State Monitoring Programs Research Articles

32.4 Strengths and Limitations of State Oversight, Monitoring, and Consultation Program's Impact

32.4 Strengths and Limitations of State Oversight, Monitoring, and Consultation Program's Impact

A Survey of dinophysis spp. and their potential to cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning in coastal waters of the United States.

Multiple species of the genus Dinophysis produce diarrhetic shellfish toxins (okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins, OA/DTXs analogues) and/or pectenotoxins (PTXs). Only since 2008 have DSP events (illnesses and/or shellfish harvesting closures) become recognized as a threat to human health in the US. This study characterized 20 strains representing five species of Dinophysis spp. isolated from three US coastal regions that have experienced DSP events - the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest. Using a combination of morphometric and DNA-based evidence, seven Northeast/Mid-Atlantic isolates and four Pacific Northwest isolates were classified as D. acuminata, a total of four isolates from two coasts were classified as D. norvegica, two isolates from the Pacific Northwest coast were identified as D. fortii, and three isolates from the Gulf of Mexico were identified as D. ovum and D. caudata. Toxin profiles of D. acuminata and D. norvegica varied by their geographical origin within the US. Cross-regional comparison of toxin profiles was not possible with the other three species, however within each region, distinct species-conserved profiles for isolates of D. fortii, D. ovum, and D. caudata were observed. Historical and recent data from various State and Tribal monitoring programs were compiled and compared, including maximum recorded cell abundances of Dinophysis spp., maximum concentration of OA/DTXs recorded in commercial shellfish species, and duration of harvesting closures, to provide perspective regarding potential for DSP impacts to regional public health and shellfish industry.

"Helping the Helpers"-Making Access to Buprenorphine the New Standard of Care for Physicians in State Monitoring Programs.

This commentary argues that the Federation of State Medical Board's (FSMB) recommendations concerning the use of buprenorphine for physicians in their state-affiliated monitoring programs falls short of effectively permitting an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Although the FSMB acknowledges the benefits of medications for opioid use disorder and recommends that physicians who elect to start on buprenorphine receive treatment safely and privately, the FSMB is opposed to health care professionals practicing while on buprenorphine. Their rationale is based on the notion that physicians are exceptional in their ability to remain in recovery without medications for opioid use disorder and the unsupported assumption that buprenorphine causes significant cognitive impairment. This commentary contends that FSMB policy recommendations should work to destigmatize and indeed support evidence-based treatments for physicians with substance use disorders.

Evaluating Outcomes and Misuse in Opioid-Dependent Chronic Pancreatitis Using a State-Mandated Monitoring System.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) often require opioids for pain control. The goal of our study was to characterize opioid use in patients with CP in a real-life practice using a state-mandated online monitoring program and to assess outcomes compared to CP patients without opioid dependency. CP patients seen in our Pancreas Center from 2016 to 2021 were divided into two groups-with and without chronic opioid use. Details of opioids and other controlled prescriptions were obtained by review of the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPat). Of the 442 CP outpatients, 216 used chronic opioids. Patients with opioid use had significantly more recurrent acute pancreatitis (76.6% vs. 52.7%), concurrent alcohol use (11.2% vs. 5.8%), tobacco use (37.8% vs. 19.7%), anxiety (22.4% vs. 16.6%), depression (43.5% vs. 23.5%) and daily pain (59.8% vs. 24.8%) (p < 0.001). They also concurrently used more benzodiazepines (43.7% vs. 12.4%), gabapentinoids (66.4% vs. 31.1%) and medical marijuana (14.9% vs. 4.19%) (p < 0.001). They had more celiac plexus blocks (22.0% vs. 6.67%), surgery (18.3% vs. 8.89%) and more hospitalizations for CP flares (3.6 vs. 1.0 visits) (p < 0.001). Less than 13% patients received opioids by means of ED visits; 81.7% patients received their prescriptions from one facility and 75% received them at regular intervals. Opioid-dependent CP patients exhibit polypharmacy and have worse outcomes with higher resource utilization. The state-monitoring program ensures that the majority of patients receive opioids from a single facility, thereby minimizing misuse.

Microplastic waste in the littoral zone of Nevskaya Guba

One of the most pressing problems generated by the rapid development of technologies is the accumulation of various forms of plastic waste in the environment. The main criterion for observation was the systematic pollution of the coast with plastic waste. Considering the anthropogenic origin of materials that give rise to microplastics in water, optimal for humans and aquatic organisms, according to these recommendations, is its complete absence in the water of open water bodies, both marine and freshwater. The state monitoring program includes only stations in the deep part of the Neva Bay. Until now, the methods for the selection and determination of microplastics in water have not been standardized, and there are no uniform evaluation criteria. Summarizing the data for 2-3 years, it is difficult to talk about any patterns and trends in the distribution of microplastic particles.

