Live animal assessments of rump fat and muscle score in Angus cows and steers using 3-dimensional imaging.

The objective of this study was to develop a proof of concept for using off-the-shelf Red Green Blue-Depth (RGB-D) Microsoft Kinect cameras to objectively assess P8 rump fat (P8 fat; mm) and muscle score (MS) traits in Angus cows and steers. Data from low and high muscled cattle (156 cows and 79 steers) were collected at multiple locations and time points. The following steps were required for the 3-dimensional (3D) image data and subsequent machine learning techniques to learn the traits: 1) reduce the high dimensionality of the point cloud data by extracting features from the input signals to produce a compact and representative feature vector, 2) perform global optimization of the signatures using machine learning algorithms and a parallel genetic algorithm, and 3) train a sensor model using regression-supervised learning techniques on the ultrasound P8 fat and the classified learning techniques for the assessed MS for each animal in the data set. The correlation of estimating hip height (cm) between visually measured and assessed 3D data from RGB-D cameras on cows and steers was 0.75 and 0.90, respectively. The supervised machine learning and global optimization approach correctly classified MS (mean [SD]) 80 (4.7) and 83% [6.6%] for cows and steers, respectively. Kappa tests of MS were 0.74 and 0.79 in cows and steers, respectively, indicating substantial agreement between visual assessment and the learning approaches of RGB-D camera images. A stratified 10-fold cross-validation for P8 fat did not find any differences in the mean bias ( = 0.62 and = 0.42 for cows and steers, respectively). The root mean square error of P8 fat was 1.54 and 1.00 mm for cows and steers, respectively. Additional data is required to strengthen the capacity of machine learning to estimate measured P8 fat and assessed MS. Data sets for and continental cattle are also required to broaden the use of 3D cameras to assess cattle. The results demonstrate the importance of capturing curvature as a form of representing body shape. A data-driven model from shape to trait has established a proof of concept using optimized machine learning techniques to assess P8 fat and MS in Angus cows and steers.

Thoughtflow: Standards and Tools for Provenance Capture and Workflow Definition to Support Model-Informed Drug Discovery and Development.

Pharmacometric analyses are complex and multifactorial. It is essential to check, track, and document the vast amounts of data and metadata that are generated during these analyses (and the relationships between them) in order to comply with regulations, support quality control, auditing, and reporting. It is, however, challenging, tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming, and diverts pharmacometricians from the more useful business of doing science. Automating this process would save time, reduce transcriptional errors, support the retention and transfer of knowledge, encourage good practice, and help ensure that pharmacometric analyses appropriately impact decisions. The ability to document, communicate, and reconstruct a complete pharmacometric analysis using an open standard would have considerable benefits. In this article, the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) Drug Disease Model Resources (DDMoRe) consortium proposes a set of standards to facilitate the capture, storage, and reporting of knowledge (including assumptions and decisions) in the context of model-informed drug discovery and development (MID3), as well as to support reproducibility: "Thoughtflow." A prototype software implementation is provided.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Calcimimetic Etelcalcetide in Chronic Kidney Disease and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Receiving Hemodialysis.

Etelcalcetide is a novel calcimimetic in development for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). A population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was developed relating etelcalcetide exposures to markers of efficacy (parathyroid hormone [PTH]) and safety (calcium) using data from three clinical studies. The semimechanistic model was developed that included allosteric activation pharmacology and understanding of calcium homeostasis. The temporal profiles for all biomarkers were well described by the model. The cooperativity constant was 4.94, confirming allosteric activation mechanism. Subjects with more severe disease (higher PTH baseline) were predicted to experience less pronounced reduction in PTH (percentage change from baseline), but more reduction in calcium (Ca; percentage change from baseline). There was no evidence that dose adjustment by any covariate was needed. Model-based simulations provided quantitative support to several elements of dosing, such as starting dose, monitoring, and titration timing for registration trials.

Impulsive choices in mice lacking imprinted Nesp55.

