Views and perspectives toward implementing the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) model of care, and related spine care program by the people in Cross Lake, Northern Manitoba, Canada: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF).

BACKGROUND: Back pain is very common and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Due to health care system inequalities, Indigenous communities have a disproportionately higher prevalence of injury and acute and chronic diseases compared to the general Canadian population. Indigenous communities, particularly in northern Canada, have limited access to evidence-based spine care. Strategies established in collaboration with Indigenous peoples are needed to address unmet healthcare needs, including spine care (chiropractic and movement program) services. This study aimed to understand the views and perspectives of Cross Lake community leaders and clinicians working at Cross Lake Nursing Station (CLNS) in northern Manitoba regarding the implementation of the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) model of spine care (MoC) and related implementation strategies. METHOD: A qualitative exploratory design using an interpretivist paradigm was used. Twenty community partners were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) adapted to capture pertinent information. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively, and the interpretation of findings were explored in consultation with community members and partners. RESULTS: Community leaders (n = 9) and physicians, nurses, and allied health workers (n = 11) emphasized: 1) the importance of contextualizing the MoC (triaging and care pathway) and proposed new services through in-person community engagement; 2) the need and desire for local non-pharmacological spine care approaches; and 3) streamlining patient triage and CLNS workflow. Recommendations for the streamlining included reducing managerial/administrative duties, educating new incoming clinicians, incorporating follow-up appointments for spine pain patients, and establishing an electronic medical record system along with a patient portal. Suggestions regarding how to sustain the new spine care services included providing transportation, protecting allocated clinic space, resolving insurance coverage discrepancies, addressing misconceptions about chiropractic care, instilling the value of physical activity for self-care and pain relief, and a short-term (30-day) incentivised movement program which considers a variety of movement options and offers a social component after each session. CONCLUSION: Community partners were favorable to the inclusion of a refined GSCI MoC. Adapting the TDF to unique Indigenous needs may help understand how best to implement the MoC in communities with similar needs.

A longitudinal study on the impact of working from home during the COVID 19 pandemic: Self-rated general health, stress, and work-family and family-work conflict - are there gender and parental status differences?

OBJECTIVE: Examine the impact of working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic on general health, stress, work-family and family-work conflict over-time and identify differences by gender and parental status. METHODS: Trajectory analyses described outcomes over-time. Multinomial logistic regression relates the effects of gender, children, and the interaction between them, on group membership based on the Latent Class Growth Analyses. RESULTS: Not all trajectories followed the expected cubic pattern. Females had less family-work conflict (high/low: OR 0.29 95%CI 0.17-0.66; moderate/low OR 0.37 95%CI 0.20-0.67). Children increased the odds of family-work conflict (high/low: OR 8.48 95%CI 3.38-21.25; moderate/low OR 2.98 95%CI 1.63-5.43). Work-family conflict was worse for those with children (high-to-moderate decline/low-stable: OR 2.59 95%CI 1.25-5.41). CONCLUSIONS: WFH has implications for health and wellbeing of employees with differences based on gender and parental status for stress, work-family and family-work conflict.

Care at a distance: Understanding lived experiences of people with MSK disorders receiving non-pharmacological interventions delivered through synchronous telehealth: A systematic rapid review.

Background: Little is known about lived experience of synchronous telehealth in patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Objective: We conducted a rapid systematic review to answer: (1) what are the lived experiences and/or perspectives of people with MSK disorders receiving non-pharmacological interventions delivered through synchronous telehealth; and (2) what clinical implications can be inferred from qualitative studies focusing on lived experiences for how telehealth is delivered in the management of MSK disorders? Data sources: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar from June 2010 to July 2023. Eligible qualitative and mixed methods studies capturing lived experiences of adults with MSK disorders receiving non-pharmacological interventions via synchronous telehealth were included. Study methods: Systematic rapid review conducted according to WHO guidelines. Titles and abstracts screened by reviewers independently, eligible studies critically appraised, and data was extracted. Themes summarized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) used to assess confidence in synthesis findings. Results: We identified 9782 references, screened 8029, and critically appraised 22, and included 17 studies. There is evidence to suggest that the experience of telehealth prior to and during the pandemic was shaped by (1) patient perception of telehealth, (2) existing relationships with practitioners, (3) availability and accessibility of telehealth technologies, and (4) perceptions about the importance of the role of the physical exam in assessing and treating MSK disorders. Conclusion: The five identified implications could be used to inform future research, policy, and strategy development.

