scholarly journals Clinical impacts of administering a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to beef calves after assisted calving on pain and inflammation, passive immunity, health, and growth

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1996-2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Pearson ◽  
Edmond A Pajor ◽  
John R Campbell ◽  
Nigel A Caulkett ◽  
Michel Levy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Passive Immunity ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Calving Difficulty

Abstract Assisted calves are often born weak, injured, or oxygen deprived and have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective was to investigate the impact of using pain mitigation at birth in assisted beef calves on physiological indicators of pain and inflammation, passive immunity, health, and growth. Thirty-three primiparous cows and their calves requiring assistance at birth on two ranches located in southern Alberta were enrolled. Data collected at birth include date and time of calving, calf sex, meconium staining, presentation of calf, and calving difficulty (easy assist: one person manually delivered the calf; difficult assist: delivery by two or more people, or mechanical assistance). Within 10 min of birth, calves were stratified by calving difficulty, randomized to a medication group, and received a subcutaneous dose of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of placebo. Cow–calf pairs were then placed in individual box stalls for observation and sampling. At birth, 1, 4, and 24 h after birth, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were assessed and blood samples collected to measure indicators of pain and inflammation (cortisol, corticosterone, substance P, and haptoglobin). Serum IgG concentration and failed transfer of passive immunity (serum IgG concentration <24 g/L) were assessed in the 24-h blood samples. Preweaning treatment for disease and mortality information was collected and calves were weighed at 7 to 10 d of age and at weaning. Of the 33 calves enrolled, 17 calves received meloxicam and 16 calves received a placebo. Meloxicam-medicated calves had significantly greater ADG to 7 to 10 d of age (P = 0.05) (mean = 0.9 kg/d; SE = 0.10) compared with placebo-medicated calves (mean = 0.6 kg/d; SE = 0.12). There was no significant effect of meloxicam on physiological indicators of pain and inflammation, standing or nursing by 1 h, passive immunity, health outcomes, or ADG to weaning (P > 0.1). Although this was a small sample population, meloxicam given to assisted calves at birth improved ADG in the first week of life, which may indicate an important production management tool for improving well-being in assisted calves.

scholarly journals A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to beef calves assisted at birth and risk factors associated with passive immunity, health, and growth

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Pearson ◽  
Edward Pajor ◽  
John Campbell ◽  
Michel Levy ◽  
Nigel Caulkett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Tube Feeding ◽  
Passive Immunity ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of pain mitigation at birth to assisted beef calves and determine the risk factors associated with transfer of passive immunity (TPI), health, and growth.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty cow–calf pairs requiring calving assistance were enrolled. Calves were randomised to receive meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of placebo subcutaneously at birth. Calf blood samples were collected between one and seven days of age to determine serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration. Colostrum intake, treatment for disease, mortality, and weaning weights were recorded. Multilevel linear or logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of meloxicam and to identify risk factors.ResultsThere was no effect of meloxicam on serum IgG concentrations, average daily gain (ADG), or risk of inadequate TPI (serum IgG concentration <24 g/l), treatment for disease, or mortality (P>0.05). Bottle or tube feeding calves were associated with decreased serum IgG concentrations (P=0.01) compared with nursing. Calves with an incomplete tongue withdrawal reflex had higher odds of being treated for disease compared with those with complete withdrawal (P=0.009). Being born meconium-stained and having decreased serum IgG concentrations were associated with an increased risk of mortality (P=0.03). Being born of a mature cow, having a higher birth weight, and increased serum IgG concentrations were associated with greater ADG to weaning (P<0.05).ConclusionVigour assessment at birth along with good colostrum management may be important to improve TPI and health in high-risk calves such as those assisted at birth.

An influence of social isolation on the level of physical activity as well as on well-being and mental state of people during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Parfin ◽  
Krystian Wdowiak ◽  
Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk ◽  
Jolanta Herda
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroduction. The COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It was first diagnosed in December 2019 in patients in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The symptoms are dominated by features of respiratory tract infections, in some patients with a very severe course leading to respiratory failure and, in extreme cases to death. Due to the spread of the infection worldwide, the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020.Aim. An investigation of the impact of social isolation introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic on selected aspects of life. The researchers focused on observing changes in habits related to physical activity and their connections with people’s subjective well-being and emotional state.Material and methods. The study was carried out within the international project of the group „IRG on COVID and exercise”. The research tool was a standardized questionnaire.Results. Based on the data collected and the analysis of the percentage results, it can be observed that the overwhelming majority of people taking up physical activity reported a better mood during the pandemic. However, statistical tests do not confirm these relationships due to the small sample size.Conclusions. Isolation favours physical activity. Future, in-depth studies, by enlarging the population group, are necessary to confirm the above observations.