Genomic imprinting is the process whereby germline epigenetic events lead to parent-of-origin specific monallelic expression of a number of key mammalian genes. The imprinted gene Nesp is expressed from the maternal allele only and encodes for Nesp55 protein. In the brain, Nesp55 is found predominately in discrete areas of the hypothalamus and midbrain. Previously, we have shown that loss of Nesp55 gives rise to alterations in novelty-related behaviour. Here, we extend these findings and demonstrate, using the Nespm/+ mouse model, that loss of Nesp55 leads to impulsive choices as measured by a delayed-reinforcement task, whereby Nespm/+ mice were less willing to wait for a delayed, larger reward, preferring instead to choose an immediate, smaller reward. These effects were highly specific as performance in another component of impulsive behaviour, the ability to stop a response once started as assayed in the stop-signal reaction time task, was equivalent to controls. We also showed changes in the serotonin system, a key neurotransmitter pathway mediating impulsive behaviour. First, we demonstrated that Nesp55 is co-localized with serotonin and then went on to show that in midbrain regions there were reductions in mRNA expression of the serotonin-specific genes Tph2 and Slc6a4, but not the dopamine-specific gene Th in Nespm/+ mice; suggesting an altered serotonergic system could contribute, in part, to the changes in impulsive behaviour. These data provide a novel mode of action for genomic imprinting in the brain and may have implications for pathological conditions characterized by maladaptive response control.

Effects of simultaneous prenatal exposures to organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides on infant neurodevelopment at three months of age.

Both prenatal organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYRE) insecticide exposures have been inconsistently linked with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, given that neither exposure occurs in isolation, and both classes are neurotoxic, it is important to consider both classes when evaluating these outcomes. Employing biomarkers of pesticide exposure, this research describes the effects of prenatal urinary metabolite levels of PYRE and OP insecticides, measured in both the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and postnatal urinary metabolite levels measured at 2 months of age, on child neurodevelopment at three months of age. Neurodevelopmental data were obtained by administration of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II). Generalized linear models using maximum likelihood estimation were used to evaluate the relationship between the indicators of motor and mental neurobehavioral development obtained for 118 infants and prenatal insecticide exposure, accounting for the concurrent infant insecticide exposure. Urinary measures of the PYRE metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA) and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2 dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA) in the third trimester of pregnancy had significant, albeit opposite, effects on mental functioning at three months of age. We observed no significant (p < 0.05) effects on motor development. These results were robust to second month infant urine measures of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (metabolite of OP chlorpyrifos), which independently had a significant and negative influence on mental functioning. Prenatal PYRE exposures exert heterogeneous effects by class on mental, but not motor, functioning at three months of age.

Lower Concentration of n-3 in the Red Blood Cells and Plasma of Lambs when their Dams were Fed a Diet High Compared with Low in n-6 Fatty Acids at Joining.

Feeding ewes a diet high in n-6 in late gestation can affect fatty acid concentrations in the newborn lamb. The effect of feeding ewes a high n-6 diet prior to conception and in early gestation on lamb n-6 and n-3 status has not previously been examined. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the concentration of n-6 was higher and n-3 was lower in lamb red blood cells (RBC) and plasma when Merino dams were fed a diet high in n-6 either pre-conception only or both pre-conception and in early gestation. Dams were fed a diet low (silage) or high (oats/CSM) in n-6 for either 6 weeks pre-mating only or 6 weeks pre-mating and 17 days post-mating. The fatty acid status of lamb RBC and plasma was determined following birth and compared with dam fatty acids around parturition. The concentration of lamb RBC and plasma n-3 was lower (p < 0.05) when dams received the high n-6 compared with low-n-6 diet around mating, independent of the length of time of feeding. The concentration of n-3 in lamb plasma was also higher when lambs were assessed as being likely rather than unlikely to have suckled prior to blood collection. Lamb RBC and plasma n-3 fatty acids were lower when dams were fed the high compared with the low n-6 diet for only a short time around mating. Transfer of fatty acids via the placenta and milk may account for the differences.

Short- and long-term effects of ambient ozone and fine particulate matter on the respiratory health of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects.

To date, no study has evaluated the short- and long-term effects air pollution exposure on emphysematous subjects who have undergone lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial study (1998-2003) included 1,218 subjects, aged 39 to 84. Daily values of ambient fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm; PM2.5) and ozone were obtained. Mixed-effects models tested the association between short- and long-term pollutant concentrations and changes in pulmonary function. Cumulative air pollution exposure was strongly associated with worsened respiratory function and symptoms. Mean PM2.5 was associated with poorer lung function. Lagged exposures were poorly associated with respiratory health outcomes. There were detrimental respiratory and pulmonary effects observed in response to even low levels of ambient air pollutants among study participants. These results are indicative that exposures even below those of air quality standards may still pose significant risks to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects.