Potential Serological Misdiagnosis of Barmah Forest Virus and Ross River Virus Diseases as Chikungunya Virus Infections in Australia: Comparison of ELISA with Neutralization Assay Results.

To evaluate the frequency of errors in the diagnosis of medical laboratory-diagnosed Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections in Australia, we studied 42 laboratory-diagnosed CHIKV serum samples from one Queensland medical laboratory by ELISA IgG/IgM and measured the specific neutralization antibodies (Nab) against Barmah Forest virus (BFV), CHIKV and Ross River virus (RRV). The sero-positivity rates for the sera were as follows: anti-BFV IgG+ 19% (8/42), IgM+ 2.4% (1/42) and Nab+ 16.7% (7/42); anti-CHIKV IgG+ 90.5% (38/42), IgM+ 21.4% (9/42) and Nab+ 90.5% (38/42); anti-RRV IgG+ 88.1% (37/42), IgM+ 28.6% (12/42) and Nab+ 83.2% (35/42), respectively. Among the samples with multiple antibody positivity, 2.4% (1/42) showed triple ELISA IgM+, and 14.3% (6/42) exhibited double IgM RRV+CHIKV+; 9.5% (4/42) showed triple IgG+, 76.2% (32/42) displayed double IgG RRV+CHIKV+, 4.8% (2/42) showed IgG BFV+RRV+ and 4.8% (2/42) showed IgG BFV++CHIKV+; and 9.5% (4/42) showed triple Nab+ and 69% (29/42) exhibited double Nab RRV+CHIKV+, respectively. Our analysis of the single-virus infection control Nab results suggested no cross-neutralization between RRV and BFV, and only mild cross-neutralization between CHIKV and RRV, BFV and CHIKV, all with a ≥4-fold Nab titre ratio difference between the true virus infection and cross-reactivity counterpart virus. Subsequently, we re-diagnosed these 42 patients as 1 BFV+, 8 CHIKV+ and 23 RRV+ single-virus infections, along with five RRV+/BFV+ and four RRV+/CHIKV+ double infections, and one possible RRV+/BFV+ or RRV+CHIKV+, respectively. These findings suggests that a substantial proportion of medically attended RRV and BFV infections were misdiagnosed as CHIKV infections, highlighting the imperative need for diagnostic laboratory tests capable of distinguishing between CHIKV infections and actively co-circulating RRV and BFV. For a correct diagnosis, it is crucial to consider reliable diagnostic methods such as the neutralization assay to exclude RRV and BFV.

Randomized controlled trial demonstrates novel tools to assess patient outcomes of Indigenous cultural safety training.

BACKGROUND: Health care routinely fails Indigenous peoples and anti-Indigenous racism is common in clinical encounters. Clinical training programs aimed to enhance Indigenous cultural safety (ICS) rely on learner reported impact assessment even though clinician self-assessment is poorly correlated with observational or patient outcome reporting. We aimed to compare the clinical impacts of intensive and brief ICS training to control, and to assess the feasibility of ICS training evaluation tools, including unannounced Indigenous standardized patient (UISP) visits. METHOD: Using a prospective parallel group three-arm randomized controlled trial design and masked standardized patients, we compared the clinical impacts of the intensive interactive, professionally facilitated, 8- to10-h Sanyas ICS training; a brief 1-h anti-bias training adapted to address anti-Indigenous bias; and control continuing medical education time-attention matched to the intensive training. Participants included 58 non-Indigenous staff physicians, resident physicians and nurse practitioners from family practice clinics, and one emergency department across four teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Main outcome measures were the quality of care provided during UISP visits including adjusted odds that clinician would be recommended by the UISP to a friend or family member; mean item scores on patient experience of care measure; and clinical practice guideline adherence for NSAID renewal and pain assessment. RESULTS: Clinicians in the intensive or brief ICS groups had higher adjusted odds of being highly recommended to friends and family by standardized patients (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.17 to 40.45 and OR 7.78, 95% CI 1.05 to 58.03, respectively). Adjusted mean item patient experience scores were 46% (95% CI 12% to 80%) and 40% (95% CI 2% to 78%) higher for clinicians enrolled in the intensive and brief training programs, respectively, compared to control. Small sample size precluded detection of training impacts on clinical practice guideline adherence; 100% of UISP visits were undetected by participating clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-oriented evaluation design and tools including UISPs were demonstrated as feasible and effective. Results show potential impact of cultural safety training on patient recommendation of clinician and improved patient experience. A larger trial to further ascertain impact on clinical practice is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.org NCT05890144. Retrospectively registered on June 5, 2023.

