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Abstract Background Studies describing the movement of free-ranging animals often use remotely collected global positioning system (GPS) data. However, such data typically only include intermittent positional information, with a sampling frequency that is constrained by battery life, producing sub-sampling effects that have the potential to bias interpretation. GPS-enhanced ‘dead-reckoning’ of animal movements is an alternative approach that utilises combined information from GPS devices, tri-axial accelerometers, and tri-axial magnetometers. Continuous detailed information of animal movement, activity and habitat selection can then be inferred from finer-scale GPS-enhanced dead-reckoning. It is also a useful technique to reveal the minutiae of an animal’s movements such as path tortuosity. However, examples of studies using these approaches on terrestrial species are limited. Methods Collars equipped with GPS, tri-axial accelerometer, and tri-axial magnetometer loggers were deployed on European badgers, Meles meles, to collect data on geo-position, acceleration and magnetic compass heading, respectively. This enabled us to compare GPS data with calculated GPS-enhanced dead-reckoned data. We also examined space use, distances travelled, speed of travel, and path tortuosity in relation to habitat type. Results Nightly distances travelled were 2.2 times greater when calculated using GPS-enhanced dead-reckoned data than when calculated using GPS data alone. The use of dead-reckoned data reduced Kernel Density Estimates (KDE) of animal ranges to approximately half the size (0.21 km2) estimated using GPS data (0.46 km2). In contrast, Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) methods showed that use of dead reckoned data yielded larger estimates of animal ranges than use of GPS-only data (0.35 and 0.27 km2, respectively). Analyses indicated that longer periods of activity were associated with greater travel distances and increased activity-related energy expenditure. Badgers also moved greater distances when they travelled at faster speeds and when the routes that they took were less tortuous. Nightly activity-related energy expenditure was not related to average travel speed or average ambient temperature but was positively related to the length of time individuals spent outside the sett (burrow). Badger activity varied with habitat type, with greater distance, speed, track tortuosity, and activity undertaken within woodland areas. Analyses of the effects of varying GPS sampling rate indicate that assessments of distance travelled depend on the sampling interval and the tortuosity of the animal’s track. Where animal paths change direction rapidly, it becomes more important to use dead-reckoned data rather than GPS data alone to determine space use and distances. Conclusions This study demonstrates the efficacy of GPS-enhanced dead-reckoning to collect high-resolution data on animal movements, activity, and locations and thereby identify subtle differences amongst individuals. This work also shows how the temporal resolution of position fixes plays a key role in the estimation of various movement metrics, such as travel speed and track tortuosity.

Abstract Isotopic techniques have been used to study phenomena in the geological, environmental, and ecological sciences. For example, isotopic values of multiple elements elucidate the pathways energy and nutrients take in the environment. Isoscapes interpolate isotopic values across a geographical surface and are used to study environmental processes in space and time. Thus, isoscapes can reveal ecological shifts at local scales, and show distribution thresholds in the wider environment at the macro-scale. This study demonstrates a further application of isoscapes, using soil isoscapes of 13C/12C and 15N/14N as an environmental baseline, to understand variation in trophic ecology across a population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) at a regional scale. The use of soil isoscapes reduced error, and elevated the statistical signal, where aggregated badger hairs were used, and where individuals were identified using genetic microarray analysis. Stable isotope values were affected by land-use type, elevation, and meteorology. Badgers in lowland habitats had diets richer in protein and were adversely affected by poor weather conditions in all land classes. It is concluded that soil isoscapes are an effective way of reducing confounding biases in macroscale, isotopic studies. The method elucidated variation in the trophic and spatial ecology of economically important taxa at a landscape level. These results have implications for the management of badgers and other carnivores with omnivorous tendencies in heterogeneous landscapes.

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that occupational exposure to styrene is associated with increased serum levels of the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL).AimsTo test the hypotheses that: (1) the effect of styrene exposure on PRL secretion is an acute effect, not a subchronic or chronic effect; (2) blood styrene, as a measure of absorbed dose, is a stronger predictor of serum PRL level than personal breathing zone air styrene concentration.MethodsSubjects were recruited from 17 workplaces in the reinforced plastics industry. Personal breathing zone air styrene, whole blood styrene, and serum PRL were measured during one to three sessions, approximately one year apart. Linear multiple regression was used to model the relations between acute (air styrene or blood styrene obtained at same time as PRL), subchronic (average air or blood styrene over two or three sessions), and chronic (years of work in industry or facility times average air styrene over all sessions) indices of styrene exposure and serum PRL.ResultsAcute blood styrene concentration was the strongest predictor of serum PRL concentration, with the model predicting a 2.06-fold increase in PRL (95% CI 1.11 to 3.84) for every 10-fold increase in blood styrene. Serum PRL tended to increase with increasing styrene exposure in both men and women; however, women tended to have higher PRL levels. For women, the change in blood styrene between sessions 1 and 2 was a significant predictor of the change in serum PRL between sessions.ConclusionsResults confirm that styrene exposure enhances serum PRL concentrations and support an acute effect of styrene on PRL secretion.

