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Gene drives are a promising means of malaria control with the potential to cause sustained reductions in transmission. In real environments, however, their impacts will depend on local ecological and epidemiological factors. We develop a data-driven model to investigate the impacts of gene drives that causes vector population suppression. We simulate gene drive releases in sixteen ~ 12,000 km2 areas of west Africa that span variation in vector ecology and malaria prevalence, and estimate reductions in vector abundance, malaria prevalence and clinical cases. Average reductions in vector abundance ranged from 71.6–98.4% across areas, while impacts on malaria depended strongly on which vector species were targeted. When other new interventions including RTS,S vaccination and pyrethroid-PBO bednets were in place, at least 60% more clinical cases were averted when gene drives were added, demonstrating the benefits of integrated interventions. Our results show that different strategies for gene drive implementation may be required across different African settings. Gene drives have the potential to support malaria control by suppressing vector populations, but their impacts will depend on local ecology and epidemiology. Here, the authors incorporate location-specific data to model how gene drives could perform in sixteen diverse African settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare medication errors identified at audit and via direct observation with medication errors reported to an incident reporting system at paediatric hospitals and to investigate differences in types and severity of errors detected and reported by staff. Methods This is a comparison study at two tertiary referral paediatric hospitals between 2016 and 2020 in Australia. Prescribing errors were identified from a medication chart audit of 7785 patient records. Medication administration errors were identified from a prospective direct observational study of 5137 medication administration doses to 1530 patients. Medication errors reported to the hospitals' incident reporting system were identified and matched with errors identified at audit and observation. Results Of 11 302 clinical prescribing errors identified at audit, 3.2 per 1000 errors (95% CI 2.3 to 4.4, n=36) had an incident report. Of 2224 potentially serious prescribing errors from audit, 26.1% (95% CI 24.3 to 27.9, n=580) were detected by staff and 11.2 per 1000 errors (95% CI 7.6 to 16.5, n=25) were reported to the incident system. Although the prescribing error detection rates varied between the two hospitals, there was no difference in incident reporting rates regardless of error severity. Of 40 errors associated with actual patient harm, only 7 (17.5%; 95% CI 8.7% to 31.9%) were detected by staff and 4 (10.0%; 95% CI 4.0% to 23.1%) had an incident report. None of the 2883 clinical medication administration errors observed, including 903 potentially serious errors and 144 errors associated with actual patient harm, had incident reports. Conclusion Incident reporting data do not provide an accurate reflection of medication errors and related harm to children in hospitals. Failure to detect medication errors is likely to be a significant contributor to low error reporting rates. In an era of electronic health records, new automated approaches to monitor medication safety should be pursued to provide real-time monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, several autistic1 children and youth have shown interest in Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital's clinical brain computer interface (BCI) program. Existing literature about BCI use among autistic individuals has focused solely on cognitive skill development and remediation of challenging behaviors. To date, the benefits of recreational BCI programming with autistic children and youth have not been documented. Purpose: This case report summarizes the experiences of an autistic male adolescent with co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using a BCI for recreation and considers possible benefits with this novel user population. Methods: A single retrospective chart review was completed with parental guardian's consent. Findings: The participant demonstrated enjoyment in BCI sessions and requested continued opportunities to engage in BCI programming. This enjoyment correlated with improved Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) scores in BCI programming, outperforming scores from other recreational programs. Additionally, clinicians observed changes in social communication efforts and self-advocacy in this first autistic participant. Conclusion: The use of brain computer interfaces in recreational programming provides a novel opportunity for engagement for autistic children and youth that may also support skill development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Hypothesis: Transgender men and transmasculine individuals report a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but little is known about LUTS in this population. One of the obstacles is the lack of validated questionnaires. This study was aimed at validating the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-LUTS), which measures filling, voiding, and incontinence symptoms, in transmasculine individuals. Methods: This is an observational validation study that included transmasculine individuals receiving care within a single tertiary care hospital system. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the ICIQ-LUTS with severity of LUTS as measured by the Urinary Distress Inventory–Short Form (UDI-6), and concurrent validity by the association between ICIQ-LUTS and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC). Discriminant validity was determined by comparing ICIQ-LUTS scores in those with and those without self-reported LUTS. Spearman correlation, t test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 131 respondents were included in the analysis. Only two individuals (1.5%) reported prior vaginectomy and/or phalloplasty. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by a significant association between ICIQ-LUTS subscales and PPBC (filling p < 0.001, voiding p < 0.001, incontinence p < 0.001). Construct validity was demonstrated by a significant correlation between ICIQ-LUTS and UDI-6 (filling ρ = 0.76, p < 0.001; voiding ρ = 0.48, p < 0.001; incontinence ρ = 0.61, p < 0.001). For discriminant validity, those with at least one self-reported LUTS had significantly higher (worse) ICIQ-LUTS subscale scores than those without self-reported LUTS. Conclusions: The ICIQ-LUTS is valid for measurement of LUTS severity in transmasculine individuals. This will be an important tool to use in future research to learn more about LUTS in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating evidence shows that peri‐conceptional and in‐utero exposures have lifetime health impacts for mothers and their offspring. Objectives: We conducted a Follow‐Up Study of the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial with two objectives. First, we determined if women who enrolled at the Utah site (N = 1001) of the EAGeR trial (2007–2011, N = 1228) could successfully be contacted and agree to complete an online questionnaire on their reproductive, cardio‐metabolic, and offspring respiratory health 9–14 years after original enrollment. Second, we evaluated if maternal exposure to low‐dose aspirin (LDA) during pregnancy was associated with maternal cardio‐metabolic health and offspring respiratory health. Methods: The original EAGeR study population included women, 18–40 years of age, who had 1–2 prior pregnancy losses, and who were trying to become pregnant. At follow‐up (2020–2021), participants from the Utah cohort completed a 13‐item online questionnaire on reproductive and cardio‐metabolic health, and those who had a live birth during EAGeR additionally completed a 7‐item questionnaire on the index child's respiratory health. Primary maternal outcomes included hypertension and hypercholesterolemia; primary offspring outcomes included wheezing and asthma. Results: Sixty‐eight percent (n = 678) of participants enrolled in the follow‐up study, with 10% and 15% reporting maternal hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, respectively; and 18% and 10% reporting offspring wheezing and asthma. We found no association between maternal LDA exposure and hypertension (risk difference [RD] −0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.05, 0.04) or hypercholesterolemia (RD −0.01, 95% CI −0.06, 0.05) at 9–14 years follow‐up. Maternal LDA exposure was not associated with offspring wheezing (RD −0.002, 95% CI −0.08, 0.08) or asthma (RD 0.13, 95% CI 0.11, 0.37) at follow‐up. Findings remained robust after considering potential confounding and selection bias. Conclusions: We observed no association between LDA exposure during pregnancy and maternal cardiometabolic or offspring respiratory health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive examination of the external and internal workloads in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes has yet to be reported. