FABEL: Forecasting Animal Behavioral Events with Deep Learning-Based Computer Vision

Behavioral neuroscience aims to provide a connection between neural phenomena and emergent organism-level behaviors. This requires perturbing the nervous system and observing behavioral outcomes, and comparing observed post-perturbation behavior with predicted counterfactual behavior and therefore accurate behavioral forecasts. In this study we present FABEL, a deep learning method for forecasting future animal behaviors and locomotion trajectories from historical locomotion alone. We train an offline pose estimation network to predict animal body-part locations in behavioral video; then sequences of pose vectors are input to deep learning time-series forecasting models. Specifically, we train an LSTM network that predicts a future food interaction event in a specified time window, and a Temporal Fusion Transformer that predicts future trajectories of animal body-parts, which are then converted into probabilistic label forecasts. Importantly, accurate prediction of food interaction provides a basis for neurobehavioral intervention in the context of compulsive eating. We show promising results on forecasting tasks between 100 milliseconds and 5 seconds timescales. Because the model takes only behavioral video as input, it can be adapted to any behavioral task and does not require specific physiological readouts. Simultaneously, these deep learning models may serve as extensible modules that can accommodate diverse signals, such as in-vivo fluorescence imaging and electrophysiology, which may improve behavior forecasts and elucidate invervention targets for desired behavioral change.

Exposure to IQOS ads and reduced exposure claims, and association with perceived risk from COVID-19 on IQOS purchase and use intentions: results from a web-based survey

Introduction

IQOS was authorized to be marketed as a reduced exposure product by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Those who smoke may be more sensitive to reduced exposure marketing claims and may have an increased inclination toward IQOS use. We evaluated the likelihood of trying and purchasing IQOS as a function of exposure to ads, product appeal, and COVID-19 risk perceptions using the original IQOS ads with reduced exposure marketing.

Method

An online cross-sectional survey recruited 604 US adults (18-45 years), both who smoke and do not smoke. Participants saw one of the six randomly assigned IQOS ads with or without reduced exposure claims, and they answered questions about product appeal and likelihood to try and purchase IQOS. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations.

Results

A per unit increase in product appeal was associated with a greater likelihood of purchasing (B = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.15-0.18) and trying IQOS (B = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.14-0.18). Current smokers and former e-cigarette users reported greater intentions to try IQOS than never-smokers and never e-cigarette users, respectively. Likelihood to purchase IQOS was associated with greater confidence in not contracting COVID-19 (B = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01-0.21). No significant differences were observed between different ad conditions. Current (B = -0.34, 95% CI = -0.50-(-0.19)) and former (B = -0.92, 95% CI = -0.15-(-0.68)) cigarette smokers who were someday e-cigarette users reported less intentions to purchase IQOS than never e-cigarette users. However, never smokers who were someday (B = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.27-0.89; B = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.39-0.98) and former e-cigarette (B = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15-0.61) users reported greater intentions to purchase and try IQOS, respectively.

Discussion

IQOS may have a higher product appeal, especially for those who currently smoke and those who have lower risk perceptions from COVID-19. Among never smokers, those who currently use or have used e-cigarettes in the past may be more receptive to IQOS marketing. The data are informative for potential trends in the use of IQOS in the future and may have implications for marketing regulations of heated tobacco products (HTPs).

Associations between smokers' knowledge of causes of smoking harm and related beliefs and behaviors: Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey

BACKGROUND

Most smokers know that smoking is harmful to health, but less is known about their understanding of what causes the harms. The primary aim was to examine smokers' perceptions of the relative contributions to smoking-related morbidity from combustion products, nicotine, other substances present in unburned tobacco, and additives. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association of these perceptions with nicotine vaping product use intentions, and quitting motivation/intentions.

METHODS

Participants were current smokers and recent ex-smokers from Australia, Canada, England and the United States (N = 12,904, including 8511 daily smokers), surveyed in the 2018 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Respondents reported on how much they thought combustion products, nicotine, chemicals in the tobacco and additives in cigarettes contribute to smoking-related morbidity (none/very little; some but less than half; around half; more than half; all or nearly all of it; don't know).

