristic analysis of mold level fluctuation during continuous casting of Ti-bearing IF steel

Mold level fluctuation has always been one of the key factors in slab quality control. Abnormal fluctuations can easily cause slag entrainment and form surface defects of hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, thus reducing the product qualification rate. In this study, mold level fluctuation data was collected during Ti-bearing Interstitial Free (IF) steel in a stable state for a complete casting sequence in a certain factory. The mold level fluctuation is analyzed using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method, and its characteristic values are classified based on frequency. Combined with the corresponding process parameters, the causes were traced during abnormal fluctuation characteristic values. It was found that the formation of abnormal mold level fluctuation mainly comes from two aspects. On the one hand, there are random fluctuations in the low-frequency band, and on the other, there are clustered fluctuations in the relatively high-frequency band. There is always a rising trend in mold liquid levels when there are random abnormal fluctuations in the low-frequency band. There is a delay of approximately 0.1412 s in the feedback of the stopper rod to the mold level fluctuation. The major causes of the low-frequency random fluctuations include variations in the tundish weight, casting speed, and mold width, and the clogs peeling. The clogging of the side hole at the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is the primary cause of abnormal clustered fluctuations in the high-frequency band. These are certain relationships with clogging, whether it is high-frequency clustered or low-frequency random abnormal fluctuations. Without a doubt, this is a crucial link that limits the slab quality.

The Effect of Etrasimod on Fecal Calprotectin and High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein: Results From the ELEVATE UC Clinical Program.

Biomarkers offer potential alternatives to endoscopies in monitoring ulcerative colitis (UC) progression and therapeutic response. This post hoc analysis of the ELEVATE UC clinical program assessed potential predictive values of fecal calprotectin (fCAL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as biomarkers and associated responses to etrasimod, an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)1,4,5 receptor modulator for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC, in 2 phase 3 clinical trials. In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, patients were randomized 2:1 to 2mg of etrasimod once daily or placebo for 52 or 12 weeks, respectively. Fecal calprotectin/hsCRP differences between responders and nonresponders for efficacy end points (clinical remission, clinical response, endoscopic improvement-histologic remission [EIHR]) were assessed by Wilcoxon P-values. Sensitivity and specificity were presented as receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC). In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, 289 and 238 patients received etrasimod and 144 and 116 received placebo, respectively. Baseline fCAL/hsCRP concentrations were generally balanced. Both trials had lower week-12 median fCAL levels in week-12 responders vs nonresponders receiving etrasimod for clinical remission, clinical response, and EIHR (all P < .001), with similar trends for hsCRP levels (all P < .01). For etrasimod, AUCs for fCAL/hsCRP and EIHR were 0.85/0.74 (week 12; ELEVATE UC 52), 0.83/0.69 (week 52; ELEVATE UC 52), and 0.80/0.65 (week 12; ELEVATE UC 12). Fecal calprotectin/hsCRP levels decreased with etrasimod treatment; ROC analyses indicated a prognostic correlation between fCAL changes during induction and short-/long-term treatment response.

Analyzing the coastal sea level trends from SCMR-reprocessed altimeter data: A case study in the northern South China Sea

