Psychological distress among frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic:A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Novel virus outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may increase psychological distress among frontline workers. Psychological distress may lead to reduced performance, reduced employability or even burnout. In the present study, we assessed experienced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic from a self-determination theory perspective. METHODS: This mixed-methods study, with repeated measures, used surveys (quantitative data) combined with audio diaries (qualitative data) to assess work-related COVID-19 experiences, psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and psychological distress over time. Forty-six participants (nurses, junior doctors, and consultants) completed 259 surveys and shared 60 audio diaries. Surveys and audio diaries were analysed separately. RESULTS: Quantitative results indicated that perceived psychological distress during COVID-19 was higher than pre-COVID-19 and fluctuated over time. Need frustration, specifically autonomy and competence, was positively associated with psychological distress, while need satisfaction, especially relatedness, was negatively associated with psychological distress. In the qualitative, thematic analysis, we observed that especially organisational logistics (rostering, work-life balance, and internal communication) frustrated autonomy, and unfamiliarity with COVID-19 frustrated competence. Despite many need frustrating experiences, a strong connection with colleagues and patients were important sources of relatedness support (i.e. need satisfaction) that seemed to mitigate psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase of psychological distress among frontline workers. Both need frustration and need satisfaction explained unique variance of psychological distress, but seemed to originate from different sources. Challenging times require healthcare organisations to better support their professionals by tailored formal and informal support. We propose to address both indirect (e.g. organisation) and direct (e.g. colleagues) elements of the clinical and social environment in order to reduce need frustration and enhance need satisfaction

Establishing farm dust as a useful viral metagenomic surveillance matrix.

Farm animals may harbor viral pathogens, some with zoonotic potential which can possibly cause severe clinical outcomes in animals and humans. Documenting the viral content of dust may provide information on the potential sources and movement of viruses. Here, we describe a dust sequencing strategy that provides detailed viral sequence characterization from farm dust samples and use this method to document the virus communities from chicken farm dust samples and paired feces collected from the same broiler farms in the Netherlands. From the sequencing data, Parvoviridae and Picornaviridae were the most frequently found virus families, detected in 85-100% of all fecal and dust samples with a large genomic diversity identified from the Picornaviridae. Sequences from the Caliciviridae and Astroviridae familes were also obtained. This study provides a unique characterization of virus communities in farmed chickens and paired farm dust samples and our sequencing methodology enabled the recovery of viral genome sequences from farm dust, providing important tracking details for virus movement between livestock animals and their farm environment. This study serves as a proof of concept supporting dust sampling to be used in viral metagenomic surveillance

Potential environmental transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 inside a large meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters

Worldwide exceptionally many COVID-19 clusters were observed in meat processing plants. Many contributing factors, promoting transmission, were suggested, including climate conditions in cooled production rooms favorable for environmental transmission but actual sampling studies are lacking. We aimed to assess SARS-CoV-2 contamination of air and surfaces to gain insight in potential environmental transmission in a large Dutch meat processing plant experiencing COVID-19 clusters. We performed SARS-CoV-2 screening of workers operating in cooled production rooms and intensive environmental sampling during a two-week study period in June 2020. Sampling of air (both stationary and personal), settling dust, ventilation systems, and sewage was performed. Swabs were collected from high-touch surfaces and workers’ hands. Screening of workers was done using oronasopharyngeal swabs. Samples were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-qPCR. Of the 76 (predominantly asymptomatic) workers tested, 27 (35.5%) were SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive with modest to low viral loads (Ct≥29.7). In total, 6 out of 203 surface swabs were positive (Ct ≥38), being swabs taken from communal touchscreens/handles. One of the 12 personal air samples and one of the 4 sewage samples were positive, RNA levels were low (Ct≥38). All other environmental samples tested negative. Although one-third of workers tested SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive, environmental contamination was limited. Hence widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via air and surfaces was considered unlikely within this plant at the time of investigation in the context of strict COVID-19 control measures in place

Human extrahepatic and intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids show region-specific differentiation potential and model cystic fibrosis-related bile duct disease

The development, homeostasis, and repair of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts are thought to involve distinct mechanisms including proliferation and maturation of cholangiocyte and progenitor cells. This study aimed to characterize human extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ECO) using canonical Wnt-stimulated culture medium previously developed for intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICO). Paired ECO and ICO were derived from common bile duct and liver tissue, respectively. Characterization showed both organoid types were highly similar, though some differences in size and gene expression were observed. Both ECO and ICO have cholangiocyte fate differentiation capacity. However, unlike ICO, ECO lack the potential for differentiation towards a hepatocyte-like fate. Importantly, ECO derived from a cystic fibrosis patient showed no CFTR channel activity but normal chloride channel and MDR1 transporter activity. In conclusion, this study shows that ECO and ICO have distinct lineage fate and that ECO provide a competent model to study extrahepatic bile duct diseases like cystic fibrosis

