Ohio Population Research Articles

Analysis of Ohio Nurses' Voting Behaviors 2020-2023.

This study provides baseline data for voting patterns and the political affiliation of licensed nurses (licensed practical nurses [LPNs], registered nurses [RNs], and advanced practice registered nurses [APRNs]) in Ohio for the November 2020, 2022, and 2023 general elections. Using two public databases (licensed nurses and registered voters), the findings for 73.7% of all licensed nurses registered to vote are reported, including 18,894 APRNs, 30,731 LPNs, and 137,353 RNs. Compared to the Ohio population eligible to vote, one in 32 persons of the voting-eligible population is a licensed nurse, and one in 51 registered voters in Ohio is an RN. The data show that 11% of the nurses never voted in any of the three general elections, and 47.7% voted in all three. LPNs had the lowest voting (34%) record, while about 48% of RNs and 52% of APRNs voted in all three. Like Ohio's public, nurses' party affiliation (Democrat, Republican, unaffiliated) varied, and most were unaffiliated with any party. Party affiliation was significantly associated with nurse licensure type (e.g., LPNs are less likely to be unaffiliated). Controlling for age and party affiliation, APRNs were more likely than LPNs to vote, and RNs were more likely than LPNs to vote in each election. Unaffiliated voters were less likely than Democrats to vote in all three elections. Across all elections, older voters were more likely to vote. These baseline findings on nurses' actual voting behavior provide the impetus for engaging nurses individually and collectively in voting and policies that increase voter participation of nurses and the public.

Population viability analysis for the common mudpuppy: Assessing potential impacts of TFM lampricide bycatch

AbstractBycatch is one of the leading threats facing aquatic organisms, worldwide. Pesticide bycatch can occur when nontarget species are incidentally killed during chemical application targeting noxious species. The common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a river‐dwelling salamander that is susceptible to bycatch from 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol (TFM) applications. However, the long‐term consequences of TFM bycatch on mudpuppy populations are not well understood. We used population viability analysis to reveal potential impacts of TFM application on a mudpuppy population in Ohio's Grand River under plausible bycatch scenarios. We found that the population was more sensitive to increased juvenile mortality and rapid declines occurred when both adults and juveniles were impacted at high bycatch rates (≥5% of the population) or more frequent TFM intervals (≥5 years). Our results suggest that continued use of TFM could pose a risk to mudpuppy population persistence if bycatch occurs at moderate to high levels and affects both juveniles and adults. Future TFM use and management decisions should be directed with these potential nontarget impacts in mind.

Application of The Healthy Migrant Theory to Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Data in Ohio

BACKGROUND: The Healthy Migrant Theory is a phenomenon describing a protective effect regarding specific health outcomes when a person of color is born outside of the U.S. Previous literature has focused on the application of this theory to infant outcomes, leaving its application to maternal outcomes mostly unstudied. The objective of this research is to determine whether the Healthy Migrant Theory holds true to maternal morbidity in the Ohio population. METHODS: Birth record data from the Ohio Department of Health was analyzed from 2015-2020 that included mothers identifying as White or Black and data where country of birth was available (n=717,300). Mothers were grouped by race and nationality. Maternal morbidity and socioeconomic status (SES) were analyzed. One-way ANOVA was used to examine associations between SES and number of maternal morbidity events. Binary logistic regression models were developed to examine the relationships among race, nationality, and occurrence of maternal morbidity events. Interaction between race and nationality was also evaluated. RESULTS: Among black mothers, nationality was significantly associated with the likelihood of any maternal morbidity event occurring (OR= 1.659; 95% CI= 1.534, 1.795; p< 0.001), with foreign-born mothers having about 1.66 times greater odds of having a maternal morbidity event. This relationship persisted after adjusting for SES. No statistical difference in low SES indicators was found between foreign-born Black mothers and US-born Black mothers (p= 0.349, 95% CI= -0.007, 0.030). DISCUSSION: Our findings appear to contradict the Healthy Migrant Theory. More research regarding treatment and outcomes of foreign-born Black mothers must be implemented to better understand the nuances of the application of this theory to maternal outcomes. Caution should be taken when comparing infant and maternal outcomes and interventions since they may not be as closely connected as previously thought. Limitations of this project include inaccuracies in data collection from birth certificates, limited morbidity variables, and lack of stratification based on country of origin.

