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  • OPEN ACCESS
    Defining modifiable barriers to uptake of dietary recommendations in Chinese immigrants with type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study
    FACETS • Vol. 4 • No. 1 • pp. 551 - 565
    The objective is to support development of a nutritional intervention for Chinese immigrants with diabetes by defining current deficiencies and identifying modifiable factors and mechanisms of change. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 13 ethnic Chinese with type 2 diabetes identified modifiable problems related to culturally relevant diabetes resources and low cultural acceptability of recommended diets. These factors could be addressed through creation of resources developed in partnership with Chinese-speaking health care professionals and persons with diabetes.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Strength and competitiveness are more strongly predictive of retrospective sport participation than 2D:4D in university-aged women
    FACETS • Vol. 4 • No. 1 • pp. 459 - 471
    Objective: Females continue to participate in sport at lower rates than males. Girls who participate in sport gain many advantages. Even with programs designed to emphasize participation, some females continue with sport participation while others do not. Given the advantages and controversies surrounding testosterone and female sport, it is possible that testosterone may predispose females toward sport participation. Our objective was to determine if the second to fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, a proxy for prenatal androgen exposure, correlates with sport participation throughout female adolescence and young adulthood. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of indirect prenatal androgen exposure (i.e., 2D:4D) was completed on 18–30-year-old women (n = 92) using demographics, anthropometrics, sport-specific behaviour tendencies, and retrospective sport participation. Results: 2D:4D was not significantly correlated with total sport participation (TSP) (r = −0.065, p = 0.538). Secondary analyses revealed significant correlations between TSP and maximum hand grip (r = 0.406, p = 0.000) and the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQcomp (r = 0.513475, p = 0.000), SOQgoal (r = 0.253, p = 0.015), SOQwin (r = 0.366, p = 0.000)). Conclusion: Although strength and competitiveness are strongly correlated with female sport participation, the impact of prenatal androgen exposure (i.e., 2D:4D) remains to be determined given its weak and negative association with female sport participation. Given that females participate in sport at lower rates than males, continuing to determine what factors influence sport participation is an important goal.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Global estrogen receptor-α knockout has differential effects on cortical and cancellous bone in aged male mice
    FACETS • Vol. 5 • No. 1 • pp. 328 - 348
    Estrogen receptor-α knockout (ERKO) in female rodents results in bone loss associated with increased osteocyte sclerostin expression; whether this also occurs in males is unknown. Here, we examined the effects of ERKO on femoral cortical geometry, trabecular microarchitecture, and osteocyte sclerostin expression of the femur and lumbar vertebrae. At 14 months of age, male ERKO and wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 6 per group) were sacrificed, and femora and vertebra were collected. Cortical geometry and trabecular microarchitecture were assessed via micro-computed tomography; osteocyte sclerostin expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry. ANCOVA with body weight was used to compare ERKO and WT for cortical geometry; t-tests were used for all other outcomes. Regardless of skeletal site, ERKO mice had greater trabecular bone volume and trabecular number and decreased trabecular separation compared with WT. In the femoral diaphysis, ERKO had lower total area, cortical area, and cortical thickness compared with WT. The percentage of sclerostin+ osteocytes was increased in ERKO animals in cortical bone but not in cancellous bone of the femur or the lumbar vertebrae. In conclusion, ERKO improved trabecular microarchitecture in aged male mice, but negatively altered femoral cortical geometry associated with a trend towards increased cortical sclerostin expression.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Age-dependent stress response DNA demethylation and gene upregulation accompany nuclear and skeletal muscle remodeling following acute resistance-type exercise in rats
    FACETS • Vol. 5 • No. 1 • pp. 455 - 473
    Efficacy of high-intensity resistance exercise becomes progressively compromised with aging. Previously, to investigate this, we developed a rodent model of high-intensity training consisting of stretch-shortening contractions (SSCs) and determined that following one month of training, young rats exhibit a robust stress response and 20% performance increase, whereas old rats display a muted stress response and 30% performance decrease. Whether these age-specific responses occur early in training and constitute primary factors in adaptation/maladaptation was not addressed. The aim of the present study was to characterize performance, remodeling, and stress response transcriptional profile 6–120 h following acute SSC exposure. For young rats, the stress response pathway was highly regulated (≥20 differentially expressed genes at each time point) and was accompanied by robust DNA demethylation, tissue remodeling, and isometric torque recovery. For old rats, a muted transcriptional profile (13 and 2 differentially expressed genes at 6 and 120 h, respectively) coincided with deficiencies in demethylation, muscle remodeling, and torque recovery. These findings occurred in the context of heightened chronic levels of stress response gene expression with aging. This demonstrates that age-related constitutive elevations in stress response gene expression was accompanied by diminished SSC-induced responsiveness in epigenomic regulation and tissue remodeling.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Lack of molecular detection of frog virus 3-like ranavirus (FV3) in mosquitoes during natural outbreak and nonoutbreak conditions
