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Coyote (Canis latrans) depredation of sea turtle nests is a growing concern along the US East Coast and while several designs for predator exclusion cages (PECs) have been used, no one PEC is 100% effective. We investigated if PECs are a visual stimulus that lure coyotes to sea turtle nests. We used camera traps to evaluate coyote behavior and visitation rates at two PEC designs on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, USA, between 11 and − 28 June 2021. We quantified coyote presence and absence, number of independent coyote observations (behavioral events), and aspects of observed coyote behaviors. Our results indicate that PECs do not act as a visual cue to coyotes which will provide flexibility for sea turtle management in choosing PEC designs. We discuss the prospect of using a variety of PEC designs as a deterrent to coyotes and the possible effects of human activity on coyote behavior near sea turtle nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: (1) to integrate sociobehavioral science concepts into the early curriculum through a continuity ambulatory clinical experience in primary care, and (2) to expose students to a learning environment in which self-awareness and emotional development are nurtured in the context of dealing with the stresses of an early clinical experience. Methods: Second-year students spent half a day twice monthly in a primary care community practice, kept a journal of their experiences, and attended biweekly 60-minute Reflection Groups designed to foster personal awareness and empathic witnessing. Analysis of journal entries and Reflection Group field notes identified stressors occurring during the students' clinical encounters. Results: Three sources of stress are illustrated: the role and responsibility of the physician, death and dying, and racial issues. Reflection Groups provided students with opportunities to identify and describe stressors, to feel less isolated, to begin the process of self-awareness development, and to integrate behavioral and social science concepts into clinical practice. Our program incorporates students' early clinical experience with facilitated opportunities to reflect on the emotional challenges of becoming a physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The public health significance of intestinal parasitism among migrant farmworkers has been poorly defined. We report a three-part study in which we attempted to provide population-based estimates and identify risk factors for infection. Methods. Parasite prevalence and incidence were estimated from two cross-sectional studies and a longitudinal study. We used questionnaires and clinical measurements such as hematocrits to examine risk factors and health effects. Results. In the 1987 convenience sample (n = 265), parasite prevalence ranged from 28% among the US born to 86% among the Central American born, with no significant difference between the prevalence of pathogens among US-born (14%) and Mexican-born (24%) subjects (P = .12, χ² test). High prevalences were also found in the 1988 random sample. An annual incidence of 9.5% (n = 74) was demonstrated in 1988. Symptoms such as abdominal pain were associated with infection, and lower hematocrits were associated with hookworm infection (P = .02, t test). Conclusions. Infection with intestinal parasites appears to be an occupational hazard of farmwork, necessitating improved working and living conditions and greater clinical awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine how food behaviors and indicators of nutritional status of elderly living in rural communities might relate to age, race, income, medication use, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, living arrangements, and other lifestyle and health measures., Design: In-home survey administered by trained interviewers., Setting: Communities in rural North Carolina., Participants: A total of 2178 adults, aged 60 years and older, representing a 2% random stratified example of the region's elderly., Main Outcome Measures: Weight status described by body mass index, functional status as activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and self-reported food and health behaviors., Results: Substantial diversity exists among households by age, race, residential location, and household size. Almost three fourths of respondents had seen a physician in the last 6 months. More than 33% of women and 28% of men were obese, but none reported having been prescribed a weight-loss diet. About 18% of the respondents were underweight. Weight was not related to income, perceptions of health, chronic disease, medication use, feelings of depression, instrumental activities of daily living, or exercise. Most (65%) ate three meals per day, and almost all were able to eat without assistance. Few drank much liquid or participated in structured exercise programs. Research is needed to determine the impact of weight status on the quality of life of elderly persons living in rural areas., Conclusions: Current literature descriptions of food behaviors and nutritional status of the elderly may not appropriately describe rural elderly. Attention should be given to the identification and treatment of malnutrition in the elderly.