Preliminary Assessment of Ecological Status of the Siversky Donets River Basin (Ukraine) Based on Phytoplankton Parameters and Its Verification by Other Biological Data

The river basin of Siversky Donets is of great scientific interest since this river runs through a territory with heavy industry (in particular, coal mining, chemical processing and metal industries). Within the basin, rivers of different sizes were explored (small, medium, large and extra-large) that flow through siliceous and calcareous rocks on the same elevation (lowland—below 200 m a.s.l.). Phytoplankton, as one of the Biological Quality Element, was used to perform the assessment of ecological status of the water bodies within the Siversky Donets river basin in 2019. The state monitoring program based on the updated approaches has been implemented in the river basin for the first time. The composition of phytoplankton species in the basin comprised 167 species (168 intraspecies taxa), mainly Bacillariophyta (63%) and Chlorophyta (22%) with the presence of other species (Cyanobacteria, Charophyta, Chrysophyta, Dinophyta and Euglenophyta). High species diversity and divisions amount are a distinctive property of the smaller rivers, while the bigger rivers show lower number of divisions. The “bloom” events, which are important ecological factors, were not detected in the Siversky Donets river basin. Algal species composition in plankton samples of the basin was identified and series of ecological parameters, such as habitat preferences, temperature, pH, salinity, oxygenation and organic water pollution according to Watanabe and Sládeček’s index of saprobity (S) trophic state and nitrogen uptake metabolism were analyzed. The ecological conclusions were also verified by a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The significance of the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) results was estimated of by a Monte-Carlo permutation test. The high concentrations of inorganic phosphorus compounds (permanganate index (CODMn)) and nitrite ions favored the diversity of Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria diversity correlated with the levels of bicarbonate and CODMn. High diversity of diatoms was facilitated by the total amount of dissolved solids and chemical oxygen demand (COD). It was found that low water quality could be associated with conditions leading to predominant growth of the mentioned groups of algae. According to the analysis, the highest water quality was characterized by balanced phytoplankton composition and optimal values of the environmental variables. The sites with reference conditions are proposed for future monitoring.

Methods of comprehensive statistical analysis

The article presents an algorithm of a complicated statistical analysis of atmospheric air pollution over certain urban territories, based on methods of multivariate statistical analysis and a statistical decisions theory. Statistical analysis of the concentrations obtained from the observation posts network provides the data on the atmospheric air pollution background characteristics. This analysis enables us to find the spatial correlations between the concentrations of the ingredient under various synoptic conditions. The proposed set of statistical methods is advisable to be applied in the development of a state monitoring program for atmospheric air protection over specific zones or territories (urban agglomeration) as part of the implementation of a new management procedure for state monitoring of atmospheric air protection in Ukraine.

The opioid-impaired provider: A call for national guidance to maximize rehabilitation while protecting patient safety.

The opioid-impaired provider: A call for national guidance to maximize rehabilitation while protecting patient safety.

Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Chemical contaminants are a threat to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with mercury (Hg) among the most prevalent causes of impairment. Despite this, large-scale patterns of Hg concentrations, and the potential risks to fish, wildlife, and humans across the watershed, are poorly understood. We compiled fish Hg data from state monitoring programs and recent research efforts to address this knowledge gap and provide a comprehensive assessment of fish Hg concentrations in the watershed's freshwater habitats. The resulting dataset consisted of nearly 8000 total Hg (THg) concentrations from 600 locations. Across the watershed, fish THg concentrations spanned a 44-fold range, with mean concentrations varying by 2.6- and 8.8-fold among major sub-watersheds and individual 8-digit hydrological units, respectively. Although, mean THg concentrations tended to be moderate, fish frequently exceeded benchmarks for potential adverse health effects, with 45, 48, and 36% of all samples exceeding benchmarks for human, avian piscivore, and fish risk, respectively. Importantly, the percentage of fish exceeding these benchmarks was not uniform among species or locations. The variation in fish THg concentrations among species and sites highlights the roles of waterbody, landscape, and ecological processes in shaping broad patterns in Hg risk across the watershed. We outline an integrated Hg monitoring program that could identify key factors influencing Hg concentrations across the watershed and facilitate the implementation of management strategies to mitigate the risks posed by Hg.