What influences youth to operate all-terrain vehicles safely?

The operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by youth has contributed to the incidence of serious and fatal injuries among children. This study explored factors related to the frequency with which youth wore a helmet and refrained from engaging in three risky driving behaviors (driving at risky speeds, on paved roads and on unfamiliar terrain) while operating an ATV. Youth (n = 248) aged 9-14 from central Ohio and one of their parents completed self-report measures of ATV safety behaviors, youth general propensity for risk taking, protection motivation and parental behaviors to facilitate youth safety. Data from two focus groups provided insight on quantitative results. Analyses revealed considerable variation in the frequency with which youth performed the safety behaviors, with 13- and 14-year-olds reporting less frequent safe behavior than 9- to 12-year-olds. Multiple regression analyses suggested that parental behaviors, such as providing reminders to wear a helmet, were associated with more frequent helmet use but were not associated with risky driving behaviors. Youth's general propensity toward risk taking was not associated with helmet use and only associated with riskydriving behaviors among the 13- and 14-year-olds. Self-efficacy was an important predictor across both age groups and behaviors. Implications for injury prevention are discussed.

Identification of the Transmembrane Glucose Regulated Protein 78 as a Biomarker for the Brain Cancer Glioblastoma Multiforme by Gene Expression and Proteomic Studies.

The prognosis of patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most malignant adult glial brain tumor, remains poor in spite of advances in treatment procedures, including surgical resection, irradiation and chemotherapy. Genetic heterogeneity of GBM warrants extensive studies to gain a thorough understanding of the biology of this tumor. While there have been several studies of global transcript profiling of glioma with the identification of gene signatures for diagnosis and disease management, translation into clinics is yet to happen. In the present study, we report a novel proteomic approach by using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) followed by spot picking and analysis of proteins/peptides by Mass Spectrometry. We report Glucose Regulated Protein 78 (GRP78) as a differentially expressed protein in the GBM cell line compared to human normal Astrocyte cells. In addition to proteomic studies, we performed microarray analysis which further confirmed up regulation of GRP78 in GBM cells compared to human normal Astrocyte cells. GRP78 has long been recognized as a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and can be induced by the ER stress response. Besides its location in the ER, GRP78 has been found in cell plasma membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, nucleus and other cellular secretions. GRP78 is implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, immune escape, metastasis and angiogenesis, and its elevated expression usually correlates with a variety of tumor micro environmental stresses, including hypoxia, glucose deprivation, lactic acidosis and inflammatory response. GRP78 protein acts as a centrally located sensor of stress, which senses and facilitates the adaptation to the tumor microenvironment. Our findings showed differential expression of this gene in brain cancer GBM and thus confirm similarities in findings in existing transcriptional and translational studies. Thus, these findings could be of further importance for diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic approaches for dealing with this highly malignant cancer.

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ribavirin in hepatitis C virus-infected patients with various degrees of renal impairment.

Ribavirin (RBV) is an integral part of standard-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments and many future regimens under investigation. The pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of RBV in chronically HCV-infected patients with renal impairment are not well defined and were the focus of an open-label PK study in HCV-infected patients receiving RBV plus pegylated interferon. Serial RBV plasma samples were collected over 12 h on day 1 of weeks 1 and 12 from patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLCR], 30 to 50 ml/min; RBV, 600 mg daily), severe renal impairment (CLCR, <30 ml/min; RBV, 400 mg daily), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (RBV, 200 mg daily), or normal renal function (CLCR, >80 ml/min; RBV, 800 to 1,200 mg daily). Of the 44 patients, 9 had moderately impaired renal function, 10 had severely impaired renal function, 13 had ESRD, and 12 had normal renal function. The RBV dose was reduced because of adverse events (AEs) in 71% and 53% of severe and moderate renal impairment groups, respectively. Despite this modification, patients with moderate and severe impairment had 12-hour (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h [AUC0-12]) values 36% (38,452 ng · h/ml) and 25% (35,101 ng · h/ml) higher, respectively, than those with normal renal function (28,192 ng · h/ml). Patients with ESRD tolerated a 200-mg daily dose, and AUC0-12 was 20% lower (22,629 ng · h/ml) than in patients with normal renal function. PK modeling and simulation (M&S) indicated that doses of 200 mg or 400 mg alternating daily for patients with moderate renal impairment and 200 mg daily for patients with severe renal impairment were the most appropriate dose regimens in these patients.