Information is power: a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of patients with degenerative cervical radiculopathy.

ABSTRACT: Degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR) can lead to severe pain, paraesthesia, and/or motor weakness, resulting in significant morbidity, disability, and reduced quality of life. Typically, individuals suffer from prolonged symptoms, with time to complete recovery spanning months to years. Little is known about the impact DCR has on peoples' lives. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the everyday experiences of individuals living with DCR. A qualitative study was conducted through an interpretivist lens exploring the experiences of participants. Participants were purposefully recruited and interviewed with 2 research team members. Transcripts were independently analyzed by 2 reviewers and coding was finalized by consensus. Analysis was performed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, with emergent themes mapped onto the 5 domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Eleven participants were interviewed between December 2021 and April 2022. Three themes emerged: the biopsychosocial impact of DCR, role of the health care provider, and uncertainty surrounding DCR. Pain and paraesthesia were the most common symptoms experienced by participants, leading to significant psychological distress and impact to daily activities, most notably driving, housecleaning, sleep, and ability to work. Participants described the uncertainty they experienced as a result of the unpredictable nature of DCR and the important role that health care providers play in their journey with DCR. Health care providers were seen acting as either a facilitator or a barrier to their recovery. The findings from this study can be used by clinicians providing patient-centered care to better understand the experiences of people with DCR.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of neurofibromas reveals a tumor microenvironment favorable for neural regeneration and immune suppression in a neurofibromatosis type 1 porcine model.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetically inherited disorders that affects 1 in 3000 children annually. Clinical manifestations vary widely but nearly always include the development of cutaneous, plexiform and diffuse neurofibromas that are managed over many years. Recent single-cell transcriptomics profiling efforts of neurofibromas have begun to reveal cell signaling processes. However, the cell signaling networks in mature, non-cutaneous neurofibromas remain unexplored. Here, we present insights into the cellular composition and signaling within mature neurofibromas, contrasting with normal adjacent tissue, in a porcine model of NF1 using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis and histopathological characterization. These neurofibromas exhibited classic diffuse-type histologic morphology and expected patterns of S100, SOX10, GFAP, and CD34 immunohistochemistry. The porcine mature neurofibromas closely resemble human neurofibromas histologically and contain all known cellular components of their human counterparts. The scRNA-seq confirmed the presence of all expected cell types within these neurofibromas and identified novel populations of fibroblasts and immune cells, which may contribute to the tumor microenvironment by suppressing inflammation, promoting M2 macrophage polarization, increasing fibrosis, and driving the proliferation of Schwann cells. Notably, we identified tumor-associated IDO1 +/CD274+ (PD-L1) + dendritic cells, which represent the first such observation in any NF1 animal model and suggest the role of the upregulation of immune checkpoints in mature neurofibromas. Finally, we observed that cell types in the tumor microenvironment are poised to promote immune evasion, extracellular matrix reconstruction, and nerve regeneration.

