Interventions based on alternative and sustainable strategies for postharvest control of anthracnose and maintain quality in tropical fruits.

Colletotrichum spp. is a phytopathogen causing anthracnose in a variety of tropical fruits. Strategies used to control postharvest diseases in tropical fruits typically rely on the use of synthetic fungicides, which have stimulated the emergence of resistant pathogens. Safer alternative strategies to control anthracnose in tropical fruits have been described in the literature. This review presents and discusses the main innovative interventions concerning the application of sustainable alternative strategies in the postharvest control of pathogenic Colletotrichum species in tropical fruits, with a particular emphasis on the studies published in the last 5 years. The available studies have shown the use of various methods, including physical barriers, natural antimicrobials, and biological control with antagonistic microorganisms, to reduce anthracnose lesion severity and incidence in tropical fruits. The available literature showed high inhibitory activity in vitro, reduced anthracnose incidence and lesion diameter, and total disease inhibition in tropical fruits. Most studies focused on the inhibition of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on avocado, papaya, and mango, as well as of Colletotrichum musae on banana; however, the inhibition of other Colletotrichum species was also demonstrated. The application of emerging sustainable alternative methods, including natural antimicrobial substances, also stimulated the induction of defense systems in tropical fruits, including enzymatic activity, such as polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The retrieved data helped to understand the current state of the research field and reveal new perspectives on developing efficient and sustainable intervention strategies to control pathogenic Colletotrichum species and anthracnose development in tropical fruits.

Effects of Aeromonas infection on the immune system, physical barriers and microflora structure in the intestine of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an intensively cultured and economically important herbivorous fish species in China, but its culture is often impacted by Aeromonas pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii. In this study, healthy grass carp were separately infected with A. hydrophila or A. veronii for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of intestinal inflammatory factors (tnf-α, il-1ß and il-8), complement factors (c3 and c4), antimicrobial peptides (hepcidin, nk-lysin and ß-defensin-1), immunoglobulins (igm and igt), and immune pathway-related signaling molecules (tlr1, tlr2, tlr4, myd88, irak4, irak1, traf6, nf-κb p65 and ap-1) were differentially upregulated in response to A. hydrophila and A. veronii challenge. Additionally, the expression levels of the intestinal pro-apoptotic genes tnfr1, tnfr2, tradd, caspase-8, caspase-3 and bax were significantly increased, whereas the expression of the inhibitory factor bcl-2 was significantly downregulated, indicating that Aeromonas infection significantly induced apoptosis in the intestine of grass carp. Moreover, the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (occludin, zo-1, claudin b and claudin c) was significantly decreased after infection with Aeromonas. Histopathological analysis indicated the Aeromonas challenge caused severe damage to the intestinal villi with adhesions and detachment of intestinal villi accompanied by severe inflammatory cell infiltration at 12 h and 72 h. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that Aeromonas infection significantly altered the structure of the intestinal microflora of the grass carp at the phylum (Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) and genus (Proteus, Cetobacterium, Bacteroides, and Aeromonas) levels. Take together, the findings of this study revealed that Aeromonas infection induces an intestinal immune response, triggers cell apoptosis, destroys physical barriers and alters microflora structure in the intestine of juvenile grass carp; the results will help to reveal the pathogenesis of intestinal bacterial diseases in grass carp.