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Air and on Surfaces in Rooms of Infected Nursing Home Residents

There is an ongoing debate on airborne transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a risk factor for infection. In this study, the level of SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces of SARS-CoV-2 infected nursing home residents was assessed to gain insight in potential transmission routes. During outbreaks, air samples were collected using three different active and one passive air sampling technique in rooms of infected patients. Oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) of the residents and dry surface swabs were collected. Additionally, longitudinal passive air samples were collected during a period of 4 months in common areas of the wards. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was determined using RT-qPCR, targeting the RdRp- and E-genes. OPS, samples of two active air samplers and surface swabs with Ct-value ≤35 were tested for the presence of infectious virus by cell culture. In total, 360 air and 319 surface samples from patient rooms and common areas were collected. In rooms of 10 residents with detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in OPS, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 93 of 184 collected environmental samples (50.5%) (lowest Ct 29.5), substantially more than in the rooms of residents with negative OPS on the day of environmental sampling (n = 2) (3.6%). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was most frequently present in the larger particle size fractions [>4 μm 60% (6/10); 1-4 μm 50% (5/10); <1 μm 20% (2/10)] (Fischer exact test P = 0.076). The highest proportion of RNA-positive air samples on room level was found with a filtration-based sampler 80% (8/10) and the cyclone-based sampler 70% (7/10), and impingement-based sampler 50% (5/10). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 10 out of 12 (83%) passive air samples in patient rooms. Both high-touch and low-touch surfaces contained SARS-CoV-2 genome in rooms of residents with positive OPS [high 38% (21/55); low 50% (22/44)]. In one active air sample, infectious virus in vitro was detected. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 is frequently detected in air and on surfaces in the immediate surroundings of room-isolated COVID-19 patients, providing evidence of environmental contamination. The environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 and infectious aerosols confirm the potential for transmission via air up to several meters

Monitoring of Farm-Level Antimicrobial Use to Guide Stewardship: Overview of Existing Systems and Analysis of Key Components and Processes

peer-reviewedThe acknowledgment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major health challenge in humans, animals and plants, has led to increased efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU). To better understand factors influencing AMR and implement and evaluate stewardship measures for reducing AMU, it is important to have sufficiently detailed information on the quantity of AMU, preferably at the level of the user (farmer, veterinarian) and/or prescriber or provider (veterinarian, feed mill). Recently, several countries have established or are developing systems for monitoring AMU in animals. The aim of this publication is to provide an overview of known systems for monitoring AMU at farm-level, with a descriptive analysis of their key components and processes. As of March 2020, 38 active farm-level AMU monitoring systems from 16 countries were identified. These systems differ in many ways, including which data are collected, the type of analyses conducted and their respective output. At the same time, they share key components (data collection, analysis, benchmarking, and reporting), resulting in similar challenges to be faced with similar decisions to be made. Suggestions are provided with respect to the different components and important aspects of various data types and methods are discussed. This overview should provide support for establishing or working with such a system and could lead to a better implementation of stewardship actions and a more uniform communication about and understanding of AMU data at farm-level. Harmonization of methods and processes could lead to an improved comparability of outcomes and less confusion when interpreting results across systems. However, it is important to note that the development of systems also depends on specific local needs, resources and aims

Correction:How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research (vol 30, pg R1014, 2020)

(Current Biology 30, R1014–R1018; September 21, 2020) As a result of an author oversight in the originally published version of this article, a number of errors were introduced in the author list and affiliations. First, the middle initials were omitted from the names of several authors. Second, the surname of Dr. van Dam was mistakenly written as “Dam.” Third, the first name of author Bernhard Englitz was misspelled as “Bernard” and the surname of author B.J.A. Pollux was misspelled as “Pullox.” Finally, Dr. Keijer's first name was abbreviated rather than written in full. These errors, as well as various errors in the author affiliations, have now been corrected online