    FACETS • Vol. 5 • No. 1 • pp. 812 - 820
    Ranaviruses are worldwide pathogens of ectothermic vertebrates that can threaten herptile conservation efforts. Identifying transmission routes is critical for understanding disease ecology and promoting species conservation. Frog virus 3 (FV3) DNA was detected in mosquitoes during a ranavirus outbreak in semicaptive box turtles, but the role that insect vectors play under natural conditions is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we collected mosquito species known to take blood meals from reptiles and amphibians (Aedes canadensis, Culex erraticus, Culex territans, and Uranotaenia sapphirina) from mid-May to early August, 2014, at four study sites in Vermilion County, Illinois, two of which had historic or ongoing FV3 outbreaks in box turtles and amphibians. Mosquitoes were batched by date and species, DNA was extracted, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of FV3. FV3 was not detected despite one of the sites having an active FV3 outbreak during the study period. Our findings indicate that FV3 detection is uncommon in mosquitoes during outbreak and nonoutbreak conditions at these sites in Illinois. Thus, we cannot establish that mosquitoes contribute to transmission during natural mortality events without performing further studies.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Non-HDL cholesterol level and depression among Canadian elderly—a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from the CLSA
    FACETS • Vol. 5 • No. 1 • pp. 1006 - 1018
    To explore whether non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) is associated with depression, a total of 26 819 Canadians aged 45–85 from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were included in analysis. Non-HDL-c, the difference between total-c and HDL-c, was categorized into five levels, i.e., <2.6, 2.6 to <3.7, 3.7 to <4.8, 4.8 to 5.7, and ≥5.7 mmol/L. History of clinical depression was collected by questionnaire at an in-home interview, and current potential depression status was determined by CES-D10 (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 10 questions version) score, i.e., ≥10 vs. <10. Logistic continuation ratio model for ordinal data was used to estimate the odds of being at or above a higher non-HDL-c category for depression status. Compared with those without clinical depression history and currently undepressed, the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 1.09 (1.02, 1.17) for those without clinical depression history but currently depressed, 1.05 (0.98, 1.12) for those had clinical depression history but currently undepressed, and 1.21 (1.10, 1.32) for those had clinical depression history and currently depressed. The average of non-HDL-c for four depression groups were 3.64, 3.71, 3.69, and 3.82 mmol/L, respectively, and group 4 was statistically higher than others (p < 0.001). In conclusion, people with both current depression and a history clinical depression are at an increased risk of having high level of non-HDL-c.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Establishment, contagiousness, and initial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada
    FACETS • Vol. 6 • pp. 180 - 194
    This study empirically quantifies dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 establishment and early spread in Canada. We developed a transmission model that was simulation tested and fitted in a Bayesian framework to timeseries of new cases per day prior to physical distancing interventions. A hierarchical version was fitted to all provinces simultaneously to obtain average estimates for Canada. Across scenarios of a latent period of 2–4 d and an infectious period of 5–9 d, the R0 estimate for Canada ranges from a minimum of 3.0 (95% CI: 2.3–3.9) to a maximum of 5.3 (95% CI: 3.9–7.1). Among provinces, the estimated commencement of community transmission ranged from 3 d before to 50 d after the first reported case and from 2 to 25 d before the first reports of community transmission. Among parameter scenarios and provinces, the median reduction in transmission needed to obtain R0 < 1 ranged from 46% (95% CI: 43%–48%) to 89% (95% CI: 88%–90%). Our results indicate that local epidemics of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada entail high levels of stochasticity, contagiousness, and observation delay, which facilitates rapid undetected spread and requires comprehensive testing and contact tracing for its containment.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    α1-adrenergic stimulation increases ventricular action potential duration in the intact mouse heart
    FACETS • Vol. 6 • pp. 823 - 836