An evaluation of physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines uptake among persons with physical disabilities in western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Physically disabled persons continue to be discriminated, excluded and neglected based on design of structures and their location. This hampers equitable access to services and disproportionately affect them during a pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines among persons with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, (March 2020 to March 2022) in Ugenya Sub-county, Siaya County in Western Kenya. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. 108 physically disabled participants were selected using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Vaccination location (χ2 = 95.480, p = 0.001), access to the vaccination room (χ2 = 84.098, p = 0.001) and mobility impaired (χ2= 16.168, p = 0.001) had statistically significant associations with uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Income levels, belief in existence of COVID-19, information from mass media and being married increased the odds of becoming vaccinated (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.7-3.4), (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 0.8-4.0) (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.5-4.2) and (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9) respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that transport cost and age (p = 0.001) had statistically significant associations with COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake. Those who had difficulty in movement and speaking found uptake of COVID-19 vaccine hard (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Marital status, information from reliable sources, belief in existence of COVID-19 were associated with access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, nonpayment of transport cost increased the odds of becoming vaccinated. Therefore, mobile health teams should be put in place to reach the physically disabled who are hard-to-leave home. Additionally, reimbursement of amount spent on transportation can be adopted to boost access to healthcare services by the physically disabled persons.

2D Nanomaterials Reinforced Organic Coatings for Marine Corrosion Protection: State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Prospectives.

2D nanomaterials, with extraordinary physical and chemical characteristics, have long been regarded as promising nanofillers in organic coatings for marine corrosion protection. The past decade has witnessed the high-speed progress of 2D nanomaterial-reinforced organic composite coatings, and plenty of breakthroughs have been achieved as yet. This review covers an in-depth and all-around outline of the up-to-date advances in 2D nanomaterial-modified organic coatings employed for the marine corrosion protection realm. Starting from a brief introduction to 2D nanomaterials, the preparation strategies and properties are illustrated. Subsequently, diverse protection models based on composite coatings for marine corrosion protection are also introduced, including physical barrier, self-healing, as well as cathodic protection, respectively. Furthermore, computational simulations and critical factors on the corrosion protection properties of composite coatings are clarified in detail. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects for marine corrosion protection based on 2D nanomaterials reinforced organic coatings are highlighted.

Plant disease resistance outputs regulated by AP2/ERF transcription factor family.

Plants have evolved a complex and elaborate signaling network to respond appropriately to the pathogen invasion by regulating expression of defensive genes through certain transcription factors. The APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) family members have been determined as key regulators in growth, development, and stress responses in plants. Moreover, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated the critical roles of AP2/ERFs in plant disease resistance. In this review, we describe recent advances for the function of AP2/ERFs in defense responses against microbial pathogens. We summarize that AP2/ERFs are involved in plant disease resistance by acting downstream of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, and regulating expression of genes associated with hormonal signaling pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and formation of physical barriers in an MAPK-dependent or -independent manner. The present review provides a multidimensional perspective on the functions of AP2/ERFs in plant disease resistance, which will facilitate the understanding and future investigation on the roles of AP2/ERFs in plant immunity.

Progress and challenges in intravesical drug delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Intravesical drug delivery (IDD) has gained recognition as a viable approach for treating bladder-related diseases over the years. However, it comes with its set of challenges, including voiding difficulties and limitations in mucosal and epithelial penetration. These challenges lead to drug dilution and clearance, resulting in poor efficacy. Various strategies for drug delivery have been devised to overcome these issues, all aimed at optimizing drug delivery. Nevertheless, there has been minimal translation to clinical settings. AREAS COVERED: This review provides a detailed description of IDD, including its history, advantages, and challenges. It also explores the physical barriers encountered in IDD, such as voiding, mucosal penetration, and epithelial penetration, and discusses current strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive roadmap for advancing IDD into clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Physical bladder barriers and limitations of conventional treatments result in unsatisfactory efficacy against bladder diseases. Nevertheless, substantial recent efforts in this field have led to significant progress in overcoming these challenges and have raised important attributes for an optimal IDD system. However, there is still a lack of well-defined steps in the workflow to optimize the IDD system for clinical settings, and further research is required to establish more comprehensive in vitro and in vivo models to expedite clinical translation.

Progress on the pathological tissue microenvironment barrier-modulated nanomedicine.