Infectious Diseases Management in Asian Elephant : TB and EEHV-HD

Asian elephant’s health, well-being and population sustainability are affected by several life-threatening diseases. Tuberculosis (TB), with potential zoonotic impact, and EEHV-HD, live threatening especially for young elephants, are amongst the most serious ones. Besides, they have the potential to severely affect the economy, particularly in relation to tourism. Infections of elephants with M. tuberculosis and EEHV have been reported worldwide, in Thailand frequent contact between elephants and M. tuberculosis infected human individuals, as well as between wild and captive elephants is likely. Our study, three reacted positive in a serological test (TB STAT Pak, Chembio). In serum of one of these, antibodies were found retrospectively, 23 months prior to bacterial culture from trunk wash samples. Sequence analysis of M. tuberculosis isolates from the four animals classified them as ancient strains (n=1) based on presence of a M. tuberculosis specific deletion (TbD1) and modern strains (n=3) identical to M. tuberculosis ATCC 2794. Detection of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in a range of cytokines produced upon stimulation with M. tuberculosis derived antigens, is used for diagnosis at the early stage of infection with M. tb. Detection levels ranging between 1 and 10,000 pg/ml and able to detect native elephant IFN-γ of both African and Asian elephant whole blood cultures. Among Asian elephants, of different TB status, detection of IFN-γ upon in vitro stimulation of whole blood samples with ESAT6/CFP10, PPDB and PPDA, was negative for samples from non-infected elephants, as well as those from an elephant suspected of TB. Whole blood cell stimulation of a M. tb infected elephant with antigens ESAT6/CFP10 PPDB and PPDA resulted in detection of interferon gamma in all cultures, though to a lesser extent when stimulated with PPDA as a control for non MTBC environmental mycobacteria contact. ELISA results of serum samples of 708 elephants were subjected to Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to predict their serological TB statuses. Depending on LCA approaches, in case population versus individual elephant based, relative numbers (percentages) for the different statuses were “positive” 15-17.3%, “inconclusive” 48.7-50% and “negative” 34-35% of the animals. In this study, the North region had the lowest percentages of elephants predicted to be of positive serological TB status. The West region and to a lesser extend the other regions showed clearly higher percentages. Haemorrhagic Disease caused by Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV-HD) we performed a cross sectional serological survey, using an EEHV1 glycoprotein B (gB) specific antibody ELISA. Of 994 elephants included in the study 42.3% were positive and 57.7%negative, while none were inconclusive, based on the criterion that a serum sample is considered positive if at least one serum dilution tested positive. Associations between seropositivity and potential risk factors for EEHV infection in the final multivariable regression model the variable “region” was represented. Finally, publication of this thesis will increase professional and public awareness of the threats of TB and EEHV infection in Elephants in Thailand

E2F transcription factors: master controllers of genomic integrity throughout the cell cycle

In our body, hundreds of billions of cell divisions (mitoses) occur every day, and each mitosis must produce two daughter cells with identical genomic information. This is a highly controlled process to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, in cancers cell proliferation takes place in an uncontrolled manner, leading to malignant tumor formation. To discover better ways to treat cancer, it is of critical importance to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cell division. In this dissertation, we studied the regulation and function of three E2F factors, that is E2F3, E2F7 and E2F8, during cell cycle. Particularly, in chapter 1, we introduce the roles of E2Fs people have found in regulation of cell cycle progression. In chapter 2, we reveal that E2F7 and -8 are subjected to SCFcyclin F-mediated degradation in G2 phase. In chapter 3, we then describe a noncanonical function of E2F7 and -8. We could show that E2F7 and -8 are required for this cohesin removal during prophase. In chapter 4 we switched our focus to the activating arm of the E2F family, and studied the role of E2F3 amplification, which is often seen in bladder cancer patients. We show in our bladder cancer cell lines that this E2F3-induced replication stress may sensitize cells to a class of drugs called intra-S-phase checkpoint inhibitors. Lastly, in chapter 5, we bring all these findings together and discuss the importance of coordinated regulation of E2F factors during cell cycle progression to preserve genome integrity

Regulation of gene expression during oocyte maturation and early embryo development

Precise regulation of gene expression ensures oocytes and embryos accomplish the dynamic events required for successful oocyte maturation and early embryo development. However, most studies of gene expression regulation have focused on the mouse. In this respect, we used the cow as an alternative mammalian model to study gene expression regulation during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. We described dynamic changes in gene expression and poly(A) tail length during bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development. As a result of these changes, the reference genes most suitable for gene expression normalization are different when different reverse transcription priming methods are employed. On the other hand, epigenetic alterations and differential regulation of transcription factors affect gene expression at the transcriptional level in embryos. One of the major epigenetic events-XCI, is initiated at morula stage in female bovine embryos. However, the initiation of XCI does not lead to complete down-regulation of all X-linked genes. The expression of the transcription factor CDX2 in bovine embryos is up regulated after exposure to LPA. But LPA stimulation does not change embryo constitution in terms of percentages of cells committed to one or another lineage. Overall, a better understanding of gene expression regulation during ocoyte maturation and early embryo development broadens our fundamental knowledge of mammalian embryonic development and will improve our understanding of the requirements for cell lineage determination and pluripotency, and the short and longer term consequences of epigenetic disturbances resulting from sub-optimal maternal health and nutrition or in vitro fertilization and embryo culture conditions