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Background A unique enzootic focus of Mycobacterium bovis in free-ranging deer was identified in northern lower Michigan in 1994, with subsequent evidence of transmission to local cattle herds. Between 2002 and 2017, 3 Michigan deer hunters with M. bovis disease were previously reported. We present 4 additional human cases linked to the zoonotic focus in deer, utilizing genomic epidemiology to confirm close molecular associations among human, deer and cattle M. bovis isolates. Methods Identification of human tuberculosis (TB) cases with cultures of M. bovis was provided from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) tuberculosis database. Clinical review and interviews focused on risk factors for contact with wildlife and cattle. Whole genome sequences of human isolates were compared with a veterinary library of M. bovis strains to identify those linked to the enzootic focus. Results Three confirmed and 1 probable human case with M. bovis disease were identified between 2019 and 2022, including cutaneous disease, 2 severe pulmonary disease cases, and human-to-human transmission. The 3 human isolates had 0–3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with M. bovis strains circulating in wild deer and domestic cattle in Michigan. Conclusions Spillover of enzootic M. bovis from deer to humans and cattle continues to occur in Michigan. Future studies should examine the routes of transmission and degree of risk to humans through expanded epidemiological surveys. A One Health approach linking human, veterinary and environmental health should address screening for TB infection, public education, and mitigation of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of variable rate seeding (VRS) enables soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growers to allocate seed more efficiently on heterogeneous farmland and thus potentially increases profit by reducing seed cost and/or increasing yield. Successful implementation of VRS depends on the appropriate division of management zones where producers apply different seeding rates. We construct an economic conceptual model for evaluating the information conveyed by management zones. The model implies that distinct management zones should differ by marginal seed productivity when evaluated at the same seeding rate. Based on this model and a dataset collected from 10 on‐farm trials in Ohio and Michigan in 2017 and 2018, we implement a quadratic model regression analysis describing yield response to seeding rate. Results show that management zones in four out of 10 trials do not display statistically significant differences in marginal seed productivity. The small differences across management zones could result from the soybean plant's ability to compensate for yield due to fewer plants by increasing branches per plant and/or from inappropriately identified management zones. The estimated profit gains from applying VRS across the 10 trials vary from $0.20 to $30.60 ha−1. We also find that increasing seeding rate and mean yield decreases yield variability and yield skewness. Overall, the difference in marginal seed productivity is crucial for the appropriate determination of VRS management zones. Core Ideas: Successful implementation of VRS to increase profit requires management zones to differ by marginal seed productivity.For four out of 10 fields, VRS was unnecessary due to insignificant differences in marginal seed productivities.Increasing seeding rate and mean yield reduce yield variability and skew yield distribution leftward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core Ideas: Biochar was applied to three field locations in Fall 2020 to test impact on corn and soybean yield.In 2021, corn yield was unaffected by biochar application compared to the non‐treated control.In 2022, soybean yield increased with biochar application at one out of three locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in the spring of 2020, many Americans avoided the healthcare system, while those with COVID-19 symptoms were faced with decisions about seeking healthcare services for this novel virus. Methods: Using a probability sample (n = 1088) from the Michigan adult population of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases who were diagnosed prior to July 31, 2020, we used logistic regression to examine sociodemographic and symptom severity predictors of care-seeking behaviors. The analyses examined three different outcomes: (1) whether respondents sought care and, among those who sought care, whether they sought care from (2) a primary care provider or (3) an emergency room. Final models were adjusted for sex, age, race and ethnicity, income, education, marital status, living arrangement, health insurance, and self-reported symptom severity. Results: We found that participants ages 65 and older had 4.00 times higher odds of seeking care than 18-34-year-olds (95% CI: 2.21, 7.24), while adults reporting very severe symptoms had roughly 15 times higher odds of seeking care than those with mild symptoms (95% CI: 7.73, 27.01). Adults who were non-Hispanic Black or were uninsured had lower odds of seeking care from a primary care physician versus seeking care from other locations in comparison to adults who were non-Hispanic White or were privately insured, respectively (non-Hispanic Black: aOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.44; Uninsured: aOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.42). Conversely, adults who were older or reported more severe symptoms had higher odds of seeking care from an emergency room versus other locations in comparison to adults who were younger or reported less severe symptoms (Age 65+: aOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.40, 6.28; Very Severe Symptoms: aOR = 6.63, 95% CI: 3.33, 13.20). Conclusions: Our results suggest differential utilization of healthcare services early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Further analyses are needed to examine the reasons for these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of preschoolers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an understudied domain, and translational research assisting practitioners in the real-life identification of PTSD symptoms is critical. The current study examined therapists' behavioural notes of 56 children participating in a 10-session intervention following exposure to intimate partner violence. The notes were analysed to identify themes in children's expression of re-experiencing symptoms and examine the overlap of these symptoms with emotional and behavioural dysregulation. The majority of re-experiencing in the therapeutic context was verbally expressed (e.g. storytelling), but physical re-enactments had the most overlap with in-session emotional and behavioural dysregulation. Session content that addressed who is to blame for the violence, characteristics about families, and conflict resolution techniques elicited particularly high levels of re-experiencing symptoms. The findings indicate that re-experiencing symptoms are both evident and recognisable in the therapeutic context, and practitioners should be careful not to misdiagnose children with behaviour disorders when dysregulation is explained by the presence of re-experiencing symptoms. Potential safety mechanisms that can be put in place to support young children during "high triggering" sessions are also considered.

