Perspectives of dairy employees at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of health risks and educational needs

Our objective was to understand dairy employees' perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May-Sep. 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 40,000 animals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas entry-level workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Survey results highlighted different perspectives, educational needs, and preferred sources of information between English- and Spanish-speaking dairy workers. Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was "to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick." Most dairy employees (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (65%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace, but training was more frequently undertaken among dairy managers (86%) than entry-level workers (53%). Most trainings (72%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through in-person meetings at work (35%), with YouTube (29%) and on-demand videos (27%) as second and third options. The main source of information regarding the pandemic was social media (52%). Frequent handwashing (81%), limiting on-farm visits (70%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (65%), hand sanitizer use (60%), and social distancing (60%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace among the options given to respondents. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers.

A new concept for the production of 11C-labelled radiotracers

Background

The GMP-compliant production of radiopharmaceuticals has been performed using disposable units (cassettes) with a dedicated synthesis module. To expand this “plug ‘n’ synthesize” principle to a broader scope of modules we developed a pressure controlled setup that offers an alternative to the usual stepper motor controlled rotary valves. The new concept was successfully applied to the synthesis of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine and [¹¹C]acetate.

Results

The target gas purification of cyclotron produced [¹¹C]CO₂ and subsequent conversion to [¹¹C]MeI was carried out on a TRACERlab Fx C Pro module. The labelling reactions were controlled with a TRACERlab Fx FE module. With the presented modular principle we were able to produce N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline and L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine by loading a reaction loop with neat N,N'-dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) or an ethanol/water mixture of NaOH and L-homocysteine (L-HC), respectively and a subsequent reaction with [¹¹C]MeI. After 18 min N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline was isolated with 52% decay corrected yield and a radiochemical purity of > 99%. For L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine the total reaction time was 19 min reaction, yielding 25% of pure product (> 97%). The reactor design was used as an exemplary model for the technically challenging [¹¹C]acetate synthesis. The disposable unit was filled with 1 mL MeMgCl (0.75 M) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) bevore [¹¹C]CO₂ was passed through. After complete release of [¹¹C]CO₂ the reaction mixture was quenched with water and guided through a series of ion exchangers (H⁺, Ag⁺ and OH⁻). The product was retained on a strong anion exchanger, washed with water and finally extracted with saline. The product mixture was acidified and degassed to separate excess [¹¹C]CO₂ before dispensing. Under these conditions the total reaction time was 18 ± 2 min and pure [¹¹C]acetate (n = 10) was isolated with a decay corrected yield of 51 ± 5%.

Conclusion

Herein, we described a novel single use unit for the synthesis of carbon-11 labelled tracers for preclinical and clinical applications of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine and [¹¹C]acetate.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41181-022-00159-y.

Perspective of dairy producers from California, Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington: Health and business implications of the COVID-19 pandemic during the second wave