In attempting to inhibit their stereotypes, suppressors may direct greater attention toward the very behaviors whose influence they seek to avoid. In an empirical demonstration of this effect, some participants were instructed to suppress their use of stereotypes while forming impressions of an Asian woman who revealed stereotypical and nonstereotypical behaviors. Unlike a control group who merely formed impressions, these suppressors later recognized stereotypical behaviors significantly more accurately than nonstereotypical behaviors. Because memory was assessed with a recognition measure, these findings minimize the possibility that the results were due to differential reliance on stereotype-based retrieval cues by suppressors and non-suppressors. These findings have important implications for people's ability to successfully avoid stereotyping others.

ABSTRACT Background Mental distress is on the rise for young people, and there are high levels of unmet need for support. Increasingly, young people are engaging with online mechanisms of support to avoid cost and wait times; however, online support does have its limitations. We surveyed young people, 15–30 years of age, in Aotearoa New Zealand to explore their views of digital support for mental health. The aim of this study was to find out from young people what they thought about various types of online support and perceived benefits and drawbacks. Methods A cross‐sectional online survey promoted through social media advertising was used. Participants included anyone aged 15–30 years living in Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey ran for 10 weeks between February and May 2022. It included demographic questions and asked about (i) use of digital support for mental health; (ii) what digital support is best used for; (iii) best ways of publicising mental health supports to young people; and (iv) where they would choose to get information about mental health support. Questions were a mix of forced choice and free text. Participants could opt to take part in a follow‐up interview. Results Surveys were completed by 1471 participants; two respondents participated in an interview. A total of 641 participants had used digital support before (44%). The most used forms of digital support were websites (n = 324) and watching videos (n = 260), although these were not necessarily rated as the most helpful. Alternatives that people most wanted to try were podcasts and phone or video consultations with a counsellor or therapist. Drawbacks of digital support included privacy concerns, technical issues, lack of quality and motivation requirements. Benefits included ease of access, anonymity and a non‐threatening starting point. Conclusions Digital support has a place in mental health care, but strong sentiment was expressed in favour of real‐life support. It may also be worth investing in more innovative types of digital support such as online performing arts and podcasts. Patient or Public Contribution A group of young people were recruited as co‐researchers, had input into survey design, data analysis and interpretation and are co‐authors (list of co‐authors). Survey respondents also included young people with lived experience who are members of the general public.

Isotopic techniques have been used to study phenomena in the geological, environmental, and ecological sciences. For example, isotopic values of multiple elements elucidate the pathways energy and nutrients take in the environment. Isoscapes interpolate isotopic values across a geographical surface and are used to study environmental processes in space and time. Thus, isoscapes can reveal ecological shifts at local scales, and show distribution thresholds in the wider environment at the macro-scale. This study demonstrates a further application of isoscapes, using soil isoscapes of 13C/12C and 15N/14N as an environmental baseline, to understand variation in trophic ecology across a population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) at a regional scale. The use of soil isoscapes reduced error, and elevated the statistical signal, where aggregated badger hairs were used, and where individuals were identified using genetic microarray analysis. Stable isotope values were affected by land-use type, elevation, and meteorology. Badgers in lowland habitats had diets richer in protein and were adversely affected by poor weather conditions in all land classes. It is concluded that soil isoscapes are an effective way of reducing confounding biases in macroscale, isotopic studies. The method elucidated variation in the trophic and spatial ecology of economically important taxa at a landscape level. These results have implications for the management of badgers and other carnivores with omnivorous tendencies in heterogeneous landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preferential hydrogenolysis of Sn(n-C4H9)4 on a Rh/SiO2 catalyst at different temperatures and at different coverages of the metallic surface proves that organometallic fragments can be grafted into the surface of Rh particles on silica. Steric constraints preclude Rhs(Sn(n-C4H9)2)y as a possible model for this stable surface organometallic fragment. Another model concordant with the general formula (Rhs)2Sn(Sn(n-C4H9)3)2 matches experimental findings.

