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Abstract Due to their simple structure (two bond species randomly arranged on a cubic lattice), the zincblende A1−xBxC semiconductor alloys (zb-SCA) set a benchmark to explore how physical properties are impacted by disorder. A longstanding controversy was whether the lattice dynamics (phonons), governed by the bond force constant, i.e., a local physical property, is blind to the alloy disorder or actually sees it. Over the past two decades, we introduced the percolation model (PM) that distinguishes between like bonds depending on whether they vibrate in same (homo) or alien (hetero) environments (1-bond → 2-mode scheme). The PM seems to apply universally among zb-SCA, and hence would solve the controversy in favor of the second scenario. Here our aim is to take one step forward and complete in the main lines a PM-based taxonomy of high-pressure vibration spectra of zb-SCA. This might clarify how a disordered atomic alloy, seen by each bond species in terms of a homo/hetero composite (i.e., at the unusual mesoscopic scale) from the angle of the PM, behaves when the lattice shrinks under hydrostatic pressure. We focus on Cd1−xZnxTe as the last sensitive pending case. This tidying-up exercise is attractive at the fundamental level and useful for projecting phonon-based devices involving zb-SCA.

Obesity, the fifth leading cause of death globally and linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and development of numerous severe pathologies, is a major public health problem. Fermented foods, probiotics, and postbiotics emerge as promising avenues for combating obesity and inflammation. The aim of our study was to develop and characterize phyto-postbiotics corresponding to prebiotic compounds fermented by gut bacteria, which could act on obesity and related-inflammation. Chicory extract fermented by Akkermansia muciniphila (C-Akm) was selected as the most antioxidant of 20 fermented extracts. The identification of metabolites derived from C-Akm extract has enabled us to detect mostly amino acids, acids, and some polyphenols (daidzein and genistein). The anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of C-Akm extract were studied by testing the extract (50 μg/mL) on the polarization of THP-1 into macrophages, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, and the secretion of leptin and adiponectin in adipospheroids derived from human adipose stem cells. Finally, the extract was examined in 3D co-culture model mimicking inflamed obese adipose tissue. We found that C-Akm extract decreased ROS generation, TNF-α and Il-6 gene expression in polarized macrophages, INFγ and IL-17A secretion in LPS-stimulated PBMCs stimulated with LPS. It also decreased leptin expression while increasing adiponectin and HSL expression levels in both adipocytes and co-cultures. In addition, C-Akm extract stimulated adiponectin secretion in the co-culture model. Finally, our in vitro investigations demonstrated the potential benefits of C-Akm extract in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related inflammation.

The Upper Rhine Graben (URG), located in France and Germany, is bordered by north–south-trending faults, some of which are considered active, posing a potential threat to the dense population and infrastructures on the Alsace plain. The largest historical earthquake in the region was the M6.5±0.5 Basel earthquake in 1356. Current seismicity (M>2.5 since 1960) is mostly diffuse and located within the graben. We build upon previous seismic hazard studies of the URG by exploring uncertainties in greater detail and revisiting a number of assumptions. We first take into account the limited evidence of neotectonic activity and then explore tectonic scenarios that have not been taken into account previously, exploring uncertainties for Mmax, its recurrence time, the b value, and the moment released aseismically or through aftershocks. Uncertainties in faults' moment deficit rates, on the observed seismic events' magnitude–frequency distribution and on the moment–area scaling law of earthquakes, are also explored. Assuming a purely dip-slip normal faulting mechanism associated with a simplified model with three main faults, Mmax maximum probability is estimated at Mw 6.1. Considering this scenario, there would be a 99 % probability that Mmax is less than 7.3. In contrast, with a strike-slip assumption associated with a four-main-fault model, consistent with recent paleoseismological studies and the present-day stress field, Mmax is estimated at Mw 6.8. Based on this scenario, there would be a 99 % probability that Mmax is less than 7.6.

Since 1999, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has been coordinating a multi-laboratory comparison of measurements of long-lived greenhouse gases in whole air samples collected at the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Alert Observatory located in the Canadian High Arctic (82∘28′ N, 62∘30′ W). In this paper, we evaluate the measurement agreement of atmospheric CO2, CH4, N2O, SF6, and stable isotopes of CO2 (δ13C, δ18O) between leading laboratories from seven independent international institutions. The measure of success is linked to target goals for network compatibility outlined by the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) GAW greenhouse gas measurement community. Overall, based on ∼ 8000 discrete flask samples, we find that the co-located atmospheric CO2 and CH4 measurement records from Alert by CSIRO, MPI-BGC, SIO, UHEI-IUP, and ECCC versus NOAA (the designated reference laboratory) are generally consistent with the WMO compatibility goals of ± 0.1 ppm CO2 and ± 2 ppb CH4 over the 17-year period (1999–2016), although there are periods where differences exceed target levels and persist as systematic bias for months or years. Consistency with the WMO goals for N2O, SF6, and stable isotopes of CO2 (δ13C, δ18O) has not been demonstrated. Additional analysis of co-located comparison measurements between CSIRO and SIO versus NOAA or INSTAAR (for the isotopes of CO2) at other geographical sites suggests that the findings at Alert for CO2, CH4, N2O, and δ13C–CO2 could be extended across the CSIRO, SIO, and NOAA observing networks. The primary approach to estimate an overall measurement agreement level was carried out by pooling the differences of all individual laboratories versus the designated reference laboratory and determining the 95th percentile range of these data points. Using this approach over the entire data record, our best estimate of the measurement agreement range is −0.51 to +0.53 ppm for CO2, −0.09 ‰ to +0.07 ‰ for δ13C, −0.50 ‰ to +0.58 ‰ for δ18O, −4.86 to +6.16 ppb for CH4, −0.75 to +1.20 ppb for N2O, and −0.14 to +0.09 ppt for SF6. A secondary approach of using the average of 2 standard deviations of the means for all flask samples taken in each individual sampling episode provided similar results. These upper and lower limits represent our best estimate of the measurement agreement at the 95 % confidence level for these individual laboratories, providing more confidence for using these datasets in various scientific applications (e.g., long-term trend analysis).