Knockdown of specific host factors protects against influenza virus-induced cell death.

Cell death is a characteristic consequence of cellular infection by influenza virus. Mounting evidence indicates the critical involvement of host-mediated cellular death pathways in promoting efficient influenza virus replication. Furthermore, it appears that many signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, formerly suspected to solely promote cell survival, can also be manipulated to induce cell death. Current understanding of the cell death pathways involved in influenza virus-mediated cytopathology and in virus replication is limited. This study was designed to identify host genes that are required for influenza-induced cell death. The approach was to perform genome-wide lentiviral-mediated human gene silencing in A549 cells and determine which genes could be silenced to provide resistance to influenza-induced cell death. The assay proved to be highly reproducible with 138 genes being identified in independent screens. The results were independently validated using siRNA to each of these candidates. Graded protection was observed in this screen with the silencing of any of 19 genes, each providing > 85% protection. Three gene products, TNFSF13 (APRIL), TNFSF12-TNFSF13 (TWE-PRIL) and USP47, were selected because of the high levels of protection conferred by their silencing. Protein and mRNA silencing and protection from influenza-induced cell death was confirmed using multiple shRNA clones and siRNA, indicating the specificity of the effects. USP47 knockdown prevented proper viral entry into the host cell, whereas TNFSF12-13/TNFSF13 knockdown blocked a late stage in viral replication. This screening approach offers the means to identify a large number of potential candidates for the analysis of viral-induced cell death. These results may also have much broader applicability in defining regulatory mechanisms involved in cell survival.

Complaints associated with animal feeding facilities as reported to Ohio local health departments, 2006-2008.

Confined animal feeding facilities of all sizes have long been targeted as a source of human health and quality of life concerns. In order to describe and quantify these concerns in Ohio, a retrospective survey of local health departments was conducted focusing on reported complaints associated with animal feeding facilities. During 2006-2008, the most common complaints pertaining to any type of animal feeding facility were air quality and odor outside the home, followed by manure storage and application issues. The study described here showed that larger permitted livestock feeding facilities were not a major source of health and nuisance complaints associated with animal feeding facilities as reported to Ohio local health departments. Local health departments received few health complaints associated with any animal feeding facility. None were validated or confirmed by a physician in 2008.

Comparative performance of contact plates, electrostatic wipes, swabs and a novel sampling device for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus on environmental surfaces.

AIMS: To evaluate the performance of four sampling methods [contact plates, electrostatic wipes (wipe), swabs and a novel roller sampler] for recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from a stainless steel surface. METHODS AND RESULTS: Stainless steel test plates were inoculated with Staph. aureus, dried for 24 h and sampled using each of the four methods. Samples were either incubated directly (roller, contact plate) or processed using elution and membrane filtration (swab, wipe). Performance was assessed by calculating the apparent sampling efficiency (ASE), analytical sensitivity (Sn) and percentage of replications with positive growth. The wipe demonstrated the best performance across all inoculating concentrations (ASE(48 h) = 18%; Sn(48 h) = 7 CFU per 100 cm(2)). The swab performed well when corrected for area actually sampled (ASE(48 h) = 24%; Sn(48 h) = 76 CFU per 100 cm(2)). Of the contact-based methods, the newly developed roller sampler outperformed the contact plate (roller: ASE(48 h) = 10%; Sn(48 h) = 17 CFU per 100 cm(2); contact plate: ASE(48 h) = 0·04%; Sn(48 h) = 1412 CFU per 100 cm(2)); both contact samplers performed better at higher inoculating concentrations (6E3 CFU per 100 cm(2) for the roller and 6E6 CFU per 100 cm(2) for the contact plate). Overall, the electrostatic wipe produced the highest number of replications resulting in positive growth (74%(24 h), 91%(48 h)). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that selection of the sampling method must be carefully considered, given that different methods have varying performance. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study assessing static wipes for sampling and one that uses a more real-world-relevant 24-h drying time. The results help with infection control, and environmental health professionals choose better sampling methodologies.