RESULTS

Overall, 4% of participants provided estimates for all four component causes that fell within the ranges classified correct, with younger respondents and those from England most likely to be correct. Respondents who rated combustion as clearly more important than nicotine in causing harm (25%) were the least likely to be smoking daily and more likely to have quit and/or to be vaping. Among daily smokers, all four cause estimates were independently related to overall health worry and extent of wanting to quit, but the relative rating of combustion compared to nicotine did not add to prediction. Those who answered 'don't know' to the sources of harm questions and those suggesting very little harm were consistently least interested in quitting.

CONCLUSIONS

Most smokers' knowledge of specific causes of harm is currently inadequate and could impact their informed decision-making ability.

An Inhaled Galectin-3 Inhibitor in COVID-19 Pneumonitis: A Phase Ib/IIa Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (DEFINE)

Rationale: High circulating galectin-3 is associated with poor outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We hypothesized that GB0139, a potent inhaled thiodigalactoside galectin-3 inhibitor with antiinflammatory and antifibrotic actions, would be safely and effectively delivered in COVID-19 pneumonitis. Objectives: Primary outcomes were safety and tolerability of inhaled GB0139 as an add-on therapy for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonitis. Methods: We present the findings of two arms of a phase Ib/IIa randomized controlled platform trial in hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonitis. Patients received standard of care (SoC) or SoC plus 10 mg inhaled GB0139 twice daily for 48 hours, then once daily for up to 14 days or discharge. Measurements and Main Results: Data are reported from 41 patients, 20 of which were assigned randomly to receive GB0139. Primary outcomes: the GB0139 group experienced no treatment-related serious adverse events. Incidences of adverse events were similar between treatment arms (40 with GB0139 + SoC vs. 35 with SoC). Secondary outcomes: plasma GB0139 was measurable in all patients after inhaled exposure and demonstrated target engagement with decreased circulating galectin (overall treatment effect post-hoc analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] over days 2-7; P = 0.0099 vs. SoC). Plasma biomarkers associated with inflammation, fibrosis, coagulopathy, and major organ function were evaluated. Conclusions: In COVID-19 pneumonitis, inhaled GB0139 was well-tolerated and achieved clinically relevant plasma concentrations with target engagement. The data support larger clinical trials to determine clinical efficacy. Clinical trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04473053) and EudraCT (2020-002230-32).

The antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin drives development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice by affecting Th17 differentiation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly prevalent demyelinating autoimmune condition; the mechanisms regulating its severity and progression are unclear. The IL-17-producing Th17 subset of T cells has been widely implicated in MS and in the mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the differentiation and regulation of Th17 cells during EAE remain incompletely understood. Although evidence is mounting that the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin profoundly affects early T cell differentiation, no studies have looked at its role in longer-term T cell responses. Now, we report that cathelicidin drives severe EAE disease. It is released from neutrophils, microglia, and endothelial cells throughout disease; its interaction with T cells potentiates Th17 differentiation in lymph nodes and Th17 to exTh17 plasticity and IFN-γ production in the spinal cord. As a consequence, mice lacking cathelicidin are protected from severe EAE. In addition, we show that cathelicidin is produced by the same cell types in the active brain lesions in human MS disease. We propose that cathelicidin exposure results in highly activated, cytokine-producing T cells, which drive autoimmunity; this is a mechanism through which neutrophils amplify inflammation in the central nervous system.

Perceptions of Tobacco Product-Specific COVID-19 Risk and Changes in Tobacco Use Behaviors Among Smokers, E-Cigarette Users, and Dual Users

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis, but its effects on tobacco users remain ill-defined. This report aimed to assess the relationship between tobacco product-specific risk perceptions for COVID-19 and changes in tobacco use since the start of the pandemic.

METHODS

A sample (n = 776) of past-30 day exclusive smokers (n = 238), exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 143), and dual users (n = 395) residing in the US and aged 18 or older were collected using Mechanical Turk from April 27 to June 8, 2020. Adjusted associations between tobacco product-specific COVID-19 risk perceptions (ie risk that smokers/vapers are at for COVID-19 relative to non-smokers/non-vapers) and changes in tobacco use since the pandemic began were assessed using partial proportional odds models.

