scholarly journals PSIII-4 Infrared thermography as a method for detecting pain in dairy calves in response to disbudding on-farm

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 190-191
Author(s):  
Mhairi Sutherland ◽  
Gemma Lowe ◽  
Neil Cox ◽  
Mairi Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Feeding Bout ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Eye Temperature

Abstract Measured using infrared thermography (IRT), changes in eye temperature, can be used to non-invasively measure pain in response to husbandry procedures such as disbudding in calves. Previous studies have manually recorded IRT in controlled studies, however, it would be of interest to determine if IRT could be used to measure changes in eye temperature in response to pain in an automated on-farm system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if IRT could be used to detect pain in dairy calves in response to disbudding on-farm. At 3 wk of age, 51 Friesian calves were allocated to 1 of 5 treatment groups: 1) sham handling (SHAM, n = 10), 2) cautery disbudding (DB, n = 11), 3) administration of local anesthetic (LA) and DB (LA+DB, n = 11), 4) administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and DB (NSAID+DB, n = 9) and 5) administration of LA, NSAID and DB (LA+NSAID+DB, n = 10). Eye temperature was measured using an IRT camera located next to an automatic calf milk feeder for 3 days before and after disbudding. During each calf’s visit to the feeder, IRT images were automatically recorded for the duration of the feeding bout. A mixed model analysis with splines was used to determine the effect of treatment on eye temperature over time. There was no overall effect of disbudding treatment on eye temperature (P = 0.22), but temperature appeared to increase in calves after disbudding or sham handling (P = 0.036). On average, calves visited the calf feeder 4 times/day, which may have been too infrequent to collect sufficient IRT images to detect a difference in eye temperature in response to disbudding. However, the increase in eye temperature after disbudding and handling may reflect a general stress response. Therefore, the automated use of IRT to measure eye temperature may be a useful non-invasive method to measure stress in calves.

scholarly journals Using Brain-Breaks® as a Technology Tool to Increase Attitude towards Physical Activity among Students in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Govindasamy Balasekaran ◽  
Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim ◽  
Ng Yew Cheo ◽  
Phua Kia Wang ◽  
Garry Kuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Brain Breaks ◽  
Student's Attitudes ◽  
The Brain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of classroom-based Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solution in Southeast Asia Singaporean primary school students and their attitude towards physical activity (PA) over a ten-week intervention. A total of 113 participants (8–11 years old) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EG) or a control group (CG), with six classes to each group; the Brain Breaks® group (EG: six classes) and the Control group (CG: six classes). All EG members participated in a Brain Breaks® video intervention (three–five min) during academic classes and the CG continued their lessons as per normal. The student’s attitudes towards PA in both research conditions were evaluated using the self–reported Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS), applied before and after intervention. The effects of the intervention on APAS scores were analysed using a mixed model analysis of variance with Time as within-subject and Group as between-subject factors. The analysis revealed evidence in support of the positive effect of classroom video interventions such as Brain Breaks® on student’s attitudes toward benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness, and trying to do their personal best in PA. The Brain Breaks® intervention provided a positive significant impact on students in Singapore. This study also revealed that interactive technology tools implemented into the school curriculum benefit students in terms of health and education.

scholarly journals The impact of a ‘milking the COW’ campaign in a regional hospital in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder Kaur M. S. Pada ◽  
Poh Lishi ◽  
Kim Sim Ng ◽  
Sarathamani Rethenam ◽  
Lilibeth Silagan Alenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Skin Flora ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Computerisation of various processes in hospitals and reliance on electronic devices raises the concern of contamination of these devices from the patient environment. We undertook this study to determine if an attached hand hygiene device that unlocks the screen of a computer on wheels (COW) on usage can be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Methods An electronic hand sanitizer was integrated onto the COW. A prospective cohort study with a crossover design involving 2 control and 2 intervention wards was used. The study end point was the number of colony forming units found on the keyboards. Bacteria were classified into 4 main groups; pathogenic, skin flora, from the environment or those thought to be commensals in healthy individuals. We then used a mixed effects model for the statistical analysis to determine if there were any differences before and after the intervention. Results Thirty-nine keyboards were swabbed at baseline, day 7 and 14, with 234 keyboards cultured, colony forming units (CFUs) counted and organisms isolated. By mixed model analysis, the difference of mean bacteria count between intervention and control for week 1 was 32.74 (− 32.74, CI − 94.29 to 28.75, p = 0.29), for week 2 by 155.86 (− 155.86, CI − 227.45 to − 83.53, p < 0.0001), and after the 2-week period by 157.04 (− 157.04, CI − 231.53 to − 82.67, p < 0.0001). In the sub-analysis, there were significant differences of pathogenic bacteria counts for the Intervention as compared to the Control in contrast with commensal counts. Conclusion A hand hygiene device attached to a COW may be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards.

