scholarly journals Landscape and Meteorological Factors Affecting Prevalence of Three Food-Borne Pathogens in Fruit and Vegetable Farms

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 588-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura K. Strawn ◽  
Esther D. Fortes ◽  
Elizabeth A. Bihn ◽  
Kendra K. Nightingale ◽  
Yrjö T. Gröhn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
New York State ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Drainage Class ◽  
Food Borne Pathogens ◽  
Food Borne

ABSTRACTProduce-related outbreaks have been traced back to the preharvest environment. A longitudinal study was conducted on five farms in New York State to characterize the prevalence, persistence, and diversity of food-borne pathogens in fresh produce fields and to determine landscape and meteorological factors that predict their presence. Produce fields were sampled four times per year for 2 years. A total of 588 samples were analyzed forListeria monocytogenes,Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC). The prevalence measures ofL. monocytogenes,Salmonella, and STEC were 15.0, 4.6, and 2.7%, respectively.L. monocytogenesandSalmonellawere detected more frequently in water samples, while STEC was detected with equal frequency across all sample types (soil, water, feces, and drag swabs).L. monocytogenes sigBgene allelic types 57, 58, and 61 andSalmonella entericaserovar Cerro were repeatedly isolated from water samples. Soil available water storage (AWS), temperature, and proximity to three land cover classes (water, roads and urban development, and pasture/hay grass) influenced the likelihood of detectingL. monocytogenes. Drainage class, AWS, and precipitation were identified as important factors inSalmonelladetection. This information was used in a geographic information system framework to hypothesize locations of environmental reservoirs where the prevalence of food-borne pathogens may be elevated. The map indicated that not all croplands are equally likely to contain environmental reservoirs ofL. monocytogenes. These findings advance recommendations to minimize the risk of preharvest contamination by enhancing models of the environmental constraints on the survival and persistence of food-borne pathogens in fields.

Service decision-making processes at three New York state cooperative public library systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 418-432
Author(s):  
Xiaoai Ren
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
New York ◽  
New York State ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
York State ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
And Cluster Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the organizational structure and service provisions of cooperative public library systems in New York State. The study also seeks to ask questions of how cooperative public library systems decide what services to provide. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied on New York State public library systems’ 2008 annual reports to generate quantitative profiles of public library systems and their service transactions. Three cooperative public library systems displaying different service features were purposefully selected for further study of their service decision-making processes. The face-to-face and phone interviews were adopted in the study. Findings – Research findings from this study provide information on specific service variations across cooperative public library systems. The findings also provide differences of service decision-making processes in addition to the factors that might cause these differences. Originality/value – This study adds knowledge of public library systems’ management and organizational structures, therefore fills a knowledge gap on public library systems. It can also serve as the baseline for future studies using newer annual report data and therefore to study the changing roles and services of cooperative public library systems in New York State.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Whole-Genome Sequencing and Reporting of Drug Resistance Profiles on Clinical Cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in New York State

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 1871-1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Shea ◽  
Tanya A. Halse ◽  
Pascal Lapierre ◽  
Matthew Shudt ◽  
Donna Kohlerschmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
New York State ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
York State

ABSTRACTWhole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a newer alternative for tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics and is capable of providing rapid drug resistance profiles while performing species identification and capturing the data necessary for genotyping. Our laboratory developed and validated a comprehensive and sensitive WGS assay to characterizeMycobacterium tuberculosisand otherM. tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) strains, composed of a novel DNA extraction, optimized library preparation, paired-end WGS, and an in-house-developed bioinformatics pipeline. This new assay was assessed using 608 MTBC isolates, with 146 isolates during the validation portion of this study and 462 samples received prospectively. In February 2016, this assay was implemented to test all clinical cases of MTBC in New York State, including isolates and early positive Bactec mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 cultures from primary specimens. Since the inception of the assay, we have assessed the accuracy of identification of MTBC strains to the species level, concordance with culture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST), and turnaround time. Species identification by WGS was determined to be 99% accurate. Concordance between drug resistance profiles generated by WGS and culture-based DST methods was 96% for eight drugs, with an average resistance-predictive value of 93% and susceptible-predictive value of 96%. This single comprehensive WGS assay has replaced seven molecular assays and has resulted in resistance profiles being reported to physicians an average of 9 days sooner than with culture-based DST for first-line drugs and 32 days sooner for second-line drugs.