RESULTS

A majority of those who used cigarettes (63.7%) and e-cigarettes (56.1%) felt that the risk of COVID-19 was greater for users of their tobacco product than for non-users. Twenty-four percent of smokers had increased their cigarette use since the start of the pandemic and 28.0% had decreased. Similarly, 27.3% of e-cigarette users had increased their e-cigarette use since the start of the pandemic and 23.8% had decreased. Higher risk perceptions for COVID-19 were associated with reductions in tobacco use since the pandemic began for exclusive e-cigarette users and dual users.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the support that tobacco product-specific COVID-19 risk perceptions may be an important correlate of changes in tobacco use during the pandemic. Targeted information to inform tobacco users regarding their risks for COVID-19 is needed during this public health crisis.

IMPLICATIONS

Few published studies have investigated the relationship between tobacco product-specific risk perceptions for COVID-19 and changes in tobacco product use since the pandemic began. This study enhances the current literature by providing evidence that higher tobacco product-specific risk perceptions for COVID-19 are associated with reductions in tobacco use since the pandemic began for exclusive e-cigarette users and dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Additionally, daily tobacco users may be more likely to have increased their tobacco use than non-daily users. These findings emphasize the importance of disseminating targeted health information to tobacco users regarding COVID-19 risks.

A re-evaluation of teenage sunbed use following the introduction of banning legislation for under 18-year-olds

Background

There is little information on the effectiveness of introducing age restriction legislation alone to reduce the rate of sunbed usage by teenagers. Prior to the Public Health (Sunbed) Act of 2014 prohibiting the use of sunbeds in under 18-year-olds in Ireland we reported the rate of sunbed use at 7.5%.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare the rate of sunbed usage among Irish teenagers before and after the introduction of banning legislation to determine if it had the desired effect of reducing its rate of use.

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey, students from the same schools as in our previous study completed an anonymous, written questionnaire pertaining to sunbed usage.

Results

In total, 783 questionnaires, from 13 schools across Ireland, were completed. The rate of sunbed use in the current study was 7.2%, compared to 7.5% in the pre-ban study, (P = 0.76). A higher rate of sunbed use was observed in Dublin schools and female public students.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that legislation alone is ineffective at reducing sunbed usage in a teenage population. A multifaceted approach is required that includes enforcement of the legislation together with targeted public education and awareness campaigns using all aspects of the media.

Impact of menthol delivery methods on smoker sensory perceptions

INTRODUCTION

Menthol can be added to cigarettes in several ways; these different delivery methods of menthol may lead to changes in sensory attributes, as well as perceived risk and appeal of these products.

METHODS

Using a randomized, controlled study design, 18 current, established menthol smokers were asked to sample Camel Crush and Camel Menthol cigarette products, crushed and uncrushed. Smoking behavior, exhaled carbon monoxide, subjective ratings, and perceived risk measures were assessed for each product.

RESULTS

Cigarette Evaluation Scale relief of craving scores for participants' preferred brand (mean: 5.3, SE: 0.3) were significantly higher (p=0.012) than Camel Menthol crushed (mean: 4.6, SE: 0.3) as were the Sensory Scale satisfaction scores (preferred brand mean: 6.9, SE: 0.7 compared to Camel Menthol crushed mean: 5.1, SE: 0.6; p=0.004). In addition, the average Sensory Scale smoke strength scores for participants' preferred brand (mean: 6.9, SE: 0.5) was also significantly higher than Camel Crush crushed (mean: 5.0, SE: 0.5; p=0.022). There were no significant differences in smoking topography measures, CO boosts, or perceived risk between Camel Crush or Camel Menthol products.

CONCLUSIONS

The delivery method and amount of menthol present in cigarettes did not appear to affect short-term smoking behavior, sensory perceptions, or perceived product risk among a small sample of current established adult menthol smokers. It is possible that consumers of cigarette products may be attracted to the innovative technology of the crushable filter capsule as opposed to the taste experience, however, further research is needed.

Methods of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey, wave 1 (2016)

AIM

To describe the methods of the 2016 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping (4CV) Survey, conducted in 2016 in Australia (AU), Canada (CA), England (EN) and the United States (US).