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative external and internal training and game workloads of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II women's lacrosse athletes throughout an entire season. Data from 19 Division II women's lacrosse athletes were analyzed, encompassing each training session and game across an entire competitive season (February-May). External workloads were assessed using a wearable global positioning system, whereas internal workloads were determined through heart rate (HR) variables and session rating of perceived exertion. Game days were associated with significantly (p < 0.05) greater absolute external and internal workloads. However, when comparing workloads relative to session duration, relative workloads between training and games were no longer significant (p > 0.05) for total distance, high-speed running (≥15 km⋅h-1), HR-derived training impulse, or caloric expenditure. Nonetheless, relative sprint distance (>19 km⋅h-1) was significantly lower during games, whereas high-intensity accelerations (>2 m⋅s-2) and decelerations (<-2 m⋅s-2) were significantly greater during training compared with games (p < 0.05). Practical applications of these findings suggest that coaches can better prepare athletes for game day conditions by adjusting training plans to replicate the duration and intensity of games. Overall, this comprehensive examination of internal and external workloads provides valuable data for coaches and practitioners to support performance comparisons, rehabilitation protocols, and workload analyses in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated if paraxanthine (PX) impacts energy expenditure, lipolysis and perceptual responses. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, 21 adults (13 M, 8 F; 26.0 ± 6.4 years, 174.9 ± 11.5 cm, 81.0 ± 15.7 kg body mass, 26.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2) consumed a placebo (PLA), 100 mg (PX100), 200 mg (PX200), and 300 mg of PX (PX300, enfinity®, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P. Lewisville, TX, USA). Venous blood was collected 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min (min) after ingestion and analyzed for glycerol and free fatty acids. Resting hemodynamics, metabolic rate and perceptual indicators of hunger, appetite and anxiety were evaluated. Mixed factorial analysis of variance were used to evaluate changes time within and between groups. Heart rate decreased in PX100 compared to PLA 60 (p =.022) and 180 min (p =.001). Blood pressure did not change. Hunger ratings in PLA increased 30 (p =.05), 60 (p =.04), 90 (p =.02), and 180 min (p =.05) after ingestion when compared to PX200. PX200 increased energy expenditure (all p <.05) when compared to PLA. Rates of fat oxidation tended to increase 90 (p =.056) and 120 min (p =.066) in PX200 compared to PLA. Free fatty acids increased in PX300 compared to PLA (p =.002). Glycerol did not change. Ingestion of PX200 augmented energy expenditure and hunger ratings when compared to PLA without impacting hemodynamics or lipolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has recently expanded to quantifying skeletal muscle, however its validity to determine muscle cross‐sectional area (mCSA) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unknown. Eleven male participants (age: 22 ± 3 y) underwent pQCT and MRI dual‐leg mid‐thigh imaging before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks of resistance training for quantification of mid‐thigh mCSA and change in mCSA. mCSA agreement at both time points and absolute change in mCSA across time was assessed using Bland‐Altman plots for mean bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA), as well as Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Both pQCT and MRI mCSA increased following 6 weeks of resistance training (∆mCSApQCT: 6.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p < 0.001; ∆mCSAMRI: 6.0 ± 6.4 cm2, p < 0.001). Importantly, the change in mCSA was not different between methods (p = 0.39). Bland‐Altman analysis revealed a small mean bias (1.10 cm2, LOA: −6.09, 8.29 cm2) where pQCT tended to overestimate mCSA relative to MRI when comparing images at a single time point. Concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA at PRE and POST was excellent yielding a CCC of 0.982. For detecting changes in mCSA, Bland‐Altman analysis revealed excellent agreement between pQCT and MRI (mean bias: −0.73 cm2, LOA: −8.37, 6.91 cm2). Finally, there was excellent concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA change scores (CCC = 0.779). Relative to MRI, pQCT imaging is a valid technique for measuring both mid‐thigh mCSA at a single time point and mCSA changes following a resistance training intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to explore factors that enhance the sustainability of agricultural extension systems in the traditional institution bioecosystem to deliver educational information. The study was based on a purposive sampling criterion for research articles from journal websites. One hundred and eighty-seven articles from 2015 to 2023 were reviewed. One hundred and fifty-three were double-reviewed articles from journals, twenty reports from trusted government and private websites, and fourteen web-based articles were synthesized according to the listed keywords and the overall objective. From the analysis, this study demonstrates that the literature attested to the interconnected relationship between traditional institutions and other market players, although inevitable negative consequences do occur. The findings also show that sustainability, value addition, innovation, collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships are critical factors in the extension bioecosystems in traditional institutions. This review study concludes that traditional institutions can enhance agricultural extension to provide sustainable rural development as long as the service providers harmonize the relationship with the local community to increase buy-in. Win–win commercial relations trigger value addition, innovations, collaborations, and sustainability for policy markets, politicians, researchers, and farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effectiveness of regional intervention strategies aimed at enhancing 'low-tech' SMEs' sustainable competitive advantage and innovation activities, employing the food sector in Wales (UK) as a case study. It utilizes the triple helix model to analyse these interventions, emphasising collaboration between government, academia, and industry to stimulate knowledge-based economic development. The food sector represents an ideal subject for innovation-focused regional development policies because of its global importance, sustainability concerns, health impact and economic outcomes. A mixed-methods longitudinal case study approach was taken, evaluating a series of intervention programmes over an extended period (12 years in total), all funded by the European Union via the Welsh Government. Data sources included program reports, management committee reports, interviews, and case study testimonials. Frequent intervention activities included quality systems development, technical support, and skills training. They notably improved product and processing innovation for SMEs, key performance indicators revealing over 1,800 new products, safeguarding around 2,300 food sector jobs, and supporting 64 new business start-ups. Findings emphasized the value of consistent policies over an extended time period, albeit with the potential for lock-in effects. Future programme goals should be adapted for broader sustainable development outcomes – these are not uniquely Welsh challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repression of facultative heterochromatin is essential for developmental processes in numerous organisms. Methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) by Polycomb repressive complex 