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Despite copious data linking brain function with changes to social behavior and mental health, little is known about how puberty relates to brain functioning. We investigated the specificity of brain network connectivity associations with pubertal indices and age to inform neurodevelopmental models of adolescence. We examined how brain network connectivity during a peer evaluation fMRI task related to pubertal hormones (dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone), pubertal timing and status, and age. Participants were 99 adolescents assigned female at birth aged 9-15 (M = 12.38, SD = 1.81) enriched for the presence of internalizing symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed that within Salience, between Frontoparietal - Reward and Cinguloopercular - Reward network connectivity were associated with all measures of pubertal development and age. Specifically, Salience connectivity linked with age, pubertal hormones, and status, but not timing. In contrast, Frontoparietal - Reward connectivity was only associated with hormones. Finally, Cinguloopercular - Reward connectivity related to age and pubertal status, but not hormones or timing. These results provide evidence that the salience processing underlying peer evaluation is jointly influenced by various indices of puberty and age, while coordination between cognitive control and reward circuitry is related to pubertal hormones, pubertal status, and age in unique ways.

Abstract Previous studies indicate differences in experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic but are constricted by limited timeframes and absence of key risk factors. This study explores temporal and inter-individual variations of loneliness in Canadians over the pandemic’s first year (April 2020–2021), by identifying loneliness trajectories. It then seeks to provide information about groups overrepresented in high and persistent loneliness trajectories by examining their associations with risk factors: social isolation indicators (living alone, adherence to health measures limiting in-person contacts, and online contacts), young adultood, and the interactions between these factors. Data comes from a large longitudinal study with a representative Canadian sample (n = 1763) and 11 measurement times. Analyses consist of (1) a group-based modelling approach to identify trajectories of loneliness and (2) multinomial logistic regressions to test associations between risk factors and trajectory membership. Varied experiences of loneliness during the pandemic were revealed as five trajectories were identified: moderate-unstable (38.5%), high-stable (26.7%), low-unstable (20.5%), very low-stable (8.6%), and very high-decreasing (5.7%). Individuals living alone associated with higher trajectories. Contrary to our expectations, adhering to social distancing measures and having fewer online contacts associated with lower trajectories. Age and interactions were not significant in regard to loneliness trajectories.

Rising poverty in suburbs has led to increased interest in how well suburban safety nets function. Apart from public assistance programs, community-based nonprofit health and human service organizations play a central role in suburban efforts to address racial and economic inequalities. Understanding how nonprofit services are distributed across the suburban and urban landscape, therefore, is critical to assessing how communities may be able to address need. In this paper, we examine the presence and volatility of nonprofit health and human service expenditures in suburban and urban counties across the United States from 2000 to 2017. We find the nonprofit safety net to be more responsive in urban centers than in suburban places, and less robust in suburban areas experiencing high rates of poverty or with a larger share of residents who are Black. Nonprofit health and human service spending also appears less countercyclical than is commonly understood. Suburban-urban disparities in nonprofit health and human service spending persist after controlling for several county-level demographic and socioeconomic factors.

As PhD students and sessional lecturers, we undertook a collaborative narrative study to explore our pedagogical and curricular approaches to decolonizing a community development course offered in our College of Education. We gathered our conversations, reflective journals, and notes, then wove together the narratives thematically using a métissage research methodology. We discovered ways we come together in the spaces in-between our different experiences, backgrounds, and worldviews, as Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, decolonizing our curriculum and our students' classroom experience. This paper shares one of the thematic braids we created, focused on the use of story for research, story as pedagogy and story for building relationships. We encourage educators to consider bridging their worldviews with other ways of seeing and knowing, to work toward decolonizing their teaching practices using story, and to form relationships across differences using story. [Articles in this journal were presented at the University of Calgary Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching.]

Background/Objectives: During the pandemic, client-facing workers were perceived to be at greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study investigated the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among a cohort of 304 retail workers in the Quebec City metropolitan area. Methods: After providing consent, participants were interviewed to gather information on demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and occupational variables. They were subsequently followed for up to five visits, scheduled every 12 ± 4 weeks. The study covered critical periods before and during the emergence of the Omicron variants and included retrospective reporting of COVID-19 symptoms and virus detection tests to capture the pandemic’s early stages. Results: During the observation period, 173 (57%) participants experienced a first episode of COVID-19. Serological evidence of recent infection was detected in 160 participants (53%), while 117 (38%) reported a positive virus detection test. In adjusted analyses, risk factors for infection included younger age, a diagnosis of lung disease, longer weekly working hours, more frequent social gatherings, and having received fewer than three doses of vaccine. Notably, the increased risk associated with younger age and longer working hours was observed only after the relaxation of public health measures in the spring of 2022. Conclusions: These data suggest that during the early years of the pandemic when strict public health measures were in place, retail work was not a significant risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Quebec City metropolitan area. These findings highlight the complex dynamics of COVID-19 transmission and the effectiveness of workplace protective measures.