METHODS

The respondents were cigarette smokers, former smokers (quit within the previous 2 years), and at-least-weekly vapers, aged 18 years and older. Eligible cohort members from the ITC Four Country Survey (4C) were retained. New respondents were sampled by commercial firms from their panels. Where possible, ages 18-24 and vapers were oversampled. Data were collected online, and respondents were remunerated. Survey weights were calibrated to benchmarks from nationally representative surveys.

RESULTS

Response rates by country for new recruits once invited ranged from 15.2 to 49.6%. Sample sizes for smokers/former smokers were 1504 in AU, 3006 in CA, 3773 in EN and 2239 in the US. Sample sizes for additional vapers were 727 in CA, 551 in EN and 494 in the US.

CONCLUSION

The International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey design and data collection methods allow analyses to examine prospectively the use of cigarettes and nicotine vaping products in jurisdictions with different regulatory policies. The effects on the sampling designs and response quality of recruiting the respondents from commercial panels are mitigated by the use of demographic and geographic quotas in sampling; by quality control measures; and by the construction of survey weights taking into account smoking/vaping status, sex, age, education and geography.

Seeking help in times of economic hardship: access, experiences of services and unmet need

BACKGROUND

Economic recessions are often accompanied by increased levels of psychological distress and suicidal behaviour in affected populations. Little is known about the experiences of people seeking help for employment, financial and benefit-related difficulties during recessions. We investigated the experiences of people struggling financially in the aftermath of the Great Recession (2008-9) - including some who had self-harmed - and of the frontline support staff providing assistance.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with three groups of people in two cities: i) people who had self-harmed due to employment, financial or benefit concerns (n = 19) ('self-harm'); ii) people who were struggling financially drawn from the community (n = 22), including one focus group) ('community'); iii) and frontline staff from voluntary and statutory sector organisations (e.g., Job Centres, Debt Advice and counselling agencies) providing support services to the groups (n = 25, including 2 focus groups) ('service providers'). Data were analysed using the constant comparison method.

RESULTS

Service provision was described by people as confusing and difficult to access. The community sample reported considerably more knowledge and access to debt advice than the participants who had self-harmed - although both groups sought similar types of help. The self-harm group exhibited greater expectation that they should be self-reliant and also reported lower levels of informal networks and support from friends and relatives. They had also experienced more difficult circumstances such as benefit sanctions, and most had pre-existing mental health problems. Both self-harm and community groups indicated that practical help for debt and benefit issues would be the most useful - a view supported by service providers - and would have particularly helped those who self-harmed.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to identify those in need and aid them to access practical, reliable and free advice from support agencies could help mitigate the impact on mental health of benefit, debt and employment difficulties for vulnerable sections of society.

Zachsia zenkewitschi (Teredinidae), a Rare and Unusual Seagrass Boring Bivalve Revisited and Redescribed

The sea-grass borer Zachsia zenkewitschi belongs to a group of economically and ecologically important bivalves, commonly referred to as shipworms. The sole recognized representative of the genus Zachsia, this species displays an unusual life history and reproductive strategy that is now understood to include: environmental sex determination of free swimming larvae, extreme sexual and size dimorphism between males and females, internal fertilization, maintenance of often large harems of male dwarfs within a specialized cavity of the female mantle, and complex maternal care of larvae in specialized brood pouches within the gill. It is also the only shipworm species known to burrow in sea grass rhizomes rather than terrestrial wood. Although Z. zenkewitschi is rare and little studied, understanding of its biology and anatomy has evolved substantially, rendering some aspects of its original description inaccurate. Moreover, no existing type specimens are known for this species. In light of these facts, we designate a neotype from among specimens recently collected at the type location, and undertake a re-description of this species, accounting for recent reinterpretation of its life history and functional anatomy.

The preparticipation evaluation for athletes with disability

BACKGROUND

Athletes are routinely assessed medically prior to competition. Although standardized preparticipation examinations (PPEs) are available for able-bodied athletes, the literature lacks any validated equivalent for the athlete with disability (AWD). Since participation and level of competition is increasing in this population, evidence-based tools such as a standardized PPE form should be available for health professionals to assess AWD health and safety.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To develop an AWD-targeted standardized preparticipation history evaluation (PPE history) using consensus-based expert recommendations.