New York's Cuomo resigns in response to party pressure

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Democratic Party ◽  
Attorney General ◽  
New York State ◽  
State Legislature ◽  
The State ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
York State ◽  
State Employees

Significance National and state leaders of his Democratic Party had been pressing Cuomo to resign since last week’s publication of a report from State Attorney-General Letitia James detailing his sexual harassment of eleven women, including state employees. Cuomo’s impeachment by the state legislature was looking all but certain by the time he resigned. Impacts Prosecutors in five New York State counties will continue to pursue separate criminal investigations despite Cuomo’s resignation. The State Assembly may complete the impeachment process, despite Cuomo’s resignation, in order to prevent him from running again. Cuomo will continue to talk up his liberal polices, his opposition to Donald Trump, and his leadership during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Viable-but-NonculturableListeria monocytogenesandSalmonella entericaSerovar Thompson Induced by Chlorine Stress Remain Infectious

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e00540-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Callum J. Highmore ◽  
Jennifer C. Warner ◽  
Steve D. Rothwell ◽  
Sandra A. Wilks ◽  
C. William Keevil
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Environmental Stresses ◽  
Vbnc State ◽  
Viable But Nonculturable ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Borne Pathogens ◽  
Food Borne

ABSTRACTThe microbiological safety of fresh produce is monitored almost exclusively by culture-based detection methods. However, bacterial food-borne pathogens are known to enter a viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state in response to environmental stresses such as chlorine, which is commonly used for fresh produce decontamination. Here, complete VBNC induction of green fluorescent protein-taggedListeria monocytogenesandSalmonella entericaserovar Thompson was achieved by exposure to 12 and 3 ppm chlorine, respectively. The pathogens were subjected to chlorine washing following incubation on spinach leaves. Culture data revealed that total viableL. monocytogenesandSalmonellaThompson populations became VBNC by 50 and 100 ppm chlorine, respectively, while enumeration by direct viable counting found that chlorine caused a <1-log reduction in viability. The pathogenicity of chlorine-induced VBNCL. monocytogenesandSalmonellaThompson was assessed by usingCaenorhabditis elegans. Ingestion of VBNC pathogens byC. elegansresulted in a significant life span reduction (P= 0.0064 andP< 0.0001), and no significant difference between the life span reductions caused by the VBNC and culturableL. monocytogenestreatments was observed.L. monocytogeneswas visualized beyond the nematode intestinal lumen, indicating resuscitation and cell invasion. These data emphasize the risk that VBNC food-borne pathogens could pose to public health should they continue to go undetected.IMPORTANCEMany bacteria are known to enter a viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state in response to environmental stresses. VBNC cells cannot be detected by standard laboratory culture techniques, presenting a problem for the food industry, which uses these techniques to detect pathogen contaminants. This study found that chlorine, a sanitizer commonly used for fresh produce, induces a VBNC state in the food-borne pathogensListeria monocytogenesandSalmonella enterica. It was also found that chlorine is ineffective at killing total populations of the pathogens. A life span reduction was observed inCaenorhabditis elegansthat ingested these VBNC pathogens, with VBNCL. monocytogenesas infectious as its culturable counterpart. These data show that VBNC food-borne pathogens can both be generated and avoid detection by industrial practices while potentially retaining the ability to cause disease.

scholarly journals Fecal Shedding of Zoonotic Food-Borne Pathogens by Wild Rodents in a Major Agricultural Region of the Central California Coast

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (20) ◽  
pp. 6337-6344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Kilonzo ◽  
Xunde Li ◽  
Eduardo J. Vivas ◽  
Michele T. Jay-Russell ◽  
Kristine L. Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rodent Species ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fecal Shedding ◽  
Wildlife Reservoirs ◽  
Food Borne Pathogens ◽  
Farm Type ◽  
Food Borne

ABSTRACTRecent outbreaks of food-borne illness associated with the consumption of produce have increased concern over wildlife reservoirs of food-borne pathogens. Wild rodents are ubiquitous, and those living close to agricultural farms may pose a food safety risk should they shed zoonotic microorganisms in their feces near or on agricultural commodities. Fecal samples from wild rodents trapped on 13 agricultural farms (9 produce, 3 cow-calf operations, and 1 beef cattle feedlot) in Monterey and San Benito Counties, CA, were screened to determine the prevalence and risk factors for shedding of several food-borne pathogens. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were the most abundant rodent species trapped (72.5%).Cryptosporidiumspecies (26.0%) andGiardiaspecies (24.2%) were the predominant isolates from rodent feces, followed bySalmonella entericaserovars (2.9%) andEscherichia coliO157:H7 (0.2%). Rodent trap success was significantly associated with detection ofSalmonellain rodent feces, while farm type was associated with fecal shedding ofCryptosporidiumandGiardia. Seasonal shedding patterns were evident, with rodents trapped during the spring and summer months being significantly less likely to be sheddingCryptosporidiumoocysts than those trapped during autumn. Higher rodent species diversity tended to correlate with lower fecal microbial prevalence, and most spatiotemporal pathogen clusters involved deer mice. Rodents in the study area posed a minimal risk as environmental reservoirs ofE. coliO157:H7, but they may play a role in environmental dissemination ofSalmonellaand protozoa. Rodent control efforts that potentially reduce biodiversity may increase pathogen shedding, possibly through promotion of intraspecific microbial transmission.