Abstract The emerging CdTe–BeTe semiconductor alloy that exhibits a dramatic mismatch in bond covalency and bond stiffness clarifying its vibrational-mechanical properties is used as a benchmark to test the limits of the percolation model (PM) worked out to explain the complex Raman spectra of the related but less contrasted Zn1−xBex-chalcogenides. The test is done by way of experiment ( $$x\le 0.11$$ x ≤ 0.11 ), combining Raman scattering with X-ray diffraction at high pressure, and ab initio calculations ( $$x$$ x ~ 0–0.5; $$x$$ x ~1). The (macroscopic) bulk modulus $${B}_{0}$$ B 0 drops below the CdTe value on minor Be incorporation, at variance with a linear $${B}_{0}$$ B 0 versus $$x$$ x increase predicted ab initio, thus hinting at large anharmonic effects in the real crystal. Yet, no anomaly occurs at the (microscopic) bond scale as the regular bimodal PM-type Raman signal predicted ab initio for Be–Te in minority ( $$x$$ x ~0, 0.5) is barely detected experimentally. At large Be content ( $$x$$ x ~1), the same bimodal signal relaxes all the way down to inversion, an unprecedented case. However, specific pressure dependencies of the regular ( $$x$$ x ~0, 0.5) and inverted ( $$x$$ x ~1) Be–Te Raman doublets are in line with the predictions of the PM. Hence, the PM applies as such to Cd1−xBexTe without further refinement, albeit in a “relaxed” form. This enhances the model’s validity as a generic descriptor of phonons in alloys.

We have constructed an atmospheric inversion framework based on TM5-4DVAR to jointly assimilate measurements of methane and δ13C of methane in order to estimate source-specific methane emissions. Here we present global emission estimates from this framework for the period 1999–2016. We assimilate a newly constructed, multi-agency database of CH4 and δ13C measurements. We find that traditional CH4-only atmospheric inversions are unlikely to estimate emissions consistent with atmospheric δ13C data, and assimilating δ13C data is necessary to derive emissions consistent with both measurements. Our framework attributes ca. 85 % of the post-2007 growth in atmospheric methane to microbial sources, with about half of that coming from the tropics between 23.5∘ N and 23.5∘ S. This contradicts the attribution of the recent growth in the methane budget of the Global Carbon Project (GCP). We find that the GCP attribution is only consistent with our top-down estimate in the absence of δ13C data. We find that at global and continental scales, δ13C data can separate microbial from fossil methane emissions much better than CH4 data alone, and at smaller scales this ability is limited by the current δ13C measurement coverage. Finally, we find that the largest uncertainty in using δ13C data to separate different methane source types comes from our knowledge of atmospheric chemistry, specifically the distribution of tropospheric chlorine and the isotopic discrimination of the methane sink.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum.L) that causes yield losses and produces mycotoxins which could easily exceed the limits of the EU regulations. Resistance to FHB has a complex genetic architecture and accurate evaluation in breeding programs is key to selecting resistant varieties. The Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) is one of the commonly metric used as a standard methodology to score FHB. Although efficient, AUDPC requires significant costs in phenotyping to cover the entire disease development pattern. Here, we show that there are more efficient alternatives to AUDPC (angle, growing degree days to reach 50% FHB severity, and FHB maximum variance) that reduce the number of field assessments required and allow for fair comparisons between unbalanced evaluations across trials. Furthermore, we found that the evaluation method that captures the maximum variance in FHB severity across plots is the most optimal approach for scoring FHB. In addition, results obtained on experimental data were validated on a simulated experiment where the disease progress curve was modeled as a sigmoid curve with known parameters and assessment protocols were fully controlled. Results show that alternative metrics tested in this study captured key components of quantitative plant resistance. Moreover, the new metrics could be a starting point for more accurate methods for measuring FHB in the field. For example, the optimal interval for FHB evaluation could be predicted using prior knowledge from historical weather data and FHB scores from previous trials. Finally, the evaluation methods presented in this study can reduce the FHB phenotyping burden in plant breeding with minimal losses on signal detection, resulting in a response variable available to use in data-driven analysis such as genome-wide association studies or genomic selection.

Modes of climate variability strongly impact our climate and thus human society. Nevertheless, the statistical properties of these modes remain poorly known due to the short time frame of instrumental measurements. Reconstructing these modes further back in time using statistical learning methods applied to proxy records is useful for improving our understanding of their behaviour. For doing so, several statistical methods exist, among which principal component regression is one of the most widely used in paleoclimatology. Here, we provide the software ClimIndRec to the climate community; it is based on four regression methods (principal component regression, PCR; partial least squares, PLS; elastic net, Enet; random forest, RF) and cross-validation (CV) algorithms, and enables the systematic reconstruction of a given climate index. A prerequisite is that there are proxy records in the database that overlap in time with its observed variations. The relative efficiency of the methods can vary, according to the statistical properties of the mode and the proxy records used. Here, we assess the sensitivity to the reconstruction technique. ClimIndRec is modular as it allows different inputs like the proxy database or the regression method. As an example, it is here applied to the reconstruction of the North Atlantic Oscillation by using the PAGES 2k database. In order to identify the most reliable reconstruction among those given by the different methods, we use the modularity of ClimIndRec to investigate the sensitivity of the methodological setup to other properties such as the number and the nature of the proxy records used as predictors or the targeted reconstruction period. We obtain the best reconstruction of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) using the random forest approach. It shows significant correlation with former reconstructions, but exhibits higher validation scores.

Instruments on satellites for Earth observation on polar orbits usually employ a two-point calibration technique, in which deep space and an onboard calibration target provide two reference flux levels. As the direction of the deep-space view is in general close to the celestial equator, the Moon sometimes moves through the field of view and introduces an unwelcome additional signal. One can take advantage of this intrusion, however, by using the Moon as a third flux standard, and this has actually been done for checking the lifetime stability of sensors operating at visible wavelengths. As the disk-integrated thermal emission of the Moon is less well known than its reflected sunlight, this concept can in the microwave range only be used for stability checks and intercalibration. An estimate of the frequency of appearances of the Moon in the deep-space view, a description of the limiting factors of the measurement accuracy and models of the Moon's brightness, and a discussion of the benefits from complementing the naturally occurring appearances of the Moon with dedicated spacecraft maneuvers show that it would be possible to detect photometric lifetime drifts of a few percent with just two measurements. The pointing accuracy is the most crucial factor for the value of this method. Planning such observations in advance would be particularly beneficial, because it allows observing the Moon at well-defined phase angles and putting it at the center of the field of view. A constant phase angle eliminates the need for a model of the Moon's brightness when checking the stability of an instrument. With increasing spatial resolution of future microwave sensors another question arises, viz. to what extent foreground emission from objects other than the Moon will contaminate the flux entering the deep-space view, which is supposed to originate exclusively in the cosmic microwave background. We conclude that even the brightest discreet sources have flux densities below the detection limit of microwave sensors in a single scan.

