scholarly journals Malignancy in Membranous Nephropathy: Evaluation of Incidence

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basil Alnasrallah ◽  
John F. Collins ◽  
L. Jonathan Zwi
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Membranous Nephropathy ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Standardized Incidence Ratio ◽  
Renal Biopsies ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy

Background. Membranous nephropathy (MN) can be associated with malignancy. However, the relative risk for malignancy remains unclear. It has been reported that higher numbers of inflammatory cells seen in the glomeruli at biopsy correlate with the occurrence of malignancy in patients with MN and might be used to direct screening. Methods. We examined the occurrence of malignancy in 201 MN patients in Auckland, New Zealand. We also examined the pathology of renal biopsies from 17 MN patients with malignancies and compared the number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus with matched control patients with MN but no malignancy. Results. 40 malignancies were identified in 37 patients, 28 of which occurred after the MN diagnosis. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3–2.85) which was similar between patients ≥ 60 years and those <60 years. The median number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus did not differ between MN patients with and without malignancy at 1.86 (IQR, 1.17–2.7) and 2.07 (IQR, 1.17–3.65), respectively (p value 0.56). Conclusions. The relative risk of malignancy in MN patients was similar across different age groups. The number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus did not differentiate between MN patients with and without malignancies.

scholarly journals Use of antidepressants among Finnish family caregivers: a nationwide register-based study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuija M. Mikkola ◽  
Hannu Kautiainen ◽  
Minna Mänty ◽  
Mikaela B. von Bonsdorff ◽  
Hannu Koponen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Control Population ◽  
Defined Daily Doses ◽  
Male Caregivers ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the use of antidepressants over 6 years between family caregivers providing high-intensity care and a matched control population using register-based data. Methods The study includes all individuals, who received family caregiver’s allowance in Finland in 2012 (n = 29,846 females, mean age 66 years; n = 12,410 males, mean age 71 years) and a control population matched for age, sex, and municipality of residence (n = 59,141 females; n = 24,477 males). Information on purchases of antidepressants, including the number of defined daily doses (DDD) purchased, between 2012 and 2017 was obtained from the national drugs reimbursement register. Results During the follow-up, 28.5% of female caregivers and 23.5% of the female controls used antidepressants, while the numbers for males were 21.1% and 16.4%, respectively. Adjusted for socioeconomic status, female caregivers used 43.7 (95% confidence interval 42.4–45.0) and their controls used 36.2 (35.3–37.2) DDDs of antidepressants per person-year. Male caregivers used 29.6 (27.6–31.6) and their controls used 21.6 (20.2–23.0) DDDs of antidepressants per person-year. Among female caregivers, the relative risk for use of antidepressants was similar (about 1.3) from 20 to 70 years, after which the relative risk declined. In male caregivers, the relative risk was highest (about 1.4–1.5) between 45 and 65 years. Conclusions Family caregivers providing high-intensity care use more antidepressants and hence, are likely to have poorer mental health than the age-matched general population in virtually all age groups. However, the magnitude of the higher use varies as a function of age and gender.

Establishment and Evaluation of a Pilot Child Car Seat Rental Scheme in New Zealand

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-172
Author(s):  
David C. Geddis ◽  
Ian C. Appleton
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Newborn Infant ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Car Seat ◽  
Pilot Scheme ◽  
The City

The method of operation of a pilot car seat rental scheme is described. It is unique in that there are sufficient seats to accommodate every newborn infant in the city. Both infant and child seats are available. The pattern of use since the establishment of the scheme in December 1981 is reported. Currently 60% to 70% of parents rent infant seats and 35% to 40% rent child seats. Yearly roadside observations have shown a steady increase in the number of restrained children. In 1981 no infants traveled in approved restraints. In 1984 66% did so. The 1984 results for other age groups were: 6 to 18 months of age, 88%; 18 months to 2½ years of age, 82%; 2½ to 3½ years of age, 66%; 3½ to 4½ years of age, 62%. At this time no legislation applied to children less than 8 years of age. The success of this pilot scheme suggests it should be expanded on a national scale.

