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White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are important host reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia rickettsii. These bacteria are responsible for the tick-borne illnesses Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, respectively. These illnesses infect Ohio citizens annually, as well others in the larger range where these ticks are found. The goal of this study was to test white-footed mice and ticks for B. burgdorferi and R. rickettsii at Capital University's Primmer Outdoor Learning Center located in Logan, Ohio during the summer of 2020. Blood samples and ticks were collected from mice (n = 16) over the span of six live-trapping sessions in a woodlot and fencerow on the property. Ticks were also collected from four other locations using the drag-cloth method. DNA was extracted from the blood samples (n = 13) and ticks (n = 16) and tested for the presence of B. burgdorferi and Rickettsia sp. using conventional PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Relative abundance of mice was slightly higher in the fencerow than in the woodlot. Only American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) were found in this study. B. burgdorferi was not detected, while Rickettsia sp. were confirmed for one mouse and 14 ticks. The results from this study increase our understanding of tick-borne pathogens within the state of Ohio and suggest we need to take steps to minimize risk of disease exposure at the University field site. In the future, this work can be used to inform models to simulate tick-borne pathogen dynamics in southeastern Ohio for both Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulolytic bacteria employ a variety of different strategies for the degradation of cellulose. Our laboratory is interested in biofilm-mediated breakdown of cellulose and possible roles of exopolysaccharides in this process. As part of an effort to isolate new strains of biofilm-forming, cellulolytic bacteria, soil samples were collected from sites rich in decaying vegetation and used to inoculate a minimal growth medium containing a MOPS/Tris buffer (pH 7.4), a combination of inorganic salts, 0.05% yeast extract, and 1% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as the primary source of carbon and energy (MSYE-MCC media). These cellulose-enrichment cultures were grown aerobically at 30 C for 2 weeks in a shaking incubator, and culture samples were then spread over the surface of tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates. Colonies on TSA were streaked onto agar plates containing the MSYE basal medium plus either 1% carboxymethyl-cellulose (MSYE-CMC media) or 1% filter paper cellulose (MSYE-FPC). Over one dozen new, cellulose-degrading strains were isolated and initially characterized according to colony morphologies, relative cell size, cellular arrangements, Gram stain reaction, and other outstanding features. Approximately one quarter of the new strains were Gram-negative, and large inclusion bodies were noted in some. The remainder of the strains were either Gram-positive or Gram-variable. Many Gram-positive strains were bacilli arranged in chains (streptobacilli) and one strain exhibited filamentous growth. Phase-contrast microscopy was used to observe cultures grown in MSYE-MCC media, and strains which attached to MCC particles, aggregated on and around the particles, and grew as biofilms on the surfaces of the particles were selected for further study. These strains were also screened for the production of extracellular material as detected by phase-contrast microscopy. A few strains produced possible glycocalyx layers during biofilm formation and utilization of cellulose. These extracellular layers, and any exopolysaccharides associated with them, will be the primary focus of future research., Acknowledgements University of West Georgia Recommended Citation Authors John D. Butler (*), University of West Georgia Follow Emma S. Young (*), University of West Georgia Follow John P. Escate (*), [...]

The International Society for Physical Activity and Health advocates for increased capability of the physical activity workforce as a key ingredient to a system-based approach. Young leader programmes are gaining traction globally as peers are a primary influence on young people and positive role models are important for increasing or maintaining physical activity. Yet, there is limited understanding of 'what works' for training young physical activity leaders. This study aims to develop a consensus on how to identify and support young people to become physical activity leaders. An iterative three-phased mixed methods Delphi consensus approach. A rapid review focused on the feasibility, acceptability and impact of existing young leader physical activity training (phase one); focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 6) with 15 practitioners and young leaders to examine young physical activity leader training needs (phase two); and a three-round questionnaire process (phase three). Stakeholders (n = 43) from across the public, voluntary and education sectors, academics and young leaders completed all questionnaires. A consensus was reached for 75 statements related to: young leader traits prior to and following training, recruitment methods, training content, delivery format and context, relationships, incentives, and skill development. The Delphi process, combining insight from multi-sectoral stakeholders, identified a range of factors that underpin young leader training programmes. These factors should be applied to develop a curriculum and comprehensive training programme to provide young leaders with the required capability to be effective within their roles, and ultimately support an increase in physical activity amongst children and young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]