Abstract Background Most research that includes Red River Métis tends to be pan-Indigenous. Grouping Métis with First Nations and Inuit can diminish their unique and diverse experiences, as well as distinctions-based approaches. Taking a step toward addressing this problem, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF; the national government of the Red River Métis) invited researchers within the Canadian network Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids to partner in this research, which focuses on understanding engagement strategies that can help expose Red River Métis parents to child health research opportunities and build trust and transparency amongst research partners and participants. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a participatory paradigm guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders via Zoom or telephone. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to explore patterns and themes across the data. Results Analysis generated four themes: (a) show me why you are here; (b) make it easier for me to take part; (c) create welcoming spaces; and (d) it should be a give and take experience. Parents emphasized the importance of kinship and personal connections, and said they want to hear about child health study opportunities from trusted organizations. They want researchers to be transparent about their research motivations and to offer multiple ways to participate to help them fit research into their busy lives. Relational approaches within the research process (e.g., creating informal/welcoming environments, gathering over food, fostering shared learning/creative opportunities) are prominent in the findings. Conclusion There is a dearth of research focused on the distinct experiences of Red River Métis families. Engaging Red River Métis parents early in the research process will help incorporate their preferences and perspectives into the design of a larger project to adapt child health resources. More training is needed to help researchers improve their abilities to engage in self-reflection, listen, recognize power relationships, and demonstrate trust and transparency in each research interaction. It is only through respectful and successful engagement that child health research can be relevant, applicable and positively impact Red River Métis children, families and communities.

Identifying effective interventions to promote children’s vaccination acceptance is crucial for the health and wellbeing of communities. Many interventions can be implemented to increase parental awareness of the benefits of vaccination and positively influence their confidence in vaccines and vaccination services. One potential approach is using narratives as an intervention. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a narrative-based intervention on parents’ attitudes and vaccination intentions. In a pre-post experiment, 2,000 parents of young children recruited from an online pan-Canadian panel were randomly exposed to one of the three videos presenting narratives to promote childhood vaccination or a control condition video about the importance and benefits of physical activity in children. Pre-post measures reveal a relatively modest but positive impact of the narratives on parents’ attitudes and intention to vaccinate their child(ren). The results also suggest that narratives with more emotional content may be more effective in positively influencing vaccine attitudes than the more factual narrative. Using narratives to promote vaccination can positively influence parents’ views and intentions toward childhood vaccines, but research is still required to identify the best components of such interventions.

Background Prepregnancy diabetes and obesity are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs). However, the proportion of cases of HDP in the population explained by diabetes and obesity (population attributable fraction), especially among American Indian and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, is not well characterized. Methods and Results We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of data on individuals with a live singleton birth from the US National Vital Statistics System between 2016 and 2019. We used adjusted logistic regression to estimate the prevalence odds ratios of HDPs and tested interaction for race and ethnicity. We calculated the population attributable fraction for the effect of obesity and diabetes on HDPs. Among 13 201 338 birthing individuals, (mean age, 29±6 years), 7% had HDP. The prevalence of HDP was highest among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals (9.1%). Prepregnancy diabetes (prevalence odds ratio, 2.63 [95% CI, 2.59–2.67]) and obesity (prevalence odds ratio, 2.95 [95% CI, 2.93–2.97]) were associated with HDPs. Compared with non‐Hispanic White individuals, the association of diabetes with HDPs was strongest among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (prevalence odds ratio, 3.05 [95% CI, 2.48–3.77]), and the association of obesity with HDP was strongest among Asian individuals (prevalence odds ratio, 3.44 [95% CI, 3.35–3.54]; all P for interaction

IntroductionTheileria orientalis Ikeda genotype is an emerging cattle disease in the US. Since 2017, when T. orientalis Ikeda was discovered in beef cattle in two counties in Virginia, cattle infections have risen to include ~67% of Virginia counties and 14 states. Consistent with New Zealand studies, many infected herds in Virginia were >90% positive upon initial testing without overt evidence of infection. Central bull tests present a unique opportunity to study the effects of T. orientalis Ikeda infections, as bulls from multiple source herds are consolidated. The objective of this study was to determine if infection with T. orientalis Ikeda affected the average daily gain (ADG), adjusted yearling weight (AYW) and breeding soundness of bulls at two test stations in Virginia over a period of years.Materials and methodsThe bulls were fed and housed similarly to compare their growth performance and breeding soundness. For T. orientalis Ikeda testing, DNA was extracted from whole blood for quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe number of bulls infected with T. orientalis Ikeda at initial delivery to the stations increased significantly over the years studied. Multivariable linear regression models, using Angus bulls from Virginia test stations, indicated no significant effect on ADG or AYW in bulls that became test positive during the test or were positive for the duration, compared to Angus bulls that were negative for the duration. At LOC A, the odds of passing a breeding soundness exam (BSE) were not significantly different for bulls that turned positive during the test or were positive for the duration, compared to bulls that were negative for the duration of the test. At LOC B, bulls that became positive during the test were 2.4 times more likely (95% CI: 1.165–4.995, p = 0.016) to pass their BSE compared to bulls that remained negative throughout the test.DiscussionWe do not suppose that an obscured infection of T. orientalis Ikeda is protective for bulls to pass a BSE. However, this study demonstrates an obscured infection of T. orientalis Ikeda does not negatively affect weight gain or achievement of a satisfactory BSE rating at the central bull test stations in Virginia.