It might take a village: developing a rehabilitation program of care for degenerative cervical radiculopathy from the patient perspective.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to inform the development of a rehabilitation program of care from the perspectives of those suffering from degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study, purposefully recruiting individuals with DCR. Transcripts from virtual semi-structured interviews were iteratively analyzed using interpretative phenomenological methods. RESULTS: Eleven participants were recruited and depicted their ideal rehabilitation program of care. Participants described the importance of a patient centered-approach, health care providers who were validating, reassuring and attentive, easier access to health services, a supportive and collaborative team environment, and receiving peer support. Furthermore, participants expressed that they would expect the program of care to result in their symptoms being less intense and intermittent. In consideration of the participant perspectives, the ideal rehabilitation program of care can be conceptualized by the enactive-biopsychosocial model, which provides a theoretical framework for developing and implementing the program of care. CONCLUSION: We obtained valuable information from individuals living with DCR regarding their preferences and expectations of a rehabilitation program of care. The participant descriptions will provide the groundwork for its development to meet patient needs and expectations. Future research to guide implementation will also be explored.

The lives of those suffering from cervical radiculopathy are significantly impacted.Incorporating patient perspectives in the development of care plans can lead to the inclusion of interventions considered patient-centered and may improve implementation, adherence, and outcomes.Participants described their preferences and expectations of a rehabilitation program of care that may assist in its future development to meet patient needs and expectations.From participants' perspectives, the ideal rehabilitation program of care would be framed by the enactive-biopsychosocial model, thus providing a theoretical context for its development and implementation.

Influences on reproductive decision-making among forcibly displaced women resettling in high-income countries: a scoping review and thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Forced displacement impacts the health, rights and safety of women, which is further compounded by gender inequality. In particular, this has consequences for forcibly displaced women's reproductive health once resettled in a new country. To ensure the reproductive health and rights of forcibly displaced women during and after resettlement, there must be careful consideration of their reproductive decision-making taking into account the context and environment of the host country. AIM: This scoping review aimed to explore the influences on reproductive decision-making among forcibly displaced women resettling in high-income countries. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR for reporting. EBSCO was used to search databases covering global health, health policy, psychology, sociology, and philosophy for articles published from 1 January 2012 to 27 April 2022. Data extracted from each article included author(s), year of publication, publication type, aims/objectives, study design, sampling method, data collection or eligibility criteria, study population (i.e., sample size and characteristics), migration status, country(ies) of origin, host country(ies), key findings and limitations. Two independent reviewers screened all articles against eligibility criteria using Covidence. Data charting and thematic analysis were performed independently by one reviewer. FINDINGS: Nineteen articles published between 2013 and 2022 mostly conducted in the United States (36.8%) and Australia (21.1%), with the majority reporting on qualitative findings (68.4%), and women from a wide array of countries and cultures (most commonly African countries) were included. Influences on women's reproductive decision-making related to the contexts before displacement, during displacement, and after arrival, with influences on women's reproductive decision-making identified specific to the context. The influences before displacement included conflict; religious beliefs; socio-cultural gendered expectations; and external control over reproductive autonomy. During displacement influences included paternalism and access to education. Influences after arrival included pressure, restriction, coercion; knowledge and misconceptions; patriarchal power dynamics; and seeking empowerment. An adapted socio-ecological model was developed to interpret the findings. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complexity and nuances within forcibly displaced women's experiences which influence their reproductive decision-making. Further research may review the evidence base to provide guidance for healthcare professionals and health policies aimed at empowering women to make autonomous reproductive decisions; develop training for healthcare professionals to prevent pressure, restriction and coercion of women's reproductive autonomy; and inform development of policy that takes an intersectional approach to women's health rights and gender equality.

Do work-family conflict or family-work conflict mediate relationships between work-related hazards and stress and pain?

