scholarly journals Cost of tuberculosis-related aeromedical retrievals in the Torres Strait, Australia

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
J'Belle Foster ◽  
Daniel Judge ◽  
Diana Mendez ◽  
Ben Marais ◽  
Dunstan Peniyamina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Aeromedical Evacuation ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Queensland Health ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
The Cost ◽  
International Border

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a disease of public health significance at the Australia / Papua New Guinea (PNG) international border. In the remote Torres Strait Islands, aeromedical evacuation is a necessary but costly component of TB management and patients with critical care needs require support to prevent onward TB transmission. A detailed costing of an exemplar TB patient from PNG who presented to a Queensland Health facility in the Torres Strait and required urgent aeromedical evacuation was performed. Data were drawn from patient charts, financial and clinical information systems used within Queensland Health and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. The total cost of aeromedical evacuation was AUD 124,280; 54% of the cost was attributed to travel. Between 2016 and 2019, 19 patients diagnosed with TB were medically evacuated from an outer Torres Strait Island with a median length of hospital stay of 57 days. Aeromedical evacuation and medical management costs require adequate budget allocation.

scholarly journals Equine Dermatophytosis: A Survey of Its Occurrence and Species Distribution among Horses in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalene N. Maurice ◽  
Haruna M. Kazeem ◽  
Clara N. Kwanashie ◽  
Nanven A. Maurice ◽  
Emmanuel O. Ngbede ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Cost Of Treatment ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
The Cost ◽  
First Time

This study was designed to determine the occurrence and species distribution of dermatophyte from cutaneous skin lesions of horses in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 102 skin scrapings were collected from 102 horses with skin lesions. Mycological studies were carried out using conventional techniques. Dermatophytes were isolated from 18 (17.6%) of the 102 samples collected. The 18 dermatophytes were distributed into 10 different species belonging toMicrosporum(n=5) andTrichophyton(n=5) genera.T. verrucosum(n=4) was the most predominant species isolated followed byM. equinum(n=3),T. vanbreuseghemii(n=2),M. gypseum(n=2), andM. canis(n=2). Others includeM. fulvum(n=2),T. mentagrophytes(n=1),T. equinum(n=1),T. soudanense(n=1), andM. gallinae(n=1). The present study reveals the occurrence of dermatophytes in cutaneous skin lesions of horses in Kaduna State, Nigeria. In addition for the first time in this environment the anthropophilic dermatophyteT. soudanensewas isolated from horses. These findings have great economic, veterinary, and public health significance as they relate to the cost of treatment and dissemination of zoonotic dermatophytes.

Exposure of the Gulf of St. Lawrence grey seal Halichoerus grypus population to potentially zoonotic infectious agents

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 ◽  
pp. 105-118
Author(s):  
CC Sauvé ◽  
A Hernández-Ortiz ◽  
E Jenkins ◽  
F Mavrot ◽  
A Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meat Products ◽  
Halichoerus Grypus ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Commercial Source ◽  
Polymerase Chain

The population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in Canadian waters is currently used as a commercial source of meat for human consumption. As with domestic livestock, it is important to understand the occurrence in these seals of infectious agents that may be of public health significance and thus ensure appropriate measures are in place to avoid zoonotic transmission. This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and Toxoplasma gondii in 59 grey seals and determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of these potentially zoonotic agents in specific organs and tissues of seropositive animals. The presence of encysted Trichinella spp. larvae was also investigated by digestion of tongue, diaphragm and other muscle samples, but none were detected. Seroprevalence against Brucella spp. and E. rhusiopathiae was low (5 and 3%, respectively). All 59 seals tested had antibodies against L. interrogans, but no carrier of this bacterium was detected by PCR. Seroprevalence against T. gondii was 53%, and DNA of this protozoan was detected by PCR in 11/30 (37%) seropositive animals. Standard sanitary measures mandatory for commercialization of meat products for human consumption should greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these infectious agents. However, special consideration should be given to freezing seal meat for at least 3 d to ensure destruction of tissue cysts of T. gondii.

Epidemiology and Course of Eating Disorders

2010 ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Keel
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
The Public ◽  
Purging Disorder ◽  
Not Otherwise Specified ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Health Significance

The epidemiology of eating disorders holds important clues for understanding factors that may contribute to their etiology. In addition, epidemiological findings speak to the public health significance of these deleterious syndromes. Information on course and outcome are important for clinicians to understand the prognosis associated with different disorders of eating and for treatment planning. This chapter reviews information on the epidemiology and course of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and two forms of eating disorder not otherwise specified, binge eating disorder and purging disorder.