Abstract Background Red River Métis families need access to meaningful and appropriate resources when their children are sick. At the invitation of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to partner in this research, our aim was to understand Red River Métis parents’ experiences and preferences for seeking child health information when their child is acutely ill, to inform the adaptation of existing parent resources. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a participatory paradigm guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders via Zoom or telephone. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to explore patterns and themes across the data. Results Analysis generated four themes: (1) We’re here too; (2) We are not all the same; (3) Finding trustworthy information; and (4) Information needs to be widely available. Red River Métis pride was prominent in the results. Parents provided tangible ways to modify existing parent resources, including adding information on how to access Elders, healers and/or traditional medicines and showing different family structures, transport, living situations, Métis names, and incorporating Métis languages. While most parents reported looking for child health information online, they also stressed the need to provide multiple options, including information sheets, recognizing that parents seek information in different contexts. Parents also emphasized the importance of accessible, safe spaces to find child health information, including local schools, community centres, healthcare organizations and the MMF. Conclusion There is a lack of child health information created specifically for Red River Métis families. The development of this information can support their information needs and preferences and the ongoing efforts to revitalize Red River Métis culture and language. Study findings will inform the adaptation and dissemination of existing child health resources to ensure they reflect Red River Métis parents’ information needs and preferences. This research is a critical step in addressing an identified need for Red River Métis families to have culturally relevant and meaningful child health resources, and in the pursuit of equitable care for all children in Canada. Trial Registration N/A.

Abstract Background and Aims Involving research users in collaborative research approaches may increase the relevance and utility of research findings. Our primary objectives were to (i) identify and describe characteristics of Canadian federally and provincially funded health research projects that included research users and were funded between 2011 and 2019; (ii) explore changes over time; and (iii) compare characteristics between funder required and optional partnerships. Methods Retrospective analysis. Inclusion criteria were projects that included research users. We analyzed publicly available project variables, and coded field and type of research using established classification systems. We summarized data with descriptive statistics and compared variables across three funding year blocks and partnership requirement status. Results We identified 1153 partnered health research projects, representing 137 fields of research and 37 types of research categories. Most projects included a required partnership (80%) and fell into health and social care services research (66%). Project length and funding amount increased from average of 24.8 months and $266 248 CAD in 2011–2013 to 31.6 months and $438 766 CAD in 2017–2019. There were significantly fewer required partnerships in 2017–2019. Conclusions Between 2011 and 2019 Canadian federally and provincially funded partnered health research reflected primarily care services research across many fields. The observed breadth suggests that partnered health research approaches are applicable in many fields of research. Additional work to support partnered research across all types of health research (especially biomedical research) is warranted. The administration of larger grants that are funded for longer time periods may address previously identified concerns among research teams engaging in partnered research but may mean that fewer teams receive funding and risk delaying responding to time-sensitive data needs for users. Our process and findings can be used as a starting point for international comparison.

The rate of ocean uptake of anthropogenic CO2 has declined over the past decade, so a critical question for science and policy is whether the ocean will continue to act as a sink. Large areas of the ocean remain without observations for carbonate system variables, and oceanic CO2 observations have declined since 2017. The Mediterranean Sea is one such an area, especially its eastern part, where there is a paucity of carbonate system data, with large areas not sampled or only sampled by ship-based discrete measurements as opposed to high frequency, sensor-equipped time-series fixed stations. The aim of this study was to analyze a multi-year time-series of high-frequency (hourly) partial pressure CO2 (pCO2) and pH measurements in the Eastern Mediterranean, along with low-frequency (monthly) measurements of total dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity. The pCO2 time-series was the first obtained in the Eastern Mediterranean. The study was conducted at a fixed platform of the POSEIDON system (Heraklion Coastal Buoy) located near Crete Island. Temperature was the dominant factor controlling the temporal variability of pCO2 and pH, while the remaining non-thermal variability appeared to be related to evaporation, water mixing, and biological remineralization-production. The air-sea CO2 fluxes indicated a transition from a winter-spring sink period to a summer-autumn source period. The annual air-sea CO2 flux was too low (-0.16 ± 0.02 mol m-2 yr-1) and variable to conclusively characterize the area as a net source or sink of CO2, highlighting the need for additional high frequency observation sites. Algorithms were developed using temperature, chlorophyll and salinity data to estimate pCO2 and total alkalinity, in an effort to provide tools for estimates in poorly observed areas/periods from remotely sensed products. The applicability of the algorithms was tested using Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) data from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (1999 to 2020) which showed that the algorithm pCO2 estimates were generally within ±20 μatm of the pCO2 values reported by SOCAT. Finally, the integration and analysis of the data provided directions on how to optimize the observing strategy, by readapting sensor location and using estimation algorithms with remote sensing data.

ABSTRACTLead ammunition is commonly used to hunt waterfowl and other wildlife in the Arctic. Hunting with lead is problematic because the toxicant can be transferred to the consumer. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate perceptions and awareness of the risks associated with using lead ammunition among Arctic populations. Results of the Nunavik Child Development Study (a longitudinal health study gathering information on health and well-being among Inuit in Nunavik, Canada) included advice to eliminate the use of lead ammunition in hunting practices. We surveyed 112 Nunavik residents (93 women; 18 men) about their awareness of lead related messages, use of lead ammunition and risk perceptions about contaminants. Sixty-seven participants (59.8%) reported there was an active hunter in their household. We found that only 27% of participants had heard or seen the messages about reducing lead ammunition. After participants viewed the Nunavik Child Development Study messages about lead, 44% stated they would stop using lead ammunition. However, 28% indicated that they would continue using lead ammunition. We conclude that, while messages had an overall positive effect, further study is required to understand why people continue to use lead ammunition.

Assessing the linkage between breeding and non-breeding areas has important implications for understanding the fundamental biology of and conserving animal species. This is a challenging task for marine species, and in sea turtles a combination of stable isotope analysis (SIA) and satellite telemetry has been increasingly used. The Northwest Atlantic (NWA) loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Regional Management Unit, one of the largest sea turtle populations in the world, provides an excellent opportunity to investigate key biological patterns as well as methodological aspects related to the use of stable isotopes to infer spatial distribution of turtles in foraging areas. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of the annual distribution of NWA adult female loggerheads among foraging areas and investigate the efficacy of various analytical approaches as well as the effect of sample size in these types of studies. A total of 5168 individual females were sampled from seven Management Units (MUs) between 2013-2018. We provide the first estimate of the proportion of females originating from each MU that uses each foraging area and show how this proportion varies over time. We also estimate the relative importance (in terms of number of turtles) of each foraging area to the overall loggerhead breeding aggregation nesting in Florida and in the NWA for each year of the study. The foraging area used by reproductively active females differs considerably across MUs. One of these, the Subtropical NWA, is by far the most important foraging area in terms of both number of individuals and genetic diversity, and therefore this region may be considered as a conservation priority. Through simulations, we show that limited sizes of sample groups (unknowns; training; priors) may result in false geographic differentiation and consequently mislead interpretations. We provide thresholds and methodological recommendations for future studies. This study establishes a fundamental baseline for monitoring the annual contribution of foraging area to a terrestrial-based breeding aggregation of a marine animal in a cost-effective way. This type of monitoring allows for early detection of changes in foraging distributions—a possible effect of climate change on marine ecosystems or of area-specific anthropogenic threats.