PHHP 111 - Lessons Learned from a Measles Outbreak in a Pediatric Population in Ohio

PHHP 111 - Lessons Learned from a Measles Outbreak in a Pediatric Population in Ohio

Phenology and habitat associations of the invasive Asian longhorned tick from Ohio, USA.

Geographically expanding and invading ticks are a global concern. The Asian longhorned tick (ALT, Haemaphysalis longicornis) was introduced to the mid-Atlantic US between 2010 and 2017 and recently invaded Ohio, an inland state. To date, ALTs in the US have been associated with livestock exsanguination and transmission of the agent of bovine theileriosis. To inform management, studies describing tick ecology and epidemiology of associated disease agents are critical. In this study, we described phenology, habitat and host associations, and tested for agents of medical and veterinary concern at the site of the first known established ALT population in Ohio, where pesticide treatment was applied in early fall 2021. In spring-fall 2022, we sampled wildlife (small mammals) and collected ticks from forest, edge, and grassland habitats. We also opportunistically sampled harvested white-tailed deer at nearby processing stations and fresh wildlife carcasses found near roads. Field-collected ALTs were tested for five agents using real-time PCR. We found that ALT nymphs emerged in June, followed by adults, and concluded with larvae in the fall. ALTs were detected in all habitats but not in wildlife. We also found a 4.88% (2/41) prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum across ALT adults and nymphs. Host and habitat associations were similar to other studies in the eastern United States, but two potential differences in phenology were identified. Whether ALTs will acquire more endemic disease agents requires further investigations. Our findings provide the first evidence regarding ALT life history from the Midwest region of the United States and can inform exposure risk and guide integrated management.

First density estimates for a recovering bobcat population in Ohio using DNA from scat

AbstractThe recovery of mammalian species in the US Midwest through natural recolonization constitutes a conservation success story, yet management remains challenging due to many unknowns related to population dynamics and numeric trends. Abundance is a critical parameter for management decisions, and estimating the density and abundance of elusive species, such as terrestrial carnivores, remains challenging despite recent technological advances. In this study, we evaluated density and abundance of a recovering carnivore species, the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in two areas of Ohio using non‐invasive DNA from scat. The target areas in eastern and southern Ohio have been shown to have uneven dynamics and recolonization success and we expected that this would be reflected in differences in density and abundance. We collected 298 bobcat scats between July 2018 and April 2019 on 150 km of repeated transects. Of these, 102 scats were successfully genotyped, and 55 individuals were identified (33 in eastern Ohio and 22 in southern Ohio). Using Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture models, we estimated 18.9 ± 4.1 and 10.9 ± 2.7 bobcats/100 km2 in eastern and southern Ohio study areas, respectively. Our results support prior telemetry data which indicated that bobcats in eastern Ohio had smaller home‐ranges than bobcats in southern Ohio, and thus could support a higher density of individuals. The higher densities were similar to other eastern US populations and are much higher than other Midwestern recovering populations. Our results provide a snapshot of the population status and can be used to determine sustainable management strategies for Ohio's bobcat population.

The impact of fentanyl on state- and county-level psychostimulant and cocaine overdose death rates by race in Ohio from 2010 to 2020: a time series and spatiotemporal analysis

BackgroundOver the past decade in the USA, increases in overdose rates of cocaine and psychostimulants with opioids were highest among Black, compared to White, populations. Whether fentanyl has contributed to the rise in cocaine and psychostimulant overdoses in Ohio is unknown. We sought to measure the impact of fentanyl on cocaine and psychostimulant overdose death rates by race in Ohio.MethodsWe conducted time series and spatiotemporal analyses using data from the Ohio Public Health Information Warehouse. Primary outcomes were state- and county-level overdose death rates from 2010 to 2020 for Black and White populations. Measures of interest were overdoses consisting of four drug involvement classes: (1) all cocaine overdoses, (2) cocaine overdoses not involving fentanyl, (3) all psychostimulant overdoses, and (4) psychostimulant overdoses not involving fentanyl. We fit a time series model of log standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) using a Bayesian generalized linear mixed model to estimate posterior median rate ratios (RR). We conducted a spatiotemporal analysis by modeling the SMR for each drug class at the county level to characterize county-level variation over time.ResultsIn 2020, the greatest overdose rates involved cocaine among Black (24.8 deaths/100,000 people) and psychostimulants among White (10.1 deaths/100,000 people) populations. Annual mortality rate ratios were highest for psychostimulant-involved overdoses among Black (aRR = 1.71; 95% CI (1.43, 2.02)) and White (aRR = 1.60, 95% CI (1.39, 1.80)) populations. For cocaine not involving fentanyl, annual mortality rate ratios were similar among Black (aRR = 1.04; 95% CI (0.96,1.16)) and White (aRR = 1.02; 95% CI (0.87, 1.20)) populations. Within each drug category, change over time was similar for both racial groups. The spatial models highlighted county-level variation for all drug categories.ConclusionsWithout the involvement of fentanyl, cocaine overdoses remained constant while psychostimulant overdoses increased. Tailored harm reduction approaches, such as distribution of fentanyl test strips and the removal of punitive laws that influence decisions to contact emergency services, are the first steps to reduce cocaine overdose rates involving fentanyl among urban populations in Ohio. In parallel, harm reduction policies to address the increase in psychostimulant overdoses are warranted.