MONITORING INVESTIGATIONS OF SON-KUL LAKE (KYRGYZSTAN) POLLUTED BY PESTICIDES

The results of environmental monitoring of SonKul Lake (Kyrgyzstan), conducted in 2017 and 2018 by representatives of environmental nongovernmental public organizations with the participation of the Kyrgyz Republic state environmental laboratory and international water quality monitoring experts, are presented, which have been used for giving recommendations for organizing the lake monitoring system. The monitoring was aimed at determining the lake ecological status and further specifying the ways of its sustainable management, including its decontamination from hazardous chemical compounds and solid waste accumulated as a result of pesticide pollution and fishing activities, respectively. The monitoring analyzed the content of a wide range of pesticides in the lake surface water samples, bottom sediments, as well as in fish inhabitants. A series of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), i.e. DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other hazardous chemical compounds were found in collected samples. The observed levels of POPs in the bottom sediments and fish samples were within the limited range, while the analysis of water samples showed an exceeding of the maximum permissible concentrations for DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane for fishery waters. The obtained preliminary results show an urgent need to develop a state monitoring program for SonKul Lake and to conduct a continuous monitoring on POPs levels. Представлены результаты экологического мониторинга озера Сон-Куль (Кыргызстан), проведенного в 2017 и в 2018 гг. представителями экологических неправительственных общественных организаций при участии государственной экологической лаборатории и международных экспертов в области мониторинга качества воды, которые позволили дать рекомендации по организации системы мониторинга озера. Мониторинг проводился для определения и экологического статуса озера и дальнейшего определения путей устойчивого управления озером, включая его очистку от загрязнения опасными химическими соединениями и твердыми отходами, накопившимися как следствие применения пестицидов и рыбохозяйственной деятельности, соответственно. В ходе мониторинга анализировалось содержание широкого ряда пестицидов в пробах поверхностных вод озера, донных отложений, а также обитающей в озере рыбы. В пробах обнаружены стойкие органические загрязнители (СОЗ) - ДДТ, изомеры гексахлорциклогексана, полихлорированные бифенилы и другие опасные химические соединения. Содержание СОЗ в донных отложениях и в рыбе находится в пределах нормы, однако анализ проб воды показал превышение ПДК по ДДТ и гексахлорциклогексану для водоемов рыбохозяйственного назначения. Полученные предварительные результаты показали крайнюю необходимость в разработке программы государственного мониторинга для озера Сон-Куль и проведения мониторинга на содержание СОЗ на постоянной основе.

Role of molecular genetic methods for avian influenza diagnostics in the epizootological monitoring system

Purpose: Avian influenza (AI) diagnostics is an important part of the veterinary preventive measures to control this disease. In Ukraine, AI detection performed using virological and molecular genetic methods in accordance with OIE recommendations. The purpose of the work was toassess the capacity of expanding of molecular genetic methods usage in the AI surveillance system within Ukraine. Methods & Materials: During the period from 2017 to Q1 2018, 4390 biological material samples were analyzed using real-time PCR, and 81126 blood serum samples using Hemagglutination Inhibition assay (HAI). Samples of blood serum, pathological material, cloacal and tracheal swabs, pellets from wild birds and poultry were tested. Results: All avian influenza studies in Ukraine are performed within the State monitoring program, as a response to suspected cases, and include testing cloacal and tracheal swabs from birds collected in the areas, where positive cases were detected. In 2017, there were 8 AI suspected cases, 5 of which were confirmed by -time PCR. H5N8 HPAIV positive cases were registered in Chernivtsi (10 samples collected from wild birds and 12 from poultry), Odesa (5 samples collected from poultry), Ternopil (5 collected from poultry) and Mykolaiv oblasts (sample from zoo bird). In 2018, there were 2 AI suspected cases (Kherson and Donetsk oblasts) that were not confirmed. At the same time, all poultry samples collected in zones with AI positive cases and tested using HAI demonstrated negative results. Conclusion: Obtained results confirm high-sensitivity of molecular-genetic methods comparing to virological ones in avian influenza diagnostics. Thus, usage of molecular genetic methods is an important element in the early stages of response to suspected cases of avian influenza. Based on results, changes are implemented in the development of the State monitoring program of avian influenza within Ukraine. A plan on regional laboratories involvement in avian influenza diagnostics using molecular genetic methods was developed and successfully introduced.

MEASURING LOTIC ECOSYSTEM RESPONSES TO NUTRIENTS: A Mismatch that Limits the Synthesis and Application of Experimental Studies to Management.

MEASURING LOTIC ECOSYSTEM RESPONSES TO NUTRIENTS: A Mismatch that Limits the Synthesis and Application of Experimental Studies to Management.