Abstract Background Infectious necrotic hepatitis (INH) is typically a disease of ruminants caused by Clostridium novyi type B. Growth of the causative agent is supported by development of an anaerobic environment within the liver. In dogs, C. novyi is rare and has only been previously reported as a post-mortem diagnosis. In one case, infection was secondary to metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the other was presumptively diagnosed on histopathology of a hepatic lesion in a dog initially presented for acute collapse. Case presentation An 8-year-old spayed, female mixed breed dog was presented for acute onset of hyporexia and vomiting. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated hepatocellular injury and cholestatic liver enzymes. Ultrasound revealed peritoneal fluid accumulation and multiple hepatic masses. Cytologic examination of liver aspirates and peritoneal fluid revealed frequent 4 × 1 μm bacilli with a terminal endospore. Anaerobic bacterial growth isolated from the fluid sample could not be identified using typical laboratory identification techniques. Long-read, whole genome sequencing was performed, and the organism was identified as Clostridium novyi type B. Antimicrobial and hepatic support treatment were initiated. The patient re-presented 27 days later, and the follow up liver aspirate with cytology revealed no appreciable bacteria and anaerobic culture was negative. The patient was presented four months later and a large hepatic mass and peritoneal fluid were again identified on abdominal ultrasound. Cytologic examination of the peritoneal fluid revealed bacilli similar to those identified on initial presentation. The patient was euthanized. The most significant finding on necropsy was necrotizing hepatitis with intralesional endospore-forming bacilli compatible with recurrence of Clostridium novyi type B. There was no identifiable cause of an anaerobic insult to the liver. Conclusions This case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of using cytology as part of the initial diagnostic work up for infectious hepatitis. The cytologic findings coupled with whole genome sequencing and anaerobic culture were crucial for the identification and classification of the organism identified on fine needle aspirate. Clostridium novyi type B should be considered when bacilli organisms containing a terminal endospore are identified on liver aspirates collected from canine patients.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Racial/ethnic differences in GDM prevalence have been described, but disparities by nativity and duration of US residence are not well studied. Methods: We analyzed data from 6088 women (mean age: 27.5 years [standard deviation: 6.3 years]) from the Boston Birth Cohort who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black (NHB; n = 2697), Hispanic (n = 2395), or non-Hispanic White (NHW; n = 996). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the cross-sectional association of nativity and duration of US residence (< 10 vs ≥ 10 years) with GDM within each race/ethnicity group. Results: Foreign-born NHB, NHW, and Hispanic women with a duration of US residence of < 10 years had a lower prevalence of CVD risk factors than those with US residence of ≥ 10 years, respectively, as follows: smoking (NHB: 1.7% vs 3.1%; NHW: 5.7% vs 8.1%; Hispanic: 0.4% vs 2.6%); obesity (NHB: 17.1% vs 23.4%; NHW: 3.8% vs 15.6%; Hispanic: 10.9% vs 22.7%); and severe stress (NHB: 8.7% vs 11.9%; NHW: 5.7% vs 28.1%; Hispanic: 3.8% vs 7.3%). In analyses adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and CVD risk factors, foreign-born NHB women with a duration of US residence of < 10 years had higher odds of having GDM (adjusted odds ratio: 1.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-2.60), compared with their US-born counterparts, whereas foreign-born Hispanic women with a duration of US residence of < 10 years had lower odds of having GDM (adjusted odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.32-0.91). The odds of having GDM in Hispanic and NHB women with a duration of US residence of ≥ 10 years were not significantly different from those of their US-born counterparts. Conclusions: The “healthy immigrant effect” and its waning with longer duration of US residence apply to the prevalence of GDM among Hispanic women but not NHB women. Further research on the intersectionality of race and nativity-based disparities is needed. Résumé: Introduction: Le diabète sucré gestationnel (DSG) est associé à l’augmentation du risque de maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV). Les différences raciales/ethniques dans la prévalence du DSG ont été décrites, mais les disparités selon le lieu de naissance et la durée de résidence aux É.-U font l’objet de peu d’études. Méthodes: Nous avons analysé les données de 6 088 femmes (âge moyen : 27,5 ans [écart type : 6,3 ans]) de la Boston Birth Cohort qui ont déclaré être noires non hispaniques (NNH; n = 2 697), hispaniques (n = 2 395) ou blanches non hispaniques (BNH; n = 996). À l’aide de la régression logistique multivariée, nous avons examiné l’association transversale entre le lieu de naissance et la durée de résidence aux É.-U. (< 10 vs ≥ 10 ans), et le DSG dans chaque groupe racial/ethnique Résultats: Les femmes NNH, BNH et hispaniques nées à l’étranger qui avaient une durée de résidence aux É.-U. de < 10 ans avaient une prévalence plus faible des facteurs de risque de MCV que celles qui avaient une résidence aux É.-U. de ≥ 10 ans, et ce, de façon respective comme suit : le tabagisme (NNH : 1,7 % vs 3,1 %; BNH : 5,7 % vs 8,1 %; hispaniques : 0,4 % vs 2,6 %); l’obésité (NNH : 17,1 % vs 23,4 %; BNH : 3,8 % vs 15,6 %; hispaniques : 10,9 % vs 22,7 %); le stress important (NNH : 8,7 % vs 11,9 %; BNH : 5,7 % vs 28,1 %; hispaniques : 3,8 % vs 7,3 %). Lors de l’ajustement des caractéristiques sociodémographiques et des facteurs de risque de MCV, les femmes NNH nées à l’étranger qui avaient une durée de résidence aux É.-U. de < 10 ans montraient une plus grande probabilité d’avoir le DSG (rapport de cotes ajusté : 1,60, intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,99-2,60) que leurs homologues nées aux É.-U., alors que les femmes hispaniques nées à l’étranger qui avaient une durée de résidence aux É.-U. de < 10 ans montraient une plus faible probabilité d’avoir le DSG (rapport de cotes ajusté : 0,54, intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,32-0,91). La probabilité que les femmes hispaniques et NNH qui avaient une durée de résidence aux É.-U. de ≥ 10 ans aient le DSG n’était pas significativement différente de celles de leurs homologues nées aux É.-U. Conclusions: L’« effet de l’immigrant en bonne santé » et son déclin associé à la plus longue durée de résidence aux É.-U. s’appliquent à la prévalence du DSG chez les femmes hispaniques, mais non chez les femmes NNH. D’autres recherches sur l’intersectionnalité entre la race et les disparités selon le lieu de naissance sont nécessaires.