Safety and feasibility of adjunctive regadenoson injection at peak exercise during exercise myocardial perfusion imaging: The Both Exercise and Regadenoson Stress Test (BERST) trial.

BACKGROUND: The data existing in the literature regarding the safety of using regadenoson with symptom-limited exercise are limited, which motivated the authors to undertake this randomized study. METHODS: We offered patients scheduled to undergo vasodilator stress nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging the opportunity to exercise instead. Patients who failed to reach target heart rate (THR) were randomized to (1) receive regadenoson at peak exercise or (2) stop exercise and receive regadenoson at rest. Patients who reached THR received a standard Tc-99m sestamibi injection with no regadenoson. RESULTS: 200 patients were included (66% male, mean age 52.5 ± 13.6). 125 patients (62%) reached THR with exercise alone. All stress protocols were well tolerated, and there were no significant adverse events. There were no statistically significant differences in the extent of perfusion abnormalities, image quality, or rate of referral to cardiac catheterization within 60 days between the groups. In fully adjusted logistic regression models, beta-blocker use and diabetes remained significant univariate predictors of failure to reach THR (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.1-0.5, P < .0001, OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.2-0.7, P = .004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A protocol combining regadenoson at peak exercise in patients unable to reach THR with exercise is feasible, well-tolerated, and yields comparable imaging results to a standard regadenoson injection at rest. In addition, pharmacologic stress testing may be over-ordered in current clinical practice, as patients referred for such testing were often able to exercise.

An assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress among nationally certified EMS professionals.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress among a cohort of nationally certified emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. The secondary objective was to determine whether there were differences between individuals who were experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress and those who were not. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based, case-control analysis of nationally certified emergency medical technician (EMT)-Basics and paramedics who applied for national recertification in 2009. The three outcome variables of interest included measures of depression, anxiety, and stress, and were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics and investigator-controlled backwards-selection logistic regression modeling were utilized to quantify the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and to predict the association of demographic and work-life characteristics with each outcome. RESULTS: A total of 64,032 individuals were eligible to renew their national certification and 34,340 (53.6%) individuals returned a questionnaire. The DASS-21 classified 1,589 (6.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.4%-7.1%) EMS professionals as depressed, 1,406 (6.0%, 95% CI = 5.7%-6.3%) as anxious, and 1,382 (5.9%, 95% CI = 5.6%-6.2%) as stressed. Multivariable logistic regression estimates showed that paramedics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.22-1.39), those working in county or municipal services (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16-1.60) or private services (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.14-1.52), and those with ≥16 years of EMS experience (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01-1.62) had an increased odds of depression. A stepwise increase was found when estimating the effects of self-reported general health on the odds of anxiety (very good, OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.53-2.22; good, OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 3.32-4.67; fair/poor, OR = 10.81, 95% CI = 8.14-14.34). Likewise, paramedics (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.23-1.42), those working in a private EMS system (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.16-1.56), and those with ≥16 years of EMS experience (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.28-2.18) had an increased odds of stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study was able to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among a large cohort of nationally certified EMS professionals and identified statistically significant demographic and work-life characteristics that predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Future research should attempt to follow EMS professionals prospectively to determine specific characteristics associated with occupational traumatic exposure and the development of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Medical expenditures associated with nonfatal occupational injuries among immigrant and U.S.-born workers.

