Human ACE2 transgenic pigs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19-like disease.

Animal models that accurately reflect COVID-19 are vital for understanding mechanisms of disease and advancing development of improved vaccines and therapeutics. Pigs are increasingly recognized as valuable models for human disease due to their genetic, anatomical, physiological, and immunological similarities to humans, and they present a more ethically viable alternative to non-human primates. However, pigs are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection which limits their utility as a model.

TRPV4 modulates inflammatory responses and apoptosis in enteric glial cells triggered by Clostridioides difficile toxins A and B.

Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, is the primary cause of hospital antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Key virulence factors, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), significantly contribute to C. difficile infection (CDI).

Responsiveness to cold snaps by turtle embryos depends on exposure timing and duration.

Characterizing how organisms respond to transient temperatures may further our understanding of their susceptibility to climate change. Past studies in the freshwater turtle, , have demonstrated that the timing and duration of heat waves can have major implications for the response of genes involved in gonadal development and the production of female hatchlings. Yet, no study has considered how the response of these genes to transient cold snap exposure may affect gonadal development and the production of males.

Phase Level Assessment of Ergonomic Intervention Effectiveness in Reducing Knee Musculoskeletal Disorder Risks During Residential Roof Shingle Installation.

Background: This study aimed to assess how knee savers (KSs) and knee pads (KPs) alleviate risks of knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among roofers during various phases of shingle installation. These phases encompass (1) reaching for shingles, (2) placing shingles, (3) grabbing a nail gun, (4) moving to the first nailing position, (5) nailing shingles, (6) replacing the nail gun, and (7) returning to an upright position.

Methods: In a laboratory setting, nine male participants simulated the shingle installation task on a slope-adjustable roof platform (0°, 15°, and 30° slopes) under four intervention conditions: no intervention (NO); with KPs only (KP); with KSs only (KS); and with both KPs and KSs (BO).

Total Serum Immunoglobulin E in a Cohort of Children with Food Allergy.

Background: Total serum immunoglobulin E (TsIgE) has not been examined in children with food allergy.

Objective: Evaluate associations of TsIgE with patient, household, environmental and community-level characteristics among children with food allergy.

Method: Linear mixed effect models of data from 398 Black and/or African American (B/AA) and White and/or European American (W/EA) children with allergist-diagnosed food allergy from the multi-center, observational cohort FORWARD; TsIgE in kU/L was the primary outcome measure.