The aim of this study was to document California, Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington dairy producers' perspectives on the health and business implications of COVID-19 during the pandemic second wave. Dairy producers were reached by a 14-question anonymous mail survey during June and July of 2020. We obtained 226 responses (response rate: 9.3% CA, 8.6% ID, 31.4%, and 10.0% WA). Responses were grouped by state (CA: 48.7%, ID: 15.9%, SD: 21.7%, or WA: 13.7%) and dairy size [based on number of cows; small (<100): 14.1%, medium (100-499): 27.7%, medium-large (500-1,999): 33.2%, or large (≥2,000): 25.0%]. Survey responses were summarized, and multiple correspondence analysis was used to map responses and identify data clusters. At the time of the survey, some respondents suspected (3%) or had confirmed (9%) COVID-19 cases on their premises. Respondents were somewhat or very concerned about the health (75%) and business (92%) implications associated with COVID-19. Producers were concerned about the health of their families, employees, and employees' families; having to reduce production; workforce shortage; limited goods availability; and lack of services. Producers perceived that their employees were somewhat or very concerned (74%) with the pandemic. There was COVID-19 safety information or training provided (78%) or intended (4%) in English (22%), Spanish (23%), or both (55%). The focus of training was as follows: how to remain healthy at work (91%) and at home (60%), what to do if a worker gets sick (77%), and sick leave information (54%). Nevertheless, 18% of the respondents answered that training was not going to be provided. The following control measures implemented: providing hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes (78%), instruction on frequent hand-washing (76%), social distancing (59%), prevention of employee gatherings (54%), providing and requiring the use of face masks (49%), and limiting on-farm visitors (44%). Multiple correspondence analysis showed that concern with health risk and business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as mitigation and response strategies implemented, varied based on respondent's dairy size and state. The greatest concerns were reported by producers from California and large and medium-large dairies, whereas the fewest concerns were reported by producers from small dairies. Results from this survey highlighted the health and business concerns of dairy producers from California, Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation efforts adopted. In conclusion, mitigation measures were adopted by most dairy producers but in various degrees. Dairy industry service providers and educators were secondary educational resources during the pandemic; thus, future efforts toward centralized access to dairy specific bilingual educational materials are suggested.

Laser-driven x-ray and proton micro-source and application to simultaneous single-shot bi-modal radiographic imaging

Radiographic imaging with x-rays and protons is an omnipresent tool in basic research and applications in industry, material science and medical diagnostics. The information contained in both modalities can often be valuable in principle, but difficult to access simultaneously. Laser-driven solid-density plasma-sources deliver both kinds of radiation, but mostly single modalities have been explored for applications. Their potential for bi-modal radiographic imaging has never been fully realized, due to problems in generating appropriate sources and separating image modalities. Here, we report on the generation of proton and x-ray micro-sources in laser-plasma interactions of the focused Texas Petawatt laser with solid-density, micrometer-sized tungsten needles. We apply them for bi-modal radiographic imaging of biological and technological objects in a single laser shot. Thereby, advantages of laser-driven sources could be enriched beyond their small footprint by embracing their additional unique properties, including the spectral bandwidth, small source size and multi-mode emission.

Here the authors show a synchronized single-shot bi-modal x-ray and proton source based on laser-generated plasma. This source can be useful for radiographic and tomographic imaging.

1,3-Carboboration of iodonium ylides

Herein, we disclose the utilisation of iodonium ylides to access a range of boron dienolates.

Regioselective hydrosilylation of epoxides catalysed by nickel(ii) hydrido complexes

Bench-stable nickel fluoride complexes bearing NNN pincer ligands have been employed as precursors for the regioselective hydrosilylation of epoxides at room temperature.

Collective Deceleration of Laser-Driven Electron Bunches

Few-fs electron bunches from laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) can efficiently drive plasma wakefields (PWFs), as shown by their propagation through underdense plasma in two experiments. A strong and density-insensitive deceleration of the bunches has been observed in 2 mm of 10^{18}  cm^{-3} density plasma with 5.1  GV/m average gradient, which is attributed to a self-driven PWF. This observation implies that the physics of PWFs, usually relying on large-scale rf accelerators as drivers, can be studied by tabletop LWFA electron sources.

Catalytic C–F bond activation of geminal difluorocyclopropanes by nickel(i) complexes via a radical mechanism

Nickel(ii) fluorido complexes bearing NNN-pincer ligands were found to be catalysts in the hydrodefluorination of geminal difluorocyclopropanes which undergo ring-opening to form the corresponding monofluoroalkenes in good yield and high Z-selectivities.