    The role of α1-adrenergic receptors (α-ARs) in the regulation of myocardial function is less well-understood than that of β-ARs. Previous reports in the mouse heart have described that α1-adrenergic stimulation shortens action potential duration in isolated cells or tissues, in contrast to prolongation of the action potential reported in most other mammalian hearts. It has since become appreciated, however, that the mouse heart exhibits marked variation in inotropic response to α1-adrenergic stimulation between ventricles and even individual cardiomyocytes. We investigated the effects of α1-adrenergic stimulation on action potential duration at 80% of repolarization in the right and left ventricles of Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts using optical mapping. In hearts under β-adrenergic blockade (propranolol), phenylephrine or noradrenaline perfusion both increased action potential duration in both ventricles. The increased action potential duration was partially reversed by subsequent perfusion with the α-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (1 μmol L−1). These data show that α1-receptor stimulation may lead to a prolonging of action potential in the mouse heart and thereby refine our understanding of how action potential duration adjusts during sympathetic stimulation.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Lower extremity muscle strength reference values for young Saudi male adults aged 21 to 23 years and their correlation with anthropometric parameters and balance
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 98 - 109
    Normative reference values for muscle strength are needed for muscle strength assessment and estimation of prognosis in lower extremity related neuromuscular disorders, as muscle strength influenced by anthropometric parameters and muscle strength itself affects balance. Normative reference values for muscle strength in the Saudi Arabian population is lacking in the literature. Hence, the current study aimed to establish normative reference values for lower extremity muscle strength and to correlate these values with anthropometric parameters and balance. Lower extremity muscle strength and balance were assessed by baseline hand-held dynamometer and by forward, lateral, and oblique direction reach tests in 421 young male adults between 21 and 23 years of age. The mean and standard deviation of lower extremity strength ranged from 43.83 ± 16.92 lb to 62.07 ± 10.74 lb. Body weight, body mass index, and oblique and lateral reach distances were correlated with some knee and ankle muscle strength values. Body weight, body mass index, and balance showed significant effect on lower extremity muscle strength. Furthermore, decreased muscle strength may impair balance; the current clinical practice should evaluate body weight, body mass index, and muscle strength during the assessment process.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    SARS-CoV-2 detection from the built environment and wastewater and its use for hospital surveillance
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 82 - 97
    Patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infections are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in health care settings. Our understanding of the distribution of this virus in the built health care environment and wastewater, and relationship to disease burden, is limited. We performed a prospective multi-center study of environmental sampling of SARS-CoV-2 from hospital surfaces and wastewater and evaluated their relationships with regional and hospital COVID-19 burden. We validated a qPCR-based approach to surface sampling and collected swab samples weekly from different locations and surfaces across two tertiary care hospital campuses for a 10-week period during the pandemic, along with wastewater samples. Over the 10-week period, 963 swab samples were collected and analyzed. We found 61 (6%) swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2, with the majority of these (n = 51) originating from floor samples. Wards that actively managed patients with COVID-19 had the highest frequency of positive samples. Detection frequency in built environment swabs was significantly associated with active cases in the hospital throughout the study. Wastewater viral signal changes appeared to predate change in case burden. Our results indicate that environment sampling for SARS-CoV-2, in particular from floors, may offer a unique and resolved approach to surveillance of COVID-19.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Evaluation of a randomized nutrition intervention combining nutrition education and cooking workshops on dietary intakes and psychosocial determinants of performance in university football athletes
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 876 - 890
    Although nutrition influences performance, many athletes, including football players, do not meet nutritional requirements for their sport. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a nutrition intervention combining nutrition education and cooking workshops on nutrition knowledge, intention, and perceived behavioral control in the preparation of healthy meals, dietary intakes, and diet quality in male university football players. Athletes (n = 23; age: 22 ± 1 year) were randomly assigned to an intervention (2 h/week) (n = 13) or control group (n = 10) over three weeks. Questionnaires were completed before (pre), immediately after (post 1), and two months after the intervention (post 2). Dietary intakes and diet quality were evaluated from three web-based 24-h dietary recalls per visit. Mixed linear models for repeated measures with Tukey’s post hoc test were performed to determine the effects of the intervention on all outcomes. There was a group by time interaction for nutrition knowledge (p = 0.002) that was higher immediately after and two months after the intervention compared to the control group. No differences on other outcomes were observed. Combining nutrition education and cooking workshops improved nutrition knowledge, but did not affect intention and perceived behavioral control in the preparation of healthy meals, dietary intakes, and diet quality in male university football athletes.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Prior AICAR induces elevated glucose uptake concomitant with greater γ3-AMPK activation and reduced membrane cholesterol in skeletal muscle from 26-month-old rats
