Animal-level factors associated with the achievement of desirable specifications in Irish beef carcasses graded using the EUROP classification system

Abstract Beef carcasses in Europe are classified on measures of carcass weight, conformation, and fat cover. These measurements provide the basis for payment to producers, with financial penalties for carcasses that do not conform to desirable characteristics. The objective of the present study was to identify animal-level factors associated with the achievement of a desirable carcass weight, conformation score, fat score, and age at harvest, as stipulated by Irish beef processors in accordance with the EUROP carcass classification system. The stipulated specifications were a EUROP conformation score ≥O=, a carcass weight between 270 and 380 kg, a EUROP fat score between 2+ and 4=, and an age at harvest ≤ 30 mo. In the present study, 59% of cattle failed to achieve at least one of these desired specifications. The logit of the probability of achieving the desired specifications was estimated using multivariable logistic regression and carcass data from 4,717,989 cattle finished and harvested in Ireland between the years 2003 and 2017. In comparison to beef-origin carcasses and after accounting for breed differences, the likelihood of dairy-origin carcasses achieving the desired age, conformation, fat, and weight specifications was 0.97, 0.88, 1.14, and 1.05, respectively. In comparison to heifer carcasses, the odds ratio (OR) of bull and steer carcasses simultaneously achieving all of the desired specifications (i.e. the overall specification) was 0.35 and 0.95, respectively. Additionally, after accounting for breed differences, heifers from the dairy herd were half as likely as heifers from the beef herd to achieve the overall specification, whereas the odds of dairy-origin bulls (OR = 3.46) and steers (OR = 2.41) achieving the overall specification was greater than that of their respective beef-origin counterparts. Finally, cattle with a greater breed proportion of Angus were most likely to achieve the overall specification. Results from the present study could provide a deeper understanding as to why animals fail to achieve desirable carcass specifications and could be implemented into the management decisions made on farm to ensure that the supply of beef carcasses that achieve the desired metrics is maximized.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with the weight of individual primal cuts and their inter-relationship in cattle

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txz134 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1593-1605 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Michelle M Judge ◽

Thierry Pabiou ◽

Stephen Conroy ◽

Rory Fanning ◽

Martin Kinsella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Support ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Random Effect ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Holstein Friesian ◽

Support Tools ◽

Beef Herd ◽

Fat Score ◽

The Individual

Abstract Input parameters for decision support tools are comprised of, amongst others, knowledge of the associated factors and the extent of those associations with the animal-level feature of interest. The objective of the present study was to quantify the association between animal-level factors with primal cut yields in cattle and to understand the extent of the variability in primal cut yields independent carcass weight. The data used consisted of the weight of 14 primal carcass cuts (as well as carcass weight, conformation, and fat score) on up to 54,250 young cattle slaughtered between the years 2013 and 2017. Linear mixed models, with contemporary group of herd-sex-season of slaughter as a random effect, were used to quantify the associations between a range of model fixed effects with each primal cut separately. Fixed effects in the model were dam parity, heterosis coefficient, recombination loss, a covariate per breed representing the proportion of Angus, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Jersey, Hereford, Limousin, Simmental, and Holstein–Friesian and a three-way interaction between whether the animal was born in a dairy or beef herd, sex, and age at slaughter, with or without carcass weight as a covariate in the mixed model. The raw correlations among all cuts were all positive varying from 0.33 (between the bavette and the striploin) to 0.93 (between the topside and knuckle). The partial correlation among cuts, following adjustment for differences in carcass weight, varied from −0.36 to 0.74. Age at slaughter, sex, dam parity, and breed were all associated (P < 0.05) with the primal cut weight. Knowledge of the relationship between the individual primal cuts, and the solutions from the models developed in the study, could prove useful inputs for decision support systems to increase performance.

Download Full-text

Demographic factors associated with missed follow-up among solid tumor patients treated at a large multi-site academic institution

Future Oncology ◽

10.2217/fon-2020-0425 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (32) ◽

pp. 2635-2643

Author(s):

Samantha L Freije ◽

Jordan A Holmes ◽

Saleh Rachidi ◽

Susannah G Ellsworth ◽

Richard C Zellars ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Regression Models ◽

Tumor Patients ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Follow Up Care ◽

Risk Patients ◽

African American Race

Aim: To identify demographic predictors of patients who miss oncology follow-up, considering that missed follow-up has not been well studies in cancer patients. Methods: Patients with solid tumors diagnosed from 2007 to 2016 were analyzed (n = 16,080). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine predictors of missed follow-up. Results: Our study revealed that 21.2% of patients missed ≥1 follow-up appointment. African–American race (odds ratio [OR] 1.33; 95% CI: 1.17–1.51), Medicaid insurance (OR 1.59; 1.36–1.87), no insurance (OR 1.66; 1.32–2.10) and rural residence (OR 1.78; 1.49–2.13) were associated with missed follow-up. Conclusion: Many cancer patients miss follow-up, and inadequate follow-up may influence cancer outcomes. Further research is needed on how to address disparities in follow-up care in high-risk patients.