Canadians and Quebecers increasingly consult complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners in parallel with biomedical providers. The close relationship between vaccine hesitancy and CAM use remains under explored in Western countries. We present the results of a qualitative study conducted among one of Quebec's most used CAM approaches: naturopathy. Using Boholm and Corvellec's relational theory of risk to illustrate naturopaths' construction of vaccination as an “object of risk”, we describe how the health representations of 30 Quebec naturopath interviewees are associated with the ways they perceived the risks of infectious diseases and vaccination. Our findings illustrate how Quebec naturopaths' view the body as “at risk” from the possible harmful effects of vaccines. For these naturopaths, the body is a site, a “terrain”, where homeostasis must continually be preserved, and needs to be protected from risks such as vaccines—which were seen as far riskier than infectious diseases—through natural means. Such views are often perceived as unscientific or even irrational by public health researchers. Our study highlights that naturopaths' attitudes towards vaccination are perfectly aligned with the epistemological tenets of their risk representations and conceptions of health.

Severe maternal morbidity and mortality continue to increase in the United States, largely owing to chronic and newly diagnosed medical comorbidities. Interconception care, or care and management of medical conditions between pregnancies, can improve chronic disease control before, during, and after pregnancy. It is a crucial and time-sensitive intervention that can decrease maternal morbidity and mortality and improve overall health. Despite these potential benefits, interconception care has not been well implemented by the primary care community. Furthermore, there is a lack of guidelines for optimizing preconception chronic disease, risk stratifying postpartum chronic diseases, and recommending general collaborative management principles for reproductive-age patients in the period between pregnancies. As a result, many primary care providers, especially those without obstetric training, are unclear about their specific role in interconception care and may be unsure of effective methods for collaborating with obstetric care providers. In particular, internal medicine physicians, the largest group of primary care physicians, may lack sufficient clinical exposure to medical conditions in the obstetric population during their residency training and may feel uncomfortable in caring for these patients in their subsequent practice.The objective of this article is to review concepts around interconception care, focusing specifically on preconception care for patients with chronic medical conditions (eg, chronic hypertension, chronic diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, venous thromboembolism, and obesity) and postpartum care for those with medically complicated pregnancies (eg, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, excessive gestational weight gain, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and peripartum mood disorders). We also provide a pragmatic checklist for preconception and postpartum management.

Vaccines are one of the most important and successful public health interventions to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. However, unlike childhood diseases and routine vaccines, COVID-19 is a novel threat, and COVID-19 vaccines may elicit specific anxieties. Through focus groups, we examine the concerns and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine expressed by individuals who accept routine vaccinations in Canada. We also conducted a pre-focus group survey to document participant attitudes towards vaccines in general. While most participants had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or had the intention to get it, many had concerns. First, participants felt anxious about the quick development and approval of the vaccines, even if they recognized that the vaccines have undergone clinical trials. Second, participants felt confused about shifting public health guidelines regarding vaccine safety, changing the interval between doses, and mixing different vaccine brands. Finally, participants said they felt abandoned when deciding whether to get vaccinated or not. People who generally accept vaccines expressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, mostly related to the inevitable uncertainties of a new vaccine (i.e. novelty, safety, mandates, etc.). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, understood as concerns about the novelty of a vaccine and the rapid implementation of it, could be useful for understanding questioning attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines from people who accept routine vaccinations. Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy can also provide valuable insights as booster doses are periodically needed and people may not be as accepting of these additional doses.

Background Health care providers’ knowledge and attitudes about vaccines are important determinants of their own vaccine uptake, their intention to recommend vaccines, and their patients’ vaccine uptake. This qualitative study’ objective was to better understand health care providers’ vaccination decisions, their views on barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and proposed solutions, their opinions on vaccine policies, and their perceived role in discussing COVID-19 vaccination with patients. Methods Semi-structured interviews on perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines were conducted with Canadian health care providers (N = 14) in spring 2021. A qualitative thematic analysis using NVivo was conducted. Results Participants had positive attitudes toward vaccination and were vaccinated against COVID-19 or intended to do so once eligible (two delayed their first dose). Only two were actively promoting COVID-19 vaccination to their patients; others either avoided discussing the topic or only provided answers when asked questions. Participants’ proposed solutions to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the public were in relation to access to vaccination services, information in multiple languages, and community outreach. Most participants were in favor of mandatory vaccination policies and had mixed views on the potential impact of the Canadian vaccine-injury support program. Conclusions While health care providers are recognized as a key source of information regarding vaccines, participants in our study did not consider it their role to provide advice on COVID-19 vaccination. This is a missed opportunity that could be avoided by ensuring health care providers have the tools and training to feel confident in engaging in vaccine discussions with their patients.