BACKGROUND: No national study has investigated whether immigrant workers are less likely than U.S.-workers to seek medical treatment after occupational injuries and whether the payment source differs between two groups. METHODS: Using the 2004-2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, we estimated the annual incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries per 100 workers. Logistic regression models were fitted to test whether injured immigrant workers were less likely than U.S.-born workers to seek professional medical treatment after occupational injuries. We also estimated the average mean medical expenditures per injured worker during the 2 year MEPS reference period using linear regression analysis, adjusting for gender, age, race, marital status, education, poverty level, and insurance. Types of service and sources of payment were compared between U.S.-born and immigrant workers. RESULTS: A total of 1,909 injured U.S.-born workers reported 2,176 occupational injury events and 508 injured immigrant workers reported 560 occupational injury events. The annual nonfatal incidence rate per 100 workers was 4.0% (95% CI: 3.8%-4.3%) for U.S.-born workers and 3.0% (95% CI: 2.6%-3.3%) for immigrant workers. Medical treatment was sought after 77.3% (95% CI: 75.1%-79.4%) of the occupational injuries suffered by U.S.-born workers and 75.6% (95% CI: 69.8%-80.7%) of the occupational injuries suffered by immigrant workers. The average medical expenditure per injured worker in the 2 year MEPS reference period was $2357 for the U.S.-born workers and $2,351 for immigrant workers (in 2009 U.S. dollars, P = 0.99). Workers' compensation paid 57.0% (95% CI: 49.4%-63.6%) of the total expenditures for U.S.-born workers and 43.2% (95% CI: 33.0%-53.7%) for immigrant workers. U.S.-born workers paid 6.7% (95% CI: 5.5%-8.3%) and immigrant workers paid 7.1% (95% CI: 5.2%-9.6%) out-of-pocket. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrant workers had a statistically significant lower incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries than U.S.-born workers. There was no significant difference in seeking medical treatment and in the mean expenditures per injured worker between the two groups. The proportion of total expenditures paid by workers' compensation was smaller (marginally significant) for immigrant workers than for U.S.-born workers.

In vivo phycocyanin flourometry as a potential rapid screening tool for predicting elevated microcystin concentrations at eutrophic lakes.

Current approaches for assessing human health risks associated with cyanotoxins often rely on the quantification of microcystin. Significant limitations of current approaches are cost and time to obtain a result. To address these challenges, a numerical index for screening microcystin risks above the World Health Organization's (WHO) low-risk threshold for microcystin was developed for eutrophic Midwestern U.S. lakes based on water quality results from 182 beach water samples collected from seven Ohio lakes. In 48 (26.4%) samples we observed microcystin concentrations as measured by ELISA that exceeded the 4 µg/L microcystin threshold. A multivariable logistic regression model using practical real-time measures of in vivo phycocyanin (by fluorometry) and secchi depth was constructed to estimate the probability of a beach sample exceeding 4 µg/L microcystin. The final model achieved statistical significance (p = 0.030) as well as good calibration (as measured by the goodness-of-fit test comparing observed to expected counts within deciles of risk based on the model, p = 0.329) and discrimination (as indicated by the area under the receiver-operator-curve (0.795)). These results demonstrate two rapid and practical measures of recreational water quality are effective in identifying "at risk" lake conditions warranting additional management (e.g., advisory and/or advanced testing).

Compliance with the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) work practice recommendations for youth working with large animals.

The North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) were developed to reduce the risk of childhood agricultural injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate compliance with NAGCAT-recommended work practices (WPs) when youth work with large animals. On a daily basis, over a period of 10 weeks, youth self-reported the number of minutes they worked with a large animal and whether they followed the associated NAGCAT WP guidelines. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare boys to girls and to consider the effect of factors such as youth age, farm residence status, and selected parental characteristics. A high proportion of youth exhibited relatively low compliance for most of the five WPs evaluated. Respirators were rarely worn, but checking for people and obstacles in the area while working with large animals was commonly reported. In general, boys, especially the older boys, exhibited higher compliance than did girls. The results of our study demonstrate, in general, that youth are not following recommended NAGCAT WPs when working with large animals, identifying an area in agricultural safety and health requiring focused attention.

Compliance with NAGCAT work practices recommendations for youth cleaning service alleys in stall barns.

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in the U.S. among persons 1 to 44 years of age. Over one million children and adolescents in the U.S. live, work, and/or play on farms, where injury risk is relatively high compared to other settings. In an attempt to reduce the number of childhood agricultural injuries occurring on farms, the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) was developed to assist parents or other caregivers in assigning developmentally appropriate chores to youth exposed to agricultural hazards. The results presented here are from a longitudinal study in which we obtained (self-reported) daily chore, injury, and safety behavior data from children and adolescents. We focused on one NAGCAT chore, cleaning a service alley in a stall barn, in order to estimate the extent of compliance with specific work practice recommendations contained in the NAGCAT. Our results indicated that among the four NAGCAT-recommended safety practices for cleaning service alleys in stall barns (wearing nonskid shoes, leather gloves, a respirator, and eye protection), wearing non-skid shoes was the only safety practice reported with any degree of regularity. Overall, boys were more likely to wear non-skid shoes compared to girls. In addition, older youth were generally more likely to report higher work practice compliance compared to younger youth.