Palliative Referrals in Advanced Cancer Patients: Utilizing the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool and Rothman Index

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110178
Author(s):  
Abigail Sy Chan ◽  
Amit Rout ◽  
Christopher R. D.’Adamo ◽  
Irina Lev ◽  
Amy Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Early Palliative Care ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Palliative Care Needs

Background: Timely identification of palliative care needs can reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life. The Supportive & Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) identifies patients with advanced medical conditions who may need special care planning. The Rothman Index (RI) detects patients at high risk of acutely decompensating in the inpatient setting. SPICT and RI among cancer patients were utilized in this study to evaluate their potential roles in palliative care referrals. Methods: Advanced cancer patients admitted to an institution in Baltimore, Maryland in 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay (LOS), palliative care referrals, RI scores, and SPICT scores were obtained. Patients were divided into SPICT positive or negative and RI > 60 or RI < 60.Unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests were utilized to determine the associations between SPICT and RI and early palliative care needs and mortality. Results: 227 patients were included, with a mean age of 68 years, 63% Black, 59% female, with the majority having lung and GI malignancies. Sixty percent were SPICT +, 21% had RI < 60. SPICT + patients were more likely to have RI < 60 (p = 0.001). SPICT + and RI < 60 patients were more likely to have longer LOS, change in code status, more palliative/hospice referrals, and increased mortality (p <0.05). Conclusions: SPICT and RI are valuable tools in predicting mortality and palliative/hospice care referrals. These can also be utilized to initiate early palliative and goals of care discussions in patients with advanced cancer.

scholarly journals Prioritization of zoonotic diseases of public health significance in Nigeria using the one-health approach

One Health ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 100257
Author(s):  
Chikwe Ihekweazu ◽  
Charles Akataobi Michael ◽  
Patrick M. Nguku ◽  
Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri ◽  
Abdulrazaq Garba Habib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
One Health ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
The One

The use of clozapine in a rural and remote region of Australia

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622097527
Author(s):  
Bridson Tahnee ◽  
Abeysundera Hesitha ◽  
Arunachalam Arulmathy ◽  
Lam Anthea ◽  
Mora Linda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Regional Area ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Torres Strait

Objective: Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic available for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Unfortunately, it is often underutilised or administered late in the treatment course, if at all. This issue is further augmented in rural and remote regions where access to treatment is sparse. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the use of clozapine in a remote and regional area of Australia with a high proportion of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals. Methods: This study includes all individuals who were commenced on clozapine between June 2013 and June 2018. Relevant clinical information was sourced from electronic medical records and descriptive statistical analysis performed. Results: A total of 3850 patients with psychotic disorders were reviewed over 5 years, of whom 63 were commenced on clozapine. The majority were male ( n = 50, 79.4%) with a mean age of 33.9 years (standard deviation 11.0). A total of 34.9% ( n = 22) identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The mean length of time between diagnosis and commencement of clozapine was 7.2 years (standard deviation ±4.6 years), while the mean number of antipsychotic medications tried prior to clozapine was 4.2 (standard deviation ±1.6 antipsychotics). Clozapine was discontinued in 57.1% of the individuals in this study (41% within the first 12 months). The most common cause for cessation was poor compliance ( n = 19, 30.2%). Conclusion: While clozapine remains the most effective antipsychotic treatment, it is often commenced late in the treatment or ceased prematurely. Further work is required, particularly in remote and regional populations, to ensure treatment adherence for optimal patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Vector-Borne Pathogens with Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Melophagus ovinus (Sheep Ked) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Qing-Xun Zhang ◽  
Ye Wang ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Shu-Yi Han ◽  
Bo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Border Disease Virus ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Melophagus Ovinus ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that mainly parasitizes sheep. In addition to causing inflammation, wool loss, and skin damage to the animal hosts, M. ovinus also serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens and is highly likely to participate in the life and transmission cycle of pathogenic organisms. Herein, we investigated the presence and molecular characterization of vector-borne pathogens in M. ovinus from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. A total of 92 M. ovinus pools collected from the Qinghai province of China were screened for the presence of selected vector-borne pathogens. The overall positive rate of A. ovis, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and T. ovis in M. ovinus was 39.1%, 17.4%, 9.8%, and 89.1%, respectively. All of the samples were negative for Border disease virus (BDV), other Anaplasma species, Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp. Co-infection of different Anaplasma species and T. ovis occurred in 51.2% of all samples with T. ovis. The positive rates of A. ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum in different regions and altitudes of the sampling sites were significantly different. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of target genes confirmed their identity with corresponding pathogens. Our results elucidate the occurrence and molecular characterization of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in M. ovinus, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum DNA in M. ovinus. This study gives the first extensive molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens with veterinary and public health significance in M. ovinus from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.

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