2 is a prominent feature of facultative heterochromatin in both fungi and higher eukaryotes. Although this methylation is frequently associated with silencing, the detailed mechanism of repression remains incompletely understood. We utilized a forward genetics approach to identify genes required to maintain silencing at facultative heterochromatin genes in Neurospora crassa and identified three previously uncharacterized genes that are important for silencing: sds3 (NCU01599), rlp1 (RPD3L protein 1; NCU09007), and rlp2 (RPD3L protein 2; NCU02898). We found that SDS3, RLP1, and RLP2 associate with N. crassa homologs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rpd3L complex and are required for repression of a subset of H3K27-methylated genes. Deletion of these genes does not lead to loss of H3K27 methylation but increases acetylation of histone H3 lysine 14 at up-regulated genes, suggesting that RPD3L-driven deacetylation is a factor required for silencing of facultative heterochromatin in N. crassa, and perhaps in other organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarantine guidelines that arose with the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for social interaction, raising concerns about increases in intimate partner violence and cyberabuse while simultaneously restricting access to help. The current study assessed increases in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a U.S. nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18 to 35, recruited from a probability-based household panel. Data were collected between November 2020 and May 2021. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of any self-reported increase in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, or intimate partner victimization or perpetration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were run for each outcome measuring any increase compared to no increase. Approximately one in ten U.S. young adults ages 18 to 35 reported experiencing an increase in cyberabuse victimization (12.6%) and cyberabuse perpetration (8.9%) during the pandemic. Similar proportions were observed for increased sexual aggression victimization (11.8%) and perpetration (9.0%). More than one in five respondents (21.4%) reported that their intimate partner was more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive toward them during the pandemic. Conversely, 16.2% of respondents reported that they were more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive themselves toward an intimate partner, compared to their behavior before the onset of the pandemic. Having an intimate partner and staying at home more than usual during the pandemic were protective factors for both cyberabuse and sexual aggression victimization. Respondent age, education, and race and ethnicity were not associated with increased victimization or perpetration of cyberabuse or sexual aggression. However, women reported lower odds of increased sexual aggression perpetration than men. These findings improve understanding of changes to interpersonal abuse and associated risk factors during a period of social disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the following shared data from N = 103 healthy adults who completed a broad set of cognitive tasks, surveys, and neuroimaging measurements to examine the construct of self-regulation. The neuroimaging acquisition involved task-based fMRI, resting state fMRI, and structural MRI. Each subject completed the following ten tasks in the scanner across two 90-minute scanning sessions: attention network test (ANT), cued task switching, Columbia card task, dot pattern expectancy (DPX), delay discounting, simple and motor selective stop signal, Stroop, a towers task, and a set of survey questions. The dataset is shared openly through the OpenNeuro project, and the dataset is formatted according to the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The potential harm associated with medication errors is widely reported, but data on actual harm are limited. When actual harm has been measured, assessment processes are often poorly described, limiting their ability to be reproduced by other studies. Our aim was to design and implement a new process to assess actual harm resulting from medication errors in paediatric inpatient care. Methods: Prescribing errors were identified through retrospective medical record reviews (n = 26 369 orders) and medication administration errors through direct observation (n = 5137 administrations) in a tertiary paediatric hospital. All errors were assigned potential harm severity ratings on a 5‐point scale. Multidisciplinary panels reviewed case studies for patients assigned the highest three potential severity ratings and determined the following: actual harm occurrence and severity level, plausibility of a link between the error(s) and identified harm(s) and a confidence rating if no harm had occurred. Results: Multidisciplinary harm panels (n = 28) reviewed 566 case studies (173 prescribing related and 393 administration related) and found evidence of actual harm in 89 (prescribing = 22, administration = 67). Eight cases of serious harm cases were found (prescribing = 1, administration = 7) and no cases of severe harm. The panels were very confident in 65% of cases (n = 302) where no harm was found. Potential and actual harm ratings varied. Conclusions: This harm assessment process provides a systematic method for determining actual harm from medication errors. The multidisciplinary nature of the panels was critical in evaluating specific clinical, therapeutic and contextual considerations including care delivery pathways, therapeutic dose ranges and drug–drug and drug–disease interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause marks the cessation of fertility and the transition to post-reproductive years. Nearly 1 million US women experience menopause annually, but despite the significant impact it has on their physical and mental health, menopause has been insufficiently studied. Oxytocin is a neurohormone that regulates emotionality, social behaviors, and fundamental physiological systems. Localization of oxytocin receptors in the brain, reproductive tissues, bone, and heart support their role in mental health and potentially sleep, along with reproductive and cardiovascular functions. While experimental data linking oxytocin to behavior and physiology in animals are largely consistent, human data are correlative and inconclusive. As women transition into menopause, oxytocin levels decrease while their susceptibility to mood disorders, poor sleep, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases increases. These concurrent changes highlight oxytocin as a potential influence on the health and mood of women along their reproductive life span. Here, we summarize experimental rodent and non-human primate studies that link oxytocin to reproductive aging and metabolic health and highlight the inconclusive findings in studies of women. Most human studies relied on a single oxytocin assessment in plasma or on intranasal oxytocin administration. The pulsatile release and short half-life of plasma oxytocin limit the validity of these methods. We discuss the need for oxytocin assessments in stable bio-samples, such as urine, and to use valid assays for assessment of associations between changing oxytocin levels and well-being across the reproductive life span. This work has the potential to guide therapeutic strategies that will one day alleviate adverse health outcomes for many women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Point-of-care testing in the emergency department decreases wait times and supports evidencebased patient care. However, hurdles to successful implementation include management of interdisciplinary work flows and establishment of an effective quality control program. As COVID-19 testing is now integrated into screening protocols in emergency and urgent care settings, hospital systems must maintain flexible and adaptable respiratory virus testing to adapt to regional trends in transmission. In response to this challenge, our hospital system established a point-of-care respiratory virus laboratory within the emergency department to test for COVID, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, maintaining regulatory compliance and standardized protocols within such a dynamic environment became challenging. Methods: We launched a quality improvement initiative to support improved performance and efficiency in the point-of-care laboratory with a focus on regulatory