With improved altimeter data near the coast, it is possible to use them in analysis of coastal sea level trends. In this study, we assess the sea level trends over January 2002-April 2022 with the SCMR-reprocessed altimeter dataset in the coastal zone of the northern South China Sea (SCS). The reliability of this dataset is confirmed by the inter-comparison with the CMEMS (Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service) Level-3 along-track data product and the ESA CCI (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative) v2.2 virtual station product, along with the validation against tide gauge records. Compared to two altimeter products, the SCMR has a higher number of data points for the analysis of sea level trends in the study region (28439 vs 1408 for CMEMS and 868 for ESA CCI). The monthly SLA time series from the SCMR dataset are more consistent with those from tide gauge records in terms of higher correlation coefficients (0.37–0.83) and lower root mean square of the differences (RMSD, 33.98–92.19 mm) between altimeter and tide gauge. The along-track sea level trends within the 0–20 km coastal strip range between 2–5 mm yr−1, and the degradation of sea level trends occurs when the along-track trends show significant fluctuations at the spatial scales of ∼ 300 m. Therefore, a further data editing strategy is recommended in this regard. We also find that the ENSO-related signals mainly impact on sea levels in the west of Luzon Strait and of the Philippine coast, but are dampened along the Chinese coast over 2002–2022. The regional mean sea level trend is reduced from 3.54 ± 0.85 mm yr−1 to 3.00 ± 0.84 mm yr−1 after removing the ENSO-related low-frequency variability. Finally, the variation of sea level trends from offshore oceans to coasts is found to be nonlinear, indicating the complexity of sea level changes in the study area. The blending of tide gauge records and the SCMR dataset has been successfully conducted in four tide gauges over a longer period of January 1993-April 2022, which would contribute to the analysis of long-term sea level trends at the local scales.

Decoding uranium variation over the Indian peninsula through leveraging standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices and groundwater level fluctuations

The present study aims to predict the concentration of uranium (U) in groundwater in India by utilizing water quantity indicators, such as Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) based groundwater levels. The study adopts a multi-scale approach, ranging from state-level to agroclimatic zones. The findings indicate that the highest levels of U (101–500 μg.L−1), which surpass the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed limit of 30 μg.L−1 for drinking water, are primarily concentrated in India's plateau and hills regions. The GRACE data map portrays a downward trend in groundwater levels throughout India, with the mid-Gangetic plains experiencing the most significant decline. The meteorological aspect of the study, as indicated by SPI and SPEI, reveals that the plateau and hills region is experiencing a decline in rainfall. The SPEI further underscores the grim picture of decreasing precipitation in northern India. Additionally, the study employs cluster analysis to cluster states according to the division of agro-climatic zones. Lastly, the study employs a random forest algorithm to assess the relative importance of each predictor and predict U concentration under the trinity of precipitation, extraction, and evaporation. The most significant contribution of this work is to identify the hotspots in India that require the most attention in terms of U toxicity owing to groundwater decline. Overall, this study highlights the need for immediate attention to mitigate the adverse impacts of U contamination and aims at sensitizing the stakeholders towards the compelling need to fulfil SDG-3 (health aspects due to U hazard) and SDG-6 (groundwater over-exploitation and deteriorating water quality).

Coaching Behavior and Student-Athlete Performance in a Women’s Universty in China

Coaching in the realm of sports has transcended its traditional boundaries, evolving into a multifaceted discipline that encompasses much more than simply teaching technical skills or devising winning strategies. Coaches are now recognized as pivotal figures who wield immense influence over the development, motivation, and performance of student-athletes.This study determined the relationship between coaching styles and student-athlete performance with the end view of developing a comprehensive guide for a team-building program for both the coaches and athletes.The researcher used the descriptive-comparative correlational research design,The researcher will only select the athletes who are actively involve in the sports program of the university and who are bonafide athlete of Hunan Women’s University during the conduct of the study. The researcher made use of the researcher-made questionnaire which was the main tool to gather the data in this research.Statistical Treatment of the Data includes Frequency Count and Percentage,Weighted Mean,t-test/Analysis of Variance (F-Test),Pearson’s r.The analysis of athlete respondents' perceptions reveals a high level of satisfaction and positive perception regarding their relationship with the coach.The self-assessment of student athlete respondents demonstrates a noteworthy trend of consistent and high levels of self-assurance and confidence across various dimensions of their athletic performance.There is strong positive correlations observed between coach behavior and athlete self-assessment and it underscores the importance of supportive, communicative, and motivating coaching approaches in enhancing athlete performance and well-being. Based on these findings, the study proposes six measures such as prioritizing sports programs and strengthening injury prevention programs.