scholarly journals Simulating the impact of vaccination rates on the initial stages of a COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand (Aotearoa) with a stochastic model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leighton M Watson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Branching Process ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

Aim: The August 2021 COVID-19 outbreak in Auckland has caused the New Zealand government to transition from an elimination strategy to suppression, which relies heavily on high vaccination rates in the population. As restrictions are eased and as COVID-19 leaks through the Auckland boundary, there is a need to understand how different levels of vaccination will impact the initial stages of COVID-19 outbreaks that are seeded around the country. Method: A stochastic branching process model is used to simulate the initial spread of a COVID-19 outbreak for different vaccination rates. Results: High vaccination rates are effective at minimizing the number of infections and hospitalizations. Increasing vaccination rates from 20% (approximate value at the start of the August 2021 outbreak) to 80% (approximate proposed target) of the total population can reduce the median number of infections that occur within the first four weeks of an outbreak from 1011 to 14 (25th and 75th quantiles of 545-1602 and 2-32 for V=20% and V=80%, respectively). As the vaccination rate increases, the number of breakthrough infections (infections in fully vaccinated individuals) and hospitalizations of vaccinated individuals increases. Unvaccinated individuals, however, are 3.3x more likely to be infected with COVID-19 and 25x more likely to be hospitalized. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals from COVID-19, preventing high caseloads, and minimizing the number of hospitalizations and hence limiting the pressure on the healthcare system.

scholarly journals Surveying support for child and youth political participation in Australia and New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
LG Phillips ◽  
Jenny Ritchie ◽  
F Perales
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Political Participation ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
Survey Question ◽  
Party Preference ◽  
United Nations Declaration

© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Recent decades have witnessed increased empirical and policy interest in children’s citizenship, particularly since the ratification of the United Nations Declaration of Children’s Rights. However, support for children’s active citizenship is often hindered by the pervasiveness of discourses that characterise children as innocent, developing, and free from responsibility. Public and governmental decision-making largely excludes children’s consultation and contributions, often determined by age alone. To quantifiably assess the amount of public support for children’s political participation, we commissioned a Likert scale survey question on degrees of support for children and youth (across four age groups between 3 and 18 year olds) having the opportunity to influence government decisions, in the Australian and New Zealand 2016 versions of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP). Analysis of responses to this question in relation to demographic survey data indicate variation in preferences for different age groups, and that age, gender, and political party preference of respondents were variables of significance for both nations. These variables point to potential predictors of attitudes toward political participation of children and youth which have relevance for policymakers and educators in relation to provision of programmes that will increase the engagement of children and youth in government decision-making.

scholarly journals Comparison of autocorrelation between CV-RISK independent variables in groups with and without history of cardiovascular diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 1626
Author(s):  
Ivany Lestari Goutama ◽  
Hendsun . ◽  
Yohanes Firmansyah ◽  
Ernawati Su
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
History Of

Background: Cardiovascular relative risk (CVRISK) is the latest cardiovascular relative risk score to evaluate the magnitude of cardiovascular risk in healthy people regardless of age and cardiovascular risk severity. The aim of the study is to determine the correlation between each independent variables of CVRISK score in individuals with and without history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Methods: The study design is cross-sectional study. We conducted it online through social media using Google forms from June to August 2020. Participants include all productive age groups from 16 to 60 years. The data were processed using excel and statistically tested. Descriptive data analysis uses tabulated data which is displayed in numbers or proportions (categorical) and single data distribution (numeric). Statistical association analysis uses the categorical-correlation test with 2 statistical tests that use eta on nominal-ordinal variables and contingency coefficients on nominal-nominal variables.Results: There is a strong autocorrelation between hypertension and high tryglyceride levels (p value 0.001; correlation 0.549; risks 30.14%), nutritional status and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in CVD group (p value 0.002; correlation 0.774; risks 59.90%) and non-CVD group (p value 0.000; correlation 0.757; risks 57.3%). Hypertension and risky LDL-C levels firmly proves a very strong correlations and significant relationship in CVD groups (p value 0.014; correlation 0.947; risks 89.68%).Conclusions: There is a correlation that varies from weak to very strong among the independent variables in the CVRISK scoring of the participants. Further research is needed to determine the potentiality of CVRISK as an early prevention in determining the cardiovascular risk of individuals with and without history of CVD.

