Monoclonal antibody therapeutics to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Many barriers exist when deploying a novel therapeutic during an ongoing pandemic, and it is critical to assess the needs of incorporating monoclonal antibody infusions into pandemic response activities. We examined the monoclonal antibody infusion site process during the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted a descriptive analysis using data from 3 sites at medical centers in the United States supported by the National Disaster Medical System. Monoclonal antibody implementation success factors included engagement with local medical providers, therapy batch preparation, placing the infusion center in proximity to emergency services, and creating procedures resilient to EUA changes. Infusion process challenges included confirming patient severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positivity, strained staff, scheduling, and pharmacy coordination. Infusion sites are effective when integrated into pre-existing pandemic response ecosystems and can be implemented with limited staff and physical resources.

Hophornbeam copperleaf (Acalypha ostryifolia Riddell) is an erect, herbaceous, dicot species in the Euphorbiaceae, or spurge, family that constitutes more than 200 genera and some 6,000 species (Mayfield and Webster 2013). Although the euphorbs have a cosmopolitan distribution, none are found in the Arctic (Mabberley 1997). Members of the Euphorbiaceae may be trees, shrubs, herbs (occasionally aquatic), or vines; sometimes succulent and cactus-like; and often have glands on vegetative plant parts (Mabberley 1997; Zomlefer 1994). Genera in the spurge family include Croton, Euphorbia, Ricinus, and Acalypha. Acalypha consists of 450 species that are native to both the Eastern and Western hemispheres (Zomlefer 1994). Acalypha was the name used by Hippocrates because the leaves resemble those of nettles, whereas ostryifolia alludes to the resemblance of leaves to plants in the genus Ostrya (hophornbeam trees; Burrows and Tyrl 2013; Haddock 2014; Hilty 2018). As plants mature in the fall, the leaves can turn reddish-brown, which may indicate why “copperleaf” is included in the species’ common name (Hilty 2018). Hophornbeam copperleaf is native to North America; it occurs in the United States ranging from Arizona east to Florida, north to Pennsylvania, and west to Nebraska (Anonymous 2019). It occurs in a variety of habitats including agronomic fields, cultivated areas, landscapes, roadsides, river and stream banks, thickets, pastures, and waste sites (Bryson and DeFelice 2010; Haddock 2014; Hilty 2018). This plant’s other common names include copperleaf, pineland three-seed mercury, Virginia copperleaf, hornbeam mercury, hornbeam three-seed mercury, mercury, and rough-pod copperleaf (Bryson and DeFelice 2010; Haddock 2014; Hilty 2018; Steckel 2006).

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm), a parasitic nematode, is expanding its distribution. Human infection, known as angiostrongyliasis, may manifest as eosinophilic meningitis, an emerging infectious disease. The range and incidence of this disease are expanding throughout the tropics and subtropics. Recently, the Hawaiian Islands have experienced an increase in reported cases. This study addresses factors affecting the parasite's distribution and projects its potential future distribution, using Hawaii as a model for its global expansion. Specimens of 37 snail species from the Hawaiian Islands were screened for the parasite using PCR. It was present on five of the six largest islands. The data were used to generate habitat suitability models for A. cantonensis, based on temperature and precipitation, to predict its potential further spread within the archipelago. The best current climate model predicted suitable habitat on all islands, with greater suitability in regions with higher precipitation and temperatures. Projections under climate change (to 2100) indicated increased suitability in regions with estimated increased precipitation and temperatures, suitable habitat occurring increasingly at higher elevations. Analogously, climate change could facilitate the spread of A. cantonensis from its current tropical/subtropical range into more temperate regions of the world, as is beginning to be seen in the continental USA.

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of glyphosate- and dicamba-tolerant (GDT) soybean and weed control from cover crop different termination intervals before and after soybean planting. Cover crop biomass was highest when terminated at planting, decreased with the 7- and 14-d preplant (DPP) and day-after-planting (DAP) timings, and again at the 14 DPP and DAP timings. Glyphosate+dicamba provided total control of cover crops by 21 DAP. Cover crop termination timing did not influence soybean population or yield. Palmer amaranth control at the 21 and 28 d after termination (DAT) was 97% to 99%. Differences in Palmer amaranth control were not detected among herbicide programs or termination intervals at the end of season rating, and all treatments provided ≥97% control. Although differences in Palmer amaranth control were not apparent at the end of the season, the delay in cover crop affected the number of days until 10-cm Palmer amaranth was present. When utilizing a wheat+hairy vetch cover crop in DGT soybeans, producers should delay cover crop termination until 11 to 14 DPP and make at least one POST application of glyphosate+dicamba+an additional herbicide mode of action (MOA) to maximize Palmer amaranth control and soybean yields.