Over the last decades, the human species has seen an increase in the incidence of pathologies linked to the genitourinary tract. Observations in animals have allowed us to link these increases, at least in part, to changes in the environment and, in particular, to an increasing presence of endocrine disruptors. These can be physical agents, such as light or heat; natural products, such as phytoestrogens; or chemicals produced by humans. Endocrine disruptors may interfere with the signaling pathways mediated by the endocrine system, particularly those linked to sex hormones. These factors and their general effects are presented before focusing on the male and female genitourinary tracts by describing their anatomy, development, and pathologies, including bladder and prostate cancer.

Abstract Highly mutable pathogens generate viral diversity that impacts virulence, transmissibility, treatment, and thwarts acquired immunity. We previously described C19-SPAR-Seq, a high-throughput, next-generation sequencing platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 that we here deployed to systematically profile variant dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 for over 3 years in a large, North American urban environment (Toronto, Canada). Sequencing of the ACE2 receptor binding motif and polybasic furin cleavage site of the Spike gene in over 70,000 patients revealed that population sweeps of canonical variants of concern (VOCs) occurred in repeating wavelets. Furthermore, we found that VOC mutant derivatives and putative quasispecies that targeted functionally important residues and were found in future VOCs arose frequently, but were always extinguished. Systematic screening of functionally relevant domains in pathogens could thus provide a powerful tool for monitoring spread and mutational trajectories, particularly those with zoonotic potential.

Objective: Prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery significantly increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to establish the role of diaphragmatic pacing to decrease mechanical ventilation burden in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized trial of temporary diaphragmatic pacing electrode use in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (NCT04899856). Prognostic enrichment strategy was used to identify patients at higher risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation by having inclusion criteria of prior open cardiac surgery, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%, history of stroke, intra-aortic balloon pump, or history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Two electrodes were placed in each hemidiaphragm intraoperatively. On arrival to the intensive care unit, patients were randomized to immediate diaphragmatic pacing or standard of care. Results: Forty patients received implants, with 19 in the treatment group and 21 in the standard of care group. Only 1 patient in the treatment group was on mechanical ventilation at 24 hours versus 4 patients in the standard of care group, resulting in a relative risk reduction of 71% being on mechanical ventilation at 24 hours postoperatively. Predictive enrichment strategy was used to identify patients most likely to respond to therapy of diaphragmatic pacing. In this analysis, median time on mechanical ventilation was 17.7 hours (interquartile range, 8.3-23.4) for the 15 patients in the standard of care group and 9.4 hours (interquartile range, 7.14-12.5) for the 13 patients in the treatment group, for an improvement of 8 hours with diaphragm pacing (P

Abstract Neurodevelopmental disorders are thought to arise from intrinsic brain abnormalities. Alternatively, they may arise from disrupted crosstalk among tissues. Here we show the local reduction of two vestibulo-cerebellar lobules, the paraflocculus and flocculus, in mouse models and humans with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). In mice, this paraflocculus/flocculus dysplasia is associated with haploinsufficiency of the Tbx1 gene. Tbx1 haploinsufficiency also leads to impaired cerebellar synaptic plasticity and motor learning. However, neural cell compositions and neurogenesis are not altered in the dysplastic paraflocculus/flocculus. Interestingly, 22q11DS and Tbx1 +/– mice have malformations of the subarcuate fossa, a part of the petrous temporal bone, which encapsulates the paraflocculus/flocculus. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing reveals that Tbx1 haploinsufficiency leads to precocious differentiation of chondrocytes to osteoblasts in the petrous temporal bone autonomous to paraflocculus/flocculus cell populations. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized pathogenic structure/function relation in 22q11DS in which local skeletal deformity and cerebellar dysplasia result in behavioral deficiencies.