Imbalance in the tissue microenvironment is the main obstacle to drug delivery and distribution in the human body. Before penetrating the pathological tissue microenvironment to the target site, therapeutic agents are usually accompanied by three consumption steps: the first step is tissue physical barriers for prevention of their penetration, the second step is inactivation of them by biological molecules, and the third step is a cytoprotective mechanism for preventing them from functioning on specific subcellular organelles. However, recent studies in drug-hindering mainly focus on normal physiological rather than pathological microenvironment, and the repair of damaged physiological barriers is also rarely discussed. Actually, both the modulation of pathological barriers and the repair of damaged physiological barriers are essential in the disease treatment and the homeostasis maintenance. In this review, we present an overview describing the latest advances in the generality of these pathological barriers and barrier-modulated nanomedicine. Overall, this review holds considerable significance for guiding the design of nanomedicine to increase drug efficacy in the future.

Nano-sized alumina supported palladium catalysts for methane combustion with excellent thermal stability.

Pd/Al2O3 catalysts supported on Al2O3 of different particle sizes were synthesized and applied in methane combustion. These catalysts were systematically characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), H2-temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), O2-temperature-programmed oxidation (O2-TPO), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). The characterization results indicated that nano-sized Al2O3 enabled the uniform dispersion of palladium nanoparticles, thus contributing to the excellent catalytic performance of these nano-sized Pd/Al2O3 catalysts. Among them, Pd/Al2O3-nano-10 (Pd/Al2O3 supported by alumina with an average particle size of 10 nm) showed superior catalytic activity and stability for methane oxidation under harsh practical conditions. It maintained excellent catalytic performance for methane oxidation for 50 hr and remained stable even after harsh hydrothermal aging in 10 vol.% steam at 800°C for 16 hr. Characterization results revealed that the strong metal-support interactions and physical barriers provided by Al2O3-nano-10 suppressed the coalescence ripening of palladium species, and thus contributed to the superior sintering resistance of the Pd/Al2O3-nano-10 catalyst.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perceived Barriers Among Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

@#Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD), are the third biggest cause of mortality worldwide, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the available treatments. The patient’s self-efficacy in performing self-care decreases as a result of several post-PCI hurdles, which has an effect on their quality of life. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the barriers that patients experience following PCI. Methods: The study design used was descriptive qualitative in 15 patients after PCI. Purposive sampling was used to conduct the participant recruitment process. Between June 2021 and January 2022, data were collected using a semi-structured interviewing method. The data were analysed through the use of thematic content analysis. Results: The thematic content analysis found four themes: 1) Perceived physical barriers; 2) Perceived psychological barriers; 3) Low adherence; 4) The adverse side effects of medications. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the value of empowering patients to take care of themselves at home following PCI and assisting in the creation of holistic and continuity nurse intervention models.

Tight Junctions, the Key Factor in Virus-Related Disease.

Tight junctions (TJs) are highly specialized membrane structural domains that hold cells together and form a continuous intercellular barrier in epithelial cells. TJs regulate paracellular permeability and participate in various cellular signaling pathways. As physical barriers, TJs can block viral entry into host cells; however, viruses use a variety of strategies to circumvent this barrier to facilitate their infection. This paper summarizes how viruses evade various barriers during infection by regulating the expression of TJs to facilitate their own entry into the organism causing infection, which will help to develop drugs targeting TJs to contain virus-related disease.

Influence of velocity distribution conditions of coastal aquifer on nitrate contamination and seawater intrusion in the presence of subsurface physical barriers.