Growth chamber experiments evaluated the influence of ambient temperature and soil moisture on cotton and velvetleaf response to pyrithiobac. Additional studies determined the basis for observed plant responses to 14C pyrithiobac. Cotton injury from six times the normal dosage was < 20% at 2 wk for all temperatures and soil moistures. Pyrithiobac injured velvetleaf less at lower soil moistures. Both species absorbed more 14C-pyrithiobac at 30/28 or 35/33 C than at 25/23 C. Cotton absorbed more herbicide than velvetleaf at all temperatures and soil moistures. Velvetleaf translocated < 16% of absorbed 14C out of the treated leaf while cotton translocated < 3% of absorbed material. At warmer temperatures, velvetleaf translocated less 14C when soil was dry (–1.0 MPa) than when plants were watered to field capacity (–0.03 MPa). This decreased absorption and translocation may affect pyrithiobac activity on velvetleaf growing in dry soil. Translocation differences did not fully explain whole plant effects. The metabolism difference may account for cotton tolerance.

Fluometuron adsorption and dissipation under field and laboratory conditions, and distribution within the soil profile was determined in 3 soils from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia that are representative of the cotton-growing regions of the southeastern United States. Fluometuron adsorption was correlated with organic matter, but not with clay content or soil pH. First-order kinetics explained fluometuron dissipation under field and controlled conditions (r2 ≥ 0.82). Field dissipation of fluometuron was slower under dry conditions. Fluometuron was not detected below 15 cm in the soil profile in any soil, and concentrations in the 8- to 15-cm soil zone were < 15 ppbw 112 d after treatment. Fluometuron dissipation was more rapid in soil from the 0- to 8-cm depth in Tennessee soil than in Mississippi soil under controlled conditions. Dissipation was more rapid under field conditions than under laboratory conditions at 2 of 3 locations. Fluometuron half-lives in soils from the 0- to 8-cm depth ranged from 9 to 28 d under field conditions and from 11 to 43 d in the laboratory. Fluometuron dissipation in soils from 30- to 45- and 60- to 90-cm depths was not different among soils, with half-lives ranging from 58 to 99 d under laboratory conditions. Fluometuron half-life was positively correlated with soil depth and inversely correlated with organic matter. These data indicate that organic matter, soil depth, and environmental conditions affect fluometuron dissipation.

Field research was conducted in Tennessee at Jackson in 1991 and at Milan in 1992 to compare the effect of MSMA and pyrithiobac on cotton development, yield, and quality. In separate treatments to different plots, pyrithiobac at 0.14 kg ai ha–1 did not affect development, yield, and quality of cotton. MSMA at 2.24 kg ai ha–1 decreased cotton plant internode length 10 to 15% and height by 15% 5 wk after late treatment both years. MSMA applied to 50 cm cotton reduced subsequent plant height in 1992, but other plant characteristics were not affected. In 1991, MSMA increased squares and decreased blooms and bolls for monopodia and sympodia position one and two, which suggested a delay in plant development. In 1991, mechanical harvest lint yields were decreased by MSMA at first harvest while increasing second harvest lint yields. However, in 1991 only MSMA applied late decreased total harvest lint yield 20%. Plant mapping data determined that the yield decrease was a result of decreased yields at sympodia positions one and two. Cotton seed arsenic analysis indicated that MSMA-late increased arsenic levels by ≈ 1 ppmw in 1991 for sympodia at position one and two compared to the untreated check, while position two contained the highest level of 1.8 ppmw.

Field studies indicated thiazopyr at 220 g ha−1 injured soybeans planted in no-till, and 340 g ha−1 injured soybean in 1 of 2 yr planted into tilled soil. Thiazopyr half-lives in three field studies ranged from 12 to 14 d, indicating minimal potential for carryover injury to sensitive rotational crops. Thiazopyr dissipation under controlled conditions was slower than under field conditions. Half-lives at 15 and 30 C were 133 and 43 d, respectively. This indicates that microbial degradation is an important mechanism in thiazopyr dissipation, but that other loss mechanisms also play a role. A method using methanol extraction of moist soil samples followed by gas chromatography using a nitrogen-phosphorous detector had > 90% recovery of thiazopyr.

