Society of behavioral medicine statement on COVID-19 and rural health.

This position statement provides researchers, practitioners, and policymakers an overview of pre-existing and COVID-related rural health inequities in the United States (U.S.) and how they have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contrasting mitochondrial diversity of European starlings () across three invasive continental distributions.

European starlings () represent one of the most widespread and problematic avian invasive species in the world. Understanding their unique population history and current population dynamics can contribute to conservation efforts and clarify evolutionary processes over short timescales. European starlings were introduced to Central Park, New York in 1890, and from a founding group of about 100 birds, they have expanded across North America with a current population of approximately 200 million.

Addressing inequities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality: research and policy recommendations.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest global public health crisis since the 1918 influenza outbreak. As of early June, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 6.3 million people worldwide and more than 1.

Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), the protein product of the gene, is required in the germline for the regulation of inter-flagellar microtubule dynamics during spermatid individualization.

Individual sperm cells are resolved from a syncytium during late step of spermiogenesis known as individualization, which is accomplished by an Individualization Complex (IC) composed of 64 investment cones. encodes Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), suggesting a role for microtubule dynamics in individualization. Indeed, a population of ∼100 cytoplasmic microtubules fails to disappear in mutant testes during spermatogenesis.

Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM urges Congress to preserve and extend funding for Medicaid services.

In May 2017, the Trump administration proposed steep cuts to Medicaid funding. This proposal was met with bipartisan criticism, as this program provides vital healthcare coverage for vulnerable children, adults, and families, including those living below the federal poverty line. In addition to the proposed funding cuts, federally authorized state restrictions to Medicaid access (e.

Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM urges Congress to preserve and increase the financing of federally funded nutrition assistance programs and services.

Deep cuts have been proposed to federally funded nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and federally subsidized school breakfast and lunch programs. Yet, these programs help parents afford healthy meals for their families, pregnant and postpartum mothers access supplemental foods and health services for themselves and their infants and young children, and children obtain the nutrition necessary for optimal school performance. Participation in these programs is linked with reductions in perinatal morbidity and mortality, improved childhood growth trajectories, enhanced school performance, and reductions in food insecurity and poverty.

Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: restore CDC funding for firearms and gun violence prevention research.

The Society for Behavioral Medicine (SBM) urges restoration of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding for firearms and gun violence prevention research. Gun violence in the United States is an important and costly public health issue in need of research attention. Unfortunately, there have been no concerted CDC-funded research efforts in this area since 1996, due to the passage of the Dickey Amendment.

Child and family health in the era of prevention: new opportunities and challenges.

To maintain positive health outcomes over the life course, prevention efforts should begin early in childhood. Two research domains that significantly impact the trajectory of health over the life course are childhood obesity and early trauma and violence. Prevention strategies addressing multiple levels of influence are being adopted in these fields.

Problems encountered by parents and guardians of elementary school-age children in obtaining immunizations.

This study surveyed 265 parents of children in kindergarten through third grade in an urban New Jersey public school to determine problems encountered in obtaining regular immunizations. The most frequent reasons parents failed to obtain immunizations were cost, lesser use of WIC and AFDC, and lower perceived susceptibility of child to consequences of disease.

Taurine: an overview of its role in preventive medicine.

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), well known for its role in bile salt synthesis, is also involved in a number of crucial physiological processes including modulation of calcium flux and neuronal excitability, osmoregulation, detoxification, and membrane stabilization. With the exception of cow's milk, taurine is widely distributed in foods from many animal, but not plant, sources. Although taurine is synthesized from sulfur-containing amino acids, concern has been expressed about the adequacy of endogenous sources, especially in neonates.