The velocity distribution is an important factor that affects seawater intrusion (SI) and nitrate (NO3-) pollution. However, there are few studies on the impact of subsurface physical barriers (SPBs) on the velocity distribution of the whole aquifer and the impact of velocity distribution on SI and NO3- pollution. Especially, the quantitative method of velocity distribution has not been studied. By the methods of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, effects of the NO3- concentrations of the pollution source, hydraulic gradients (HGs), the location of the SPB and relative heights of SPBs (HP') on the SI, NO3- pollution levels and velocity in the presence of SI and SPBs were investigated. The velocity distribution was first quantified to better describe the relationships between the velocity and degrees of SI and NO3- pollution. The results showed that the HG and HP' were the main factors that affected the velocity, NO3- pollution and SI. The higher the HG, the smaller the HP', and the decreased SI inferred a more serious NO3- pollution. The influence of SPBs on NO3- pollution and SI was mainly affected by the changes in the velocity distribution in the aquifer. With increasing HGs, for the region with flow rate less than 0.5 m/d (A0.5), the smaller its distribution area is, the smaller the relative area of SI (TLs') is. With an increase in the HG or decrease in the HP', the relative area of NO3- pollution (Ns') is proportional to the distribution area where the flow velocity is greater than 1 m/d (A1). When the flow velocity distribution condition was A'1 (the relative area of A1) > A'0.5-1 (A'0.5-1 is the ratio of the area where the flow velocities are greater than 0.5 m/d and less than 1 m/d to the total area of the aquifer) > A'0.5 (the relative area of A0.5), NO3- pollution was serious; when the flow velocity distribution condition was A'0.5 > A'0.5-1 > A'1, the levels of NO3- pollution were the lowest.

Root cell types as an interface for biotic interactions.

Root responses to environmental stresses show a high level of cell type and developmental stage specificity. Interactions with beneficial and pathogenic organisms - including microbes and parasites - elicit a set of transcriptional responses unique to each root cell type, often dependent on their differentiation state. Localized changes to the cell wall and to the integrity of root cell types can serve as a physical barrier for a range of pests. Conversely, certain microorganisms weaken existing barriers within root cell types. Interactions with microorganisms vary between roots of different developmental origins and cellular architectures. Here we provide an overview of the molecular, architectural, and structural properties of root cell types crucial to both maintaining beneficial interactions and protecting from pathogens.

Mechanosurveillance: Tiptoeing T Cells.

Efficient scanning of tissue that T cells encounter during their migratory life is pivotal to protective adaptive immunity. In fact, T cells can detect even a single antigenic peptide/MHC complex (pMHC) among thousands of structurally similar yet non-stimulatory endogenous pMHCs on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or target cells. Of note, the glycocalyx of target cells, being composed of proteoglycans and bulky proteins, is bound to affect and even modulate antigen recognition by posing as a physical barrier. T cell-resident microvilli are actin-rich membrane protrusions that puncture through such barriers and thereby actively place the considerably smaller T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) in close enough proximity to APC-presented pMHCs so that productive interactions may occur efficiently yet under force. We here review our current understanding of how the plasticity of T-cell microvilli and physicochemical properties of the glycocalyx may affect early events in T-cell activation. We assess insights gained from studies on T-cell plasma membrane ultrastructure and provide an update on current efforts to integrate biophysical aspects such as the amplitude and directionality of TCR-imposed mechanical forces and the distribution and lateral mobility of plasma membrane-resident signaling molecules into a more comprehensive view on sensitized T-cell antigen recognition.

CAR T cell therapy and the tumor microenvironment: Current challenges and opportunities.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable outcomes in individuals with hematological malignancies, but its success has been hindered by barriers intrinsic to the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly for solid tumors, where it has yet to make its mark. In this article, we provide an updated review and future perspectives on features of the TME that represent barriers to CART cell therapy efficacy, including competition for metabolic fuels, physical barriers to infiltration, and immunosuppressive factors. We then discuss novel and promising strategies to overcome these obstacles that are in preclinical development or under clinical investigation.

Measuring Food Insecurity in Older Adults Using Both Physical and Economic Food Access, NHANES 2013-18.

