Perchlorate has been detected in U.S. milk samples from many different states. Applying data from a recently reported 9-week experiment in which 16 Holstein dairy cows were administered perchlorate allowed us to derive an equation for the dose-response relationship between perchlorate concentrations in feed/drinking water and its appearance in milk. Examination of background concentrations of perchlorate in the total mixed ration (TMR) fed in addition to the variable dose supplied to treated cows as a ruminal infusate revealed that cows receive significant and variable exposure to perchlorate from the TMR. Weekly examination of the TMR disclosed that a change in ingredients midway through the experiment caused a significant (78%) change in TMR perchlorate concentration. Analyses of the ingredients comprising the TMR revealed that 41.9% of the perchlorate came from corn silage, 22.9% came from alfalfa hay and 11.7% was supplied by sudan grass. Finally, USDA Food and Nutrition Survey data on fluid milk consumption were used to predict potential human exposure from milk that contained concentrations of perchlorate observed in our previous dosing study. The study suggests that reducing perchlorate concentration in dairy feed may reduce perchlorate concentrations in milk as well as the potential to reduce human exposure to perchlorate in milk.

Thermal stability of Neonates requires active management and remains a significant challenge during transport due to less reliable equipment, limited range of options and environmental exposure.This study aimed to compare axillary with incubator sensor temperatures and analyse temperature variation throughout the transport process related to a mortality risk score.Prospective analysis of 103 neonatal transfers was undertaken at first look, pre-departure and arrival phases of transport between April and July 2010. Mortality risk was calculated using the validated transport TRIPS score. Data was calculated as means ± SEM and compared using 1 sample 2-tailed t-tests.Incubator sensor temperatures were not clinically different from axillary temperatures (mean 36.8 ± 0.05 vs 36.4 ± 0.04). There were no significant differences between axillary temperatures during first look, predeparture (P=0.37) and arrival transport phases (mean 36.9 ± 0.04 vs 37.0 ± 0.04). TRIPS scores showed no significant variation throughout the transport process. Only 3 neonates showed worse mortality risk due to temperature change during transport; however all of these had poor TRIPS scores secondary to multisystem problems.Transport Incubator sensor temperatures are as reliable as axilla, but clinical judgement must be used if erroneous results suspected. The regional transport team retrieves, transports and hands over optimal temperature neonates. A small number of babies have suboptimal temperatures -likely to be as a result of clinical state rather than sub-optimal management. For ongoing service evaluation it is recommended to complete an audit once per year using TRIPS data and incubator sensor temperatures over winter.