Trend analysis of environmental radioactivity levels around Kaiga Generating Station, India

The study assessed the radiological impact of the Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) on the surrounding environment and the safety of the nearby population. Over a period of 15 years (2005–2020), the radiological monitoring detected only trace levels of 3H and 137Cs (attributed to fallout) in the surrounding environment. The study utilized the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test to analyze the long-term trends, identifying either decreasing or no trend in the radioactivity levels across various environmental matrices such as air, water, biota, and dietary items. These findings indicate no significant accumulation of radioactivity, confirming the minimal environmental impact of the KGS operations.

Effects of Tube Voltage and Phantom Diameter on Noise Inhomogeneity of CT Image

To investigate the effects of tube voltage and phantom diameter on noise inhomogeneity of computed tomography (CT) image. This study used a step-wedge water cylindrical phantom with four diameters (i.e., 8, 16, 24, and 32 cm). The phantom was scanned with GE 128- Slice CT scanner with tube voltage variation of 80, 100, 120, and 140 kV. Noise inhomogeneity was measured using IndoQCT software. The noise inhomogeneity measurement was started with creating noise maps on the image with kernel size of 11 pixels. After that, multiple region of interests (ROIs) with size of 15 pixels were placed at 85% of image area. The noise inhomogeneity was determined as difference between the highest and the lowest noises from each ROI. : It was found that the highest noise inhomogeneity is at phantom diameter of 32 cm and tube voltage of 80 kV (14.00 ± 0.93 HU), and the lowest noise inhomogeneity is at phantom diameter of 8 cm and tube voltage of 140 kV (0.40 ± 0.02 HU). The trends of the tube voltage and phantom diameter on noise inhomogeneity were similar to the trends of the noise level, i.e., noise inhomogeneity increases with increasing phantom diameter and with decreasing tube voltage. Effects of variations of tube voltage and phantom diameter on the noise inhomogeneity has been investigated. Trends of the noise inhomogeneity due to tube voltage and phantom diameter are the same as trends of the noise level.

Groundwater Storage Variations across Climate Zones from Southern Poland to Arctic Sweden: Comparing GRACE-GLDAS Models with Well Data

The aim of this paper is to assess the correlation of groundwater level changes (or groundwater level anomalies (GWLA)) obtained from direct measurements in wells with groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA) calculated using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) products and Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS) models across different climate zones, from temperate Poland to Arctic Sweden. We recognize that such validation studies are needed to increase the understanding of the spatio-temporal limits of remote sensing model applicability, not least in data-scarce sub-Arctic and Arctic environments where processes are complex due to the impacts of snow and (perma) frost. Results for temperate climates in Poland and southern Sweden show that, whereas one of the models (JPL_NOAH_GWSA) failed due to water balance term overestimation, the other model (CSR_CLM_GWSA) produced excellent results of monthly groundwater dynamics when compared with the observations in 387 groundwater wells in the region during 2003–2022 (cross-correlation coefficient of 0.8). However, for the sub-Arctic and Arctic northern Sweden, the model suitable for other regions failed to reproduce typical northern groundwater regimes (of the region’s 85 wells), where winter levels decrease due to the blocking effect of ground frost on groundwater recharge. This suggests, more generally, that conventional methods for deriving GWSA and its seasonality ceases to be reliable in the presence of considerably infiltration-blocking ground frost and permafrost (whereas snow storage modules perform well), which hence need further attention in future research. Regarding long-term groundwater level trends, remote sensing results for southern Sweden show increasing levels, in contrast with observed unchanged to decreasing (~10 mm/a) levels, which may not necessarily be due to errors in the remote sensing model but may rather emphasize impacts of anthropogenic pressures, which are higher near the observation wells that are often located in eskers used for water supply. For sub-Arctic and Arctic Sweden, the (relatively uncertain) trend of the remote sensing results nevertheless agrees reasonably well with the groundwater well observations that show increasing groundwater levels of up to ~14 mm/a, which, e.g., is consistent with reported trends of large Siberian river basins.