Structural and systemic inequalities can contribute to susceptibility to COVID-19 disease and limited access to vaccines. Recognizing that Racialized and Indigenous Peoples may experience unique barriers to COVID-19 vaccination, this study explored early COVID-19 vaccine accessibility, including barriers and potential solutions to vaccine access, for these communities in Canada. We conducted semi-structured interviews about challenges to accessing COVID-19 vaccination with Racialized and Indigenous Peoples, including linguistic minorities and newcomers, in Spring 2021, just as COVID-19 vaccines were becoming more widely available in Canada. Participants were purposely selected from respondents to a Canadian national online survey. Three researchers analyzed the interviews for emergent themes using a descriptive content analysis approach in NVivo. At the time of the interview, interview participants (N = 27) intended to receive (n = 15) or had received (n = 11) at least one vaccine dose, or did not state their status (n = 1). Participants described multiple barriers to COVID-19 vaccination that they personally experienced and/or anticipated they or others could experience – including technology requirements, language barriers, lack of identification documentation, and travel challenges – as well as related solutions. These were organized into three broad categories: 1) COVID-19 disease and vaccination information, 2) vaccination booking procedures, and 3) vaccination sites. These structural and systemic barriers during the initial months of vaccine rollout substantially restricted participants’ COVID-19 vaccination access, even when they were eager to get vaccinated, and should be addressed early in vaccine rollouts to facilitate optimal uptake for everyone everywhere

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis of global proportion. In psoriatic patients treated with biologic agents, evidence is not yet available on susceptibility to infection with the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and data about the perception of COVID-19 and its impact on these patients are lacking. Aims: The aim of this observational, spontaneous study was the evaluation of the impact of anti COVID-19 measures in “fragile population” such as patients with a chronic inflammatory disease. Thus, we evaluated the impact of perceived risk on quality of life of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, in our outpatient clinic, and how their perceptions changed before and after the adoption of Covid-19 emergency measures following the Italian Ministerial Decree in March 9, 2020. Methods: Using a series of questions, our study surveyed adult patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving treatment with biologic agents (n = 591), before and after the adoption of COVID-19 emergency measures. Results: Most patients (97%) had been sufficiently informed by healthcare staff about COVID-19 spread. A significant change was observed in social activity reduction before and after the adoption of the measures (18% vs. 90% of patients; P

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019 and has since spread around the world, causing a pandemic of the respiratory disease COVID-19. Detecting antibodies against the virus is an essential tool for tracking infections and developing vaccines. Such tests, primarily utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) principle, can be either qualitative (reporting positive/negative results) or quantitative (reporting a value representing the quantity of specific antibodies). Quantitation is vital for determining stability or decline of antibody titers in convalescence, efficacy of different vaccination regimens, and detection of asymptomatic infections. Quantitation typically requires two-step ELISA testing, in which samples are first screened in a qualitative assay and positive samples are subsequently analyzed as a dilution series. To overcome the throughput limitations of this approach, we developed a simpler and faster system that is highly automatable and achieves quantitation in a single-dilution screening format with sensitivity and specificity comparable to those of ELISA.

Abstract Background In the US, one in six men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV are unaware of their HIV infection. In certain circumstances, access to HIV testing and viral load (VL) monitoring is challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting laboratory-based HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) drug testing, and VL monitoring as part of two studies on self-collected dried blood spots (DBS). Methods Participants were instructed to collect DBS by self-fingerstick in studies that enrolled MSM online. DBS from the first study (N = 1444) were tested with HIV serological assays approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A subset was further tested with laboratory-modified serological and VL assays, and ARV levels were measured by mass spectrometry. DBS from the second study (N = 74) were only tested to assess VL monitoring. Results In the first study, the mail back rate of self-collected DBS cards was 62.9%. Ninety percent of DBS cards were received at the laboratory within 2 weeks from the day of collection, and 98% of the cards had sufficient spots for one assay. Concordance between FDA-approved and laboratory-modified protocols was high. The samples with undetectable ARV had higher VL than samples with at least one ARV drug. In the second study, 70.3% participants returned self-collected DBS cards, and all had sufficient spots for VL assay. High VL was observed in samples from participants who reported low ARV adherence. Conclusions In these studies, MSM were able to collect and provide adequate DBS for HIV testing. The FDA-approved and laboratory-modified testing algorithms performed similarly. DBS collected at home may be feasible for HIV testing, ARV measurement, and monitoring viral suppression.

Abstract Background Theileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T. orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death of up to 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia–Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T. orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T. orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H. longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T. orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T. orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T. orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H. longicornis; however, H. longicornis is the primary tick vector of T. orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H. longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T. orientalis Ikeda. Methods Nymphal H. longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T. orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T. orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR. Results After acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T. orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T. orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4–0.9%. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that U.S. H. longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.

Natural gas can be collected from hydrate deposits by exchange with CO2, but the ensuing mixed hydrates and the path to a complete exchange are not fully understood. Here, computational analyses of neutron pair distribution functions of CH4, CO2 and mixed CH4-CO2 hydrates at 10 K reveal that the behavior of mixed gas species cannot be interpolated from properties of pure compounds.

A number of countries have implemented vaccination in pregnancy as a strategy to reduce the burden of influenza and pertussis. The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of Canadian maternity care providers in administration of vaccines to their pregnant patients. A cross-sectional web-based survey was sent to family physicians, obstetricians-gynecologists, midwives, pharmacists, and nurses. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine variables independently associated with offering vaccination services in pregnancy in providers’ practice. A total of 1,135 participants participated. Overall, 64% (n = 724) of the participants reported offering vaccines in their practice and 56% (n = 632) reported offering vaccines to pregnant patients. The main reasons reported for not offering vaccination services in pregnancy were the belief that vaccination was outside of the scope of practice; logistical issues around access to vaccines; or lack of staff to administer vaccines. In multivariable analysis, the main factors associated with vaccination of pregnant patients in practices where vaccination services were offered were: providers’ confidence in counseling pregnant patients about vaccines, seeing fewer than 11 pregnant patients on average each week, and being a nurse or a family physician. Although the majority of participants expressed strong support for vaccination during pregnancy, half were not offering vaccination services in their practice. Many were not equipped to offer vaccines in their practice or felt that it was not their role to do so. To enhance vaccine acceptance and uptake in pregnancy, it will be important to address the logistical barriers identified in this study.