scholarly journals Community intervention strategies to reduce the impact of financial strain and promote financial well-being: a comprehensive rapid review

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Glenn ◽  
Lisa Allen Scott ◽  
Teree Hokanson ◽  
Karla Gustafson ◽  
Melissa A. Stoops ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact

Financial well-being describes when people feel able to meet their financial obligations, feel financially secure and are able to make choices that benefit their quality of life. Financial strain occurs when people are unable to pay their bills, feel stressed about money and experience negative impacts on their quality of life and health. In the face of the global economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, community-led approaches are required to address the setting-specific needs of residents and reduce the adverse impacts of widespread financial strain. To encourage evidence-informed best practices, a provincial health authority and community-engaged research centre collaborated to conduct a rapid review. We augmented the rapid review with an environmental scan and interviews. Our data focused on Western Canada and was collected prior to the pandemic (May–September 2019). We identified eight categories of community-led strategies to promote financial well-being: systems navigation and access; financial literacy and skills; emergency financial assistance; asset building; events and attractions; employment and educational support; transportation; and housing. We noted significant gaps in the evidence, including methodological limitations of the included studies (e.g. generalisability, small sample size), a lack of reporting on the mechanisms leading to the outcomes and evaluation of long-term impacts, sparse practice-based data on evaluation methods and outcomes, and limited intervention details in the published literature. Critically, few of the included interventions specifically targeted financial strain and/or well-being. We discuss the implications of these gaps in addition to possibilities and priorities for future research and practice. We also consider the results in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences.

scholarly journals Quantifying subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, vigour, and passive immunity in newborn beef calves

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Pearson ◽  
Elizabeth R Homerosky ◽  
Nigel A Caulkett ◽  
John R Campbell ◽  
Michel Levy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mucous Membrane ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Passive Immunity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Traumatic Birth ◽  
Calving Difficulty

This cross-sectional study quantifies subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, calf vigour, and passive immunity (PI) in newborn beef calves. The degree of calving difficulty was categorised as: unassisted, easy assist (one or two people manually pulling to deliver the calf) and difficult assist (more than two people pulling, a fetal extractor (ie, calf jack), or caesarean section). Vigour assessment occurred at 10 minutes and blood sampling at 24 hours after birth in 77 beef calves. The measured blood parameters associated with trauma were creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and haptoglobin. Serum IgG concentration was measured, and an IgG concentration at least 24 g/l was considered as adequate PI. Calving difficulty was associated with elevated levels of CK (P=0.002) and AST (P=0.01), weak suckle reflex (P=0.001), abnormal mucous membrane colour (P<0.0001), and decreased odds of adequate PI (P=0.004). Elevated levels of CK and AST were associated with abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal and weak suckle reflex at birth (P<0.001). An incomplete tongue withdrawal (P=0.005) and weak suckle reflex (P=0.02) were associated with decreased IgG concentrations. Abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal, and a weak suckle reflex were associated with decreased odds of having adequate PI (P<0.05). Haptoglobin was not associated with any of the parameters measured. Subclinical trauma was associated with calving difficulty, decreased vigour and decreased odds of having adequate PI. Understanding the impacts of a traumatic birth may aid the development of management strategies for compromised newborn beef calves.