Size-related boldness is not altered by stomach flushing in a terrestrial salamander

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sebastiano Salvidio ◽  
Andrea Costa ◽  
Fabrizio Oneto
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Model Analysis ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Linear Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Trophic Strategy ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Animal personality is a relatively neglected field in amphibian research. In this study we assessed the influence of stomach flushing, a non-lethal technique used in amphibian dietary studies, on the boldness behaviour of the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii. The time of emergence from a shelter located in an unfamiliar environment (a proxy for individual boldness) was measured in 26 cave salamanders before and after stomach flushing, while 14 non-flushed salamanders were tested as controls. Boldness was a repeatable behaviour for salamanders and larger individuals emerged from their shelter more rapidly than smaller ones. Linear mixed model analysis showed that flushing, sex and body condition had no effect on this behaviour. These findings are promising in the framework of the study of salamander personality. In particular, our results will be useful when exploring the relationship between individual trophic strategy and boldness, aggression or exploration behaviours in terrestrial salamanders.

Appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin vs mirtazapine in healthy cats post-ovariectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1176-1183
Author(s):  
Marco Fantinati ◽  
Julien Trnka ◽  
Amélia Signor ◽  
Séverine Dumond ◽  
Géraldine Jourdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Difference Test

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin by comparing it with mirtazapine in healthy cats in the first 8 h after ovariectomy surgery. Methods This double-masked, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial included 60 healthy cats presented to the hospital for ovariectomy: 20 received gabapentin, 21 received mirtazapine and 19 received a placebo immediately before and 6 h after surgery. Food was offered at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-ovariectomy. After each meal, food intake was measured. Data were analysed using repeated-measure ANOVA and a linear mixed-model analysis. Post-hoc Tukey’s honest significant difference test was performed for multiple comparisons. Results Food intake increased in both treatment groups vs placebo. No statistically significant difference was found between cats treated with gabapentin or mirtazapine. Conclusions and relevance Cats receiving gabapentin ate more than cats in the placebo group. Thirty percent of cats in the gabapentin group covered their resting energy requirements, while none of the cats in the placebo group did. Gabapentin and mirtazapine produced similar effects on food intake.

scholarly journals Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Combined VBM and SCN Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wei ◽  
Han Lv ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Zhaodi Wang ◽  
Chunli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Sound Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Background: Many neuroanatomical alterations have been detected in patients with tinnitus in previous studies. However, little is known about morphological and structural covariance network (SCN) changes before and after long-term sound therapy. This study aimed to explore alterations in brain anatomical and SCN changes in patients with idiopathic tinnitus using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis 24 weeks before and after sound therapy. Methods: Thirty-three tinnitus patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after 24 weeks of sound therapy. Twenty-six age- and sex-matched healthy control (HC) individuals also underwent two scans over a 24-week interval; 3.0T MRI and high-resolution 3D structural images were acquired with a 3D-BRAVO pulse sequence. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using the VBM8 toolbox. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was acquired in the tinnitus group to assess the severity of tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress. Two-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analyses were performed to determine differences between the two groups (patients and HCs) and between the two scans (at baseline and at the 24th week). Two-sample t tests, paired-samples t tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used in the post hoc analysis.Results: Interaction effects between the two groups and the two scans demonstrated significantly different gray matter (GM) volume in the right parahippocampus gyrus, right caudate, left superior temporal gyrus, left cuneus gyrus and right calcarine gyrus; we found significantly decreased GM volume in the above five brain regions among the tinnitus patients before sound therapy (baseline) compared to that in the HC group. The 24-week sound therapy group demonstrated significantly greater brain volume compared with the baseline group among these brain regions. We did not find significant differences in brain regions between the 24-week sound therapy and HC groups. The SCN results showed that the left superior temporal gyrus and left rolandic operculum were significantly different in nodal efficiency, nodal degree centrality and nodal betweenness centrality after FDR correction. Decreased THI scores and GM volume changes between the left thalamus and right thalamus were not correlated. Conclusions: This study characterized the effect of sound therapy on brain GM volume, especially in the left superior temporal lobe. Notably, sound therapy had a normalizing effect on tinnitus patients.

