Predictors and outcomes of excess gestational weight gain among low-income pregnant women

Low-income women were interviewed and their post-natal records were retrieved (n = 160) to assess prevalence of excess gestational weight gain and its socio-demographic predictors. More than half of the women (64%) gained excess weight during pregnancy, with an average of 10 lbs in excess of Institute of Medicine guidelines. Logistic regression indicated that women that started pregnancy at an obese body mass index; who were African American or having an unplanned pregnancy were at significant risk of gaining excess weight in pregnancy. Intervention to prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy is critical in addressing obesity epidemic in the United States and worldwide

A storm in a shelf sea: Variation in phosphorus distribution and organic matter stoichiometry

Organic matter (OM) plays an important role in productive shelf seas and their contribution to global carbon (C) and nutrient cycles. We investigated the impact of storm mixing on OM dynamics in the seasonally stratified Celtic Sea. After the storm, OM production was decoupled from consumption in the euphotic layer. Over the 15 day study, dissolved OM (DOM) became phosphorus (P) rich relative to C, whereas particulate OM (POM) became P-deplete relative to C. Upward diapycnal phosphate fluxes were accompanied by reciprocal downward mixing of dissolved organic P (DOP) and particulate P (PPhos). Transfer of DOP and PPhos below the thermocline accounts for 22% and 26%, respectively, of the upward phosphate flux. Given the changes in stoichiometry of POM and DOM after the storm, the form in which OM is transferred below the thermocline has important implications for the efficiency of elemental transfer, impacting C cycling and storage in the ocean

Cost-effectiveness of In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for low-income depressed mothers participating in early childhood prevention programs

To determine the cost-effectiveness of In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IH-CBT) for low-income mothers enrolled in a home visiting program

Speciation within Bonneted Bats (Genus \u3ci\u3eEumops\u3c/i\u3e): The Complexity of Morphological, Mitochondrial, and Nuclear Data Sets in Systematics

We phylogenetically analyze 705 base pairs of the cytochrome-b gene and 351 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) bands from populations of the karyotypically variable Wagner’s bonneted bat, Eumops glaucinus, and the Florida bonneted bat, Eumops floridanus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Three karyotypes have been documented across the range of E. glaucinus, and we report that the karyotype from Cuba is morphologically similar to that from Jamaica. A 4th karyotype is present in specimens from western Ecuador. Three distinct lineages are present in both the cytochrome-b and AFLP trees. One lineage is restricted to western Ecuador and exhibits cytochrome-b divergence values comparable to the values seen between recognized species of Eumops, suggesting that this lineage represents a distinct species. The other 2 lineages are distributed in disjunct areas: Paraguay and Venezuela; and Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States. Specimens of E. floridanus are morphologically distinct from E. glaucinus, but cannot be distinguished by examination of cytochrome-b or AFLP DNA data. We conclude that there are 4 species in the E. glaucinus complex— E. glaucinus (South America east of the Andes), E. ferox (Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America), E. floridanus in south Florida, and an unnamed taxon in western Ecuador. Speciation is a complex process and no single mechanism, model, concept, or definition is likely to cover all the diverse patterns observed

Speciation within bonneted bats (genus Eumops): The complexity of morphological, mitochondrial, and nuclear datasets in systematics

We phylogenetically analyze cytochrome-b gene sequences and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) from populations of the karyotypically variable Wagner’s bonneted bat, Eumops glaucinus, and the Florida bonneted bat, Eumops floridanus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Three karyotypes have been documented previously across the range of E. glaucinus, and we report that the karyotype from Cuba is morphologically similar to that found in specimens from Jamaica. A 4th karyotype (described herein) is present in specimens from western Ecuador. DNA sequence variation within 705 base pairs of the cytochrome-b gene from 47 specimens from Florida, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Paraguay were examined and analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Additionally, 351 AFLP bands from 23 specimens were phylogenetically analyzed. Three distinct lineages are present in both the cytochrome-b and AFLP trees. One clade is restricted to western Ecuador and has a 7-8% cytochrome b sequence divergence from all other haplotypes of the species complex. The other 2 lineages have cytochrome-b divergences > 3–4% and are distributed in disjunct areas: 1) Paraguay and Venezuela; and 2) Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States. The cytochrome b divergence between populations of E. glaucinus west of the Andes and all other populations of E. glaucinus is comparable to that between recognized species of Eumops, suggesting that the Ecuadorian bonneted bats represent a distinct species. Specimens of E. floridanus are morphologically distinct from E. glaucinus, but cannot be distinguished by cytochrome-b or AFLP DNA data. We conclude that there are 4 species in the Eumops glaucinus complex—Eumops glaucinus (in South America east of the Andes), E. ferox (in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America), E. floridanus in south Florida, and an unnamed taxon in western Ecuador. Speciation is a complex process and no single mechanism, model, concept, or definition is likely to cover all the diverse patterns observed