METHODS

Researchers developed a PPE history for critical evaluation of its content validity. Structured Delphi method for collecting and interpreting contributions from an expert panel using a series of questionnaires with controlled feedback was performed. Opinions based on the experience of related experts - physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians and physiatrists - were studied during each of the three survey rounds. The process was terminated once adequate consensus relating to the proposed PPE history document was reached.

RESULTS

Majority consensus was reached for forty-nine of fifty-four items to create a refined ten section AWD-specific document to supplement the current standardized PPE. Modifications were made by researchers to accommodate the five items that did not reach statistical consensus.

CONCLUSION

Consensus was reached on a variety of AWD-specific PPE items, including the disability-related history and functional review. Equipment issues represent a complex area of evaluation, worthy of future research and discussion. The current proposed PPE history tool is considered comprehensive and ready for application in a clinical setting as an adjunct to existing PPE tools. Injury research in the AWD population will provide guidance for refinement and further validation of this PPE history document.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes

BACKGROUND

This study explored the value of providing information in a Fact Sheet to correct misperceptions about the relative harmfulness of nicotine replacement products (NRT) and smokeless tobacco (ST), when compared to cigarette smoking.

METHODS

Four convenience samples from different countries (Australia, UK, Sweden and USA) were surveyed concerning their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT. Study participants were given the Fact Sheet that explained that nicotine, as used by consumers, is not particularly harmful and explained why. They were resurveyed one week later regarding their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT and future intentions to use the products.

RESULTS

In all four samples knowledge increased by similar amounts and beliefs regarding the lower harmfulness of smokeless tobacco increased. However, misconceptions remained common and responses to belief measures were not always consistent. Likelihood of use of ST increased in all four samples after exposure to the Fact Sheet, but interest in NRT use only increased in the US sample.

CONCLUSIONS

A Fact Sheet such as this one can help address misconceptions about NRT and smokeless tobacco, at least in the short term. However, as is true of most educational interventions, exposure to a single educational session is not sufficient to overcome misperceptions that smokers have about the relative harmfulness of oral versus combustible forms of nicotine delivery.

Previously documented mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) population treated with gefitinib are not associated with response

7163

Background: Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR that may correlate with clinical features and response of NSCLC to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been described. But, varying methodologies have contributed to an uncertain relationship between EGFR mutational status and response. This study sought to characterize EGFR mutations in microdissected tumour tissue from pts with advanced NSCLC treated with gefitinib and correlate their clinical data. Methods: Biopsy material from pts treated with gefitinib for advanced NSCLC at the British Columbia Cancer Agency was analyzed. Malignant cells (cytology specimens) or tissue (paraffin embedded biopsies) was reviewed and tumour cells isolated by laser- capture microdissection or manual scrape. Genomic DNA was extracted and exons coding for the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain (18 - 24) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. When insufficient, the priority was 18, 19, 21, followed by 20, 23, 22, and 24. EGFR mutational analyses were correlated with response to gefitinib and clinical features. Results: 61 pts were identified, 14 (23%) radiological responders (CR, PR): 10 Asian, 10 female, 8 non-smokers, 8 adenocarcinoma, 2 BAC. Of 51 tumour samples available, 39 had adequate tissue for sequencing analysis. EGFR copy number by FISH is pending. Laser-capture microdissection allowed for high quality DNA to be extracted almost exclusively from tumour. Exons 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 have been sequenced in 37, 34, 30, 33, 12, 10, and 13 patients, respectively. 4 mutations were identified: 2 in 2 non-smoking Asian pts (exon 19; deletion or substitution of L747-T751) and 2 in Caucasians (exon 20 point mutation resulting in a L798F substitution). None of these pts had a response to gefitinib. Conclusions: As with other series, most responders were female, non-smokers of Asian origin. Our results support the relationship between Asian ethnicity and EGFR mutations but question the role of EGFR mutational status in predicting response. Prospective studies will need to focus the detection of additional genetic features using accurate and reproducible techniques before recommendations for selecting populations to be treated can be made.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.