A protocol for detecting the potential occurrence of spontaneous combustion (SC) in stored cottonseeds and peanuts using a micro-incubator is described. The protocol indicates how to quantify CO2 production rates and final CO2 levels in wet versus dry cottonseed and peanut samples, which can provide crucial data for the early detection of SC risk in storage facilities. The experimental design utilizes a micro-incubator to simulate conditions found in large bulk crop storage. Parameters monitored include CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity. The protocol includes preparation methods, experimental procedures for both control (dry) and wet seed tests, and test termination criteria that allow for safe experimentation of likely pathogenic fungi. The protocol has three replicates for wet and dry conditions. The protocol is intended to facilitate future experimental studies and ultimately contribute to the development of a consistently reliable early warning fire detection system for SC in cottonseed and peanut warehouse facilities. A consistently reliable fire detection system would address a critical need in the cotton and peanut industry for improved fire risk management and insurability of storage facilities.

The removal of plastic contamination from cotton lint is a critical issue for the U.S. cotton industry. One primary source of this contamination is the plastic wrap used on cotton modules by John Deere round module harvesters. Despite rigorous efforts by cotton ginning personnel to eliminate plastic during module unwrapping, fragments still enter the gin’s processing system. To address this, we developed a machine-vision detection and removal system using low-cost color cameras to identify and expel plastic from the gin-stand feeder apron, preventing contamination. However, the system, comprising 30–50 ARM computers running Linux, poses significant challenges in terms of calibration and tuning, requiring extensive technical knowledge. This research aims to transform the system into a plug-and-play appliance by incorporating an auto-calibration algorithm that dynamically tracks cotton colors and excludes plastic images to maintain calibration integrity. We present the image dataset that was used to validate the design, consisting of several key AI Vision-Transformer image classifiers that form the heart of the auto-calibration algorithm, which is expected to reduce setup and operational overhead significantly. The auto-calibration feature will minimize the need for skilled personnel, facilitating the broader adoption of the plastic removal system in the cotton ginning industry.

Abstract This report presents results of parent-implemented behavioral treatments for a child with cortical visual impairment (CVI), intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with a pathogenic variant in the SCN2A gene (i.e., SCN2A-Related Disorder). Treatment evaluations were informed by combined results of functional behavior assessment (FBA) and functional vision assessment (FVA) which yielded CVI-related accommodations. The treatment of escape-maintained challenging behavior involved the evaluation of behavioral prompting strategies in accordance with CVI-related accommodations, extinction (EXT), and differential reinforcement modifications. The treatment for behavior problems maintained by access to food (tangible-edible) included functional communication training (FCT), EXT, and schedule thinning with schedule-correlated visual signals. Overall, integrating child-specific CVI-related accommodations was essential for developing effective behavioral interventions for this child. FVAs are accessible and practical for uptake by behavior analysts in vision-informed assessment and treatment of challenging behavior.

Abstract Background Contraception knowledge and attitudes are largely formed from conversations within one’s social network. More recently, this network has expanded to include social media. As the fastest growing social media platform, we aimed to assess popular contraception videos on TikTok for content understandability, actionability and accuracy. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the most viewed, contraception-specific TikTok videos that were previously coded as containing educational messaging in a content-analysis study. We assessed videos for understandability (ability to explain a key message) and actionability (identify what they can do to act on that message) using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT-A/V) instrument and for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) using a modified instrument within the health information education literature. Results The 174 videos with educational content scored as understandable but not actionable in PEMAT-A/V assessment, with videos created by healthcare providers (HCPs) performing better than those by non-HCPs in six of eleven domains of understandability. Videos overall scored well in relevance and purpose within the CRAAP assessment. Videos created by HCP’s (n = 99) scored higher than those by non-HCPs (n = 75) in relevance (score = 3.9 versus 3.3), authority (score = 4.8 versus 1.7), accuracy (score = 6.0 versus 3.5), and purpose (score = 7.1 versus 5.7) [all p

Abstract Background Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death for U.S. adolescents. Given the prevalence of firearm ownership in the U.S., particularly among parental figures in homes with children and teens, and the relationship between firearm access and injury outcomes, it is vital to shed light on potential parental motivations for keeping firearms in their homes. The purpose of this analysis was to examine whether exposure to community violence is associated with parental firearm ownership. Methods Data from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens Consortium’s National Survey (6/24/2020-7/24/2020) was examined. The survey sample comprised parents/caregivers of high-school-age teens (age 14–18). The survey examined various measures, including firearm ownership, storage, community violence exposure, and sociodemographic characteristics. Stepwise logistic regression was used to examine the association between community violence exposure and parental firearm ownership. Results The study included 2,924 participants, with 45.1% identifying as male, 12.9% identifying as Hispanic, and 25.3% identifying as non-White. Among these participants, 43.1% reported firearm ownership, and 49.9% reported exposure to community violence. Regression models demonstrate that community violence exposure is associated with an increased likelihood of firearm ownership among parents/caregivers of high-school age teens (OR = 1.08, p