Initiation of Breast Cancer Screening at a Later Age May Disproportionately Impact Minority Groups: Review of Ohio Data (1996-2022).

Among women with breast cancer, delays in diagnosis and earlier presentation have been documented among minority women. Consequently, initiation of breast cancer screening at a later age may disproportionately harm minority groups. This study seeks to determine whether minority women face a higher proportional risk of younger age breast cancer than their White peers. Using publicly available data from the Ohio Department of Public Health Data Warehouse, we constructed a database allowing for retrospective evaluation of all breast cancer patients in the state of Ohio from 1996 to 2020. White women represented the bulk of total breast cancer cases in each age group and overall; however, the proportion of cancers attributable to White women increased in each successively older cohort group: 80.7% of cases under age 40 up to 91.3% of the 80 or older group. By a significant margin, the opposite is true in minority groups with African American women accounting for 15% of cases under the age of 40, trending down to 7.8% of the 80 and older group. Comparison of the proportions of these groups demonstrates statistically significant proportional decreases among minority groups and statistically significant increases among White women. Our findings suggest that women of color in the Ohio population face a disproportionately high risk of being diagnosed with younger age breast cancer and support the findings of other authors who recommend tailoring breast cancer screening by racial cohort. Efforts should be made to promote younger-age screening for minority women to prevent disproportionate harm.

Genetic analysis of invasive spread of wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), a popular ornamental groundcover

AbstractAn important route of introduction of some nonnative species that subsequently become invasive in the United States is through horticulture. One such plant is Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Maz., commonly known as wintercreeper, an evergreen groundcover with more than 52 different horticultural varieties, which is still sold at many plant nurseries and garden centers in the midwestern United States. Although several states have recognized E. fortunei as an invasive species, it is unknown how its escape from cultivation has occurred and even the identity of spreading populations, including whether hybrids or cultivars are involved. Using codominant microsatellite markers, we sampled multiple invasive populations in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and Minnesota and compared their genotypes with commercially available cultivars to determine how spread has occurred. All samples collected from invasive populations were genetically identical to one another and matched perfectly with the ‘Coloratus’ cultivar, the only cultivar to exhibit polyploidy. The data also suggest that E. fortunei may potentially reproduce via apomixis and/or clonally through propagule fragments, which can quickly fix favorable genotypes within a population. To curb continued invasive spread, we suggest that Coloratus be removed from commercial sale and distribution. We also propose that land managers, horticultural and landscaping businesses, and governmental agencies carefully monitor other Euonymus cultivars for invasive potential and spread.

Physiological phenotypes differ among color morphs in introduced common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis).

Many species exhibit color polymorphisms which have distinct physiological and behavioral characteristics. However, the consistency of morph trait covariation patterns across species, time, and ecological contexts remains unclear. This trait covariation is especially relevant in the context of invasion biology and urban adaptation. Specifically, physiological traits pertaining to energy maintenance are crucial to fitness, given their immediate ties to individual reproduction, growth, and population establishment. We investigated the physiological traits of Podarcis muralis, a versatile color polymorphic species that thrives in urban environments (including invasive populations in Ohio, USA). We measured five physiological traits (plasma corticosterone and triglycerides, hematocrit, body condition, and field body temperature), which compose an integrated multivariate phenotype. We then tested variation among co-occurring color morphs in the context of establishment in an urban environment. We found that the traits describing physiological status and strategy shifted across the active season in a morph-dependent manner-the white and yellow morphs exhibited clearly different multivariate physiological phenotypes, characterized primarily by differences in plasma corticosterone. This suggests that morphs have different strategies in physiological regulation, the flexibility of which is crucial to urban adaptation. The white-yellow morph exhibited an intermediate phenotype, suggesting an intermediary energy maintenance strategy. Orange morphs also exhibited distinct phenotypes, but the low prevalence of this morph in our study populations precludes clear interpretation. Our work provides insight into how differences among stable polymorphisms exist across axes of the phenotype and how this variation may aid in establishment within novel environments.