The significance of DOHaD for Small Island Developing States

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Tu’akoi ◽  
M. H. Vickers ◽  
K. Tairea ◽  
Y. Y. M. Aung ◽  
N. Tamarua-Herman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Small Island Developing States ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) are island nations that experience specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities associated with small populations, isolation and limited resources. Globally, SIDS exhibit exceptionally high rates of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk and incidence. Despite this, there is a lack of context-specific research within SIDS focused on life course approaches to NCD prevention, particularly the impact of the early-life environment on later disease risk as defined by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. Given that globalization has contributed to significant nutritional transitions in these populations, the DOHaD paradigm is highly relevant. SIDS in the Pacific region have the highest rates of NCD risk and incidence globally. Transitions from traditional foods grown locally to reliance on importation of Western-style processed foods high in fat and sugar are common. The Cook Islands is one Pacific SIDS that reports this transition, alongside rising overweight/obesity rates, currently 91%/72%, in the adult population. However, research on early-life NCD prevention within this context, as in many low- and middle-income countries, is scarce. Although traditional research emphasizes the need for large sample sizes, this is rarely possible in the smaller SIDS. In these vulnerable, high priority countries, consideration should be given to utilizing ‘small’ sample sizes that encompass a high proportion of the total population. This may enable contextually relevant research, crucial to inform NCD prevention strategies that can contribute to improving health and well-being for these at-risk communities.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Study of Older Adults’ Acceptance of Robot Companions and Their Effects on Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 41-41
Author(s):  
Claudia Rebola ◽  
Bertram Malle
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Robot Companions

Abstract Robotic animal-like companions for older adults are promising technologies that have shown to have health benefits, especially for individuals with dementia, and good adoption rates in some previous studies. Our project, Affordable Robotic Intelligence for Elderly Support, aims to design new capabilities for companionship and smart care, but at high affordability. In a 6-month longitudinal study of baseline acceptance and well-being, we assessed the impact of an Ageless Innovation Joy for All™ robotic pet on user acceptance and emotional well-being (depression, loneliness, positive emotions). Nineteen participants from independent and assisted living facilities completed three standardized in-person surveys, each 3 months apart, including the CES-D, measures of Loneliness, Emotions, Attitude towards Technology (ATI), and various measures of evaluation of and engagement with robotic technology. The measures showed modest to very good reliability and meaningful construct validity. Participants in this sample showed little depression or loneliness, and these levels did not further decrease over the six months. People welcomed the pet and expressed positive evaluations of it, and these sentiments were stable over time. Attitudes toward technology varied but were unrelated to well-being measures and to robot evaluations. Our current conclusion, on the basis of a small sample, is that the selected robotic pet companion is appreciated and seen as beneficial, and for adults who are already low in depression and loneliness, the robot companion helps maintain the adult’s emotional well-being but does not further increase it.

Transitional leadership to resolve conflict, facilitate change and restore wellbeing

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1053-1072
Author(s):  
Tim J. Pratt ◽  
Roy K. Smollan ◽  
Edwina Pio
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Transitional Leadership ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Christian Denomination

Purpose This paper aims to explore the experiences of church ministers who played the role of transitional leaders in congregational situations involving conflict. Design/methodology/approach Grounded theory was chosen as a suitable approach to investigate phenomena that occasionally penetrate religious publications and even less frequently scholarly management journals. Accordingly, in-depth interviews were conducted with six church ministers who had been transitional leaders in one Christian denomination in New Zealand. Findings Participants indicated that the drivers of transitional ministry were conflict, dysfunction and loss of direction; the goals were to heal the damage caused by conflict and restore functionality and well-being; the process, underpinned by a leadership philosophy of affirmation, trust-building, engagement and communication, involved working with church members to instil hope, establish operational structures, identify and resolve dysfunction, envision a future and ultimately recruit a permanent minister. Research limitations/implications The limitations of a small sample size in one Christian denomination could be addressed by using wider samples in other contexts. It is suggested that insights into transitional leadership after conflict will be of interest to researchers as well as practitioners in other religious organizations, the wider non-profit sector and the private sector. Future research into the impact of transitional leadership, against a background of conflict and organizational change, will add to this empirical foundation. Originality/value The model of transitional ministry is a unique contribution to religious literature and practice. It also offers insight into how other types of organization could deal with the exit of its permanent leader, in circumstances of conflict, and manage the transition phase of a temporary replacement, so that the organization returns to a state of well-being with a renewed sense of purpose.