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 774 - 791
    Attenuated skeletal muscle glucose uptake (GU) has been observed with advancing age. It is important to elucidate the mechanisms linked to interventions that oppose this detrimental outcome. Earlier research using young rodents and (or) cultured myocytes reported that treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR; an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator) can increase γ3-AMPK activity and reduce membrane cholesterol content, each of which has been proposed to elevate GU. However, the effect of AICAR treatment on γ3-AMPK activity and membrane cholesterol in skeletal muscle of aged animals has not been reported. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of AICAR treatment on these potential mechanisms for enhanced glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle of aged animals. Epitrochlearis muscles from 26–27-month-old male rats were isolated and incubated ± AICAR, followed by 3 h incubation without AICAR, and then incubation with 3-O-methyl-[3 H] glucose (to assess GU ± insulin). Muscles were also analyzed for γ3-AMPK activity and membrane cholesterol content. Prior AICAR treatment led to increased γ3-AMPK activity, reduced membrane cholesterol content, and enhanced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle from aged rats. These observations revealed that two potential mechanisms for greater GU previously observed in younger animals and (or) cell models are also potentially relevant for enhanced GU by muscles from older animals.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Changes in serum copeptin in the early onset of type 2 diabetes
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 1244 - 1257
    Copeptin (C-terminal fragment of pro-arginine vasopressin) levels change as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and blood pressure change. To explore the clinical significance of changes in copeptin levels in development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we enrolled patients undergoing physical health examinations who met diagnostic criteria for prediabetes and T2DM. Subjects were divided into eight subgroups based on FPG levels and presence or absence of hypertension, including: a normal group (NGT), FPG < 5.6 mmol/L; prediabetes A, 5.6 mmol/L ≤ FPG < 6.1 mmol/L; prediabetes B, 6.1 mmol/L ≤ FPG < 7.0 mmol/L; and T2DM, FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L; participants were further into two subgroups by whether they had hypertension or not. Measures included biochemical indicators, fasting insulin (FINS), and copeptin. Copeptin levels in prediabetes A, prediabetes B, and T2DM groups increased significantly compared to NGT group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found in copeptin levels between normal blood pressure and hypertension subgroups in all four groups. Copeptin levels correlated positively with systolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), FPG, FINS, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR; P < 0.05–0.001), and negatively with insulin secretion index (P < 0.05–0.001). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that copeptin levels correlated independently with elevated HbA1c and aggravated HOMA-IR (P < 0.001). Increase in copeptin levels may aggravate insulin resistance, finally leading to T2DM.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    The association of typical and atypical symptoms with in-hospital mortality in older adults with COVID-19: a multicentre cohort study
    FACETS • Vol. 7 • pp. 1199 - 1213
    Atypical disease presentations are common in older adults with COVID-19. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of atypical and typical symptoms in older adults with COVID-19 through progressive pandemic waves and the association of these symptoms with in-hospital mortality. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adults aged over 65 years with confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to seven hospitals in Toronto, Canada, from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021. The median age for the 1786 patients was 78.0 years and 847 (47.5%) were female. Atypical symptoms (as defined by geriatric syndromes) occurred in 1187 patients (66.5%), but rarely occurred in the absence of other symptoms (n = 106; 6.2%). The most common atypical symptoms were anorexia (n = 598; 33.5%), weakness (n = 519; 23.9%), and delirium (n = 449; 25.1%). Dyspnea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–2.62), tachycardia (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.14–3.04), and delirium (aOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.18–1.96) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In a cohort of older adults hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, atypical presentations frequently overlapped with typical symptoms. Further research should be directed at understanding the cause and clinical significance of atypical presentations in older adults.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Funding change: An environmental scan of research funders’ knowledge translation strategic plans and initiatives across 10 high-income countries/regions
    FACETS • Vol. 8 • pp. 1 - 26
