Hypertensive heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy both lead to left ventricular hypertrophy despite differing in aetiology. Elucidating the correct aetiology of the presenting hypertrophy can be a challenge for clinicians, especially in patients with overlapping risk factors. Furthermore, drugs typically used to combat hypertensive heart disease may be contraindicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, making the correct diagnosis imperative. In this review, we discuss characteristics of both hypertensive heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that may enable clinicians to discriminate the two as causes of left ventricular hypertrophy. We summarise the current literature, which is primarily focused on adult populations, containing discriminative techniques available via diagnostic modalities such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI, noting strategies yet to be applied in paediatric populations. Finally, we review pharmacotherapy strategies for each disease with regard to pathophysiology.

Subdwarf B stars are a well-known class of hot, low-mass stars thought to be formed through interactions in stellar binary systems. While different formation channels for subdwarf B stars have been studied through a binary population synthesis approach, it has also become evident that the characteristics of the found populations depend on the initial set of assumptions that describe the sometimes poorly constrained physical processes, such as common envelope episodes or angular momentum loss during mass transfer events. In this work we present a parameter study of subdwarf B populations, including a novel analytic prescription that approximates the evolution of subdwarf B stars with hydrogen-rich outer shells, an element previously overlooked in rapid binary population synthesis. We find that all studied parameters strongly impact the properties of the population, with the possibility of igniting helium below the expected core-mass value near the tip of the red giant branch strongly affecting the total number of subdwarf B candidates. Critically, our newly proposed prescription for the evolution of subdwarf B stars with hydrogen-shells helps to reconcile theoretical predictions of surface gravity and effective temperature with observational results. Our prescription is useful in the context of rapid binary population synthesis studies and can be applied to other rapid binary population synthesis codes’ output.

Increasing evidence indicates that (poly)phenol consumption can have beneficial effects in human brain function(1). The overall aim of this project is to investigate whether consumption of a (poly)phenol rich cranberry drink improve mental health and cognitive function in university students via the gut-brain axis.

A parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted in 72 young healthy final year university students assigned to consume 236 mL cranberry drink (442 mg polyphenols) or nutrient matched placebo, daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mood, measured as Total Mood Disturbance (TMD), using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included stress, anxiety and depression levels, measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, salivary cortisol levels and cognitive function measured using the Online General Cognitive Assessment Battery (CogniFit). All of these questionnaires were measured every 4 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure inflammatory markers, gut-brain-axis metabolites, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and cranberry polyphenols metabolites. Faecal samples were also collected for measuring gut microbiome diversity and composition and faecal metabolomics. Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), 7-day food diaries (EPIC) and 24 h online dietary recalls (intake 24) during the study. Linear mixed-effect model (LMM) and ANCOVA were used to investigate the relationship between the 2 trial arms.

No significant differences were found between treatments for mood, stress levels, anxiety, depression, circulating short chain fatty acids or inflammatory markers, however a significantly lower diurnal area under the curve of salivary cortisol (p = 0.010) and significantly higher short-term memory (Z-score: p = 0.024; Raw-score: p = 0.034) was found at 12 weeks in the cranberry group compared with the placebo. Besides, significant differences between interventions were found in plasma gut-brain axis metabolites, including the kynurenine and bile acids pathway which were kynurenine (p = 0.023), kynurenic (p = 0.032), quinolinic (p = 0.018), and glycolithocholic acid (p = 0.04) as well as several plasma and urinary cranberry (poly)phenol metabolites were modulated by cranberry consumption.

In conclusion, daily cranberry (poly)phenol supplementation for 12 week did not improve mood, stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in healthy university students, however it may modulate cortisol levels and some aspects of cognitive function via the gut-brain axis.

We investigated the accuracy and completeness of four large language model (LLM) artificial intelligence tools. Most LLMs provided acceptable answers to commonly asked infection prevention questions (accuracy 98.9%, completeness 94.6%). The use of LLMs to supplement infection prevention consults should be further explored.