scholarly journals Open-plan office noise is stressful: multimodal stress detection in a simulated work environment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Elizabeth (Libby) J. Sander ◽  
Cecelia Marques ◽  
James Birt ◽  
Matthew Stead ◽  
Oliver Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Workplace Stressors ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Facial Expressions Of Emotion ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019)-induced changes in the workplace present a timely opportunity for human resource management practitioners to consider and remediate the deleterious effects of noise, a commonly cited complaint of employees working in open-plan office (OPO) environments. While self-reports suggest that OPO noise is perceived as a stressor, there is little experimental research comprehensively investigating the effects of noise on employees in terms of their cognitive performance, physiological indicators of stress, and affect. Employing a simulated office setting, we compared the effects of a typical OPO auditory environment to a quieter private office auditory environment on a range of objective and subjective measures of well-being and performance. While OPO noise did not reduce immediate cognitive task performance compared to the quieter environment, it did reduce psychological well-being as evidenced by self-reports of mood, facial expressions of emotion, and physiological indicators of stress in the form of heartrate and skin conductivity. Our research highlights the importance of using a multimodal approach to assess the impact of workplace stressors such as noise. Such an approach will allow HR practitioners to make data-driven recommendations about the design and modification of workspaces to minimize negative effects and support employee well-being.

THE COMPASS INDEX OF SUSTAINABILITY: PROTOTYPE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION SYSTEM

2001 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 509-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALAN ATKISSON ◽  
R. LEE HATCHER
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
News Coverage ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
The Impact

Comprehensive indicators of sustainability need to be accessible, useful, and attractive to decision makers and the general public. To this end, we introduce a new aggregation, scaling, and presentation methodology. Called the "The Compass Index of Sustainability", it clusters indicators and assessment scores into four quadrants, based on the metaphor of the compass: N = Nature, E = Economy, S = Society, W = Well-being. The clusters are adapted from the theoretical work of Herman Daly ("Daly's Pyramid") as modified by Donella H. Meadows. In application, the Compass turns a complex indicator set into a series of four performance indices, one for each Compass Point, on a 0–100 scale. Normative decisions based on both scientific and social values determine the conversion formula for each indicator. The four indices can be superaggregated to produce an "Overall Sustainability Index". Once established, the scales provide clear signals about sustainability performance over time compared to an absolute or "ideal" target end-state, rather than the performance of other actors. First applied and publicly released in Orlando, Florida, USA, in July 2000, the compass proved a powerful media communications vehicle in that context, resulting in extensive regional news coverage; and it made a significant strategic impact on regional decision makers, specifically in philanthropy. Versions of the methodology are now being applied in several other US regions, cities, and communities, and other applications are being developed to assess and aggregate corporate sustainability performance as well. The authors believe the Compass Index can also be used as an interface or "add-on" to other indicator systems, such as the emerging Global Reporting Initiative; and as a management tool for comparing performance among variables, identifying priorities, and setting clear improvement targets. This paper describes the theoretical foundations of the Compass Index; the implementation of the first prototype in Orlando, Florida; and the impact of that report on local media and decision makers. It also provides a discussion on problems and challenges associated with the model. Note: The Compass Index of Sustainability, in format and methodology, is the intellectual property of AtKisson, Inc. All rights are reserved. Academic research is encouraged, but commercial use is restricted. Please contact the firm for licensing information.

Well being and psychiatric status of parents of children with Mental Retardation in Pakistan

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 278-278
Author(s):  
I.A. Dogar ◽  
M.W. Azeem ◽  
I. Haider ◽  
M. Wudarsky ◽  
A. Asmat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionStudies have shown an association between parental distress and caretaking of children with cognitive delays. There is little data in developing countries, such as Pakistan, concerning the impact of raising children with Mental Retardation, upon the quality of parent functioning and risk for psychopathology.ObjectiveTo assess the level of distress and risk for psychopathology among parents of children with Mental Retardation (MR).MethodsThis was prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Participants were 200 parents (100 fathers/100 mothers) of 100 children with the diagnosis of MR. Parents were administered Self Report Questionnaire 20 (SRQ 20) and the Quality of Life BREF (QOL BREF).ResultsMean age for mothers was 40.2 years while fathers was 42.9 years. The mean age of children was 10.5 years (30% females/70% males) with 25% mild MR, 42% moderate MR, 20% severe MR and 13% profound MR. On SRQ 20, 25% mothers and 43% fathers scored above the cut off indicating possible psychiatric disorder. Mean QOL domain scores were for mothers (M) and fathers (F): M 13.2/ F 13.9 for physical health; M13.1 / F 13.7 for psychological health; M 13.9 / F 13.9 for social relationships, M 13.4 / F 14.8 for environment.ConclusionsParents of children with MR are at higher risk for psychopathology, needing mental health assessment.Fathers scores on the SRQ reflect more distress and psychiatric symptoms than mothers SRQ scores.Limitations include lack of comparison group and small sample size.

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