scholarly journals Quantitative electroencephalography as a tool for objective neurophysiological seizure diagnosis: A retrospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar ◽  
Tribhuwan Kumar ◽  
Kamlesh Jha ◽  
Yogesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Level ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Quantitative Electroencephalography ◽  
Beta Band ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Electrical Activities

Objectives: Seizure is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world; it affects all age groups with equal possibility of occurrence in both males and females. Many antiepileptic drugs are available today, but its diagnosis is challenging. The present study attempted to see if seizure activities could be predicted by analyzing the pre-seizure electrical activities. The prediction may help in taking preventive measures appropriately beforehand in the individuals with seizure proneness. Material and Methods: We selected 11 generalized seizure patients and 19 control patients out of total 115 patients referred for electro-diagnostics for various reasons. EEG of the subjects recorded, segmented as per protocol, and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB tools. Results: The mean energy level in alpha and beta band of the study subject was significantly lower (P = 0.04 and 0.004, respectively) as compared to the age matched control subjects. Theta and delta bands did not show any significant difference between the groups. The difference between the pre- and post-electrical seizure energy and entropy was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The study shows that the energy level remains low in the seizure patients in the alpha and beta bands. This further goes down when electrophysiological seizure activities starts. The randomness or entropy does not alter significantly among the seizure subjects in comparison to non-seizure subjects.

scholarly journals Future-proofing accounting professionals: Ensuring graduate employability and future readiness

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Marcus Bowles ◽  
Samrat Ghosh ◽  
Lisa Thomas
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Graduate Employability ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Accounting Graduates ◽  
Chartered Accountants

Key global and Australasian bodies have reported research suggesting the accounting profession is one of the most vulnerable to disruption through automation and changed business models. For universities seeking to improve the employability of graduates and professional bodies seeking to support professional members on a successful lifelong career, the research presented in this paper reconfirmed the need to reappraise the capabilities that would enhance professional practice and lead to sustained careers. This report presents the findings from a validation process across Australia and New Zealand that includes 2,074 responses to a survey conducted by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. The report confirms 24 capabilities, including six considered essential requirements for every professional seeking to work in accounting, finance, and related work roles. The findings provide evidence that these capabilities, in contrast to recent reports suggesting employment opportunities for accounting graduates are in decline, can create opportunities for sustainable careers. The validation project and survey results provide unexpected insight into the capabilities of different age groups and professionals at different career stages that are considered important. The paper outlines how this research will not only inform continuing professional education for members but also help refine the design of post-graduate curriculum and continuing professional development.

scholarly journals Promotion of Dental Pulp Wound Healing in New Zealand White Rabbits’ Teeth by Thai Propolis Product

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nattriya Likitpongpipat ◽  
Somboon Sangmaneedet ◽  
Poramaporn Klanrit ◽  
Rajda Noisombut ◽  
Suttichai Krisanaprakornkit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Calcium Hydroxide ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Dentinal Tubules ◽  
Pulp Capping ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits

This study examined and compared wound healing between Thai propolis product and calcium hydroxide paste as pulp-capping agents after partial pulpotomy in New Zealand white rabbits. Forty incisor teeth from 10 rabbits were treated. Thirty-six teeth received class V cavity preparations with partial pulpotomy and application of either propolis or calcium hydroxide paste. Similar cavity preparations were performed in 2 teeth without any capping material as a positive control, whereas 2 teeth without the cavity preparation served as a negative control. Histological evaluation showed that both groups had dentin bridge formation. Dentinal tubules in the dentin bridge were more orderly arranged in the Thai propolis group than in the calcium hydroxide group. Wound healing and the median number of hyperemic blood vessels were not statistically significant different between the 2 groups. Thai propolis product may be used as a pulp-capping agent.