benchmarks. Following a period of observation and discussion with key stakeholders in the emergency department and pathology, an audit tool was developed and to be deployed in collaboration with ED nursing. Utilizing the new tool, ED nursing would perform audits in parallel to audits performed by point-of-care staff. Results: Prior to the intervention, the average audit score was approximately 55%; 6 months following the intervention, audit scores have remained stable at approximately 80%, representing a significant improvement in regulatory compliance. Conclusions: Creation of a regulatory tool enabled real-time cross-departmental monitoring of regulatory compliance. These findings underscore the importance of developing transparent interdisciplinary work flows and effective communication to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work explored the independent and joint consequences of multiple factors that prior work indicated were central to suicide risk among a sample of public safety personnel. Of key interest relevant to the experience of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were the roles of sleep disturbance, social support, and agency stigma discouraging discussion of mental health. These risk factors and relevant demographic variables were measured in a nationally representative sample of law enforcement and correctional officers at time 1. Their suicidal thoughts and behaviors were assessed one year later at time 2. Officers who reported sleep disturbances at time 1 were more likely to report suicidal thoughts and behaviors at time 2. Mediation analyses indicated that the effect of sleep on the officers' suicidal responses was partially accounted for by their lower social support. For officers, sleep disturbances may contribute to loneliness and interfere with social relationships, which has negative mental health consequences. However, social support was only a partial mediator suggesting that sleep disturbances have additional influences on suicidal responses for officers beyond their impact on social support. Perceived stigma from the agency regarding the discussion of psychological problems was also an independent predictor of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The stigma that these officers perceived likely exasperated the suicidal reactions because it may have interfered with their tendency to seek help and benefit from any ongoing treatment. The implications of these findings for treatment and future research building on the present work are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Limited evidence exists regarding medication administration errors (MAEs) on general paediatric wards or associated risk factors exists. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify nurse, medication, and work-environment factors associated with MAEs among paediatric inpatients. Methods: This was a prospective, direct observational study of 298 nurses in a paediatric referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. Trained observers recorded details of 5137 doses prepared and administered to 1530 children between 07:00 h and 22:00 h on weekdays and weekends. Observation data were compared with medication charts to identify errors. Clinical errors, potential severity and actual harm were assessed. Nurse characteristics (e.g. age, sex, experience), medication type (route, high-risk medications, use of solvent/diluent), and work variables (e.g. time of administration, weekday/weekend, use of an electronic medication management system [eMM], presence of a parent/carer) were collected. Multivariable models assessed MAE risk factors for any error, errors by route, potentially serious errors, and errors involving high-risk medication or causing actual harm. Results: Errors occurred in 37.0% (n = 1899; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.7–38.3) of administrations, 25.8% (n = 489; 95% CI 23.8–27.9) of which were rated as potentially serious. Intravenous infusions and injections had high error rates (64.7% [n = 514], 95% CI 61.3–68.0; and 77.4% [n = 188], 95% CI 71.7–82.2, respectively). For intravenous injections, 59.7% (95% CI 53.4–65.6) had potentially serious errors. No nurse characteristics were associated with MAEs. Intravenous route, early morning and weekend administrations, patient age ≥ 11 years, oral medications requiring solvents/diluents and eMM use were all significant risk factors. MAEs causing actual harm were 45% lower using an eMM compared with paper charts. Conclusion: Medication error prevention strategies should target intravenous administrations and not neglect older children in hospital. Attention to nurses' work environments, including improved design and integration of medication technologies, is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The efficacy and polarity of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptor-mediated transmission is modulated by four KCCs (KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4) and two NKCCs (NKCC1, NKCC2) cotransporters, which respectively extrude and accumulate intracellular chloride. Since the study of CCC gene expression in the human central nervous system (CNS) is limited, alternative peripheral models, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which exhibit significant expression of CCCs, may be utilized to further our understanding of conditions linked to GABAergic dysfunction, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the cellular-level pathogenesis of PMDD by evaluating the mRNA expression of CCCs in PBMCs across the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by debilitating affective symptomatology in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Based on the previous reports that PMDD may be related to GABAergic cellular dysfunction(s), we assessed whether cation–chloride cotransporter (CCC) gene expression across the menstrual cycle is altered in PMDD. As there are limitations in accessing the human CNS to study CCC-encoding genes, we utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an alternative model. We first sought to replicate previous reports characterizing CCC gene expression patterns in PBMCs of reproductive age women. We subsequently investigated potential distinct CCC mRNA expression patterns in women with PMDD. We collected blood samples across 8 menstrual cycle visits for PBMC separation/RNA extraction to study mRNA expression of four KCCs (KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4) and two NKCCs (NKCC1, NKCC2) cotransporters. We mostly replicated the earlier gene expression pattern findings, and found that the expression levels of KCC1 were significantly downregulated during the mid-follicular and periovulatory subphases of the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD. The present study shows that PBMCs is a valid model for studying GABAergic mechanisms underlying PMDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is the dominant filamentous cyanobacterium that develops into blooms in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, each year. During AFA bloom and collapse, ecosystem conditions for endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers deteriorate, thus motivating the need to identify processes that limit AFA abundance and decline. Here, we investigate the relations between AFA and other members of the microbial community (photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic bacteria and archaea), how those relations impact abundance and collapse of AFA, and the types of microbial conditions that suppress AFA. We found significant spatial variation in AFA relative abundance during the 2016 bloom period using 16S rRNA sequencing. The Pelican Marina site had the lowest AFA relative abundance, and this was coincident with increased relative abundance of Candidatus Sericytochromatia, Flavobacterium , and Rheinheimera , some of which are known AFA antagonists. The AFA collapse coincided with phosphorus limitation relative to nitrogen and the increased relative abundance of Cyanobium and Candidatus Sericytochromatia, which outcompete AFA when dissolved inorganic nitrogen is available. The data collected in this study indicate the importance of dissolved inorganic nitrogen combined with microbial community structure in suppressing AFA abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel annotated dataset of legal cases pertaining to Article 6 – the right to a fair trial – of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This dataset will serve as a useful resource to the research community, to