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has identified associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and health outcomes (e.g., musculoskeletal pain). This study investigated whether WFC and family-work conflict explain relationships between exposure to work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress for workers undertaking some or all of their work at home. Possible differences by home workspace location were also explored. METHODS: Longitudinal survey data were collected from workers in Australia engaged in work from home for at least two days per week. Data was collected at four timepoints approximately 6 months apart (Baseline [October 2020] n = 897; Wave 1 [May/June 2021] n = 368; Wave 2 [October/November 2021] n = 336; Wave 3 [May 2022] n = 269). Subjective measures of work-related psychosocial hazards, occupational sitting and physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, and stress were collected via an online questionnaire. Mediation analyses were conducted using the R package "mediation." Analyses were also conducted with the data set stratified by home office location, using R version 4.1.3. RESULTS: Both WFC and family-work conflict acted as mediators between psychosocial work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress. WFC mediated more relationships than family-work conflict. Location of home workspace was important, particularly for those working in a space at home where they may be subject to interruptions. CONCLUSION: Addressing WFC is a legitimate means through which musculoskeletal pain and stress can be reduced. Organizational risk management strategies need to address all work-related risks, including those stemming from work-life interaction.

Changes in carotid artery texture by ultrasound and elastin features in a murine model.

Objective: In humans, arterial grayscale ultrasound texture features independently predict adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and change with medical interventions. We performed this study to examine how grayscale ultrasound texture features and elastin fibers change in plaque-free segments of the arterial wall in a murine model prone to atherosclerosis. Methods: A total of 10 Apoetm1Unc/J mice (n = 5 male, n = 5 female) were imaged at 6, 16, and 24 weeks of age. Two mice were euthanized at 6 and 16 weeks and the remaining mice at 24 weeks. Texture features were extracted from the ultrasound images of the distal 1.0 mm of the common carotid artery wall, and elastin measures were extracted from histology images. Two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate associations between week, sex, and grayscale texture features. Texture feature and elastin number comparisons between weeks were conducted using the sex-by-week two-way interaction contrasts. Sex-specific correlations between the number of elastin fibers and grayscale texture features were analyzed by conducting non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation analyses. Results: Arterial wall homogeneity changed significantly in male mice from 6 to 24 weeks, with a mean (SD) of 0.14 (0.03) units at 6 weeks and 0.18 (0.03) units at 24 weeks (p = 0.026). Spatial gray level dependence matrices-homogeneity (SGLD-HOM) also correlated with carotid artery plaque score (rs = 0.707, p = 0.033). Elastin fibers in the region of interest decreased from 6 to 24 weeks for both male and female mice, although only significantly in male mice. The mean (SD) number of elastin fibers for male mice was 5.32 (1.50) at 6 weeks and 3.59 (0.38) at 24 weeks (p = 0.023). For female mice, the mean (SD) number of elastin fibers was 3.98 (0.38) at 6 weeks and 3.46 (0.19) at 24 weeks (p = 0.051). Conclusion: Grayscale ultrasound texture features that are associated with increased risk for CVD events in humans were used in a murine model, and the grayscale texture feature SGLD-HOM was shown to change in male mice from 6 weeks to 24 weeks. Structural alterations of the arterial wall (change in elastin fiber number) were observed during this time and may differ by sex.

Sarcina sp. as a presumptive cause of fatal acute gastric dilation and gastric emphysema in rhesus macaques.

A 4-y-old female and 3-y-old male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), both housed in the same facility, died unexpectedly within 2 wk. Postmortem examination revealed severe gastric dilation in both macaques and gastric emphysema in the female macaque. Histologically, bacteria consistent with Sarcina sp. were present in both macaques within the lungs and lumen of the trachea, esophagus, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract without associated inflammation. Additionally, in the female macaque, the bacteria were found in the gastric mucosa and associated with emphysematous spaces in the gastric wall without associated inflammation. PCR and Sanger sequencing of amplicons were subsequently performed on GI contents and non-alimentary tissues from the 2 affected monkeys and on comparative samples from unaffected rhesus monkeys in the same facility and an adjacent primate facility. The cases were compared using the 2-tailed Fisher exact test (p-value at 95% confidence). PCR identified Sarcina in GI contents of both affected and unaffected monkeys (p = 0.6084) and in non-alimentary tissues of affected monkeys only (p = 0.0083). These results suggest that the presence of Sarcina sp. in non-alimentary tissues is associated with gastric distension, gas accumulation, and unexpected death in nonhuman primates.