In the winter of 2022–2023, hundreds of the Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) appeared dead in the coast of the Canary Islands, a rare event considering their cold-living habits, normally occupying the North Atlantic Ocean. In this work, investigation about the parasites present in the Atlantic puffins found in the biggest islands of the Archipelago was carried out from a population portion. Necropsies of 39 birds were made and, during the examination of the urinary tracts, helminths were found. Morphoanatomical analysis under microscope allowed to identify them into Renicola genus with high similarity to Renicola sloanei. After that, DNA was extracted and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene were amplificated by a polymerase chain reaction method followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The molecular results demonstrated that in fact R. sloanei was the helminth parasite present in the urinary tracts of the Atlantic puffins found in the Canary Islands.

Objectives: Leveraging the non-monolithic structure of Latin America, which represents a large variability in social determinants of health (SDoH) and high levels of genetic admixture, we aim to evaluate the relative contributions of SDoH and genetic ancestry in predicting dementia risk in Latin American populations

Methods: Community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older (N = 3808) from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru completed the 10/66 protocol assessments. Dementia was diagnosed using the cross-culturally validated 10/66 algorithm. The primary outcome measured was the risk of developing dementia. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for SDoH were used in the main analysis.

Results: We observed extensive three-way (African/European/Native American) genetic ancestry variation between countries. Individuals with higher proportions of Native American (>70%) and African American (>70%) ancestry were more likely to exhibit factors contributing to worse SDoH, such as lower educational levels (p <0.001), lower SES (p < 0.001), and higher frequency of vascular risk factors (p < 0.001). In unadjusted analysis, American individuals with predominant African ancestry exhibited a higher dementia frequency (p = 0.03) and both Native and African ancestry predominant groups showed lower cognitive performance relative to those with higher European ancestry (p < 0.001). However, after adjusting for measures of SDoH, there was no association between ancestry proportion and dementia probability, and ancestry proportions no longer significantly accounted for the variance in cognitive performance (African predominant p = 0.31 [–0.19, 0.59] and Native predominant p = 0.74 [–0.24, 0.33]).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that social and environmental factors play a more crucial role than genetic ancestry in predicting dementia risk in Latin American populations. This underscores the need for public health strategies and policies that address these social determinants to reduce dementia risk in these communities effectively.

Objectives: Population ageing will lead to a dramatic increase in dementia prevalence globally. Recent evidence suggests a decline in dementia incidence in HIC due to increasing education levels and improvements in cardiovascular health. Although, most of the increase will occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), there are no recent estimates of dementia prevalence and incidence in LMICs. The present study aimed to examine new trends on dementia prevalence and incidence in Latin-America and associations of socioeconomic determinants and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: Sample size included older adults from Latin America (Cuba, Dominican Republic [DR], Puerto Rico [PR], and Mexico) drawn from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group study. We compare wave 1 (2003–2006) with wave 3 (2016 – 2019) of 10/66 studies. The main outcome was dementia prevalence relative to previous waves. Dementia diagnosis was determined according to the 10/66 dementia criteria. All the 10/66 waves used the same standardized assessments and protocols.

Results: Comparing the first wave (2003 - 2006) with the third wave (2016 - 2019) in four Latin American countries – Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru – reveals significant trends in dementia prevalence. Preliminary data suggest an increase in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru, while Cuba slightly declined, from 12.4 percent in Wave 1 to 10.1 percent in Wave 3. In contrast, the Dominican Republic’s age-adjusted prevalence rose from 11.5 percent to 13.6 percent, Peru from 9.2 percent to 16.8 percent, and Mexico from 8.3 percent to 17.1 percent. Despite, improvements in levels of education, increases in dementia prevalence were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease in the later-born cohorts. Self-reported stroke is also rising.

Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of dementia in LAC underscores the urgent need for targeted health interventions. Prevention strategies should emerge as a key focus in the battle against dementia in Latin America. Addressing modifiable risk factors can significantly impact the incidence and prevalence ofdementia.