assist in the training and evaluation of AI systems designed to embody the legal reasoning involved in determining the appropriate legal outcome from a description of the case material. The annotations were applied to provide finer-grain classifications of legal cases at the document level. Each classification label was sourced from a domain knowledge model, derived with legal expert guidance and known as an Angelic Domain Model (ADM), such that the classifications correspond to the actual legal rationales used by the Court when determining the outcome of a given case. We discuss our annotation pipeline, including annotator training, inter-annotator reliability evaluation, and the dissemination of the annotation outputs and associated metadata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Wilt thou be made whole?" This is a question posed by Jesus in the Gospels. Wholeness for Jesus means being in right relationship with God and in right relationship with other human beings. Wholeness can also be defined as completeness or well-being. This essay argues that preaching ministries committed to addressing the total well-being of all of God's people must include sermons about mental health. As evidence of the need, the author cites statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that at least one in four people in the United States is affected by mental illness directly or indirectly during their lifetime. Then, to equip preachers to address mental health concerns, the author: addresses the causes of mental health stigma both in and beyond the pulpit; shares theological and hermeneutical approaches and concerns of disability proposed by the theologians Nancy Eiesland and John Swinton and homiletician Kathy Black; and provides resources for preachers to use in their preaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Unwarranted clinical variations in radical prostatectomy (RP) procedures are frequently reported, yet less attention is given to the variations in associated costs. This issue can further widen disparities in access to care and provoke questions about the overall value of the procedure. The present paper aimed to delve into the disparities in hospital, medical provider and out-of-pocket costs for RP procedures in Australia, discussing plausible causes and potential policy opportunities. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using Medibank Private claims data for RP procedures conducted in Australian hospitals between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 was undertaken. Results: Considerable variations in both medical provider and out-of-pocket costs were observed across the country, with variations evident between different states or territories. Particularly striking were the discrepancies in the costs charged by medical providers, with a notable contrast between the 10th and 90th percentiles revealing a substantial difference of A$9925. Hospitals in Australia exhibited relatively comparable charges for RP procedures. Conclusions: Initiatives such as enhancing transparency regarding individual medical provider costs and implementing fee regulations with healthcare providers may be useful in curbing the variations in RP procedure costs. What is known about the topic? Unwarranted clinical variations in radical prostatectomy procedures are well documented in the literature; however, variations in cost are less widely reported. What does this paper add? This paper aims to highlight the cost variations in radical prostatectomy procedures in Australia, discussing their plausible causes, implications and proposing potential policy opportunities. What are the implications for practitioners? Excessive fees imposed by medical providers may contribute to inequalities in healthcare access. Enhancing transparency of individual medical provider costs and implementing fee regulations may be useful in controlling unwarranted variations in procedure costs. This article belongs to the Special Issue: Value-based Healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multifetal gestation could be associated with higher long‐term maternal mortality because it increases the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, which are in turn linked to postpartum cardiovascular risk. Objectives: We examined whether spontaneously conceived multifetal versus singleton gestation was associated with long‐term maternal mortality in a racially diverse U.S. cohort. Methods: We ascertained vital status as of 2016 via linkage to the National Death Index and Social Security Death Master File of 44,174 mothers from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP; 1959–1966). Cox proportional hazards models with maternal age as the time scale assessed associations between history of spontaneous multifetal gestation (in the last CPP observed pregnancy or prior pregnancy) and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, adjusted for demographics, smoking status, and preexisting medical conditions. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality over the study period and until age 50, 60, and 70 years (premature mortality). Results: Of eligible participants, 1672 (3.8%) had a history of multifetal gestation. Participants with versus without a history of multifetal gestation were older, more likely to have a preexisting condition, and more likely to smoke. By 2016, 51% of participants with and 38% of participants without a history of multifetal gestation had died (unadjusted all‐cause HR 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 1.23). After adjustment for smoking and preexisting conditions, a history of multifetal gestation was not associated with all‐cause (adjusted HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.93, 1.08) or cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87, 1.11) over the study period. However, history of multifetal gestation was associated with an 11% lower risk of premature all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82, 0.96). Conclusions: In a cohort with over 50 years of follow‐up, history of multifetal gestation was not associated with all‐cause mortality, but may be associated with a lower risk of premature mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This work aimed to study clinical and neonatal outcomes of embryos derived from frozen compared to fresh donor oocytes in gestational carrier cycles. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database between 2014 and 2015, comprising of 1284 fresh transfer cycles to gestational carrier recipients of embryos resulting from fresh (n = 1119) and vitrified/thawed (n = 165) donor oocytes. Models were adjusted for gestational carrier age, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A), number of embryos transferred, multiple gestation, and fetal heart reduction. As our models were part of a larger analysis, intended parent BMI, smoking status, and parity were also adjusted for, but did not influence outcomes in this analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in probability of live birth rates when comparing embryos derived from fresh and frozen donor oocytes in gestational carrier cycles. There were also no significant differences in biochemical pregnancy losses or clinical miscarriage. There were no significant differences noted in low birthweight or high birthweight infants derived from fresh versus frozen donor oocyte after transfer into a gestational carrier. Conclusions: The analysis of fresh and frozen donor oocytes in gestational carrier cycles provides the opportunity to assess for a possible effect of vitrification on the oocyte by controlling for differences in the uterine environment. We observed no significant differences in live birth, pregnancy loss, low birthweight or high birthweight infants when comparing fresh and frozen donor oocytes in gestational carrier cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared flavored kefir (KFR) and flavored milk (MLK) as a recovery drink in endurance master athletes. Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, non-blinded crossover design, 11 males and females completed three testing visits whilst acutely ingesting either KFR, MLK, or water as a placebo (PLA). KFR supplementation occurred for 14 days before the KFR-testing day, followed by a 3-week washout period. Testing visits consisted of an exhausting-exercise (EE) bout, a 4-h rest period where additional carbohydrate feeding was provided, and a treadmill 5 km time trial (TT). The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) survey was assessed at four timepoints. Blood was collected at baseline and after the TT and was analyzed for I-FABP levels. No significant difference (PLA: 33:39.1 ± 6:29.0 min, KFR: 33:41.1 ± 5:44.4 min, and MLK: 33:36.2 ± 6:40.5 min, p = 0.99) was found between the groups in TT performance. The KFR GSRS total score was significantly lower than the PLA after EE (p = 0.005). No differences in I-FABP were observed between conditions. In conclusion, acute KFR supplementation did not impact TT performance or I-FABP levels but may have reduced subjective GI symptoms surrounding exercise when compared to MLK or PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping skills have been shown to contribute significantly to law enforcement officers' ability to manage a variety of personal and professional stressors. Research has identified various coping styles without a consensus as to which styles are most beneficial. The objective of this study was to examine US law enforcement officers' coping styles and to determine if a particular coping style was equated with the best health outcomes. In a national representative sample of 1517 law enforcement officers, latent class analysis was applied to determine heterogeneity of coping styles. Subsequent classes were modeled as predictors of both behavioral and mental health challenges and constructive health behaviors. Results indicate that coping styles predict officers' perceived stress, anxiety and depression, suicidality, alcohol abuse, and diet. Specifically, a task-oriented, problem-focused coping style was most effective. These findings highlight the importance of training officers to manage adversity with the most effective coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the rates of law enforcement officers' (LEOs) consistent use of body armor, seat belts and reflective vests, and the relationship between officer and agency characteristics and the likelihood of consistent use of safety equipment with data from a nationally representative sample of close to 3000 LEOs in the US. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the national prevalence of officers' consistent use of safety equipment. Three separate multivariable logistic regression models were fit to test relationships between the agency and officer characteristics and LEO use for the three types of safety equipment: body armor, seat belts, and reflective vests. Although most agencies had written policies mandating the on-duty use of safety equipment, only two-thirds of the officers reported consistent use of body armor and seat belts, and only one-third reported consistent use of reflective vests. Significant associations were observed between agency and officer characteristics and safety equipment use, illustrating the importance of targeted efforts to improve consistency in LEOs' safety equipment use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement officers globally face unique stressors and heightened morbidity compared to the general population. This study emerged as part of an initiative to provide data needed to design policies and programs that address the stressors faced by officers and to investigate how these factors may affect officer performance. As part of this initiative, a nationally representative cohort of officers (n = 2,867, mean age 41) answered questions regarding their physical and mental health. Measurements at one time point included the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) to query somatic symptoms and additional wellness measures assessing sleep and exhaustion, stress, mental health, and suicidality. We identified strong and significant associations between the PHQ-15 in the expected directions with all five wellness measures. Significant associations indicate that the PHQ-15, when used as a self-administered screening tool, will increase awareness of physical and mental symptoms in officers that might otherwise go unnoticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are there significant associations existing between parental age differences and adverse perinatal outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Large differences in parental age are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly with older mothers paired with younger fathers. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The association between advanced maternal age and perinatal outcomes is well-documented with women over 35 years showing an increased risk of several adverse outcomes. Other studies have identified potential associations between advanced paternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A historical (retrospective) cohort analysis was performed utilizing a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association between varying differences in parental age and adverse perinatal outcomes while controlling for demographic and health-related covariates. Data were compiled from the National Vital Statistics System for 20 613 704 births between 2012 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Parental age differences, categorized into eleven 4-year intervals, were stratified by seven maternal age categories and evaluated for their associations with adverse perinatal outcomes. Main outcome measures included low birth weight, very low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, small size for gestational age, low 5-min appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration score, congenital defects, and chromosomal anomalies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Increased parental age differences, in either direction, were associated with significant risks for all adverse outcomes, aside from congenital defects, even when controlling for maternal age. Restricting maternal age to the reference range of 25–29 years, infants born to fathers aged 9–12 years younger (n = 3773) had 27% (odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% CI, 1.17–1.37) higher odds of having any adverse perinatal outcome. Infants born to fathers aged >16 years older (n = 98 555) had 14% (OR 1.14, 95% CI, 1.12–1.16) higher odds of having any adverse perinatal outcome. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data extracted from US birth certificates may be compromised by errors in reporting or documentation. Information regarding the mother's socioeconomic status was estimated using proxy variables and may be susceptible to uncontrolled factors. Use of a pre-compiled dataset may potentially exclude additional maternal comorbidities that could impact perinatal outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS Older mothers paired with younger fathers demonstrated the highest risk, even when maternal age was below the threshold of 35 years. For the clinical setting, parental age differences should be considered alongside maternal and paternal age when assessing risks of adverse perinatal outcomes for potential parents. This is particularly relevant for older women with younger male partners as this may exacerbate the impact of advanced maternal age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the NIH Research Fellowship T35 Training Grant. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background People with cancer experience high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Risk of subsequent cancer is also increased in people experiencing their first VTE. The causal mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood, and it is unknown whether VTE is itself a risk factor for cancer. Methods We used data from large genome-wide association study meta-analyses to perform bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses to estimate causal associations between genetic liability to VTE and risk of 18 different cancers. Results We found no conclusive evidence that genetic liability to VTE was causally associated with an increased incidence of cancer, or vice versa. We observed an association between liability to VTE and pancreatic cancer risk [odds ratio for pancreatic cancer: 1.