Applying Rasch analysis in refinement and validation of interpersonal skills measure for gifted children.

Interpersonal characteristics of gifted adolescents is important because of the potential influence on individuals' psychological health and future professional success. Understanding the interpersonal characteristics requires valid and reliable measures. This study attempted to explicitly describe the application of Rasch analysis in the validation and development process of an existing measure of interpersonal skills among gifted adolescent in Ohio. We extensively evaluated the psychometric properties of the 40-item scale measuring the interpersonal competence of adolescents among the gifted population in Ohio (N = 127) using Rasch analysis. Multiple aspects of reliability and validity were tested including dimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was confirmed with an adequate fit to the Rasch model. However, the scale demonstrates relatively poor performance in terms of unidimensionality with our sample. Also, the rating scale categories were confusing given that our sample could not effectively distinguish some adjacent categories. Corresponding refinements have been made and the revised scale formed a meaningful linear progression with improved performance on unidimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics. The study provided evidence that the construct of interpersonal skills is measurable. Based upon the original Interpersonal Competence Questionnaires consists of 40 items, the author extracted and piloted a refined measure consisting of 31 items that performed a meaningful, theoretically consistent linear progression measure that could be used to measure the level of interpersonal skills of gifted children.

An established population of Asian longhorned ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Ohio, USA.

We describe the first known established Asian longhorned tick (ALT) (Acari: Ixodidae: Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) population in Ohio, USA. In mid-summer 2021, we collected ALTs from an infested pasture in response to an alert that grazing cattle had been infested with ticks, and 3 of them had died. No ALTs were reported following pesticide treatment of the pasture in fall 2021. In the laboratory, we identified 9,287 ticks to species, representing all 3 life stages, as ALTs and tested 100 of the adult females for infectious agents relevant to human and animal health, including Theileria orientalis, a cattle disease agent. Eight field-collected ticks were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (n = 100, 8%); no other infectious agents were detected. Active environmental surveillance showed the return of ALTs in June 2022 despite the tick control efforts in 2021. As ALTs continue to expand their range in the United States, active and passive surveillance studies will be needed to characterize their evolving role in human and animal health.

Simulated effects of roadkill and harvest on the viability of a recovering bobcat population

AbstractBobcats (Lynx rufus) were extirpated from many midwestern states in the mid‐1800s owing to habitat loss and overharvesting. Recently, bobcats have recolonized Ohio, USA, and neighboring states and given their furbearer status elsewhere, there is interest in opening a harvest season; however, demographic factors and viability of this population are currently unknown. We developed a spatial population simulation model to assess the long‐term viability of the bobcat population in Ohio in the face of 2 human‐induced factors limiting population growth: potential harvest and road mortality. We combined habitat suitability and road mortality risk data with vital rates for bobcats from Ohio and other populations to simulate possible scenarios for Ohio's population. Our baseline scenario simulations showed no risk of extinction for Ohio's bobcat population in the next 40 years, but population trajectories were lower and exhibited greater uncertainty when we modeled the population with a lower maximum density of animals per cell. At low harvest intensity (αh = 0.05), the bobcat population also exhibits low risk of extinction. When harvest intensity increases (αh = 0.1, 0.15) or when adults (≥2 yr) are targeted by harvest, simulations show declining populations, greater uncertainty in projections, and possible risk of extirpation. Our models indicated that if harvest and road mortality are additive, then the bobcat population could withstand marginal increases in road mortality (αr = 0.1) at low harvest intensity (αh = 0.05). Future increases in road mortality with higher harvest intensity (αh = 0.1, 0.15) were unsustainable. Our results can be used by wildlife managers to assist with decisions on population‐level management. This simulation model can easily be adapted for other large mammals and can be modified to assess a variety of ecological and anthropogenic influences to wildlife populations.