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide a valuable opportunity to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) and metabolic comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome and prediabetes. However, strategies to reverse these conditions remain to be explored. The DIABEPIC-1 study aimed to assess the feasibility of an enhanced 6-month cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with ASCVD while investigating prediabetes and metabolic syndrome remission. Methods: The study combined exercise training with a comprehensive nutritional intervention, emphasizing reduction in intake of ultraprocessed foods, adoption of a Mediterranean diet, and implementation of time-restricted eating. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments included segmental body-composition measurements, blood analysis, maximal exercise testing, nutritional diaries recorded with the Keenoa AI app, and lifestyle questionnaires. Remission criteria included a return to an HbA1c level of < 5.7%, and < 3 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP-III) criteria for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Results: A total of 36 participants were recruited. The study demonstrated completion rates of 94.4% at 3 months, and 88.9% at 6 months, and a mean compliance rate of 92.5% for planned clinical appointments. Significant reductions in waist circumference (–9.2 cm, P < 0.001) and weight (–8.0 kg, P < 0.001) were observed. Improvement in glycemic and lipid profiles, insulin-resistance marker levels, and liver health were noted. Participants enhanced their cardiorespiratory fitness, reduced their consumption of ultraprocessed food, and increased their adherence to the Mediterranean diet and time-restricted eating. Notably, 50% achieved prediabetes remission, and 70% with metabolic syndrome at baseline achieved remission. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the possibility of enhancing cardiac rehabilitation with an intensive nutritional intervention, yielding clinically significant outcomes, including remission of key risk factors in a substantial number of ASCVD patients. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05459987. Résumé: Contexte: Les programmes de réadaptation cardiaque offrent une occasion précieuse de promouvoir l'adoption d'un mode de vie sain chez les patients atteints de maladies cardiovasculaires athéroscléreuses (MCVA) et de comorbidités métaboliques, notamment le syndrome métabolique et le prédiabète. Cependant, les stratégies visant à inverser ces conditions restent à explorer. L'étude DIABEPIC-1 visait à évaluer la faisabilité d'un programme de réadaptation cardiaque renforcé de 6 mois pour les patients atteints de MCVA tout en examinant la rémission du prédiabète et du syndrome métabolique. Méthodes: L'étude a combiné un entraînement physique avec une intervention nutritionnelle complète, mettant l'accent sur la réduction de la consommation d'aliments ultra-transformés, l'adoption d'un régime méditerranéen et la mise en œuvre d'une alimentation restreinte dans le temps. Les évaluations de base, à 3 mois et à 6 mois, comprenaient des mesures de la composition corporelle par segments, des analyses sanguines, des tests d'exercice maximal, la tenue de journaux nutritionnels enregistrés avec l'application Keenoa AI et des questionnaires sur le mode de vie. Les critères de rémission comprenaient un retour à un niveau d'hémoglobine glyquée HbA1c < 5,7 %, et < 3 critères de la table du « National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III » (NCEP/ATP-III) pour le prédiabète et le syndrome métabolique, respectivement. Résultats: Au total, 36 participants ont été recrutés. L'étude a montré des taux d'achèvement de 94,4 % à 3 mois et de 88,9 % à 6 mois, ainsi qu'un taux de conformité moyen de 92,5 % pour les rendez-vous cliniques planifiés. Des réductions significatives du tour de taille (-9,2 cm, p < 0,001) et du poids (-8,0 kg, p < 0,001) ont été observées. Une amélioration des profils glycémiques et lipidiques, des niveaux de marqueurs de résistance à l'insuline et de la santé hépatique a été constatée. Les participants ont amélioré leur condition cardiorespiratoire, réduit leur consommation d'aliments ultra-transformés et augmenté leur adhésion au régime méditerranéen et à l'alimentation restreinte dans le temps. Notamment, 50 % des participants ont obtenu une rémission du prédiabète et 70 % des participants atteints du syndrome métabolique au début de l'étude ont atteint la rémission. Conclusions: L'étude démontre la possibilité d'améliorer la réadaptation cardiaque par une intervention nutritionnelle intensive, produisant des résultats cliniquement significatifs, y compris la rémission des principaux facteurs de risque chez un nombre substantiel de patients atteints de MCVA. Enregistrement de l'essai clinique: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05459987.