Ten-year survey of cyanobacterial blooms in Ohio’s waterbodies using satellite remote sensing

Cyanobacterial blooms are on the rise globally and are capable of adversely impacting human, animal, and ecosystem health. Blooms dominated by cyanobacteria species capable of toxin-production are commonly observed in eutrophic freshwater. The presence of cyanobacterial blooms in selected Ohio lakes, such as Lake Erie and Grand Lake St. Marys, has been well studied, but much less is known about the geographic distribution of these blooms across all of Ohio’s waterbodies. We examined the geographic distribution of cyanobacterial blooms in Ohio’s waterbodies from 2002 to 2011, using a nested semi-empirical algorithm and remotely sensed data from the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) onboard the European Space Agency’s Envisat. We identified: 62 lakes, reservoirs, and ponds; 7 rivers; 6 marshes and wetlands; and 3 quarries with detectable cyanobacteria pigment (phycocyanin) concentrations. Of the 78 waterbodies identified in our study, roughly half (54%; n=42) have any reported in situ microcystins monitoring results from state monitoring programs. Further, 90% of the waterbodies identified reached phycocyanin pigment concentrations representative of levels potentially hazardous to public health. This gap in lakes potentially impacted by cyanobacterial blooms and those that are currently monitored presents an important area of concern for public health, as well as ecosystem health, where unknown human and animal exposures to cyanotoxins may occur in many of Ohio’s waterbodies. Our approach may be replicated in other regions around the globe with potential cyanobacterial bloom presence, in order to assess the intensity, geographic distribution, and temporal pattern of blooms in lakes not currently monitored for the presence of cyanobacterial blooms.

Acute and chronic dietary exposure to domoic acid in recreational harvesters: A survey of shellfish consumption behavior

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin that is naturally produced by phytoplankton and accumulates in seafood during harmful algal blooms. As the prevalence of DA increases in the marine environment, there is a critical need to identify seafood consumers at risk of DA poisoning. DA exposure was estimated in recreational razor clam (Siliqua patula) harvesters to determine if exposures above current regulatory guidelines occur and/or if harvesters are chronically exposed to low levels of DA. Human consumption rates of razor clams were determined by distributing 1523 surveys to recreational razor clam harvesters in spring 2015 and winter 2016, in Washington, USA. These consumption rate data were combined with DA measurements in razor clams, collected by a state monitoring program, to estimate human DA exposure. Approximately 7% of total acute exposures calculated (including the same individuals at different times) exceeded the current regulatory reference dose (0.075mgDA·kgbodyweight−1·d−1) due to higher than previously reported consumption rates, lower bodyweights, and/or by consumption of clams at the upper range of legal DA levels (maximum 20mg·kg−1 wet weight for whole tissue). Three percent of survey respondents were potentially at risk of chronic DA exposure by consuming a minimum of 15 clams per month for at 12 consecutive months. These insights into DA consumption will provide an additional tool for razor clam fishery management.

Investigating the cryptogenic status of the sea squirt Didemnum perlucidum (Tunicata, Ascidiacea) in Australia based on a molecular study of its global distribution

Didemnid species are assessed as species with a high invasive potential for Australia and as such are listed as target species for both state and national monitoring programs. The presence of the sea squirt Didemnum perlucidum (Monniot, 1983) was first documented in Australia in 2010 and has since then been detected extensively throughout the state of Western Australia and in the Northern Territory. These detections have raised important questions as to the origin and potential impact of this species in Australia. The current study was initiated to review the current known global geographic range of D. perlucidum and to obtain specimens that could support molecular studies aimed at evaluating the potential origin of this species in Australia. Characterization of 5’ COI mitochondrial sequences from 286 specimens revealed a remarkably low level of genetic diversity across the current known range of D. perlucidum and the existence of one main widespread genetic haplotype. Such findings suggest that all locations sampled in this study may in fact represent introductions of D. perlucidum and that the natural native range of the species remains unknown. Our demonstration that specimens (n=187) originating from across a broad expanse of the Australian West Coast were comprised of a single haplotype also lends support to the hypothesis that D. perlucidum is a species that has been introduced recently into Australia. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that D. perlucium distribution in Australia is mostly confined to artificial structures, it has displayed invasive characteristics, and its presence is now being detected across an increasingly wide geographical area. Given the demonstrated low level of genetic COI variation across its known global distribution, lack of clarity around its native range, and limited availability of data on this species globally, we recognize the requirement for further work to more fully elucidate the exact origins and patterns of distribution of D. perlucidum in Australia. This study represents the most comprehensive mapping of the current global distribution of D. perlucidum conducted to date and will hopefully motivate further studies aimed at elucidating this species biology, origin, high-risk routes and impacts.