Fluometuron adsorption and degradation were determined in soil collected at three depths from no-till + no cover, conventional-till + no cover, no-till + vetch cover, and conventional-till + vetch cover in continuous cotton. These combinations of tillage + cover crop + soil depth imparted a range of organic matter and pH to the soil. Soil organic matter and pH ranged from 0.9 to 2.5% and from 4.7 to 6.5, respectively. Fluometuron adsorption was affected by soil depth, tillage, and cover crop. In surface soils (0 to 4 cm), fluometuron adsorption was greater in no-till + vetch plots than in conventional-tilled + no cover plots. Soil adsorption of fluometuron was positively correlated with organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. Fluometuron degradation was not affected by adsorption, and degradation empirically fit a first-order model. Soil organic matter content had no apparent effect on fluometuron degradation rate. Fluometuron degradation was more rapid at soil pH > 6 than at pH ≤ 5, indicating a potential shift in microbial activity or population due to lower soil pH. Fluometuron half-life ranged from 49 to 90 d. These data indicate that tillage and cover crop may affect soil dissipation of fluometuron by altering soil physical and chemical properties that affect fluometuron degrading microorganisms or bioavailability.

Norflurazon adsorption and dissipation under field and laboratory conditions, and distribution within the soil profile were determined in three soils representative of cotton-growing regions of the southeastern U.S. Norflurazon adsorption was greater in soil from 0 to 8 cm in a Lexington silt loam (Tennessee) and a Beulah silt loam (Mississippi) than in a Dothan loamy sand (Georgia). Adsorption was directly related to organic matter. Norflurazon degradation under controlled conditions in soil from 0 to 8 cm from each state was not different among locations, with half-lives ranging from 63 to 167 d. Degradation at 30 C in soil from the 30- to 45- and 60- to 90-cm depths was not different among locations, and was slower at the 60- to 90-cm depth than in surface soil. Norflurazon dissipation was more rapid under field conditions than under laboratory conditions, with half-lives ranging from 7 to 79 d in the 0- to 8-cm soil horizon. Dry field conditions slowed norflurazon dissipation. Norflurazon was not detected below 15 cm in the profile in any soil, and concentrations in the 8- to 15-cm soil zone were < 36 ppbw 112 d after treatment.

Returns to land, management, and risk were compared where glyphosate and four graminicides (quizalofop-P, fluazifop-P, sethoxydim, and clethodim) were used for johnsongrass control in glyphosate-tolerant soybean. In 1994 and 1995, returns to land, management, and risk for glyphosate-tolerant soybean were highest using glyphosate and lowest using sethoxydim. Break-even analysis showed that yields needed for equivalent returns with any nontransgenic soybean cultivar treated with any of the graminicides could range from 67 kg/ha less to 202 kg/ha more than the yields achieved with glyphosate. Based on this methodology, farmers would increase their return to land, management, and risk by planting glyphosate-tolerant soybean if expected yield from a standard cultivar treated with a standard herbicide program were less than the break-even yield.

The ability of the pesticide root zone model (PRZM) and the groundwater-loading effects of agricultural management systems (GLEAMS) model to predict movement of two herbicides in soil was evaluated using site-specific environmental data from sites in three states. Predictions of herbicide movement with site-specific data were compared to predictions using more generalized database soil and pesticide data within each model. Field experiments examined fluometuron and norflurazon movement in three soils representative of the cotton-growing regions of the southeastern United States. In comparing the use of site-specific vs. database values, the small increase in accuracy using site-specific inputs would not justify the large cost to obtain the data. The databases for each model gave predictions similar to those using the site-specific numbers. Both the PRZM and the GLEAMS model had similar accuracy levels in predicting the presence of fluometuron or norflurazon present in three surface soils, although each model tended to overpredict movement and total herbicide concentration, especially at lower herbicide concentrations. At higher herbicide concentrations, prediction accuracy was less than that probably needed to predict agronomically relevant herbicide concentrations in surface soils.

Johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers., ♯3 SORHA] dry weight and johnsongrass culms/ha at harvest were more negatively correlated with soybean yield reductions than the number of johnsongrass plants/ha present at 4 to 6 weeks after planting. However, plant numbers can be determined in sufficient time to implement control measures to prevent yield reduction. Prediction equations for estimating soybean yield at various johnsongrass populations are Ŷ = 1776 + 424e-.023x2 for 0.25-m row spacing and Ŷ = 1668 + 643e-.004x2 for the 1-m row spacing, where Ŷ = estimated yield and x = the number of johnsongrass plants/10 m2. Full-season heavy johnsongrass competition reduced soybean yields from 59 to 88%. Soybeans in the 1-m row spacing were more competitive with low johnsongrass densities than in the 0.25-m row spacing. The johnsongrass-free requirement for soybeans was 4 weeks after planting and soybeans could not tolerate heavy infestations of johnsongrass for more than 5 weeks without loss in yield potential. Application of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)-butyl]-5-[2-ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} at 3 or 4 weeks after planting was effective in controlling heavy infestations of johnsongrass and preventing yield reductions due to competition.