This study reports on an examination of the effectiveness of a reading intervention for adults with disabilities in a vocational rehabilitation setting. Participants were 57 adults with disabilities and low reading skills enrolled at the Reading Clinic at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. As part of a 3-year research and demonstration grant evaluation project, participants received an individualized reading intervention that targeted phonological processing, orthographic pattern recognition, and comprehension for adults with disabilities and low reading levels. The particular program incorporated fluency exercises at every level of the structured, explicit, and systematic intervention curriculum. Results showed that participants made moderate to large gains in passage reading accuracy and comprehension during the course of the intervention. Gains in passage reading rate were not statistically significant. Results are discussed in relation to theories of reading disability and intervention for adults with reading disabilities in vocational rehabilitation settings. (Contains 5 tables.)

Selecting optimal corn and soybean seeding rates are difficult decisions to make. A survey of Ohio and Michigan farm operators finds that, although generally keen to learn from others, they tend to emphasize their own experience over outside information sources. Soybean growers declare university and extension recommendations as more important than do corn growers. In response to direct queries and in free comments, growers place more emphasis on understanding the agronomic and technological problems at hand than on adjusting to the market environment. Given the decision environment, we argue that these responses are reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Emerging evidence suggests many people have persistent symptoms after acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC). Methods We used a population-based probability survey of adults with COVID-19 in Michigan. Living noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System with COVID-19 onset through mid-April 2020 were eligible for selection (N = 28 000). Among 2000 selected, 629 completed the survey between June–December 2020. We estimated PASC prevalence, defined as persistent symptoms ≥30 (30-day COVID-19) or ≥60 (60-day COVID-19) days post–COVID-19 onset, overall and by sociodemographic and clinical factors. We used modified Poisson regression to produce adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for potential risk factors. Results The analytic sample (n = 593) was predominantly female (56.1%), aged ≥45 years (68.2%), and non-Hispanic White (46.3%) or Black (34.8%). Thirty- and 60-day COVID-19 were highly prevalent (52.5% and 35.0%), even among nonhospitalized respondents (43.7% and 26.9%) and respondents reporting mild symptoms (29.2% and 24.5%). Respondents reporting very severe (vs mild) symptoms had 2.25 times higher prevalence of 30-day COVID-19 (aPR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.46–3.46) and 1.71 times higher prevalence of 60-day COVID-19 (aPR, 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02–2.88). Hospitalized (vs nonhospitalized) respondents had ~40% higher prevalence of both 30-day (aPR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12–1.69) and 60-day (aPR, 1.40; 95% CI: 1.02–1.93) COVID-19. Conclusions PASC is highly prevalent among cases reporting severe initial symptoms and, to a lesser extent, cases reporting mild and moderate symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field crop fertilizer recommendations for Ohio, Indiana and Michigan are currently based on the Bray P1 extractant for phosphorus (P) and the ammonium acetate extractant (AA) for base cations. The fertilizer recommendations in this Tri-State region are currently being revised and will use the Mehlich-3 soil test extractant as the new basis for P and potassium (K) fertilizer recommendations. The goal of this study was to document the relationships between Mehlich-3, Bray P1, and AA soil test extractants and to provide a comprehensive review of these relationships published in the literature. Soil samples (n = 2,659) were collected across Ohio and Indiana from a diverse range of fields and analyzed for Mehlich-3, Bray P1 and AA extractable nutrients for P, K, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Mehlich-3 P values were highly related to, but 35% greater than Bray P1 values. Mehlich-3 values were highly related to AA values, but 14% greater than AA-K, 13% greater than AA-Ca and 20% greater than AA-Mg. Our results are largely consistent with a comprehensively compiled literature review that indicates Mehlich-3 is an efficient and suitable soil test extractant for assessing extractable nutrient levels in the Tri-State region of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Moms' Empowerment Program (MEP) provides affordable services to address the effects of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and to enhance their mental health. In past evaluations with mothers of school-age children this ten-session program was successful in reducing women's symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Method: A new efficacy trial compares outcomes for women with preschool-age children who received the MEP to those randomly assigned to a waitlist comparison condition. Women with young children (N = 120) who had experienced IPV living in Southeast Michigan and Ontario, Canada, were assessed at baseline, 5 weeks later (at post-intervention) and at approximately 8-month follow-up. Using standardized measures, this evaluation compared rates of change in women's symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Results: Approximately 46% of the women were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); 94% reported re-experiencing symptoms, 85% physiological arousal symptoms, and 69% avoidance/numbing symptoms. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) results showed that the MEP was somewhat successful in reducing women's symptoms of posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, the extent of improvement was related to both age and the number of sessions attended during the program. Conclusion: This finding indicates that mothers with young children, who have experienced IPV and who are significantly distressed, may be successfully treated by attending this group intervention designed specifically to address their unique experiences and needs. Clinical impact: High rates of traumatic stress and PTSD are found in women who experience intimate partner violence. A comparison study showed that a 10-session group intervention, the MEP, was success in reducing their traumatic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • First quantitative study to test the association of hybridization rate and various ecological and physiological factors. • Nearly one fifth of vascular plant species hybridize. • 97% of hybridizing species are perennial and hybridization rates differ between life forms. • Data implicates habitat disturbance as a critical factor in hybridization. • There are significantly more herbarium collections for hybridizing species–implications for potential bias. Abstract Hybridization is an important and creative process in plant evolution, but the factors that are associated with hybridization have not been systematically determined. In this study, we first quantify hybridization frequency in the "Field Manual of Michigan Flora" and then test multiple ecological and physiological variables for an association with hybridization using multiple logistic regression and other methods. From our data, more than 17% of species produce hybrids with other species in the wild. There was no systematic association between phylogeny and hybridization rate, but taxonomic order was a significant independent variable in the regression model and the majority of hybrids were restricted to a handful of taxonomic groups. Life history, life form, and habitat disturbance were all significant explanatory variables for hybridization likelihood. Nearly 97% of hybridizing taxa were perennial with fern allies and woody groups found to hybridize the most. The data also indicate that the rate of hybridization increased with greater ecological disturbance. Interestingly, hybridization rate was positively correlated with the number of herbarium collections and this is potentially a confounding variable in quantifying the true frequency of hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) poses serious risks to the health of women. Numerous studies link children's IPV exposure to various forms of developmental psychopathology. One possible explanatory factor appears to be children's beliefs and attitudes about the violence they have witnessed. Little research has investigated how these beliefs may change over time. The sample consisted of 109 mother-child pairs where the mother experienced IPV in the past 2 years. Multilevel modeling was used to examine change in children's attitudes and beliefs over time. Maternal depression and corporal punishment were associated with higher initial levels of maladaptive beliefs about family violence. Children's beliefs about violence improved over time. Findings indicate that while cognitive treatments may offer some utility for intervening with children, providing intervention support for the broader family system (i.e., around maternal depression and use of corporal punishment) may also be important pathways to supporting families exposed to IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research on intimate partner violence (IPV) and a survivor's decision whether to remain in or leave a violent relationship has often been framed by the question "why do they stay?" This study looks reframe the discussion and examine one facet of this stay-leave decision: abusers' use of coercive control tactics. Using a qualitative approach with a sample of pregnant women exposed to IPV, we sought to expand on the current knowledge by looking at coercive control more broadly via an open-ended assessment. Interview responses show that (a) coercive control was experienced by most of the women in this sample and (b) coercion most often took the form of "latent" or hidden control, including such tactics as providing incentives, showing remorse, and making promises. However, such latent coercive tactics are rarely assessed in IPV survivors and represent an important factor deserving of further research and recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain are frequently comorbid conditions that can result in bidirectional exacerbations. Initial research suggests physical activity may prevent PTSD symptoms or assist with recovery. Unfortunately, Veterans with PTSD are less likely to engage in physical activity, often citing pain as a primary reason. The current study examines the potential role of physical activity as a moderator of the pain and PTSD relationship. Design. Data were collected from 239 Veterans who were seeking PTSD treatment at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital between 2006 and 2013. Veterans completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) to measure PTSD severity and self-report inventories to measure pain and physical activity. Multiple moderated linear regressions were used to examine the influence of physical activity on the relationship between pain and PTSD symptoms. Results. Pain severity and interference were associated with more severe PTSD. Physical activity did not have main effects on PTSD severity. However, it did moderate the relationship between PTSD and pain, such that those who were active, despite high levels of pain severity