University of Vermont

About: University of Vermont is a education organization based out in Burlington, Vermont, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 17592 authors who have published 38251 publications receiving 1609874 citations. The organization is also known as: UVM & University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.

The Early Food Insecurity Impacts of COVID-19

Abstract: COVID-19 has disrupted food access and impacted food insecurity, which is associated with numerous adverse individual and public health outcomes. To assess these challenges and understand their impact on food security, we conducted a statewide population-level survey using a convenience sample in Vermont from 29 March to 12 April 2020, during the beginning of a statewide stay-at-home order. We utilized the United States Department of Agriculture six-item validated food security module to measure food insecurity before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. We assessed food insecurity prevalence and reported food access challenges, coping strategies, and perceived helpful interventions among food secure, consistently food insecure (pre-and post-COVID-19), and newly food insecure (post COVID-19) respondents. Among 3219 respondents, there was nearly a one-third increase (32.3%) in household food insecurity since COVID-19 (p < 0.001), with 35.5% of food insecure households classified as newly food insecure. Respondents experiencing a job loss were at higher odds of experiencing food insecurity (OR 3.06; 95% CI, 2.114–0.46). We report multiple physical and economic barriers, as well as concerns related to food access during COVID-19. Respondents experiencing household food insecurity had higher odds of facing access challenges and utilizing coping strategies, including two-thirds of households eating less since COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Significant differences in coping strategies were documented between respondents in newly food insecure vs. consistently insecure households. These findings have important potential impacts on individual health, including mental health and malnutrition, as well as on future healthcare costs. We suggest proactive strategies to address food insecurity during this crisis.

Calcium-activated chloride current in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

Abstract: We have used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to examine the ionic basis for a transient outward current in rabbit ventricular myocytes. High concentrations of intracellular calcium buffer prevented the current, isoproterenol increased it, and cadmium, nisoldipine, ryanodine, or caffeine blocked it. These data are consistent with a current that is calcium activated, by the calcium transient that causes contraction. The current was not blocked by external 4-aminopyridine or tetraethylammonium, and it was still present if external potassium was omitted and internal potassium was replaced by cesium. The current was absent when intracellular and extracellular chloride concentrations were drastically reduced, even when intracellular and extracellular potassium concentrations were normal. The current was blocked by the anion transport blockers 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and responded to extracellular chloride changes as expected for a chloride current. We used SITS and DIDS to define the voltage dependence of the transient outward current. The current first appeared at voltages positive to the threshold of the calcium current and declined as voltage approached the calcium reversal potential. Tail-current experiments suggested that the current rectified strongly in the outward direction. We propose that the 4-aminopyridine-resistant transient outward current of rabbit ventricular myocytes is a calcium-activated chloride current.

Ecology of Plant and Free-Living Nematodes in Natural and Agricultural Soil

Abstract: Nematodes are aquatic organisms that depend on thin water films to live and move within existing pathways of soil pores of 25–100 μm diameter. Soil nematodes can be a tool for testing ecological hypotheses and understanding biological mechanisms in soil because of their central role in the soil food web and linkage to ecological processes. Ecological succession is one of the most tested community ecology concepts, and a variety of nematode community indices have been proposed for purposes of environmental monitoring. In contrast, theories of biogeography, colonization, optimal foraging, and niche partitioning by nematodes are poorly understood. Ecological hypotheses related to strategies of coexistence of nematode species sharing the same resource have potential uses for more effective biological control and use of organic amendments to foster disease suppression. Essential research is needed on nematodes in natural and agricultural soils to synchronize nutrient release and availability relative to plant ...

Gravitation and Spacetime

Abstract: Now more than ever, Gravitation and Spacetime, Second Edition, by Hans C. Ohanian and new coauthor Remo Ruffini, deserves John Wheeler's praise as "the best book on the market today of 500 pages or less on gravitation and general relativity." Gravitation and Spacetime has been thoroughly updated with the most exciting finds and hottest theoretical topics in general relativity and cosmology. Highlights of the revision include the rise and fall of the fifth force, principles and applications of gravitational lensing, COBE's spectacular confirmation of the blackbody spectrum of the cosmic thermal radiation, theories of dark matter and inflation, and the early universe as a testing ground for particle physicists' unification theories, and much, much more. The ideal choice for a graduate-level introduction to general relativity, Gravitation and Spacetime is also suitable for an advanced undergaduate course.