Objectives: Because of the continued transition to older populations, various strategies have been developed to estimate the social impact and burden of health care. Regarding mental health, a strategy in the elderly is the measurement of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), these include a wide range of behavioral and psychological manifestations. These are more frequent in the presence of some diseases, such as neurodegenerative syndromes, among which dementias and Parkinson’s disease (PD) stand out. The present study seeks to analyze the frequency of NPS, its relationship with the presence or absence of neurodegenerative syndromes and some characteristics of the elderly and caregivers.

Methods: This is an analysis of data from 12,865 elderly people evaluated within the protocols of the Dementia Research Group 10/66 in 6 Latin American countries (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and Peru). The presence or absence of parkinsonism, dementia and parkinsonism plus dementia (PDD) was identified through previously validated and published Methods. The NPS were assessed using the 12-symptom questionnaire version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Other characteristics such as age, sex and education, in patients and caregivers; socioeconomic status, disability and comorbidities in the elderly; relationship with the elderly, needs and care-burden were assessed in careers.

Results: The most frequent symptoms were depression and sleep disorders in the four groups (without non-NDS neurodegenerative syndromes, parkinsonism, dementia and PDD, ranging from 23% to 49%. About a third of the elderly with parkinsonism, half of those with dementia, and 3 out of 5 of the elderly with PDD had 3 or more NPS. The odds ratios (OR) of each NPS measure by multivariate logistic regression models shown OR from 1.4 to 1.9 in the presence of parkinsonism; between 1.7 and 9.3 in the presence of dementia; and between 1.9 and 10.2 in the presence of PDD.

Conclusions: From a clinical and public mental health perspective, it is necessary to implement systematic Methods for NPS screening, as well as develop support strategies for families and caregivers, mainly of those with neurodegenerative syndromes.

Objectives: Dementia presents a growing public health challenge globally and its impact is significantly pronounced in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including those in Latin America. This symposium aims to present recent findings on the prevalence, impact, and underlying factors of cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms in aging populations across Latin America, with a focus on culturally and regionally specific research findings.

Methods: The symposium will consolidate data from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group, which has conducted extensive research across various Latin American countries. We integrate results from multiple investigations with over 12,000 elderly participants from six Latin American countries, utilizing cross-sectional and longitudinal Methodsologies. These studies employ the 10/66 Dementia Research Group protocols, among other internationally recognized diagnostic tools, to assess dementia, neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Results: The symposium will delve into critical yet not well-understood topics. The audience will be first introduced to emerging trends of dementia prevalence and incidence in Latin America and the interaction with different risk factors particular to the region. Second, we will discuss findings from a comprehensive analysis focusing on the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment and incident dementia in parkinsonism and Parkinson’s Disease. The third presentation will focus on the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms across cognitively unimpaired, dementia, and Parkinson’s’ disease, emphasizing the need to implement systematic screening Methods for early detection from a clinical and public health perspective. The final talk will present data exploring the influence of genetic ancestry alongside social and environmental factors as predictors of dementia risk in Latin America.

Conclusions: The findings presented underscore the complex interplay of genetic, social, and environmental factors in the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions in Latin America. The symposium will highlight the critical need for comprehensive public health strategies and enhanced research focus to better understand and address these issues within aging populations.

Background and Aim: Puerto Rico is experiencing a rapidly aging society. In old age, it is common to experience one or more chronic diseases that require special attention. If not properly addressed, these health conditions can reduce functionality in daily activities. Some risk factors that can affect health and functionality include sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, and unhealthy lifestyles. To reduce these risk factors, it is necessary to implement health promotion measures aimed at improving the well-being of older adults. Brain Dance has a positive impact on the health of older adults. Its benefits include increasing circulation, reorganizing the neurological system, reducing stress, maintaining joint flexibility, and being aware of the communication between body and mind. The aim was to promote the health of older adults through the 8 Movement Patterns of Brain Dance at CAMPEA, Santa Monica, Bayamón, during the months of March to May 2023.