Recent key Bitcoin and virtual currency regulatory and law enforcement developments

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan L. Greebel ◽  
Kathleen Moriarty ◽  
Claudia Callaway ◽  
Gregory Xethalis
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
New York State ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
Regulatory Regime ◽  
York State Department ◽  
Virtual Currency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Purpose – To explain and draw conclusions from six recent bitcoin and virtual currency regulatory and law enforcement developments. Design/methodology/approach – Discusses and draws conclusions from six recent, important developments: two administrative rulings from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), recent remarks by New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky, remarks by Mark Wetjen of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informational sweep of crowdsales of crypto-equity, and the US Department of Justice proceedings against Trendon Shavers. Findings – Rather than trying to stifle or control virtual currencies, US governmental entities recognize the long-term value of virtual currencies and are trying to create a regulatory regime to foster growth and development, and an atmosphere where institutional and retail investors are protected. Originality/value – Provides an overview of the key United States regulatory issues facing companies engaged in Bitcoin-related businesses.

US insider trading rules will clash with deregulation

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
New York ◽  
Insider Trading ◽  
New York State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Court Of Appeals ◽  
Local Officials ◽  
President Elect ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Business As Usual

Subject Salman v United States. Significance The Supreme Court ruled in Salman v United States on December 6 that inside traders may still be liable for insider trading crimes even when no actual quid pro quo exchange between insiders took place. This ruling rejected an earlier interpretation by the US Court of Appeals in New York, which threatened to make prosecutions for insider trading more difficult. This decision comes as the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump pledges to overhaul the financial regulatory efforts of the Obama administration, a politically fraught proposition. Impacts The Trump administration may pursue selective enforcement of financial wrongdoing without accompanying structural reform. The Democrats will seek to build a narrative of a ‘business-as-usual’ Republican government in response to its deregulation push. New York state and local officials’ regulatory clout over the financial sector will give them national and international influence.

scholarly journals Plant-Pathogenic Oomycetes, Escherichia coli Strains, and Salmonella spp. Frequently Found in Surface Water Used for Irrigation of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in New York State

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (16) ◽  
pp. 4814-4820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Jones ◽  
Randy W. Worobo ◽  
Christine D. Smart
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
New York ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
New York State ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
York State ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACTIn the United States, surface water is commonly used to irrigate a variety of produce crops and can harbor pathogens responsible for food-borne illnesses and plant diseases. Understanding when pathogens infest water sources is valuable information for produce growers to improve the food safety and production of these crops. In this study, prevalence data along with regression tree analyses were used to correlate water quality parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity), irrigation site properties (source, the presence of livestock or fowl nearby), and precipitation data to the presence and concentrations ofEscherichia coli,Salmonellaspp., and hymexazol-insensitive (HIS) oomycetes (PhytophthoraandPythiumspp.) in New York State surface waters. A total of 123 samples from 18 sites across New York State were tested forE. coliandSalmonellaspp., of which 33% and 43% were positive, respectively. Additionally, 210 samples from 38 sites were tested for HIS oomycetes, and 88% were found to be positive, with 10 species ofPhytophthoraand 11 species ofPythiumbeing identified from the samples. Regression analysis found no strong correlations between water quality parameters, site factors, or precipitation to the presence or concentration ofE. coliin irrigation sources. ForSalmonella, precipitation (≤0.64 cm) 3 days before sampling was correlated to both presence and the highest counts. Analyses for oomycetes found creeks to have higher average counts than ponds, and higher turbidity levels were associated with higher oomycete counts. Overall, information gathered from this study can be used to better understand the food safety and plant pathogen risks of using surface water for irrigation.

scholarly journals Comparative Genomic and Morphological Analyses of Listeria Phages Isolated from Farm Environments

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (15) ◽  
pp. 4616-4625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Denes ◽  
Kitiya Vongkamjan ◽  
Hans-Wolfgang Ackermann ◽  
Andrea I. Moreno Switt ◽  
Martin Wiedmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Important Food ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Genome ◽  
Food Borne

ABSTRACTThe genusListeriais ubiquitous in the environment and includes the globally important food-borne pathogenListeria monocytogenes. While the genomic diversity ofListeriahas been well studied, considerably less is known about the genomic and morphological diversity ofListeriabacteriophages. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of 14Listeriaphages isolated mostly from New York dairy farm environments as well as one relatedEnterococcus faecalisphage to obtain information on genome characteristics and diversity. We also examined 12 of the phages by electron microscopy to characterize their morphology. TheseListeriaphages, based on gene orthology and morphology, together with previously sequencedListeriaphages could be classified into five orthoclusters, including one novel orthocluster. One orthocluster (orthocluster I) consists of large-genome (∼135-kb) myoviruses belonging to the genus “Twort-like viruses,” three orthoclusters (orthoclusters II to IV) contain small-genome (36- to 43-kb) siphoviruses with icosahedral heads, and the novel orthocluster V contains medium-sized-genome (∼66-kb) siphoviruses with elongated heads. A novel orthocluster (orthocluster VI) ofE. faecalisphages, with medium-sized genomes (∼56 kb), was identified, which grouped together and shares morphological features with the novelListeriaphage orthocluster V. This new group of phages (i.e., orthoclusters V and VI) is composed of putative lytic phages that may prove to be useful in phage-based applications for biocontrol, detection, and therapeutic purposes.

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