BACKGROUND: Economic food insecurity tools are used to detect need for assistance in the general population. However, in older adults, food insecurity can also be due to factors other than economic, such as physical inability to shop or cook. OBJECTIVES: We determined: 1) the proportion of older adults in the United States who experience physical and/or economic food insecurity; 2) differences in characteristics, diet quality, chronic conditions, and depression by economic and/or physical food insecurity; and 3) the relation of physical and economic food insecurity with diet quality and with depression. METHODS: Data from adults aged ≥60 y of the NHANES (2013-2018) were used. Groups were created based on economic food security [measured using the USDA's Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM)] and physical food security (measured using questions evaluating ability to shop and cook). Depression, Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) score, and socioeconomic characteristics were compared by food security group. Rao-Scott χ2 tests were used to test for significant differences between categorical variables, and t tests for continuous variables. Associations between food security status, HEI-2015, and depression score were examined using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: One-quarter (25.0%) of older adults had physical difficulty accessing food but were not living in economically food insecure households. Those who lived in economically food insecure households and also had physical difficulties accessing food had the lowest mean HEI-2015 score (51.7) and highest mean depression score (6.9); both were significantly lower than the mean scores of those who lived in food secure households (HEI-2015 = 57.3; depression = 2.1; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Considering physical ability to shop for and prepare food when measuring food insecurity in older adults can help identify those who might need dietary and mental health support the most, and those who need food assistance but would otherwise be missed if only measuring economic access.

A Review of the Evolution of Termite Control: A Continuum of Alternatives to Termiticides in the United States with Emphasis on Efficacy Testing Requirements for Product Registration.

The global economic impact of termites is estimated to be approximately USD 40 billion annually, and subterranean termites are responsible for about 80% of the total impact. Twenty-eight species of termites have been described as invasive, and these termites are spreading, partially due to global trade, making effective control methods essential. Termite control is complex, as is the biology and behavior of this social insect group. In the U.S., termite prevention and control (with claims of structural protection) is regulated by more than one industry (pest control and building construction), and at the federal and state levels. Termite prevention has historically relied on building construction practices that do not create conducive conditions for termite infestations, but as soil termiticides developed, heavy reliance on pesticides became the standard for termite control. The concern for human and environmental health has driven the development of termite control alternatives and regulation for products claiming structural protection. Product development has also provided unprecedented opportunities to study the biology and behavior of cryptobiotic termites. Technological advances have allowed for the re-examination of questions about termite behavior. Advances in communications via social media provide unrestricted access to information, creating a conundrum for consumers and science educators alike.

ARABIDOPSIS MUESTRA RESISTENCIA NO-HOSPEDERO CONSTITUTIVA CONTRA Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis / Arabidopsis shows non-host constitutive resistance against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. Manihotis

RESUMEN La bacteriosis vascular de la yuca, causada por la bacteria gram negativa Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), anteriormente conocida como Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, es la principal enfermedad bacteriana que compromete su producción. Con la meta de generar una resistencia durable y de amplio espectro a la bacteriosis es posible explotar los mecanismos naturales presentes en plantas no-hospedero. Arabidopsis es una planta modelo extensamente estudiada, la cual es no-hospedero de Xpm. La meta de este estudio fue determinar si la resistencia no-hospedero de Arabidopsis es consecuencia de la presencia de barreras físicas o si esta depende de determinantes genéticos. En este trabajo se evaluó la capacidad de plantas de Arabidopsis de responder a la inoculación con Xpm. Ninguno de los ocho ecotipos de Arabidopsis evaluados mostraron una respuesta hipersensible a la inoculación con ocho diferentes cepas de Xpm. Aunque no se identificó la presencia de especies reactivas de oxígeno si se encontró un bloqueo en el crecimiento de Xpm en las plantas de Arabidopsis. En conjunto, los resultados aquí presentados sugieren que Arabidopsis no está activando una respuesta contra Xpm y que la resistencia observada puede ser consecuencia de las barreras físicas presentes en Arabidopsis que Xpm no es capaz de superar.