Mapping and projecting spatiotemporal trends in groundwater levels and flow direction in Pakistan's water-scarce aquifer system

Groundwater is the most vital and reliable source of fresh water globally. This study examined the variability in Depth to Water table (DTW) below ground level in agriculture-dominated Bari interfluve, Pakistan. Observing water levels empowers access and management of water resources ensuring long-term availability. Changes in the DTW were observed by preparing spatiotemporal maps using piezometric data for both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons by five-year difference intervals from 2005 to 2020. Piezometric observations offer more precise real-time monitoring of subsurface water levels. The trend of the groundwater table was analyzed by non-parametric methods i.e., Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope estimator in all observation wells of districts at a significance level of 5 percent for sustainable groundwater resource management. The resulting trend of fluctuating water table showed a progressive decline in water level in all districts except a minor increase was also noticed. The seasonal fluctuation (between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons) showed that the average DTW was found to be high in 46% of the total tehsils in the post-monsoon season while in 42% it was low and 12% depicted no change compared to pre-monsoon season. Piezometric observation points of DTW exhibiting a trend at a 5 percent significance level were used to project future water table depths that indicated a further alarming depleting trend for both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in lower districts of Bari interfluve. The groundwater pattern calls for precautionary measures to see a reversal in trend or even maintain the groundwater levels for future needs.

Recent decline in carbon monoxide levels observed at an urban site in Ahmedabad, India.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a prominent air pollutant in cities, with far-reaching implications for both local air quality and global atmospheric chemistry. The long-term change in atmospheric CO levels at a specific location is influenced by a complex interplay of local emissions, atmospheric transport, and photochemical processes, making it a subject of considerable interest. This study presents an 8-year analysis (2014-2021) of in situ CO observations using a cutting-edge laser-based analyzer at an urban site in Ahmedabad, western India. The long-term observations reveal a subtle trend in CO levels, masked by contrasting year-to-year variations, particular after 2018, across distinct diurnal time windows. Mid-afternoon (12:00-16:00h) CO levels, reflecting background and regional conditions, remained relatively stable over the study period. In contrast, evening (18:00-21:00h) CO levels, influenced by local emissions, exhibited substantial inter-annual variability without discernible trends from 2014 to 2018. However, post-2018, evening CO levels showed a consistent decline, predating COVID-19 lockdown measures. This decline coincided with the nationwide adoption of Bharat stage IV emission standards and other measures aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 further resulted in a noteworthy 29% reduction in evening CO levels compared to the pre-lockdown (2014-2019) period, highlighting the potential for substantial CO reduction through stringent vehicular emission controls. The observed long-term changes in CO levels do not align with the decreasing emission estimated by various inventories from 2014 to 2018, suggesting a need for improved emission statistics in Indian urban regions. This study underscores the importance of ongoing continuous CO measurements in urban areas to inform policy efforts aimed at controlling atmospheric pollutants.

Longitudinal trends in physical activity levels and lifetime cardiovascular disease risk: insights from the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

To evaluate trends in physical activity levels and their associations with demographic characteristics, health status, and lifetime cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A longitudinal analysis was conducted using data from 987 males and 1,001 females (45 ± 12 years old) participating in the ATTICA cohort study. Physical activity levels were assessed at baseline (2001-2002) and subsequent follow-ups (2006, 2012, and 2022). Four physical activity trajectories according to participants' physical activity tracking were defined, i.e., consistently active/inactive and changed from active/inactive. Twenty-year incidence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were evaluated in relation to physical activity trajectories; the life-table method was utilized to forecast the lifetime CVD risk (death without CVD was regarded as a competing event). in total, 47% of the participants were categorized as being consistently inactive, whereas only 9% of males and 15% of females sustained physical activity levels throughout the 20-year follow-up period (p < 0.001). Participants being consistently inactive were from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (p = 0.002). Transitioning to being physically active was associated with higher education level and being married (p < 0.001). Consistently active individuals had up to 35% reduced lifetime CVD risk, and lower 20-year incidence of hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia (p < 0.01); no association was observed regarding diabetes incidence. Promoting and maintaining regular physical activity throughout lifespan is crucial for reducing lifetime CVD risk and related risk factors. Tailored interventions addressing demographic and socioeconomic factors may help enhance cardiovascular health outcomes.