Religious Identity, Religious Attendance, and Parental Control

Using a national sample of adolescents aged 10–18 years and their parents (N = 5,117), this article examines whether parental religious identity and religious participation are associated with the ways in which parents control their children. We hypothesize that both religious orthodoxy and weekly religious attendance are related to heightened levels of three elements of parental control: monitoring activities, normative regulations, and network closure. Results indicate that an orthodox religious identity for Catholic and Protestant parents and higher levels of religious attendance for parents as a whole are associated with increases in monitoring activities and normative regulations of American adolescents

Conservation Status of the Plains Spotted Skunk, Spilogale putorius interrupta, in Texas, with an Assessment of Genetic Variability in the Species

Robert C. Dowler, Department of Biology at Angelo State University is the corresponding author, robert dot dowler at angelo dot eduIn this report, we present results of research on the conservation status of the plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) in Texas and an assessment of the genetic variability in populations throughout the range of the species. The conservation status portion of the study included (1) mapping the species’ potential habitat in Texas using maximum entropy modeling (Maxent) with historic museum specimen records, (2) field-based surveying of locations in 10 counties to determine occurrence of the plains spotted skunk, (3) seeking additional occurrence records in Texas through crowd sourcing and citizen scientist approaches (4) using all current (2001 – 2017) occurrences to produce a model of probable geographic distribution in Texas and (5) assessing anthropogenic changes in land use, which may threaten the species’ habitats, by mapping current and forecasted oil and gas development and urbanization within the species’ modeled range. The species distribution model, combined with the land-change assessment, was used to select sites in 10 representative counties for field-based surveys in the hopes of revealing patterns of current distribution. Field surveys were carried out using live traps, enclosed track plates, and camera traps. These methods documented detections of plains spotted skunks (n = 12) in 4 of the 10 sites sampled. All methods of detection were successful, but cameras and live traps out-performed track plates. Crowd-sourced approaches and citizen scientist camera trapping revealed an additional 82 occurrences in the state, 79 of which were since 2009. These recent records were used to produce a species distribution model that provides relative probability of occurrence for the plains spotted skunk in the state. Our land-change mapping revealed potential anthropogenic threats to habitats at 2 of the sites (Katy Prairie and Fort Hood), which also had robust populations of plains spotted skunks based on 25 and 51detections, respectively). For our genetic assessment, samples of tissue from three sources (i.e., field surveys, state agencies throughout the distribution of the eastern spotted skunk, and museum tissue collections) allowed a detailed assessment of the genetic variability in the species (S. putorius) using both microsatellite markers and cytochrome b gene sequence. Our analysis of 119 specimens was able to establish that genetic patterns were consistent with currently accepted taxonomy of the 3 recognized subspecies of S. putorius (S. p. putorius, S. p. ambarvalis, and S. p. interrupta). We also determined that there was no evidence for hybridization with the congener, S. gracilis (western spotted skunk), a species co-occurring with the eastern spotted skunk in parts of Texas. The differentiation between S. p. putorius and S. p. ambarvalis was less pronounced (FST = 0.178; cytochrome b sequence divergence = 1.2%) than between these subspecies and the plains spotted skunk (average FST = 0.278; cytochrome b sequence divergence = 2.9%). Overall, genetic variability (observed heterozygosity = 0.474) in the plains spotted skunk was lower than that seen in common carnivores (striped skunks, raccoons), but slightly higher than some endangered carnivores (black-footed ferret). The heterozygosity levels more closely resemble the levels found within the island spotted skunk (S. gracilis amphiala) from the Channel Islands of California and other vertebrates that have a “threatened” conservation status. Key findings of the study include: 1) the current geographic distribution of the plains spotted skunk in Texas is reduced relative to historic records; 2) the species distribution model based on recorded occurrences since 2001 suggests areas of the state that are in need of further survey efforts; 3) genetic variability of plains spotted skunks is lower than more common carnivores, but higher than some recognized endangered species; 4) the subspecies, S. p. interrupta is a distinct genetic subunit of the eastern spotted skunk; and 5) continued energy development and especially future urbanization in some parts of Texas may affect populations of the plains spotted skunk.Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsBureau of Economic Geolog