Quantitative X-ray phase-contrast microtomography from a compact laser-driven betatron source

X-ray phase-contrast imaging has recently led to a revolution in resolving power and tissue contrast in biomedical imaging, microscopy and materials science. The necessary high spatial coherence is currently provided by either large-scale synchrotron facilities with limited beamtime access or by microfocus X-ray tubes with rather limited flux. X-rays radiated by relativistic electrons driven by well-controlled high-power lasers offer a promising route to a proliferation of this powerful imaging technology. A laser-driven plasma wave accelerates and wiggles electrons, giving rise to a brilliant keV X-ray emission. This so-called betatron radiation is emitted in a collimated beam with excellent spatial coherence and remarkable spectral stability. Here we present a phase-contrast microtomogram of a biological sample using betatron X-rays. Comprehensive source characterization enables the reconstruction of absolute electron densities. Our results suggest that laser-based X-ray technology offers the potential for filling the large performance gap between synchrotron- and current X-ray tube-based sources.

With excellent resolving power and tissue contrast, X-ray phase-contrast imaging holds great promise but the source requirements have limited its use. Here, Wenz et al. show a phase-contrast microtomogram of a biological sample using X-ray radiation driven by a high-power laser.

Tunable all-optical quasimonochromatic thomson x-ray source in the nonlinear regime

We present an all-laser-driven, energy-tunable, and quasimonochromatic x-ray source based on Thomson scattering from laser-wakefield-accelerated electrons. One part of the laser beam was used to drive a few-fs bunch of quasimonoenergetic electrons, while the remainder was backscattered off the bunch at weakly relativistic intensity. When the electron energy was tuned from 17-50 MeV, narrow x-ray spectra peaking at 5-42 keV were recorded with high resolution, revealing nonlinear features. We present a large set of measurements showing the stability and practicality of our source.

How strict is galactose restriction in adults with galactosaemia? International practice

Dietary management of 418 adult patients with galactosaemia (from 39 centres/12 countries) was compared. All centres advised lactose restriction, 6 restricted galactose from galactosides ± fruits and vegetables and 12 offal. 38% (n=15) relaxed diet by: 1) allowing traces of lactose in manufactured foods (n=13) or 2) giving fruits, vegetables and galactosides (n=2). Only 15% (n=6) calculated dietary galactose. 32% of patients were lost to dietetic follow-up. In adult galactosaemia, there is limited diet relaxation.

Shock-front injector for high-quality laser-plasma acceleration

We report the generation of stable and tunable electron bunches with very low absolute energy spread (ΔE ≈ 5 MeV) accelerated in laser wakefields via injection and trapping at a sharp downward density jump produced by a shock front in a supersonic gas flow. The peak of the highly stable and reproducible electron energy spectrum was tuned over more than 1 order of magnitude, containing a charge of 1-100 pC and a charge per energy interval of more than 10 pC/MeV. Laser-plasma electron acceleration with Ti:sapphire lasers using this novel injection mechanism provides high-quality electron bunches tailored for applications.

Intramammary infections and teat canal colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci after postmilking teat disinfection: species-specific responses

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are the most common pathogens associated with intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows. We hypothesized that postmilking teat disinfection would reduce microbial colonization of the teat canal and thus reduce the prevalence of IMI caused by certain CNS species. The efficacy of iodine postmilking teat dip was tested against CNS colonization of the teat canal, and incidence of IMI was measured. Using an udder-half model, 43 Holstein cows at the Washington State University Dairy were enrolled in the trial; postmilking teat dip was applied to one udder-half, treatment (TX), and the remaining half was an undipped control (CX). Teat canal swabbing and mammary quarter milk samples were taken in duplicate once a week for 16 wk for microbial culture. Isolates from agar cultures were presumptively identified as CNS and then speciated using PCR-RFLP and agarose gel electrophoresis. Colonization of the teat canal and IMI by CNS were assessed. Thirty CNS IMI were diagnosed and the number of new IMI in CX quarters (21) was significantly greater than that in TX mammary quarters (9). The majority of CNS IMI were caused by Staphylococcus chromogenes (30%) and Staphylococcus xylosus (40%), and the latter were appreciably reduced by teat dip. Except for S. xylosus, an association was observed between teat canal colonization and IMI by all CNS species in this study, in which the majority of IMI were preceded by teat canal colonization. The total number of CNS IMI was greater for CX group cows compared with TX group cows. However, the effect of disinfection on IMI did not appear to be the same for all CNS species.