Re-defining reproductive coercion using a socio-ecological lens: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive coercion is a significant public health issue in Australia which has mainly been conceptualised as a form of violence at the interpersonal level. This limited scope ignores the role of the gendered drivers of violence and fails to encompass a socio-ecological lens which is necessary to consider the multiple interacting layers that create the context in which reproductive coercion occurs. The aim of the scoping review was to explore how the reproductive coercion is defined by international research. Specifically, how is reproductive coercion defined at the social-cultural-systems-structural levels, and are the definitions of reproductive coercion inclusive of the conditions and contexts in which reproductive coercion occurs? METHODS: A scoping review was undertaken to explore existing definitions of reproductive coercion. Searches were conducted on Embase, Cochrane Library, Informit Health Collection, and the EBSCOHost platform. Google was also searched for relevant grey literature. Articles were included if they were: theoretical research, reviews, empirical primary research, grey literature or books; published between January 2018 and May 2022; written in English; and focused on females aged 18-50 years. Data from eligible articles were deductively extracted and inductively thematically analysed to identify themes describing how reproductive coercion is defined. RESULTS: A total of 24 articles were included in the scoping review. Most research defined reproductive coercion at the interpersonal level with only eight articles partially considering and four articles fully considering the socio-cultural-systems-structural level. Thematic analysis identified four main themes in reproductive coercion definitions: Individual external exertion of control over a woman's reproductive autonomy; Systems and structures; Social and cultural determinants; and Freedom from external forces to achieve reproductive autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: We argue for and propose a more inclusive definition of reproductive coercion that considers the gendered nature of reproductive coercion, and is linked to power, oppression and inequality, which is and can be perpetrated and/or facilitated at the interpersonal, community, organisational, institutional, systems, and societal levels as well as by the state.

The effect of preference and actual days spent working from home on stress and musculoskeletal pain in older workers.

OBJECTIVES: The rapid shift to working from home (WFH) due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between preferred and actual days spent working from home on employees musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and stress in older workers. METHODS: This study uses three waves of data from the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study collected in May 2021 (n = 451), November 2021 (n = 358) and May 2022 (n = 320) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A generalised mixed-effect model was used to model the relationships between preference and actual days spent WFH, stress and MSP. Exploratory mediation analysis was conducted to further explore significant relationships between actual days WFH and outcomes. RESULTS: WFH was associated with increasing stress levels in older participants, when the actual number of days WFH increased (B: 0.051, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.094) and when the number of days WFH exceeded their preferences (B: 0.218, 95% CI: 0.087, 0.349). Actual number of days spent WFH and stress in older employees was mediated through their sense of community (Indirect effect: 0.014, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03; p = 0.006). The relationship between WFH and MSP was variable. For older employees, WFH more than their preferred number of days was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting MSP (OR: 4.070, 95% CI: 1.204, 13.757). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study support the need for flexible policies to support WFH which take into account employees preferences. For older workers, a sense of community was found to be important and proactive attempts to restore this will be important for maintain their health and supporting sustainable employment.

In Vivo Adaptive Bayesian Regularized Lagrangian Carotid Strain Imaging for Murine Carotid Arteries and Its Associations With Histological Findings.