Disease monitoring using plasma-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays in rare malignancies.

e15046 Background: ctDNA assays can be used to assess molecular residual disease, and the value of ctDNA monitoring in disease surveillance and treatment response assessment has been demonstrated in colon, breast, lung, and bladder cancers. However, the data of ctDNA in rare cancers has been lacking. We conducted this retrospective study to investigate the potential roles of ctDNA monitoring in rare tumors in both surveillance and response evaluation. Methods: ctDNA assay results of 12 patients (pts) with rare cancers including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) (4 pts), salivary gland cancers (3 pts), pleural or peritoneal malignant mesothelioma (4 pts), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) (1pt) undergoing treatment or surveillance in 2023 at Mayo Clinic Florida were analyzed. The trends of ctDNA levels were correlated with radiographic images findings. Results: Among the 12 patients, ctDNA was detected in at least one time point in 9 (75%) pts, including 1 (100%) ATC pt, 2 (66%) salivary gland pts, 3 (75%) malignant mesothelioma pts, and 3 (75%) ACC pts. Among these 9 pts, 5 pts had ctDNA collected at more than one timepoints, and the trends of ctDNA levels were consistent with image findings in all 5 pts. Among these 5 pts, one pt received definitive surgery for ACC with clearance of ctDNA after the surgery and one salivary gland cancer pt was undergoing surveillance and later developed disease progression. The other 3 pts were undergoing palliative systemic therapy and had responded to treatments. Conclusions: ctDNA was detectable in majority of the patients with rare malignancies reviewed in this study, including ACC, ATC, pleural or peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, and salivary gland cancers. Further study is warranted to investigate the role of ctDNA monitoring in surveillance and treatment response evaluation in rare malignancies.

The dominant influencing factors of desertification and ecological risk changes in Qinghai Area of Qilian Mountains National Park: Climate change or human activity?

Transitional features of desert environments partially determine the risks associated with ecosystems. Influenced by climate change and human activities, the variability and uncertainty of desertification levels and ecological risks in the Qinghai Area of Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNPQA) has become increasingly prominent. As a critical ecological barrier in northwest China, monitoring desertification dynamics and ecological risks is crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability. This study identifies the optimal monitoring model from four constructed desertification monitoring models and analyzes spatiotemporal changes in desertification. The spatial and temporal changes in ecological risks and their primary driving factors were analyzed using methods such as raster overlay calculation, geographic detector, cloud model, and trend analysis. The main conclusions are as follows: The desertification feature spatial model based on GNDVI-Albedo demonstrates better applicability in the study area, with an inversion accuracy of 81.24%. The levels of desertification and ecological risks in QMNPQA exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity, with a gradual decrease observed from northwest to southeast. From 2000 to 2020, there is an overall decreasing trend in desertification levels and ecological risks, with the decreasing trend area accounting for 89.82% and 85.71% respectively, mainly concentrated in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the study area. The proportion of areas with increasing trends is 4.49% and 7.05% respectively, scattered in patches in the central and southern edge areas. Surface temperature (ST), Digital Elevation Map (DEM), and Green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) are the most influential factors determining the spatial distribution of ecological risks in QMNPQA. The effects of management and climatic factors on ecological risks demonstrate a significant antagonistic effect, highlighting the positive contributions of human activities in mitigating the driving effects of climate change on ecological risks. The research results can provide reference for desertification prevention and ecological quality improvement in QMNPQA.

P364 Trends in fat soluble vitamin levels in children with cystic fibrosis on Kaftrio

P364 Trends in fat soluble vitamin levels in children with cystic fibrosis on Kaftrio