Loci on Bos taurus chromosome 2 and Bos taurus chromosome 26 are linked with bovine respiratory disease and associated with persistent infection of bovine viral diarrhea virus

The objective of this study was to identify loci linked with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and subsequently to determine if these same loci were associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus persistent infection (BVD-PI) in affected calves or their dams. A genome-wide linkage study using 312 microsatellites was conducted to identify loci linked with BRD in a Brahman × Hereford sire half-sib family. Disease incidence was recorded from birth to slaughter by daily monitoring. Linkage was suggestive for a QTL on BTA2 (F = 7.31, P = 0.007) and BTA26 (F = 10.46, P = 0.001). Six and 7 markers were added and genotyped between 110 and 126 cM on BTA2 and between 42 and 72 cM on BTA26, respectively, in the intervals where linkage was found. These markers were used to reevaluate the Brahman × Hereford family and to evaluate 3 additional crossbred half-sib families. Linkage was found with BRD on BTA2 (F = 4.94, P < 0.01), with a peak at 110 cM, and on BTA26 (F = 4.03, P < 0.05), with peaks at 42 and 52 cM. The same markers were then tested for an association with BVD-PI in 1) BVD-PI calves compared with age-matched unaffected calves from the same herd or 2) dams with BVD-PI compared with age-matched unaffected calves. Sixty commercial beef cow-calf herds were tested for BVD-PI, and 79 calves from 8 ranches had BVD-PI. Four of 6 markers were associated (P = 4.8 × 10(-9) to P = 0.01) with BVD-PI on BTA2, and 4 of 7 markers were associated (P = 0.008 to P = 0.04) with BVD-PI on BTA26 when BVD-PI calves were compared with unaffected calves. The comparison of BVD-PI dams with unaffected calves detected associations with BVD-PI for all markers tested on BTA2 (P = 3 × 10(-9) to P = 0.005) and for 3 of 7 markers on BTA26 (P = 1.4 × 10(-6) to P = 0.006).

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip and knee

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is an uncommon disease that remains a diagnostic challenge. Presenting complaints commonly involve one joint, most often the knee or hip. Symptoms of pain and swelling characteristically have an insidious onset and are slowly progressive. The physical examination may be completely normal. Radiographs of the knee may appear normal or may show a periarticular soft tissue density, expansion of the suprapatellar pouch and local osseous changes confined to the patellofemoral articulation. Radiographs of the hip may show erosions in the head and neck of the femur and acetabulum. Magnetic resonance imaging usually demonstrates key diagnostic features, which include joint effusion, elevation of the joint capsule, hyperplastic synovium and low signal intensity resulting from hemosiderin deposition. The diagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis is confirmed by biopsy, and the treatment of choice is synovectomy.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for continuous feeding in children with chronic cholestasis

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition associated with chronic cholestasis in children often requires continuous enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube, which may be poorly tolerated.

METHOD

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed in five children (age range, 20 months to 13 years) with severe cholestasis (Alagille syndrome in four; biliary atresia in one) and severe malnutrition (mean weight, -2.6 standard deviations; mean height, -2.7 standard deviations) who were awaiting liver transplantation. The pull-through technique was used in patients under general anesthesia, and the button was set within 2 months.

RESULTS

Minor wound infection required antibiotic therapy in one patient. In the four children with Alagille syndrome, enteral feeding by means of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was used until liver transplantation for a mean period of 14 months with a mean weight gain of 350 g/mo and a mean height gain of 0.53 cm/mo. Seventeen months to 3 years, 3 months after liver transplantation, all four children were alive and in good clinical condition with normal readings in liver function tests. The technique had to be discontinued in the child with biliary atresia because of secondary occurrence of ascites, gastric intolerance, and refractory wound infection.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be a valuable alternative to nasogastric tube for nutritional support in children with cholestasis and mild portal hypertension.