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.40) per log-odds increase in VTE risk, P =  0.002]. However, sensitivity analyses revealed this association was predominantly driven by a variant proxying non-O blood group, with inadequate evidence to suggest a causal relationship. Conclusions These findings do not support the hypothesis that genetic liability to VTE is a cause of cancer. Existing observational epidemiological associations between VTE and cancer are therefore more likely to be driven by pathophysiological changes which occur in the setting of active cancer and anti-cancer treatments. Further work is required to explore and synthesize evidence for these mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on attribution theory, we propose in Study 1 that subordinates' supervisor‐directed responses to abusive supervision depend upon their causal attributions for the abuse. Using a scenario‐based study (N = 183), we test a moderated mediation model in which the entity blamed for abusive supervision (supervisor, organization, self) is expected to predict subordinates' behavioral intentions toward their supervisor via affective responses (supervisor disliking). This relationship will be exacerbated when subordinates perceive the cause of abusive supervision as stable. We found that subordinates who blamed themselves or the organization for the abuse disliked their supervisor less and had higher OCB‐supervisor intentions, and this relationship was stronger when subordinates perceived the cause of abuse as stable. Disliking mediated the relationship between supervisor attributions and OCB‐supervisor, but this relationship is not moderated by perceived stability. In Study 2, we explore whether there are additional entities that are blamed for abusive supervision and the reasons they are held accountable. We examined qualitative responses (N = 107) from abused subordinates to find that they most commonly blame their supervisor, themselves, and the organization for abusive supervision. However, subordinates occasionally blame their relationship with their supervisor and their work group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Twin gestations have greater nutritional demands than singleton gestations, yet dietary intakes of women with twin gestations have not been well described. Methods: In a prospective, multi-site US study of 148 women with dichorionic twin gestations (2012–2013), we examined longitudinal changes in diet across pregnancy. Women completed a food frequency questionnaire during each trimester of pregnancy. We examined changes in means of total energy and energy-adjusted dietary components using linear mixed effects models. Results: Mean energy intake (95% CI) across the three trimesters was 2010 kcal/day (1846, 2175), 2177 kcal/day (2005, 2349), 2253 kcal/day (2056, 2450), respectively (P = 0.01), whereas the Healthy Eating Index-2010 was 63.9 (62.1, 65.6), 64.5 (62.6, 66.3), 63.2 (61.1, 65.3), respectively (P = 0.53). Discussion: Women with twin gestations moderately increased total energy as pregnancy progressed, though dietary composition and quality remained unchanged. These findings highlight aspects of nutritional intake that may need to be improved among women carrying twins. Significance: What is Already Known about the Subject? Twin pregnancies have higher nutritional demands than singleton pregnancies. However, studies with longitudinal dietary data examining if, how, and at what points during gestation women may change their diets to support twin pregnancies have not been available. What this Study adds? Though total energy intake increased statistically significantly from the first to the third trimester, other aspects of diet remained stable across gestation. Similar to singleton pregnancies, diet quality was suboptimal among women pregnant with twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article draws on literature on nonprofit resilience to hazards to explore the impact of federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on nonprofits' staffing, services, and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic's first year. Through propensity score matching with survey data collected in spring 2020 and winter 2021 from the New Orleans area, linked to publicly available PPP data, nonprofits that did and did not receive a PPP loan were matched on covariates representing critical resilience capacities pre-pandemic, allowing calculation of effect sizes for short-term outcomes. Results suggest that PPP tentatively supported nonprofit liquidity in the form of reserves, but had at best mixed results in promoting service maintenance, and did not support hiring or staff retention in excess of the non-treatment group. Despite the small sample size, these preliminary findings inform how PPP may have supported short-term sustainability and help guide future federal policy to support nonprofits during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The metabolic changes that ultimately lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) likely begin before pregnancy. Cannabis use might increase the risk of GDM by increasing appetite or promoting fat deposition and adipogenesis. Objectives: We aimed to assess the association between preconception cannabis use and GDM incidence. Methods: We analysed individual‐level data from eight prospective cohort studies. We identified the first, or index, pregnancy (lasting ≥20 weeks of gestation with GDM status) after cannabis use. In analyses of pooled individual‐level data, we used logistic regression to estimate study‐type‐specific odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounders using random effect meta‐analysis to combine study‐type‐specific ORs and 95% CIs. Stratified analyses assessed potential effect modification by preconception tobacco use and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Results: Of 17,880 participants with an index pregnancy, 1198 (6.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. Before the index pregnancy, 12.5% of participants used cannabis in the past year. Overall, there was no association between preconception cannabis use in the past year and GDM (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79, 1.18). Among participants who never used tobacco, however, those who used cannabis more than weekly had a higher risk of developing GDM than those who did not use cannabis in the past year (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.15, 6.09). This association was not present among former or current tobacco users. Results were similar across all preconception BMI groups. Conclusions: In this pooled analysis of preconception cohort studies, preconception cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of developing GDM among individuals who never used tobacco but not among individuals who formerly or currently used tobacco. Future studies with more detailed measurements are needed to investigate the influence of preconception cannabis use on pregnancy complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature thermal treatment (LTTT) is a technology that can enhance aqueous‐phase degradation reactions for organic constituents in groundwater. Understanding heat transfer in groundwater is important for the design of LTTT applications. In this study, the effect of permeability heterogeneity on temperature distributions during and after the application of heat was investigated by numerical modeling. An enhanced reaction zone was determined for the hydrolysis of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (1,1,1‐TCA) using an average half‐life considering the temperature history during and after heating. For hydrolysis reactions, the average half‐life could be reduced substantially by reaching a high temperature for a short period of time because their reaction rates increase exponentially with increased temperatures. Results showed that the enhanced reaction zone was shifted downstream of the heater well zone at high groundwater velocities. This suggests that heaters should be shifted upstream of the target treatment zone to fully utilize the applied heat. In addition, permeability heterogeneity leads to greater macroscopic dispersion at higher velocities. This resulted in higher spreading of heat and faster heat dissipation in the simulations with a heterogeneous permeability condition compared with a homogenous permeability condition. As a result, the enhanced reaction zone was smaller in simulations with higher levels of permeability heterogeneity at a mean velocity of 0.3 m/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project HELIX 2016-2020 was developed and implemented in Wales, to improve technical and safety/science knowledge; and sustainable innovation in food manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The paper aims to place Project HELIX within the wider context of regional and food sector development and then examine the project's rationale and delivery methods relative to this. It reflects on the effectiveness of the project (or otherwise) in constructing regional advantage from knowledge transfer and knowledge spillovers. Finally, the paper identifies areas of further research both in terms of the firm level and in relation to other food sector initiatives more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The completion of high-intensity exercise results in robust perturbations to physiologic homeostasis, challenging the body's natural buffering systems to mitigate the accumulation of metabolic by-products. Supplementation with bicarbonate has previously been used to offset metabolic acidosis, leading to improvements in anaerobic exercise performance. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of ergogenic properties in naturally occurring low-dose bicarbonated water and their effects on anaerobic cycling performance and blood gas kinetics in recreationally active men and women. Methods: Thirty-nine healthy, recreationally active men and women (28.1 ± 8.0 years, 169.8 ± 11.7 cm, 68.9 ± 10.8 kg, 20.1 ± 7.9% fat, V ˙ O2peak: 42.8 ± 7.6 mL/kg/min) completed two separate testing sessions consisting of 15 cycling sprints (10 s sprint, 20 s active rest) against 7.5% of their body mass. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study design, study participants consumed a 10 mL/kg dose of either spring water (SW) or bicarbonated mineral water (BMW) (delivering ~3 g/day of bicarbonate) for 7 days. Venous blood was collected before, immediately after, and 5 and 10 min after the sprint protocol and was analyzed for lactate and a series of blood gas components. After the completion of 15 cycling sprints, averages of peak and mean power for bouts 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15, along with total work for the entire cycling protocol, were calculated. All performance and blood gas parameters were analyzed using a mixed-factorial ANOVA. Results: pH was found to be significantly higher in the BMW group immediately after (7.17 ± 0.09 vs. 7.20 ± 0.11; p = 0.05) and 10 min post exercise (7.21 ± 0.11 vs. 7.24 ± 0.09; p = 0.04). A similar pattern of change was observed 5 min post exercise wherein pH levels in the SW group were lower than those observed in the BMW group; however, this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). A statistical trend (p = 0.06) was observed wherein lactate in the BMW group tended to be lower than in the SW group 5 min post exercise. No significant main effect for time (p > 0.05) or group × time interactions (p > 0.05) for the total work, average values of peak power, or average values of mean power were observed, indicating performance was unchanged. Conclusion: One week of consuming water with increased bicarbonate (10 mL/kg; ~3 g/day bicarbonate) showed no effect on anaerobic cycling performance. BMW decreased blood lactate concentrations 5 min after exercise and increased blood pH immediately and 10 min after exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In spring 2020, governments across the UK put in place food box schemes to protect access to food for the population told to 'shield' from COVID-19 (i.e. not leave their house for any reason). This article explores the design, implementation and impact of food box schemes intended to regularly provide a week's worth of food for individuals who were shielding. Design: Interviews and workshops with national and local stakeholders over summer 2020 to autumn 2021. Setting: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Participants: National and local government and NGO stakeholders involved in food response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Local authorities played a crucial role, implementing and supplementing the national provision of food box schemes. Three key shortcomings of the schemes were identified: coverage, contents and accessibility. In England and Wales, the scheme only provided food for shielding individuals, not their household members. Across the schemes, box contents were criticised for not containing sufficient amounts of fresh or healthy food and for not being able to meet individual dietary requirements. They were also inaccessible for people who required support with lifting or preparing food. Conclusions: The inadequacy of shielding food box schemes may have undermined people's ability to shield during the first UK lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapidly implemented policy responses, but these findings underscore the importance of universal provision and nutrition, physical accessibility and cultural food needs when formulating public health nutrition interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the sensitivity of female reproductive processes to oxidation–reduction reaction stress and endocrine disruption, evidence for the impact of women’s phthalate exposure on the ability to establish and maintain pregnancy has been inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the relationship of preconception phthalate metabolite exposure with a) fecundability and pregnancy loss and b) markers of potential biological mechanisms, including reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress. METHODS: Data were collected from the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial, a preconception study following 1,228 women who were attempting pregnancy, for up to six menstrual cycles and throughout pregnancy if they became pregnant. Twenty phthalate metabolites were measured in a consecutive 3-d pooled urine sample at enrollment. Pregnancy was determined through urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the expected date of menses during each cycle and pregnancy loss as an observed loss following positive hCG. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and isoprostanes were measured at enrollment, and reproductive hormones were measured during the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the relationship of phthalate metabolites with fecundability and weighted Poisson models with robust variance evaluated the risk of pregnancy loss. RESULTS: An interquartile range (IQR) higher mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [fecundability odds ratio (FOR)=0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78, 1.00], mono-butyl phthalate (FOR=0.82; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.96), and mono-benzyl phthalate (FOR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.98) was associated with lower fecundability. No consistent associations were observed with pregnancy loss. Preconception phthalates were consistently associated with higher hsCRP and isoprostanes, as well as lower estradiol and higher follicle-stimulating hormone across the menstrual cycle. DISCUSSION: Women’s preconception exposure to phthalates was associated with lower fecundability, changes in reproductive hormones, and increased inflammation and oxidative stress. The pre- and periconception periods may represent sensitive windows for intervening to limit the reproductive toxicity of phthalate exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Preconception Period Analysis of Risks and Exposures Influencing Health and Development (PrePARED) Consortium creates a novel resource for addressing preconception health by merging data from numerous cohort studies. In this paper, we describe our data harmonization methods and results. Individual-level data from 12 prospective studies were pooled. The crosswalk-cataloging-harmonization procedure was used. The index pregnancy was defined as the first postbaseline pregnancy lasting more than 20 weeks. We assessed heterogeneity across studies by comparing preconception characteristics in different types of studies. The pooled data set included 114,762 women, and 25,531 (22%) reported at least 1 pregnancy of more than 20 weeks' gestation during the study period. Babies from the index pregnancies were delivered between 1976 and 2021 (median, 2008), at a mean maternal age of 29.7 (standard deviation, 4.6) years. Before the index pregnancy, 60% of women were nulligravid, 58% had a college degree or more, and 37% were overweight or obese. Other harmonized variables included race/ethnicity, household income, substance use, chronic conditions, and perinatal outcomes. Participants from pregnancy-planning studies had more education and were healthier. The prevalence of preexisting medical conditions did not vary substantially based on whether studies relied on self-reported data. Use of harmonized data presents opportunities to study uncommon preconception risk factors and pregnancy-related events. This harmonization effort laid the groundwork for future analyses and additional data harmonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]