ABSTRACT The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 created a crucial need for serology assays to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which led to many serology assays entering the market. A trans-government collaboration was created in April 2020 to independently evaluate the performance of commercial SARS-CoV-2 serology assays and help inform U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory decisions. To assess assay performance, three evaluation panels with similar antibody titer distributions were assembled. Each panel consisted of 110 samples with positive (n = 30) serum samples with a wide range of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and negative (n = 80) plasma and/or serum samples that were collected before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each sample was characterized for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the spike protein using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Samples were selected for the panel when there was agreement on seropositivity by laboratories at National Cancer Institute’s Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (NCI-FNLCR) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sensitivity and specificity of each assay were assessed to determine Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) suitability. As of January 8, 2021, results from 91 evaluations were made publicly available (https://open.fda.gov/apis/device/covid19serology/, and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/serology-surveillance/serology-test-evaluation.html). Sensitivity ranged from 27% to 100% for IgG (n = 81), from 10% to 100% for IgM (n = 74), and from 73% to 100% for total or pan-immunoglobulins (n = 5). The combined specificity ranged from 58% to 100% (n = 91). Approximately one-third (n = 27) of the assays evaluated are now authorized by FDA for emergency use. This collaboration established a framework for assay performance evaluation that could be used for future outbreaks and could serve as a model for other technologies. IMPORTANCE The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic created a crucial need for accurate serology assays to evaluate seroprevalence and antiviral immune responses. The initial flood of serology assays entering the market with inadequate performance emphasized the need for independent evaluation of commercial SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays using performance evaluation panels to determine suitability for use under EUA. Through a government-wide collaborative network, 91 commercial SARS-CoV-2 serology assay evaluations were performed. Three evaluation panels with similar overall antibody titer distributions were assembled to evaluate performance. Nearly one-third of the assays evaluated met acceptable performance recommendations, and two assays had EUAs revoked and were removed from the U.S. market based on inadequate performance. Data for all serology assays evaluated are available at the FDA and CDC websites (https://open.fda.gov/apis/device/covid19serology/, and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/serology-surveillance/serology-test-evaluation.html).

Response measures to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic impacted access to routine vaccination services. We evaluate the impact of the pandemic on routine infant vaccination uptake by comparing vaccination coverage, vaccine delays and doses administered in 2019 and 2020, in Quebec, Canada. Using a population-based vaccination registry, we compared vaccination coverage at 3, 5, 13 and 19 months of age between 2019 and 2020 cohorts each month from January to November. For vaccine delays, we measured the cumulative proportion vaccinated in each targeted cohort monthly. We also compared the measles-containing vaccines administered before 24 months of age between the same period in 2019 and 2020. A decline in vaccination coverage and children vaccinated on time was observed in all cohorts during the first months of the pandemic. The greatest impact was observed for the 18-month vaccination visit with a difference in vaccination coverage between both cohorts of 30.9% in May. Measles-containing doses administered during the first months of the pandemic were lower in 2020 compared with 2019: −21.1% in March (95%CI-21.6;-20.4), and −39.2% in April (95%CI-40.0;-38.2). After May, the coverage increased for all cohorts to reach pre-pandemic levels after a few months for most target ages. Routine childhood vaccinations were affected during the first months of the pandemic, but catch-up occurred thereafter and vaccination coverage in affected cohorts were very close to levels of 2019 after a few months of follow-up. Real-time monitoring of childhood vaccination is essential but also for other vaccination programs, severely affected by the pandemic.

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Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype is a parasite that causes a disease in cattle that results in major economic issues in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. The parasite is transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks, which have recently been reported in numerous states throughout the eastern United States. Concurrently, cattle in Virginia showed clinical signs consistent with a hemoprotozoan infection. We used amplicons specific for the major piroplasm surface protein and small subunit rDNA of piroplasms to test blood samples from the cattle by PCR. Bidirectional Sanger sequencing showed sequences with 100% identity with T. orientalis Ikeda genotype 2 sequences. We detected the parasite in 3 unrelated herds and from various animals sampled at 2 time points. Although other benign T. orientalis genotypes are endemic to the United States, detection of T. orientalis Ikeda genotype might represent a risk for the cattle industry in Virginia.

Background Preeclampsia increases women's risks for maternal morbidity and future cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to identify opportunities for prevention by examining the association between cardiometabolic risk factors and preeclampsia across 2 pregnancies among women in a high‐risk US birth cohort. Methods and Results Our sample included 618 women in the Boston Birth Cohort with index and subsequent pregnancy data collected using standard protocols. We conducted log‐binomial univariate regression models to examine the association between preeclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy (defined as incident or recurrent preeclampsia) and cardiometabolic risk factors (ie, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes mellitus) diagnosed before and during the index pregnancy, and between index and subsequent pregnancies. At the subsequent pregnancy, 7% (36/540) had incident preeclampsia and 42% (33/78) had recurrent preeclampsia. Compared with women without obesity, women with obesity had greater risk of incident preeclampsia (unadjusted risk ratio [RR], 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1–4.5]) and recurrent preeclampsia (unadjusted RR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.5–6.7]). Preindex pregnancy chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were associated with incident, but not recurrent, preeclampsia (hypertension unadjusted RR, 7.9 [95% CI, 4.1–15.3]; diabetes mellitus unadjusted RR, 5.2 [95% CI, 2.5–11.1]. Women with new interpregnancy hypertension versus those without had a higher risk of incident and recurrent preeclampsia (incident preeclampsia unadjusted RR, 6.1 [95% CI, 2.9–13]); recurrent preeclampsia unadjusted RR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.5–3.9]). Conclusions In this diverse sample of high‐risk US women, we identified modifiable and treatable risk factors, including obesity and hypertension for the prevention of preeclampsia.

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Background: A community-academic partnership responded to a community-voiced need to address parenting challenges while living in poverty. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based intervention that included positive parenting strategies to build and support healthy families, and behavioral health promotion. Design: Multi-method pilot study Findings: Focus group participants (n=11) valued the program highly. There were no changes in participants' (n=36) Perceived Stress Scale scores after program completion (p>0.05, d=0.063). Conclusions: Participants were highly engaged throughout the program and requested a longer duration of the intervention to continue to build social connectivity.

Abstract  Most myzostomids are ectocommensals of crinoids on which they move freely. Their locomotion is ensured by five pairs of parapodia located laterally below their trunk. Each parapodium in Myzostoma cirriferum is a conical structure that includes a hook-like chaeta, replacement chaetae and an aciculum. Structure and ultrastructure of the myzostomid chaetae are similar to those of polychaetes: they are formed by a chaetoblast, which gives rise to microvilli where chaetal material is assembled on the outer surface. Myzostoma cirriferum walks on its host. It moves the anterior part, the posterior part or the lateral parts forwards but is able to rotate of 180° on itself. Its locomotion entirely depends on parapodial motions and not on trunk movements. Three pairs of muscles are involved in parapodial motions: parapodium flexor and parapodium extensor, aciculum protractor and aciculum retractor, and hook protractor with conjunctor. A functional model is proposed for explaining the global motion of a parapodium in M. cirriferum that may be extended to all ectocommensal myzostomids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]