PROMs and PREMs in Dutch integrated head and neck cancer care.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6570-6570
Author(s):  
Rosella Hermens ◽  
Lydia Francisca Jacoba van Overveld ◽  
Robert P. Takes ◽  
Jozé C.C. Braspenning ◽  
Ludi E Smeele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Domain Scores

6570 Background: Providing patient-centred care is an essential component of high quality integrated care. A method to get insight in patients perspectives about the quality of health care they received, is measuring Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). We aimed to determine the outcomes of, and differences between PROs and PREs over time and between treatment groups for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: Patientswere recruited from nine hospitals participating in the DHNA. Validated questionnaires were distributed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Included PROMs were EuroQol 5 Dimension 3 Level (EQ-5D-3L), EORTC QLQ-C30 and -H&N35. Included PREMs, Consumer Quality index for Oncologic care (CQO) and Radiotherapeutic care (CQR), have similar domains with different questions. With descriptive analysis, ANOVA and mixed model analysis, differences over time and between treatment groups were analyzed. Results: Questionnaires were filled in by 426 patients. Pain decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months follow-up (14 and 21 points on a scale of 0-100) and dry mouth increased significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up compared to baseline (35, 27 and 20 points). Sticky Salvia, problems with social eating and sense problems increased at 3 and 6 months follow-up, but were similar to the baseline score at 12 months follow-up. Pain and sticky saliva differed between radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy or surgery and radiotherapy respectively (p≤0.05). Regarding the CQO domain scores, all treatment groups differed significantly from each other (p≤0.05), especially for the domain Personal input. There was no difference regarding the CQR domain scores. Recognizing the emotional side of HNC and guidance after the treatment scored low in patients. Conclusions: This study gives clues to improve healthcare according the experiences of the patient and we can predict more carefully the outcomes of the patients with different treatment types. PROMs according to the ICHOM criteria and PREMs are promising for measuring and improving quality and personalization of HNC care. However, recognizing the emotional side of HNC and intensifying guidance after the treatment period needs improvement.

scholarly journals Animal Welfare Consequences of Organic Boar Fattening and Occurrence of Boar Taint on Five Commercial Farms

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2929
Author(s):  
Jeannette C. Lange ◽  
Anita Lange ◽  
Ute Knierim
Keyword(s):  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Boar Taint ◽  
Agonistic Interactions ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Fattening Pigs ◽  
Human Nose

The welfare of male fattening pigs may be improved by refraining from castration, but may be compromised, in turn, by harmful social behaviour in groups of boars. In addition, boar taint may be problematic. This study aimed to evaluate these potential problems in boar fattening under commercial organic conditions. In total, 625 boars were compared with 433 barrows and 83 gilts regarding their social behaviour, lesions and lameness at 80 kg, before and after split marketing. The mixed-model analysis showed that significantly more short agonistic interactions, fights and mounting behaviours were observed in groups of boars. Agonistic interactions were reduced in spring/summer and when boars grew older. Fights and mounts were increased when boars had contact to female pigs in the neighbouring pen. No effect of split marketing, growth rate, homogeneity of groups, group size, feeding space and illumination hours could be detected. Increased interaction frequencies did not result in significantly more skin lesions, lameness, treatments or mortality. Increased space allowance reduced skin lesions. On 9.8% of the dissected boars’ penises, wounds were detected; they were absent on two farms with generous litter provision. Boar taint prevalence, as detected by human nose method, was 1.44%. Under the studied organic husbandry conditions, boar fattening appears to be practicable, although penile injuries should be monitored at slaughter.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Electroencephalography, Behaviour and Eye Temperature in Response to Surgical Castration in Sheep