Plasma lipid response and nutritional adequacy in hypercholesterolemic subjects on the American Heart Association Step-One Diet

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of the American Heart Association Step-One Diet for lowering blood lipid levels and to assess its nutritional adequacy in younger (< 50 years old) and older (> or = 50 years old) subgroups.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study; 383 subjects were instructed in the American Heart Association Step-One Diet. Adherence to the diet was assessed at 6 weeks. Eighty-seven subjects continued the diet for an additional 12 weeks.

SETTING

General community participants: volunteers from community cholesterol screening programs and chart reviews at family practice clinics.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

Men and women, aged 20 to 70 years, with baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between the 50th and 95th percentile, and excluded if receiving any medications that affect blood lipid levels or if there was a history of diabetes, gout, peptic ulcer, or liver disease.

INTERVENTION

Instruction by a registered dietitian and adherence to the American Heart Association Step-One Diet for 6 (n = 383) and 18 weeks (n = 87). This diet involves an intake of total fat not to exceed 30% of calories, saturated fatty acids not to exceed 10% of calories, and dietary cholesterol limited to 300 mg/d.

RESULTS

Subjects aged 50 to 70 years averaged a reduction in total cholesterol level and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of 4% after 6 weeks. At the end of 18 weeks, mean total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in subjects younger than 50 years exceeded their baseline levels, and in those older than 50 years returned to baseline lipid levels. Inadequate intake of several micronutrients were reported, notably, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E.

CONCLUSIONS

When recommending the American Heart Association Step-One Diet to persons with hyperlipidemia, baseline dietary behavior should be assessed to determine whether that diet offers therapeutic advantage over the persons's self-selected diet. Follow-up should include monitoring of lipid response and nutritional adequacy. Special emphasis should be placed on selection of foods with appropriate micronutrient content.

Quality control in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial Nutrition Modality

One of the principal objectives of the MRFIT was to teach and motivate participants assigned to the SI group to adhere to a fat-controlled dietary regimen over the course of the trial. The magnitude of the trial (with more than 12,000 participants, half of them assigned to the SI protocol, to be followed for at least 6 years in 22 separate centers) presented new challenges for maintenance of quality control over a nutrition intervention program. Collection of data to monitor changes in dietary intake over time in SI and UC groups, as well as information to assess dietary adherence levels in SI participants also presented large-scale challenges in maintenance of quality control. The MRFIT formulated many of its initial nutrition intervention and data collection decisions based on experience of the earlier National Diet Heart Study (NDHS). In order to avoid coding 7-day dietary records by local clinic nutritionists (as in NDHS), the trial opted for collection of 24-hour dietary recalls that were coded centrally at the Nutrition Coding Center. It necessitated extra attention to training and certification of clinic nutritionist-interviewers to be certain that NCC coders had sufficiently precise information about all foods entered on dietary recall forms. Since dietary intake data were collected over a time span of approximately 10 years, procedures for updating the food composition database and coding rules were a necessity. Continuing attention to training and monitoring of performance of clinic nutritionist-interviewers also was important. The MRFIT nutrition intervention program was designed with the need for interclinic comparability of intervention techniques in mind. This required not only development of study-wide nutrition intervention materials, but also necessitated ongoing attention to staff training and monitoring procedures in order to ensure intercenter comparability of efforts. The success of the nutrition intervention modality depended upon the continuing efforts of the nutrition counselors not only to achieve dietary adherence but also to monitor levels of dietary adherence over time. The NDHS experience served as a springboard for designing the MRFIT nutrition intervention and data collection procedures. It is hoped that techniques for maintaining and monitoring quality control over the MRFIT nutrition modality as outlined in this chapter may prove useful to future planners.