ABSTRACT Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by the gram-negative bacteria Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), previously known as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, is the main bacterial disease compromising cassava production. With the aim to generate durable and broad-spectrum resistance to CBB is possible to exploit the natural mechanism present in non-host plants. Arabidopsis is an extensively studied model plant, which is a non-host of Xpm. The aim of this study was to determinate if the Arabidopsis non-host resistance is a consequence of physical barriers or if it depends on genetic determinants. In this work we evaluated the ability of Arabidopsis plants to respond after Xpm inoculation. None of the eight Arabidopsis ecotypes showed a hypersensitive response after inoculation with eight different Xpm strains. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was not present, impairment in Xpm proliferation was found. These results suggest that Arabidopsis is not activating an immunity response against Xpm and the resistance might be a consequence of physical barriers present in Arabidopsis that Xpm is not able to overcome.

Experiences of Women With Disabilities in Accessing and Receiving Contraceptive Care.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an initial exploration of the experiences of women with different types of disability when they attempt to obtain contraceptive care. DESIGN: Multiple-category focus group design. SETTING: Multiple community sites. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen women with disabilities of reproductive age. METHODS: We purposively sampled women with different types of disability and conducted four focus groups organized by disability type: physical disability, intellectual and developmental disability, blind or low vision, and deaf or hard of hearing. We used a semistructured focus group guide to elicit participants' positive and negative experiences with contraceptive care. We analyzed focus group transcripts using content analysis. RESULTS: Participants identified challenges to obtaining high-quality contraceptive care in three main thematic areas: Accessibility and Accommodations, Clinician Attitudes, and Health Insurance. Participants with physical disabilities encountered inaccessible clinic rooms and examination tables, and those with sensory disabilities or intellectual and developmental disability described inaccessible clinic forms and information. Participants from multiple disability groups described negative attitudes of health care providers and health insurance limitations. CONCLUSION: As described by our participants, the processes and infrastructure of contraceptive care were based on an assumption of an able-bodied norm. Reliance on such a norm, for example, offering a paper pamphlet to a blind woman, is not helpful and can be harmful to women with disabilities. Increased attention to the reproductive health care needs of women with disabilities is important for improving health care equity and quality.

Dermatillomania: Strategies for Developing Protective Biomaterials/Cloth.

Dermatillomania or skin picking disorder (SPD) is a chronic, recurrent, and treatment resistant neuropsychiatric disorder with an underestimated prevalence that has a concerning negative impact on an individual's health and quality of life. The current treatment strategies focus on behavioral and pharmacological therapies that are not very effective. Thus, the primary objective of this review is to provide an introduction to SPD and discuss its current treatment strategies as well as to propose biomaterial-based physical barrier strategies as a supporting or alternative treatment. To this end, searches were conducted within the PubMed database and Google Scholar, and the results obtained were organized and presented as per the following categories: prevalence, etiology, consequences, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. Furthermore, special attention was provided to alternative treatment strategies and biomaterial-based physical treatment strategies. A total of six products with the potential to be applied as physical barrier strategies in supporting SPD treatment were shortlisted and discussed. The results indicated that SPD is a complex, underestimated, and underemphasized neuropsychiatric disorder that needs heightened attention, especially with regard to its treatment and care. Moreover, the high synergistic potential of biomaterials and nanosystems in this area remains to be explored. Certain strategies that are already being utilized for wound healing can also be further exploited, particularly as far as the prevention of infections is concerned.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission among Meat Processing Workers in Nebraska, USA, and Effectiveness of Risk Mitigation Measures.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the meat processing industry in the United States. We sought to detail demographics and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections among workers in Nebraska meat processing facilities and determine the effects of initiating universal mask policies and installing physical barriers at 13 meat processing facilities. During April 1-July 31, 2020, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 5,002 Nebraska meat processing workers (attack rate 19%). After initiating both universal masking and physical barrier interventions, 8/13 facilities showed a statistically significant reduction in COVID-19 incidence in <10 days. Characteristics and incidence of confirmed cases aligned with many nationwide trends becoming apparent during this pandemic: specifically, high attack rates among meat processing industry workers, disproportionately high risk of adverse outcomes among ethnic and racial minority groups and men, and effectiveness of using multiple prevention and control interventions to reduce disease transmission.