Download Full-text

Use of catheter with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer coating is associated with long-term availability of central venous port

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84885-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuuki Iida ◽

Kumiko Hongo ◽

Takanobu Onoda ◽

Yusuke Kita ◽

Yukio Ishihara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Polymer Coating ◽

Venous Access ◽

Preventive Effect ◽

Central Venous ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Central Venous Port ◽

Venous Port ◽

Venous Access Device

AbstractCentral venous port (CVP) is a widely used totally implantable venous access device. Recognition of risks associated with CVP-related complications is clinically important for safe, reliable, and long-term intravenous access. We therefore investigated factors associated with CVP infection and evulsion, including the device type. A total of 308 consecutive patients with initial CVP implantation between January 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, and the association of clinical features with CVP-related complications were analyzed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 11 (3.6%) and 39 (12.7%) patients, respectively. The overall rate of CVP availability at six months was 91.4%. Malignancy and 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer-coated catheter use were negatively associated with the incidence of CVP infections. Accordingly, malignancy and MPC polymer-coated catheter use were independent predictors for lower CVP evulsion rate (odds ratio, 0.23 and 0.18, respectively). Furthermore, both factors were significantly associated with longer CVP availability (hazard ratio, 0.24 and 0.27, respectively). This retrospective study identified factors associated with CVP-related complications and long-term CVP availability. Notably, MPC polymer-coated catheter use was significantly associated with a lower rate of CVP infection and longer CVP availability, suggesting the preventive effect of MPC coating on CVP infection.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with early reperfusion improvement after intra-arterial fibrinolytics as rescue for mechanical thrombectomy

Clinical and Translational Neuroscience ◽

10.1177/2514183x211017363 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 2514183X2110173

Author(s):

Johannes Kaesmacher ◽

Giovanni Peschi ◽

Nuran Abdullayev ◽

Basel Maamari ◽

Tomas Dobrocky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Clinical Effect ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Cardioembolic Stroke ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Early Reperfusion ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Interaction Terms

Objective: To identify factors associated with early angiographic reperfusion improvement (EARI) following intra-arterial fibrinolytics (IAF) after failed or incomplete mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: A subset of patients treated with MT and IAF rescue after incomplete reperfusion included in the INFINITY (INtra-arterial FIbriNolytics In ThrombectomY) multicenter observational registry was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with EARI. Heterogeneity of the clinical effect of EARI on functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Score ≤2) was tested with interaction terms. Results: A total of 228 patients (median age: 72 years, 44.1% female) received IAF as rescue for failed or incomplete MT and had a post-fibrinolytic angiographic control run available (50.9% EARI). A cardioembolic stroke origin (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–10.0) and shorter groin puncture to IAF intervals (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.95 per 15-min delay) were associated with EARI, while pre-interventional thrombolysis showed no association (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.59–2.26). The clinical benefit of EARI after IAF seemed more pronounced in patients without or only minor early ischemic changes (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) ≥9, aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.37–11.61) and was absent in patients with moderate to severe ischemic changes (ASPECTS ≤8, aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.27–3.27, p for interaction: 0.095). Conclusion: Early rescue and a cardioembolic stroke origin were associated with more frequent EARI after IAF. The clinical effect of EARI seemed reduced in patients with already established infarcts. If confirmed, these findings can help to inform patient selection and inclusion criteria for randomized-controlled trials evaluating IAF as rescue after MT.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with the development of ocular candidiasis and ocular prognosis with echinocandin therapy for candidemia

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection ◽

10.1186/s12348-021-00248-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daiki Sakai ◽

Wataru Matsumiya ◽

Sentaro Kusuhara ◽

Makoto Nakamura

Keyword(s):

Candida Albicans ◽

Medical Records ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Antifungal Drugs ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