The association between internet use to obtain health information and receiving three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine in a multi-ethnic population in Ohio

While most cancer incidence and mortality rates are decreasing, liver cancer rates are increasing. The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccine prevents liver cancer, although not everyone receives all three doses of the vaccine. This study examined the association between using the internet as the primary source of health information and receiving three HBV vaccine doses among a multi-ethnic population in Ohio. From May 2017 through February 2018, participants in the Community Initiative Towards Improving Equity and Health Status (CITIES) study reported their primary health information source and if they received three HBV vaccine doses. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit using backwards selection. Overall, 26.6% received three HBV vaccine doses. After adjusting for race/ethnicity and education, the association between internet use and receiving three HBV vaccine doses was not significant (p-value = 0.73). In the process of model-building, race/ethnicity and educational attainment were identified as factors associated with completing the HBV vaccine; Hispanics (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.69) and African Americans (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.35, 0.81) had lower odds of receiving three doses compared to whites; compared to college graduates, those with a high school diploma or less also had lower odds (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.52). This study suggests no association between internet use and complete HBV vaccination; however, associations between both race/ethnicity and educational attainment and HBV vaccine completion were identified. Future research should consider factors that stem from racial/ethnic and educational disparities that may influence adherence to HBV vaccination (i.e., healthcare system mistrust, access to accurate health information).

A novel SNP assay reveals increased genetic variability and abundance following translocations to a remnant Allegheny woodrat population

BackgroundAllegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) are found in metapopulations distributed throughout the Interior Highlands and Appalachia. Historically these metapopulations persisted as relatively fluid networks, enabling gene flow between subpopulations and recolonization of formerly extirpated regions. However, over the past 45 years, the abundance of Allegheny woodrats has declined throughout the species’ range due to a combination of habitat destruction, declining hard mast availability, and roundworm parasitism. In an effort to initiate genetic rescue of a small, genetically depauperate subpopulation in New Jersey, woodrats were translocated from a genetically robust population in Pennsylvania (PA) in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Herein, we assess the efficacy of these translocations to restore genetic diversity within the recipient population.ResultsWe designed a novel 134 single nucleotide polymorphism panel, which was used to genotype the six woodrats translocated from PA and 82 individuals from the NJ population captured before and after the translocation events. These data indicated that a minimum of two translocated individuals successfully produced at least 13 offspring, who reproduced as well. Further, population-wide observed heterozygosity rose substantially following the first set of translocations, reached levels comparable to that of populations in Indiana and Ohio, and remained elevated over the subsequent years. Abundance also increased during the monitoring period, suggesting Pennsylvania translocations initiated genetic rescue of the New Jersey population.ConclusionsOur results indicate, encouragingly, that very small numbers of translocated individuals can successfully restore the genetic diversity of a threatened population. Our work also highlights the challenges of managing very small populations, such as when translocated individuals have greater reproductive success relative to residents. Finally, we note that ongoing work with Allegheny woodrats may broadly shape our understanding of genetic rescue within metapopulations and across heterogeneous landscapes.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards monkeypox during the 2022 outbreak: An online cross-sectional survey among clinicians in Ohio, USA

BackgroundControlling monkeypox effectively requires clinicians have knowledge of monkeypox, attitudes supporting of controlling it, and intentions to adopt practices to address it. Little is known, however, about levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) in clinician populations in Ohio, United States. MethodsA cross-sectional, internet-based questionnaire assessed knowledge related to monkeypox, attitudes toward ability to control monkeypox and the threat of monkeypox, and prior relevant practices of having received a smallpox vaccine or having knowledge of monkeypox before 2022, intentions to adopt preventive practices, and demographics. Frequency reporting was used to assess overall knowledge and attitudes. Binary logistic regression was used to predict which KAPs were associated with behavioral intentions. ResultsA total of 197 clinicians participated. No demographic factor was associated with KAPs. Clinicians had relatively poor levels of knowledge. Participants expressed mixed attitudes about eventual control of monkeypox and about threat posed by monkeypox. About one in four participants reported previous knowledge of monkeypox, and about 40 % had received a smallpox vaccine Clinicians reported insufficient levels of intention to adopt preventive practices. Binary regression analysis suggests only perceptions of the threat of monkeypox to public health were associated with intentions to vaccinate self or others. ConclusionsEducational interventions with clinicians should address inadequate knowledge to support correct diagnosis and treatment. Efforts to enhance the perception of threat of monkeypox to public health may support adherence to preventive recommendations.

COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Spanish-Speaking Free Clinic Patients.

We sought to assess COVID-19 vaccination rates, as well as attitudes and beliefs towards the vaccine, of patients in a Spanish-speaking student-run free clinic in Columbus, Ohio. A cross-sectional study was performed. Surveys were distributed to all individuals over 18years who presented to La Clínica Latina between July, 2022 and September, 2022. A convenience sample was used: patients in the waiting room and their accompanying family members or friends were invited to participate. Subjects were excluded if under the age of 18 or over the age of 75, or if non-Spanish speaking. Of the 158 individuals who agreed to participate in our study, 146 responded to the question regarding vaccination status, revealing 90.4% of respondents had received a COVID-19 vaccination. Most respondents learned about the vaccine from social media (26.4%) or television (22.7%). The majority of participants sought answers to questions surrounding the vaccine by asking their doctor (49.1%). The most common reason among unvaccinated participants for not undergoing vaccination was fear of an adverse reaction to the vaccine (n = 11). We found that a large proportion (90.4%) of individuals seeking care at a Spanish-speaking free clinic were vaccinated against COVID-19. Our study also provides perspective on the means of health knowledge acquisition and behaviors in this predominantly Latinx patient population in central Ohio. We can utilize our results to optimize and tailor clinic services and initiatives for COVID-19 boosters to meet the needs of this community.

An age-friendly population health dashboard geolocating by clinical and social determinant needs.

An age-friendly population health dashboard geolocating by clinical and social determinant needs.

Depressive Symptoms and Perception of COVID-19 Risk in Ohio Adults

Background: We assessed the relationship between depressive symptoms and perceived COVID-19 risk in the next month. Methods: This analysis used survey data collected during a July 2020 cross-sectional study using a household-based probability sampling design. A total of 615 noninstitutionalized, English- and/or Spanish-speaking adults in Ohio were included. Depressive symptoms screening occurred using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). We applied survey weights so that presented analyses represent the adult population in Ohio. We performed log-risk regression modeling (generalized linear model with binomial distribution and log link) to estimate unadjusted and covariate-adjusted prevalence ratios examining the association between screening positive for depressive symptoms and perceived risk of COVID-19 in the next month. Results: The study population was majority female (59.1%) and White (90.3%). The mean age was 55.9 years (standard deviation (SD)=17.3). About 1 in 20 (4.6%) screened positive for depressive symptoms. A positive depressive symptoms screen was not significantly associated with perceived risk of COVID-19 in the next month (prevalence ratio [PR]=0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.25–2.24). After confounder adjustment, the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) was nearly unchanged (aPR=0.78; 95% CI=0.24–2.55). Conclusion: As depression is often associated with anxiety and pessimism toward the future, the lack of association between depressive symptoms screening and perception of COVID-19 risk in the next month is surprising. Social withdrawal, which is also associated with depression, may have concealed any increased perceived COVID-19 risk, as depressed individuals who remained socially isolated may have had lower perceived COVID-19 risk.

Pathotype Complexity and Genetic Characterization of Phytophthora sojae Populations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Phytophthora sojae, the causal agent of Phytophthora root and stem rot of soybean, has been managed with single Rps genes since the 1960s but has subsequently adapted to many of these resistance genes, rendering them ineffective. The objective of this study was to examine the pathotype and genetic diversity of P. sojae from soil samples across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio by assessing which Rps genes were still effective and identifying possible population clusters. There were 218 pathotypes identified from 473 P. sojae isolates with an average of 6.7 out of 15 differential soybean lines exhibiting a susceptible response for each isolate. Genetic characterization of 103 P. sojae isolates from across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio with 19 simple sequence repeat markers identified 92 multilocus genotypes. There was a moderate level of population differentiation between these four states, with pairwise FST values ranging from 0.026 to 0.246. There were also moderate to high levels of differentiation between fields, with pairwise FST values ranging from 0.071 to 0.537. Additionally, cluster analysis detected the presence of P. sojae population structure across neighboring states. The level of pathotype and genetic diversity, in addition to the identification of population clusters, supports the hypothesis of occasional outcrossing events that allow an increase in diversity and the potential to select for a loss in avirulence to specific resistance genes within regions. The trend of suspected gene flow among neighboring fields is expected to be an ongoing issue with current agricultural practices.