Background: The Life Space Assessment (LSA) is a validated outcomes measure that aims to assess the level of mobility and physical functioning within one’s own environment following a medical event. We sought to study the recovery of geriatric ankle fracture patients utilizing the LSA. We hypothesized that the LSA would provide improved assessment of these patients and help identify key differences in operative and nonoperatively treated patients. Methods: Prospective observational study of geriatric patients age 65 years and older with an ankle fracture with 1-year follow-up. Operative versus nonoperative intervention was determined by the attending physician on a patient-specific basis. The LSA, Short Form–36 (SF-36), and visual analog pain scale (VAPS) were administered at predetermined intervals postinjury and scores were analyzed for significance. Results: 20 patients were enrolled in this study. 11 underwent surgery whereas 9 were treated nonoperatively. Regardless of treatment, the preinjury LSA score was 86.7. This significantly dropped to 20.6 at 6 weeks and recovered to 73.6 at 12 months. In the operative cohort, the LSA scores preinjury were 91.4 and improved to 87.6 after 1 year. The nonoperative group recorded 80.9 preinjury and only improved to 59.5 at 1 year ( P = 0.007). There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the results of the SF-36 and VAPS to the LSA. Conclusion: The LSA was effective in assessing recovery in geriatric ankle fracture patients. A severe deficit in mobility was seen for the first 6 months of recovery regardless of treatment. Operative patients ultimately returned to their baseline LSA at 1 year while nonoperative patients did not. Outcomes from the VAS and SF-36 mirrored the LSA but were not found to be statistically significant. Level of Evidence: Level II.

ABSTRACT Plasmids contribute to microbial diversity and adaptation, providing microorganisms with the ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions in extreme environments. However, while the number of marine microbiome studies is constantly increasing, very little is known about marine plasmids, and they are very poorly represented in public databases. To extend the repertoire of environmental marine plasmids, we established a pipeline for the de novo assembly of plasmids in the marine environment by analyzing available microbiome metagenomic sequencing data. By applying the pipeline to data from the Red Sea, we identified 362 plasmid candidates. We showed that the distribution of plasmids corresponds to environmental conditions, particularly, depth, temperature, and physical location. At least 7 of the 362 candidates are most probably real plasmids, based on a functional analysis of their open reading frames (ORFs). Only one of the seven has been described previously. Three plasmids were identified in other public marine metagenomic data from different locations all over the world; these plasmids contained different cassettes of functional genes at each location. Analysis of antibiotic and metal resistance genes revealed that the same positions that were enriched with genes encoding resistance to antibiotics were also enriched with resistance to metals, suggesting that plasmids contribute site-dependent phenotypic modules to their ecological niches. Finally, half of the ORFs (50.8%) could not be assigned to a function, emphasizing the untapped potential of the unique marine plasmids to provide proteins with multiple novel functions. IMPORTANCE Marine plasmids are understudied and hence underrepresented in databases. Plasmid functional annotation and characterization is complicated but, if successful, may provide a pool of novel genes and unknown functions. Newly discovered plasmids and their functional repertoire are potentially valuable tools for predicting the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, providing vectors for molecular cloning and an understanding of plasmid-bacterial interactions in various environments.

This study examined the relation between cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness) and depression symptoms prior to and during COVID-19 among adults seeking preventive medical care. Participants consisted of 967 patients attending the Cooper Clinic (Dallas, TX) pre-pandemic (March 2018-December 2019) and during the pandemic (March-December 2020). The outcome, depression symptoms, was based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D). Maximal metabolic equivalents task (MET) levels for fitness were determined from the final treadmill speed and grade. Multiple linear regression models were computed by sex. Analysis revealed that mean fitness decreased from 11.4 METs (SD = 2.1) prior to the pandemic to 10.9 METs (SD = 2.3) during the pandemic (p-value

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 outbreak, (March 1 - June 15, 2020) citizens expressed sympathy and gratitude towards medical staff through the media, while the entire hospital staff faced the same danger of infection as other citizens. This might have made hospital staff develop sympathy, understanding for the patients` and family’s needs, and a better communication. Objectives To investigate if there is a relation between the mutual change in attitude between citizens and hospital staff during the first COVID-19 outbreak, and the incidence of violence cases. Materials and methods This is a cross sectional study conducted at Rambam Medical Center (RMC) in Israel. The data about the number of violence cases were collected from the security department, and the data about hospital wards activity were collected from the hospital Business Intelligence (BI) software. The number of violence cases in relation to the number of Emergency Department (ED) visits, admissions to hospital wards, and length of stay (LOS) were compared during the COVID-19 outbreak to the corresponding period in 2019 using the T- test. The difference in the incidence of violence between general population and people with a psychiatric or social disorder (like drug abuse and criminal background) in both periods were also compared using the Fisher exact test. Results During the first COVID-19 outbreak, there were 6 violence cases against medical staff out of 24,740 visits to the ED, vs. 21 cases out of 30,759 visits during the same periods in 2019 (P