    Knowledge translation (KT) is the science and practice of dissemination and implementation of evidence. We describe how research funders operationalize and evaluate KT initiatives, identify challenges and opportunities, and suggest strategic considerations for KT support. We conducted an environmental scan, which included a systematic search of published and grey literature and a focus group with Canadian funders. A total of 130 published articles and 2415 grey literature sources were screened; 212 unique data sources were included. Published literature commonly described KT initiatives related to “KT practice and science funding.” These initiatives commonly provided funds for infrastructure development (e.g., clinical technologies, database subscriptions) to facilitate translational or applied research to address regional health priorities. Of the articles, 44% outlined an evaluation plan; few provided validated KT metrics. In the grey literature, 364 initiatives were described; the most commonly described initiatives related to “exchange and integrated KT.” Focus group participants hoped to see increased resources to support KT, exchange opportunities with policy/decision-makers, and evaluate KT initiatives. Funders completed various KT initiatives, which tended to engage stakeholders to set research priorities, collaborate with a range of stakeholders, build KT capacity, and mandate KT requirements. We provide six considerations for funders to support KT.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    The influence of sociodemographic and environmental factors on wildlife carcass submissions in urban areas: Opportunities for increasing equitable and representative wildlife health surveillance
    FACETS • Vol. 8 • pp. 1 - 13
    Wildlife health surveillance is important in rapidly expanding urban areas, where wildlife live in close association with humans and face unique health risks. Urban areas are not homogeneous, and social and environmental factors may affect the distribution of surveillance data we receive from these environments. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) operates a national wildlife surveillance programme that receives carcass submissions for diagnostic evaluation. Our objective was to evaluate sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with CWHC submissions within two cities in Ontario, Canada. Submissions were mapped at two geographic scales and linked with census and environmental data. The results of mixed multivariable Poisson and negative binomial regression analyses suggest that natural (e.g., percent parkland) and anthropogenic environmental (e.g., presence of a zoo) and social variables (e.g., low income) are associated with submissions at both administratively relevant scales. Associations that are common across scales may represent robust intervention points and inform surveillance methodology/messaging. Surveillance data may influence public health policy, wildlife management, and other decision-making regarding the benefits/risks associated with coexistence with wildlife. This study highlights gaps in surveillance methodology that may prevent equal opportunity for participation in wildlife health surveillance and enable equal opportunity to benefit from the associated outputs.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    British Columbia freshwater salmon hatcheries demonstrate minimal contribution to piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) regional occurrence with no evidence for nonendemic strain introductions
    FACETS • Vol. 8 • pp. 1 - 9
    Piscine orthoreovirus genotype 1 (PRV-1) is a common virus in farmed and wild salmon in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Its regional occurrence in freshwater is far less clear. From 2019 to 2021, tissues of 5619 juvenile anadromous salmon (primarily Atlantic, Chinook, and coho) sampled from 12 commercial and 27 enhancement British Columbia hatcheries during 83 sampling events were screened for PRV-1 prior to seawater entry. More than 2200 (∼40%) were also screened using a Pan-PRV assay targeting all known PRV genotypes. PRV-1 was detected in four coho salmon at two freshwater enhancement facilities and in one Chinook salmon at a commercial facility. Partial (S1 segment) genome sequencing identified detections to be of the PRV-1 subgenotype endemic to the northeastern Pacific. PRV-1 was not detected (5611 individuals; 99.9%) or test results were inconclusive (3 individuals; 0.05%) for all remaining samples screened for PRV-1. PRV-2 and PRV-3 were not detected using the Pan-PRV assay. It is concluded that commercial and enhancement freshwater hatcheries of British Columbia contribute minimally to the prevalence and persistence of PRV-1 in anadromous salmon of the northeastern Pacific, and these hatcheries appear not to have contracted or participated in the distribution of nonendemic forms of PRV in recent years.
  • OPEN ACCESS
    Potential impacts of reduced seafood consumption on myocardial infarction among coastal First Nations in British Columbia, Canada
    FACETS • Vol. 9 • pp. 1 - 13
    The objective of this study is to examine the potential cardiovascular risk of climate-related declines in seafood consumption among First Nations in British Columbia by assessing the combined effects of reduced omega-3 fatty acids and mercury intake from seafood on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in 2050 relative to 2009. The data were derived from the First Nations Food, Nutrition, and Environment Study. Seafood consumption among 369 randomly selected participants was estimated, and hair mercury concentrations were measured. Declines in seafood consumption were modelled based on previously projected climate change scenarios, and the associated changes in nutrients and contaminants were used to estimate the cardiovascular risk. Reduced seafood consumption was projected to increase the risk of MI by 4.5%–6.5% among older individuals (≥50 years), by 1.9%–2.6% in men, and by 1.3%–1.8% in women under lower and upper climate change scenarios, respectively. Reduced seafood consumption may have profound cardiovascular implications. Effective strategies are needed to promote sustainable seafood harvests and access to seafood for coastal First Nations.