Broadleaf signalgrass is sensitive to nicosulfuron and resistant to primisulfuron, but corn is resistant to both. Research was conducted to determine the effect of varying light level and air temperature on absorption, translocation, and metabolism of nicosulfuron and primisulfuron in broadleaf signalgrass and corn. Corn absorbed between 60 and 85% of the applied nicosulfuron and primisulfuron within 72 h after treatment (HAT), depending on environmental treatment. Absorption, translocation, and metabolism all tended to be more rapid at higher temperature and light intensity. Nicosulfuron and primisulfuron translocation out of the treated leaf was < 4.5% of herbicide absorbed through 72 HAT. Corn rapidly metabolized both herbicides in both environments. However, primisulfuron was metabolized more rapidly (high = 99%, low = 92%) than nicosulfuron (high = 95%, low = 78%). Broadleaf signalgrass absorbed 20% more nicosulfuron than primisulfuron through 72 HAT. Nicosulfuron translocation out of the treated leaf in broadleaf signalgrass was ≤ 15% absorbed through 72 HAT, while primisulfuron translocation was ≤ 4% during the same time period. Primisulfuron metabolism was more rapid than nicosulfuron in broadleaf signalgrass. During the first 4 HAT, broadleaf signalgrass metabolized > 20 times more primisulfuron than nicosulfuron. By 72 HAT, broadleaf signalgrass under conditions of high light and temperature had metabolized nearly 90% of the primisulfuron absorbed but ≤ 7% of the nicosulfuron absorbed was metabolized during the same time. These results suggest that differential activity of nicosulfuron and primisulfuron on broadleaf signalgrass may be based on differential rates of metabolism to nonphytotoxic compounds; uptake and translocation differences agree with the differential broadleaf signalgrass activity. Additionally, environment has the potential to affect rates of sulfonylurea absorption, translocation, and metabolism.

Clomazone dissipation in soil was examined in field and laboratory experiments. Field studies suggested a potential for injury to rotational crops such as wheat. Field half-lives were 5 to 29 d (average of 9 field studies was 19 d) for the Etowah clay loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic typic Paleudult) and Lily loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic typic Hapludult) soils. Clomazone had an average half-life of 34 d under lab conditions, indicating slower dissipation in the lab than in the field. Clomazone was moderately adsorbed to soil as indicated by a Kd of about 1, and a Kom of 52 in the two soils.

A decision criterion is presented for postemergence johnsongrass control in soybeans. Models derived from actual data describing the relationship between johnsongrass density (X) and soybean yield loss are used to develop the decision criterion for soybeans planted in 0.25- and 1-m row spacings. The yield loss equations are L1 = 424–424 exp (-0.023X2) for 0.25-m row spacing and L2 = 643-643 exp (−0.004X2) for 1-m row spacing. When combined with the cost of control (Px) and the expected price of soybeans (Py), these equations can be used to find the density thresholds where johnsongrass control becomes profitable. For the 0.25-m row spacing, this relationship was Px = Py [424–424 exp (−0.023X2) or more simply Px = Py L1, which equates the cost of control to the value of the soybean yield increase from control. The johnsongrass density (X) that satisfies this equality is the threshold (X*) above which control is profitable.

This research examined the effect of mechanical soil disturbance (none or tilled) and legume crop residues (none or hairy vetch) on fluometuron dissipation for 2 yr from the top 0 to 8 cm of soil in a 10 yr field experiment. Soil pH in the upper 0 to 8 cm was ≤ 5.6, and soil organic matter was highest in plots not-tilled and plots which had a vetch cover crop. Calculated initial half-lives of fluometuron ranged from 19 to 38 d in the 2 yr. Neither tillage nor cover crop influenced early-season fluometuron dissipation. However, there were detectable amounts of fluometuron in all treatments 1 yr after application.

Broadleaf signalgrass control from preemergence (PRE) herbicides was usually lower in no-till than in tilled plots. Broadleaf signalgrass control was most nearly complete in tilled plots treated with metolachlor in 1995, a year that favored an herbicide with more soil persistence. Broadleaf signalgrass control was most nearly complete in tilled plots treated with acetochlor in 1996, a year in which rainfall to activate the herbicides did not occur until 9 d after planting. The 1996 data indicated that acetochlor was more stable on the soil surface under the drier conditions. There was no difference in broadleaf signalgrass control between the two acetochlor formulations. Alachlor, metolachlor, and dimethenamid controlled broadleaf signalgrass > 80% for about 4 wk, acetochlor provided control for about 4 wk under no-till conditions and about 8 wk in tilled plots, and pendimethalin provided about 2 wk broadleaf signalgrass control. Acetochlor provided consistent control regardless of the rainfall pattern after application.