Perceptions of the Community Food Environment and Related Influences on Food Choice Among Midlife Women Residing in Rural and Urban Areas: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction—Qualitative research on food choice has rarely focused on individuals’ perceptions of the community food environment. Women remain gatekeepers of the family diet and food purchasing. Therefore we assessed midlife, Southern women's perceptions of the food environment. Related influences on food choices at work and at home were also examined. Methods—We recruited 28 low- and moderate-income, midlife (37-67 years) women from rural and urban areas of southeastern North Carolina, using typical case and snowball sampling. They responded to questions about multilevel influences on food choice in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Results—Women perceived differences between urban and rural food environments, with rural areas having fewer supermarkets and fast food restaurants compared to urban areas, which had fewer produce stands. Workplace food choices were affected by the social environment (co-workers), personal health concerns, and the surrounding food environment. Food chosen at home was primarily influenced by family members, health concerns, and convenient food sources. Discussion—While future studies should explore findings in more representative populations, potential intervention strategies can be inferred, including emphasizing healthful aspects of the food environment. Intervention and advocacy efforts are needed to improve aspects of the food environment that make healthy choices difficult. Originally published in Women & Health Vol. 49, No. 2-3, 2009

Dynamics of intervention adoption, implementation, and maintenance inside organizations: The case of an obesity prevention initiative

Overall impact of public health prevention interventions relies not only on the average efficacy of an intervention, but also on the successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance (AIM) of that intervention. In this study, we aim to understand the dynamics that regulate AIM of organizational level intervention programs. We focus on two well-documented obesity prevention interventions, implemented in food carry-outs and stores in low-income urban areas of Baltimore, Maryland, which aimed to improve dietary behaviour for adults by providing access to healthier foods and point-of-purchase promotions. Building on data from field observations, in-depth interviews, and data discussed in previous publications, as well as the strategy and organizational behaviour literature, we developed a system dynamics model of the key processes of AIM. With simulation analysis, we show several reinforcing mechanisms that span stakeholder motivation, communications, and implementation quality and costs can turn small changes in the process of AIM into big difference in the overall impact of the intervention. Specifically, small changes in the allocation of resources to communication with stakeholders of intervention could have a nonlinear long-term impact if those additional resources can turn stakeholders into allies of the intervention, reducing the erosion rates and enhancing sustainability. We present how the dynamics surrounding communication, motivation, and erosion can create significant heterogeneity in the overall impact of otherwise similar interventions. Therefore, careful monitoring of how those dynamics unfold, and timely adjustments to keep the intervention on track are critical for successful implementation and maintenance

Health Economics in Public Health

BACKGROUND: Economic analysis is an important tool in deciding how to allocate scarce public health resources; however, there is currently a dearth of such analysis by public health researchers. METHODS: Public health researchers and practitioners were surveyed to determine their current use of health economics and to identify barriers to use as well as potential strategies to decrease those barriers in order to allow them to more effectively incorporate economic analyses into their work. Data collected from five focus groups informed survey development. The survey included a demographic section and 14 multi-part questions. Participants were recruited in 2006 from three national public health organizations through e-mail; 294 academicians, practitioners, and community representatives answered the survey. RESULTS: Survey data were analyzed in 2007. Despite an expressed belief in the importance of health economics, more than half of the respondents reported very little or no current use of health economics in their work. Of those using health economics, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis and determination of public health costs were cited as the measures used most frequently. The most important barriers were lack of expertise, funding, time, tools, and data, as well as discomfort with economic theory. The resource deemed most important to using health economics was collaboration with economists or those with economic training. Respondents indicated a desire to learn more about health economics and tools for performing economic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of incorporating economic analysis into public health interventions, and the desire of survey respondents for more collaboration with health economists, opportunities for such collaborations should be increased