Testing a rapid Floristic Quality Index on headwater wetlands in central Pennsylvania, USA

Floristic Quality Assessment is a proven technique for evaluating the condition of a variety of habitats including wetlands. Its utility in state monitoring and assessment programs, however, has been curtailed by the additional effort and expertise needed for deployment. In this study, we tested the validity of two prerequisites of floristic quality assessment: the need for a comprehensive species list and the requirement that all taxa be identified to species. The mean coefficient of conservatism (mean C) was shown to be the most sensitive variable of the index and was used to test its efficacy in a rapid context. Mean C demonstrated a lack of significant response when graminoid taxa were selectively removed and also when scores were calculated based on dominant taxa only (C¯dom). The muted response observed is likely due to redundancy in the species list (many plants with the same C value) and the averaging of C values. Site ranks did shift when based on C¯dom, however, and this result may have implications on how individual sites are prioritized for restoration and protection. Ultimately, resource managers must determine if the decreased level of accuracy obtained from abridged plant lists is an acceptable trade-off for increased savings in time and effort.

How accurate are probability-based estimates of wetland extent? Results of a California validation study

Estimates of wetland and stream extent and distribution form the basis for state and federal monitoring and management programs and guide policy development decisions. The current default approach, comprehensive mapping, provides the most complete information on extent and distribution but is prohibitively expensive across large geographic areas. In contrast, probabilistic mapping produces statistical estimates of extent and distribution at a fraction of the cost of comprehensive mapping. This study provides a direct comparison to address how well probability-based estimates of wetland extent approximate results from comprehensive mapping, and the degree to which inter-mapper variability contributes to overall error in probability-based estimates. Two regions of California were selected based on existence of recent, comprehensive wetland and stream maps. Probabilistic sample plot locations were selected by generalized random tessellation stratified sampling and sample plot maps were produced from the same source imagery as the comprehensive maps. Sample maps were compared for inter-mapper variability, plot-by-plot differences between sample and comprehensive maps, and differences between sample estimates and comprehensive totals. On a plot-by-plot basis differences in mapped wetland area between comprehensive maps and probabilistic sample maps approached 50 % in either the positive or negative direction, leading to uncertainty in directly comparing maps derived from these two approaches. With application of standardized protocols and rigorous quality control measures, we were able to achieve a 97 % overall accuracy rate between independent mapping teams applying the probabilistic mapping approach. Our results suggest caution when comparing comprehensive and sample based wetland extent estimates and highlight the importance of mapper intercalibration.

Resolution of Respect: W. Scott Overton

Resolution of Respect: W. Scott Overton

Local Distribution Factors and Sampling Effort Guidelines for the Rare Frosted Elfin Butterfly

Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin) is threatened under New York State conservation law and has fewer than 5 secure populations within the state. Published research on these populations is needed to support the development of a state recovery plan and monitoring program for the species. We assessed the relationship between adult occupancy (patch use) in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and a suite of potential controlling factors. We then used the results in a simulation framework to quantitatively inform how many sites and surveys are needed for Frosted Elfin occupancy monitoring. Patch use was best explained by a model that assumed the same occupancy probability for each patch. The species was more likely to use patches with limited shrub cover and greater host plant density, yet showed a good chance (>76%) of using even the smaller patches (<1 ha) with relatively sparse density (<1000 ramets ha-1). Detection probability depended primarily on observer and survey date, ranging from 0.34 to 0.94 among observers and from 0.35 to 0.96 across surveys. In the worst-case scenario (i.e., low detectability and low intrinsic occupancy rate), minimum effort for adult Frosted Elfin occupancy monitoring in habitat similar to the Albany Pine Bush may require at least 20 habitat patches surveyed 6 times each or at least 10 habitat patches surveyed 8 times each. Less effort (e.g., 10 sites × 4 surveys) will likely suffice if surveys are restricted to the period of peak abundance. Adult occupancy (or patch use) is probably the most efficient state variable for monitoring Frosted Elfin populations, and changes in detection-corrected occupancy rate or proportion of area occupied could be useful for conservation planning.

The Relationship Between Addictions and Bariatric Surgery for Nurses in Recovery

Determinants of morbid obesity are complex and numerous, yet understanding the neurobiological underpinnings improves our knowledge of this serious issue. Emerging science supports a comparison of disordered eating with other addictive substances. The study used a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional study of nurses in a state-monitoring program. A study of 173 participants in a state-monitoring program for impaired nurses revealed that 14% (n= 25) had undergone bariatric surgery. Of these, 17 developed an addiction after surgery. Evidence suggests that some individuals may require additional treatment, similar to those with pharmacological addictions.