Multivariate Logistic Analysis ◽

Systemic Antifungal Therapy

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the factors associated with the development of ocular candidiasis (OC) and ocular prognosis with echinocandin therapy for candidemia. Methods The medical records of 56 consecutive patients with a positive blood culture for Candida species between November 2016 and October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Information on patient characteristics, isolated Candida species, treatment details for candidemia, and ocular findings were extracted to identify factors associated with OC development. Results The leading pathogen of candidemia was Candida albicans (C.albicans) (41.1%). Of 56 patients, 18 (32.1%) were diagnosed with chorioretinitis, categorized as either probable (8 patients) or possible OC (10 patients). There was no case of endophthalmitis with vitritis. The incidence of probable OC was not significantly different between the groups treated with echinocandins and other antifungal drugs (15.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 1.00). In all probable OC cases, systemic antifungal therapy was switched from echinocandins to azoles, and no case progressed to endophthalmitis. A multivariate logistic analysis revealed that female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–72.9) and C. albicans (aOR, 23.6; 95% CI, 1.8–281) were independent factors associated with the development of probable OC. Conclusion One-seventh of patients with candidemia developed probable OC. Given the evidence of female and C. albicans as the factors associated with OC development, careful ophthalmologic management is required with these factors, especially in candidemia. Although echinocandins had no correlation with OC development and did not lead to the deterioration of ocular prognosis, further investigation is required.

Download Full-text

Prognostic factors for mortality in invasive pneumococcal disease in adult: a system review and meta-analysis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91234-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hao Chen ◽

Hiromi Matsumoto ◽

Nobuyuki Horita ◽

Yu Hara ◽

Nobuaki Kobayashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Pneumococcal Disease ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Solid Organ ◽

Factors Associated ◽

System Review ◽

Overall Mortality

AbstractRisk factors associated with mortality in invasive pneumococcal disease remain unclear. The present work is a meta-analysis of studies that enrolled only patients with invasive pneumococcal disease and reported on mortality. Potentially eligible reports were identified from PubMed, CHAHL, and Web of Science, comprising 26 reports in total. Overall mortality for invasive pneumococcal disease was reported as 20.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.5–24%). Factors associated with mortality were age (odds ratio (OR) 3.04, 95% CI 2.5–3.68), nursing home (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.13–2.32), nosocomial infection (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.52–2.89), septic shock (OR 13.35, 95% CI 4.54–39.31), underlying chronic diseases (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.78–3.09), solid organ tumor (OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.07–13.74), immunosuppressed status (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.31–2.14), and alcohol abuse (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.13–4.64). Mortality rates with invasive pneumococcal disease remained high, and these findings may help clinicians provide appropriate initial treatment for this disease.

Download Full-text

Longitudinal study describing time to Salmonella seroconversion in piglets on three farrow-to-finish farms

Veterinary Record Open ◽

10.1136/vetreco-2018-000287 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000287 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Cevallos-Almeida ◽

Christelle Fablet ◽

Catherine Houdayer ◽

Virginie Dorenlor ◽

Florent Eono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Individual Factors ◽

Serological Response ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Serological Status ◽

Pig Farms ◽

Human Salmonellosis ◽

On Farm ◽

The Relationship

BackgroundPigs are frequently colonised with Salmonella enterica, and this constitutes a major risk for human salmonellosis. The infection can be assessed by the serological response of pigs to S enterica. A longitudinal study was undertaken on-farm to correctly describe this serological response and investigate factors associated with age at Salmonella seroconversion.MethodsThree pig farms and in each farm three successive batches were considered. Per batch, 40 piglets were selected at random from 10 sows (four piglets per sow). Blood was sampled from sows one week after farrowing and from piglets at weeks 1, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 and at the slaughterhouse. Salmonella antibodies were detected in serum using a commercial ELISA test. Factors related to farm characteristics, batch management system, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome infection, and sows’ Salmonella serological status were recorded to assess their effect on age at seroconversion.ResultsAt week 1 after farrowing, 96.5 per cent of the sows had antibodies against Salmonella. The serological results of piglets at weeks 1 and 6 only were positively correlated with those of the sows. The average age at Salmonella seroconversion was 137±2.2 days (confidence interval at 95 per cent). The first seroconversions occurred from weeks 10 to 14, but most of the pigs (54.6 per cent) were seropositive at the end of the fattening period, with variations between farms and batches (28.9–75.7 per cent). Herd/farm was significantly associated with age at seroconversion.ConclusionThis longitudinal study allowed the authors to follow precisely the evolution of Salmonella seroconversion from maternity to slaughterhouse and confirm the relationship between the seroconversion of sows and serology of their piglets. Moreover, factors related to farm practices and management as a whole are more influential than individual factors (at the pig level) on age at Salmonella seroconversion.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312120978008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 205031212097800

Author(s):

Damtew Asrat ◽

Atsede Alle ◽

Bekalu Kebede ◽

Bekalu Dessie

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medicine Use ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Traditional Medicines ◽