scholarly journals P0114BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF A RENAL BIOPSY REGISTRY AND NETWORK - FCGG EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim Laurens ◽  
Johan De Meester ◽  
Ben Sprangers ◽  
Steven Van Laecke ◽  
Dendooven Amélie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Disease ◽  
Renal Biopsy ◽  
Iga Nephropathy ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Renal Pathology ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Renal Biopsies

Abstract Background and Aims End December 2016, a renal biopsy network in the Flemish region (Belgium) was founded as a collaboration between the renal pathologists and nephrologists. This FCGG network introduced a uniform renal biopsy request form, a well-structured report form of the renal pathology examination and a comprehensive list of renal pathology diagnoses. Method Following informed consent [99.5%] and in compliance with GDPR, the registration of the renal biopsies consists of basic categorical renal data, structured renal pathology information and the final clinical renal disease. Results In 2017 and 2018, 1385 renal biopsies were registered – 10.5 per million inhabitants per year; in addition, 28 patients had a repeat biopsy in the same time frame (2%). Of the pediatric patients ( age &lt; 18 years; N=92; 6.6%), 23 had IgA nephropathy, 20 a minimal change disease and 15 another type of glomerulonephritis. The biopsy was reported as normal or non-diagnostic in 15 patients (16%) – the majority was clinically considered as glomerulonephritis. The spectrum of the adult population was quite similar across gender and age groups: 56% glomerulonephritis [= IgA nephropathy [19%] + FSGS [8%] + pauci-immune glomerulonephritis [7%] + other GN [22%] ), 10% tubulo-interstitial nephritis, 7% acute tubular necrosis [ATN], 7% diabetes mellitus, and 7% nephroangiosclerosis. Exceptions are pauci-immune glomerulonephritis as the most important renal disease in women aged 65 years and older, and lupus nephritis as the second most important glomerulonephritis in women aged 18-44 years. Only a small percentage of adult renal biopsies yielded no result (7%), clinically interpreted as glomerulonephritis in 50% of the cases. Conclusion The FCGG network has provided a more intense collaboration between renal pathologists and nephrologists mainly by standardizing the renal biopsy reading and reporting across all centers. More precise estimates of the prevalent renal diseases were provided for the first time; however, in order to get full information, renal diseases diagnosed by other techniques ( serology, genetic analysis ) should also be collected in the future. Efforts will be done to coordinate the clinical care of renal diseases, particularly the more rare renal diseases, and to offer access to new therapeutic molecules or new schemes, through this super-regional network.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the risk of malignancy index in preoperative diagnosis of ovarian masses

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 4202
Author(s):  
Royyuru Suchitra ◽  
Kaustubh Burde ◽  
Nilima G. ◽  
P. L. S. Sahithi
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy Index ◽  
Grass Root Level

Background: Ovarian cancer possesses a challenge to screening tests due to its anatomical location, poor natural history, lack of specific lesion, symptoms and signs and low prevalence. Authors shall be considering RMI 2 and RMI 4 (forms of RMI) and comparing them with histopathology report to derive the sensitivity, specificity and other parameters of these tests.Methods: A prospective   study was conducted from September 2016- September 2017 at Mazumdar Shaw Hospital, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore.73 patients met the inclusion criteria. RMI 2   and RMI4 were calculated for all the patients and these scores were compared to the final histopathology reports.Results: In present study of 73 patients RMI2 showed a sensitivity of 86.6%, specificity of 86.5 %, Positive predictive value of 81.25% and negative predictive value of 90.24 %. Whereas RMI4 showed a sensitivity of 86.6%, specificity of 86.5 %, Positive predictive value of 83.87 and negative predictive value of 90.48 %. These results are comparable to other studies conducted.  The risk of malignancy index 2 and 4 are also almost comparable with each other and so either can be used for determining the risk of malignancy in patients with adnexal masses. These results were derived in an Indian population across all age groups showing that authors can apply this low-cost method even in resource limited settings.Conclusions: Authors found that Risk of malignancy index is a simple and affordable method to determine the likelihood of a patient having adnexal mass to be malignant. This can thus help save the resources and make the services available at grass root level.

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