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 637
Author(s):  
Charissa Harris ◽  
Peter John White ◽  
Evelyn Hall ◽  
Dominique Van der Saag ◽  
Sabrina Lomax
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Post Procedure ◽  
Eeg Changes ◽  
Testicular Injection ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Eye Temperature ◽  
Time Point ◽  
Ocular Temperature ◽  
Initial Change

Castration has been demonstrated to cause pain in sheep. However, it is routinely performed for management purposes. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used successfully to measure pain in lambs in response to castration and other husbandry procedures in livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of EEG as a measure of pain and analgesia in conscious lambs undergoing castration on farm over a 24 h period. EEG responses were compared to behavioural observations and changes in ocular temperature via infrared thermography. Twenty-four merino ram lambs (18.63 ± 2.06 kg) were used in this study. Lambs were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment groups: (1) castration with pre-surgical administration of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg Metacam 20 mg/mL injected subcutaneously into the skin of the neck 15 min prior to recording) and lignocaine (applied via intra-testicular injection five minutes prior to castration, 2 mL lignocaine hydrochloride 20 mg/mL, Troy/Ilium) (CML, n = 8); (2) castration only (C, n = 8); (3) sham castration, handling only (SC, n = 8). EEG was recorded for 5 mins pre-procedure (prior to any intervention), and for 5 mins post-procedure at 0, 1, 4 and 24 h. Behavioural reactions to the procedure were scored, and behaviours were scan sampled at 5 min intervals at the above time points, by blinded observers. Eye temperature was measured for five-minute intervals at each time point. EEG decreased from baseline to 0 h for CML and C groups (p < 0.001), C group values returned similar to baseline at 24 h. Eye temperature increased post-castration at 0 h for C group, no initial change was seen for CML or SC groups. CML and C groups were more likely to have higher reaction scores and showed more abnormal behaviours (p = 0.017). CML and C groups had similar results, indicating minimal effect of analgesic intervention. Lambs in SC group showed significant EEG changes, suggesting that stress from handling also impacted EEG results.

scholarly journals Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Combined VBM and SCN Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wei ◽  
Han Lv ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Zhaodi Wang ◽  
Chunli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Sound Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Hoc

Many neuroanatomical alterations have been detected in patients with tinnitus in previous studies. However, little is known about the morphological and structural covariance network (SCN) changes before and after long-term sound therapy. This study aimed to explore alterations in brain anatomical and SCN changes in patients with idiopathic tinnitus using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis 24 weeks before and after sound therapy. Thirty-three tinnitus patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after 24 weeks of sound therapy. Twenty-six age- and sex-matched healthy control (HC) individuals also underwent two scans over a 24-week interval; 3.0T MRI and high-resolution 3D structural images were acquired with a 3D-BRAVO pulse sequence. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using the VBM8 toolbox. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was assessed for the severity of tinnitus before and after treatment. Two-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analyses were performed to determine differences between the two groups (patients and HCs) and between the two scans (at baseline and on the 24th week). Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests were used in the post hoc analysis. Interaction effects between the two groups and the two scans demonstrated significantly different gray matter (GM) volume in the right parahippocampus gyrus, right caudate, left superior temporal gyrus, left cuneus gyrus, and right calcarine gyrus; we found significantly decreased GM volume in the above five brain regions among the tinnitus patients before sound therapy (baseline) compared to that in the HC group. The 24-week sound therapy group demonstrated significantly greater brain volume compared with the baseline group among these brain regions. We did not find significant differences in brain regions between the 24-week sound therapy and HC groups. The SCN results showed that the left superior temporal gyrus and left rolandic operculum were significantly different in nodal efficiency, nodal degree centrality, and nodal betweenness centrality after FDR correction. This study characterized the effect of sound therapy on brain GM volume, especially in the left superior temporal lobe. Notably, sound therapy had a normalizing effect on tinnitus patients.

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