or pain interference, had fewer PTSD symptoms. Conclusions. For Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD, physical activity was particularly salient for those reporting high levels of pain severity and intensity. While assessment of pain is recommended with all Veterans, it may also be beneficial to evaluate physical activity in those with prominent pain complaints. Further examination of the role of exercise in integrated care for pain and PTSD is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention in changing the positive and negative parenting practices of 120 mothers who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in the last 2 years. Mothers assigned to the treatment group participated in a 10-session evidence-based intervention, known as the Moms' Empowerment Program, which targets the mental health problems of women and works to increase access to resources and improve parenting abilities of women exposed to IPV. Participants were interviewed at baseline and immediately following the intervention or waitlist period, representing an elapsed time of approximately 5 weeks. After controlling for relevant demographic variables, violence severity, and mental health, women showed significantly more change in their positive parenting scores if they were in the treatment condition. No significant differences were found between the treatment and comparison groups in their negative parenting practices change scores. These findings suggest that even short-term intervention can improve positive parenting skills and parenting knowledge for women who have experienced partner abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agencies providing services for families experiencing homelessness face challenges, particularly with diminishing resources driven and prioritized by policy mandates. To understand the impact of policies related to homeless families, we conducted a qualitative, exploratory study including the chief executive officers (CEOs) and/or executive directors (EDs) of five family homeless providers in southeast Michigan. Our analysis revealed that policies for homeless families are made with limited input from service providers and recipients. Providers struggle to deliver services within narrow funding boundaries and worry about future needs of homeless families. Future policies must increase stakeholder input to maximize policy relevance and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on an examination of the effectiveness of a reading intervention for adults with disabilities in a vocational rehabilitation setting. Participants were 57 adults with disabilities and low reading skills enrolled at the Reading Clinic at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. As part of a 3-year research and demonstration grant evaluation project, participants received an individualized reading intervention that targeted phonological processing, orthographic pattern recognition, and comprehension for adults with disabilities and low reading levels. The particular program incorporated fluency exercises at every level of the structured, explicit, and systematic intervention curriculum. Results showed that participants made moderate to large gains in passage reading accuracy and comprehension during the course of the intervention. Gains in passage reading rate were not statistically significant. Results are discussed in relation to theories of reading disability and intervention for adults with reading disabilities in vocational rehabilitation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current broad definition of Long COVID, and an overreliance on clinical and convenience samples, is leading to a wide array of Long COVID estimates with limited generalizability. Our objective was to examine Long COVID symptoms using a statewide population-based probability sample. Among 8000 sampled adults with polymerase-chain-reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 between June 2020 and July 2021 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System, 2533 completed our survey (response rate 32.2%). Using modified Poisson regression, we examined sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical predictors of eight Long COVID symptom clusters, defined as at least one applicable symptom lasting 90 or more days post COVID-19 onset. Neuropsychiatric Long COVID symptoms, including brain fog, were most prevalent (23.7%), followed by systemic symptoms (17.1%), including fatigue, musculoskeletal (11.4%), pulmonary (10.4%), dermatologic (6.7%), cardiovascular (6.1%), gastrointestinal (5.4%), and ear, nose, and throat symptoms (5.3%). In adjusted analyses, female sex, a pre-existing psychological condition, and intensive care unit admission were strong predictors of most Long COVID symptom clusters. Older age was not associated with a higher prevalence of all symptoms – cardiovascular and dermatologic symptoms were most prevalent among middle-aged adults and age was not associated with neuropsychiatric or gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, there were fewer associations between pre-existing conditions and cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, and dermatologic symptoms compared to other symptom clusters. While many predictors of Long COVID symptom clusters were similar, the relationship with age and pre-existing conditions varied across clusters. Cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, and dermatologic symptoms require further study as potentially distinct from other Long COVID symptoms. • Female sex, mental illness, and severe acute illness predict Long COVID prevalence. • Older age is not associated with higher prevalence of all Long COVID symptoms. • Cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, and dermatologic may be distinct syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]