Factors Associated

Background: Over the last 100 years, the development and mass production of chemically synthesized drugs have revolutionized health care in most parts of the world. However, large sections of the population in developing countries still depend on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs. More than 88% of Ethiopian parents use different forms of traditional medicine for their children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2019 in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Data collection tool was a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Odds ratio and binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to measure the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 858 participants, 71% of parents had used traditional medicine for their children within the last 12 months. Parents who cannot read and write (adjusted odds ratio = 6.42, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–19.7), parents with low monthly income (adjusted odds ratio = 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–12.1), and those who had accesses to traditional medicine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.98) were more likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.38) and members of community-based health insurance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.421, 95% confidence interval = 0.211–0.84) were less likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of traditional medicine remains high. Educational status, monthly income, residence, accessibility to traditional medicine, and being a member of community-based health insurance were predictors of potential traditional medicine use. Therefore, the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine should be strengthened. Community education and further study on efficacy and safety of traditional medicines should be also given great attention.

Download Full-text

Analysis models for variables associated with breastfeeding duration

Revista Paulista de Pediatria ◽

10.1590/s0103-05822013000300006 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 306-314 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Edson Theodoro dos S. Neto ◽

Eliana Zandonade ◽

Adauto Oliveira Emmerich

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Protective Factors ◽

Regression Model ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Regression Models ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Bottle Feeding ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Factors Associated

OBJECTIVE To analyze the factors associated with breastfeeding duration by two statistical models. METHODS A population-based cohort study was conducted with 86 mothers and newborns from two areas primary covered by the National Health System, with high rates of infant mortality in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. During 30 months, 67 (78%) children and mothers were visited seven times at home by trained interviewers, who filled out survey forms. Data on food and sucking habits, socioeconomic and maternal characteristics were collected. Variables were analyzed by Cox regression models, considering duration of breastfeeding as the dependent variable, and logistic regression (dependent variables, was the presence of a breastfeeding child in different post-natal ages). RESULTS In the logistic regression model, the pacifier sucking (adjusted Odds Ratio: 3.4; 95%CI 1.2-9.55) and bottle feeding (adjusted Odds Ratio: 4.4; 95%CI 1.6-12.1) increased the chance of weaning a child before one year of age. Variables associated to breastfeeding duration in the Cox regression model were: pacifier sucking (adjusted Hazard Ratio 2.0; 95%CI 1.2-3.3) and bottle feeding (adjusted Hazard Ratio 2.0; 95%CI 1.2-3.5). However, protective factors (maternal age and family income) differed between both models. CONCLUSIONS Risk and protective factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding may be analyzed by different models of statistical regression. Cox Regression Models are adequate to analyze such factors in longitudinal studies.

Download Full-text

Readmission after Adult Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Population-Based Inpatient Cohort Study in Taiwan

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599818813337 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 160 (3) ◽

pp. 559-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Ying-Shuo Hsu ◽

Wei-Chung Hsu ◽

Jenq-Yuh Ko ◽

Te-Huei Yeh ◽

Chia-Hsuan Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

International Classification Of Diseases ◽

Population Based ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Risk Of Bleeding ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Classification Of Diseases ◽

Insurance Database ◽

Population Based Survey

Objective To investigate readmissions among adult inpatients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in Taiwan. Design Population-based survey. Setting Retrospective study with the National Health Insurance Database. Methods All cases of inpatient adult UPPP (age >20 years) from 1997 to 2012 were identified through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. Factors associated with readmission within 30 days after surgery were analyzed. Results A total of 38,839 adults with UPPP were identified (mean age, 39.3 years; men, 73.7%). The incidence of UPPP was 14.6 per 100 000 adults, which increased from 1997 to 2012 (6.7 to 16.7 per 100,000, Ptrend < .001). The rates of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, reoperation for bleeding, and 30-day mortality were 4.2%, 1.7%, 1.0%, and 0.14%, respectively. Young age increased the risk of reoperation for bleeding, and old age increased the risk of readmission for any reason and mortality. Men had an increased risk of readmission and reoperation. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of readmission for any reason (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.51), bleeding-related readmission (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.52-2.36), and reoperation (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.84-3.30). Concurrent hypopharyngeal surgery was associated with an increased risk of readmission for any reason (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.07-1.66) and bleeding-related readmission (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.27). Finally, the use of steroids was associated with an increased risk of bleeding-related readmission and reoperation. Conclusions The incidence of adult UPPP increased from 1997 to 2012 in Taiwan. Age, sex, comorbidity, concurrent hypopharyngeal surgery, and drug administration were associated with readmission after inpatient UPPP.

Download Full-text