Methods: A collaboration agreement was established between the Geriatric Research and Education Center and CAMPEA to train older adults and service providers on the benefits of Brain Dance, and educational materials were provided to complement the activities.

Results: The program was implemented as designed. A total of 12 older adults, 60+ practiced Brain Dance and 6 direct services providers were trained on the benefits of Brain Dance in older adults. An infographic with the Eight Movements Patterns was designed and distributed to older adults and services providers.

Conclusions: Older adults reported that engaging in Brain Dance helped them to increase their confidence, bring back memories from the past, strengthen their group interactions, gain new knowledge, develop new skills, self- discover, pay greater attention to the connection between their mind and body, and achieve a state of joy.

Background and Aims: The growth of the elderly population poses challenges and opportunities in society. As we age, normal changes occur that can affect functionality and independence. Aging is associated with brain changes that result in cognitive decline. The most common cause of cognitive decline among the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is characterized by a progressive spectrum of memory problems that affect the functional capacity of the elderly and their ability to perform activities of daily living, increasing the level of dependence and the social, emotional, and economic burden on caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the 4th leading cause of death in Puerto Rico. These challenges can only be addressed through clinical research for managing conditions, non-pharmacological treatments and therapies, and educational initiatives covering basic aspects of geriatrics aimed at healthcare professionals, direct service providers, and caregivers. These efforts will provide effective management alternatives when intervening with the elderly population and the public. The aims are: to discuss the educational initiative with Dominican caregivers, to review advances in Alzheimer’s disease research, to present the translation and cultural validation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for patients in the early stages of MCI and Alzheimer’s, and to raise awareness about the importance of physical literacy through the eight (8) Movement Patterns of Brain Dance for older adults.

Introduction: Recently researchers started investigating brain aging and what factors can influence the way our brains age. As it is unclear at this point whether psychosocial stressor influence brain aging, the aim of the study was to investigate the association between psychosocial stress and brain aging.

Methods: Data from the German population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (N = 991; age range 20– 78 years) were used to calculate a total psychosocial stress score by combining sub-scores from five domains: stress related to the living situation, the occupational situation, the social situation, danger experiences, and emotions. Associations with brain aging, indicated by an MRI-derived score quantifying age-related brain atrophy, were estimated by using regression models adjusted for age, gender, education, diabetes, problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension.

Results: High emotional stress came with a relative risk of 1.21 (CI95% = 1.04 – 1.41) for advanced brain aging in fully adjusted models. Mental health symptoms additionally influenced brain aging, as statistically significant interactions between emotional stress and mental health symptoms on advanced brain aging indicate.

Discussion: Among the psychosocial stressors that we investigated; emotional stress seems to be relevant regarding brain aging. More research is needed to explore the potential pathways.

Trends in elemental enrichment with stellar age can give us a powerful avenue to identify thus far unexplained origin sites of the elements. We investigate stellar abundance trends using the GALAH DR3 high-resolution spectroscopic dataset of 6 234 solar-type stars. Our study explores the elemental abundance [X/Fe] of sodium (Na) with stellar age. We find a pronounced enrichment in [Na/Fe] at super solar metallicity (i.e. [Fe/H] $ \gt \,0$) in the old sequence of Milky Way disc stars, a trend demanding a deeper understanding of the underlying source(s) responsible for the nucleosynthesis. This progressive [Na/Fe] enrichment at the young end of the old sequence has essential implications for Galactic archaeology. In this work, we propose a novel selection technique for separating the Milky Way’s thick and thin disc stellar populations (i.e. old and young sequences) based on the observed [Na/Fe] rise of $\sim$0.1 dex for stars around 5–8 Gyr old. We also compare our selection method to the conventional [Mg/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] selection approach, and we find that our new Na-based selection method better disentangles the overlap between young- and old-sequence disc stars at these intermediate ages. This is especially true at super solar [Fe/H], where the [Mg/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] or [$\alpha$/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] separation approaches exhibit significant overlap. This new selection method should help us better understand the history of the formation of the Milky Way disc.