OBJECTIVES: Non-invasive methods for monitoring arterial health and identifying early injury to optimize treatment for patients are desirable. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the use of an adaptive Bayesian regularized Lagrangian carotid strain imaging (ABR-LCSI) algorithm for monitoring of atherogenesis in a murine model and examine associations between the ultrasound strain measures and histology. METHODS: Ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data were acquired from both the right and left common carotid artery (CCA) of 10 (5 male and 5 female) ApoE tm1Unc/J mice at 6, 16 and 24 wk. Lagrangian accumulated axial, lateral and shear strain images and three strain indices-maximum accumulated strain index (MASI), peak mean strain of full region of interest (ROI) index (PMSRI) and strain at peak axial displacement index (SPADI)-were estimated using the ABR-LCSI algorithm. Mice were euthanized (n = 2 at 6 and 16 wk, n = 6 at 24 wk) for histology examination. RESULTS: Sex-specific differences in strain indices of mice at 6, 16 and 24 wk were observed. For male mice, axial PMSRI and SPADI changed significantly from 6 to 24 wk (mean axial PMSRI at 6 wk = 14.10 ± 5.33% and that at 24 wk = -3.03 ± 5.61%, p < 0.001). For female mice, lateral MASI increased significantly from 6 to 24 wk (mean lateral MASI at 6 wk = 10.26 ± 3.13% and that at 24 wk = 16.42 ± 7.15%, p = 0.048). Both cohorts exhibited strong associations with ex vivo histological findings (male mice: correlation between number of elastin fibers and axial PMSRI: rs = 0.83, p = 0.01; female mice: correlation between shear MASI and plaque score: rs = 0.77, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ABR-LCSI can be used to measure arterial wall strain in a murine model and that changes in strain are associated with changes in arterial wall structure and plaque formation.

Validation of CT-based ventilation and perfusion biomarkers with histopathology confirms radiation-induced pulmonary changes in a porcine model.

Imaging biomarkers can assess disease progression or prognoses and are valuable tools to help guide interventions. Particularly in lung imaging, biomarkers present an opportunity to extract regional information that is more robust to the patient's condition prior to intervention than current gold standard pulmonary function tests (PFTs). This regional aspect has particular use in functional avoidance radiation therapy (RT) in which treatment planning is optimized to avoid regions of high function with the goal of sparing functional lung and improving patient quality of life post-RT. To execute functional avoidance, detailed dose-response models need to be developed to identify regions which should be protected. Previous studies have begun to do this, but for these models to be clinically translated, they need to be validated. This work validates two metrics that encompass the main components of lung function (ventilation and perfusion) through post-mortem histopathology performed in a novel porcine model. With these methods validated, we can use them to study the nuanced radiation-induced changes in lung function and develop more advanced models.

The victims, villains and heroes of 'panic buying': News media attribution of responsibility for COVID-19 stockpiling.

Societies often respond to a crisis by attributing blame to some groups while constructing others as victims and heroes. While it has received scant sociological attention, 'panic buying' is a critical indicator of such public sentiment at the onset of a crisis, and thus a crucial site for analysis. This article traces dynamics of blame in news media representations of an extreme period of panic buying during COVID-19 in Australia. Analysis reveals that lower socio-economic and ethnically diverse consumers were blamed disproportionately. Unlike wealthier consumers who bulk-bought online, shoppers filling trollies in-store were depicted as selfish and shameful, described using dehumanising language, and portrayed as 'villains' who threatened social order. Supermarkets were cast simultaneously as 'victims' of consumer aggression and 'heroes' for their moral leadership, trustworthiness and problem-solving. This portrayal misunderstands the socio-emotional drivers of panic buying, exacerbates stigma towards already disadvantaged groups, and veils the corporate profiteering that encourages stockpiling.

Insecticide resistance compromises the control of Aedes aegypti in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: With no effective drugs or widely available vaccines, dengue control in Bangladesh is dependent on targeting the primary vector Aedes aegypti with insecticides and larval source management. Despite these interventions, the dengue burden is increasing in Bangladesh, and the country experienced its worst outbreak in 2019 with 101 354 hospitalized cases. This may be partially facilitated by the presence of intense insecticide resistance in vector populations. Here, we describe the intensity and mechanisms of resistance to insecticides commonly deployed against Ae. aegypti in Dhaka, Bangladesh. RESULTS: Dhaka Ae. aegypti colonies exhibited high-intensity resistance to pyrethroids. Using CDC bottle assays, we recorded 2-24% mortality (recorded at 24 h) to permethrin and 48-94% mortality to deltamethrin, at 10× the diagnostic dose. Bioassays conducted using insecticide-synergist combinations suggested that metabolic mechanisms were contributing to pyrethroid resistance, specifically multi-function oxidases, esterases, and glutathione S-transferases. In addition, kdr alleles were detected, with a high frequency (78-98%) of homozygotes for the V1016G mutation. A large proportion (≤ 74%) of free-flying and resting mosquitoes from Dhaka colonies survived exposure to standard applications of pyrethroid aerosols in an experimental free-flight room. Although that exposure affected the immediate host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti, the effect was transient in surviving mosquitoes. CONCLUSION: The intense resistance characterized in this study is likely compromising the operational effectiveness of pyrethroids against Ae. aegypti in Dhaka. Switching to alternative chemical classes may offer a medium-term solution, but ultimately a more sustainable and effective approach to controlling dengue vectors is required. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of Barmah Forest Virus, Chikungunya Virus and Ross River Virus Antibodies among Papua New Guinea Military Personnel before 2019.

Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) belong to the Alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. All three virus infections have been reported in Papua New Guinea (PNG) previously, but the exact prevalence and distribution of these three alphaviruses in PNG has not been established. Sera collected from 204 PNG Military Personnel (PNGMP) study participants in April 2019 was tested for the presence of anti-BFV, anti-CHIKV and anti-RRV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG detection kits, as well as for specific neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against individual viruses. Overall, sero-positivity of the sera was anti-BFV IgG 12.3% (25/204), anti-BFV NAb 8.3% (17/204); anti-CHIKV IgG 47.1% (96/204), anti-CHIKV NAb 34.8% (71/204); and anti-RRV IgG 93.1% (190/204), anti-RRV NAb 56.4% (115/204), respectively. Of the 137/204 participants that were Nab-positive for at least one virus, we identified 4 BFV, 40 CHIKV and 73 RRV single infections, and 9 RRV+CHIKV and 11 BFV+RRV double infections. The lower proportion of NAb sero-positive compared to the ELISA IgG sero-positive assay samples suggests that the currently available commercial ELISA detection kits for these three alphaviruses may not be suitable for diagnostic/surveillance purposes in endemic areas such as PNG, due to serological cross-reactivity among these three alphaviruses. Laboratory testing using known positive control sera indicated no cross-neutralization between BFV and RRV; however, some RRV or BFV single infection human sera demonstrated low-level cross-neutralization against CHIKV (the ratio of RRV/CHIKV NAb titers or BFV/CHIKV ≥ 4). Our preliminary results indicate that the majority of PNGMP have previously been exposed to RRV, with mild exposure to CHIKV and low-level exposure to BFV, suggesting that multiple alphaviruses have been circulating among PNGMP. The transmission landscapes of these three alphaviruses across PNG should be prioritized for further investigation, including identification of specific vectors and hosts that mediate human spillover in order to mitigate future outbreaks. Ongoing education regarding precautionary and protective measures are needed to better protect individuals who travel to PNG.

Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain?

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response, which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. However, given the rapid change from traditional ways of working, evidence is limited on the role of leaders, managers, and supervisors in supporting their employees' physical and mental health whilst WFH. The study aimed to examine the impact of leaders through their management of psychosocial working conditions on employees' stress and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) levels whilst WFH. METHODS: Data from 965 participants (230 males, 729 females, 6 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, and April and November 2021, were analysed. Generalised mixed-effect models were used to test relationships between psychosocial leadership factors and employees' stress and MSP levels. RESULTS: Higher quantitative demands are associated with increased stress (B: 0.289, 95%CI 0.245, 0.333), presence of MSP (OR: 2.397, 95%CI 1.809, 3.177), and increased MSP levels (RR: 1.09, 95%CI 1.04, 1.14). Higher levels of vertical trust decreased stress (B: -0.094, 95%CI -0.135, -0.052) and presence of MSP (OR: 0.729, 95%CI 0.557, 0.954). Role clarity decreased stress (B: -0.055, 95%CI -0.104, -0.007) and levels of MSP (RR: 0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.96). Working with interruptions was associated with increased stress (B: 0.199, 95%CI 0.119, 0.280) and MSP (OR: 1.834, 95%CI 1.094, 3.072). CONCLUSION: Leaders will need to take a broad view of job design, taking into account physical and psychosocial aspects of work, to effectively support employees WFH and manage stress and MSP.