Analysis of seawater microbiological quality data in Greece from 1997 to 2006: association of risk factors with bacterial indicators

This study deals with the examination of quality of seawater bathing areas in Greece over a 10-year period and identifies risk factors for high bacteria indicator organism concentrations. Qualitative descriptive analysis was applied and the microbiological test results of 231,205 water samples were associated with pollution markers and other parameters. Measurements of Escherichia coli (99.6%) and enterococci (100%) were found to be in accordance with the mandatory value guidelines set by the new European Directive. An increasing trend for the yearly mean value of faecal streptococci was noted. Using logistic regression analysis, phenolic smell (OR = 2.10, CI = 2.04–2.16), rainfall the day before sampling (OR = 1.67, CI = 1.64–1.74), high seas (OR = 1.42, CI = 1.39–1.46) and rainfall on the day of sampling (OR = 1.27, CI = 1.20–1.33) were positively independently associated with high levels of bacterial indicators (total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci and E. coli). The highest risk, absolute risk value 42.8% (RR = 3.17, CI = 2.97–3.38), was measured when previous day rainfall, phenolic smell and high seas were simultaneously recorded. Such parameters should be further investigated as predetermining factors for the assessment of beach bathing water quality, providing a timely indication of water risk assessment.

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Studi Residu Antibiotika dan Kualitas Mikrobiologi Telur Ayam Konsumsi yang Beredar di Kota Administrasi Jakarta Timur

Jurnal Ilmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan ◽

10.29244/jipthp.8.3.151-159 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 151-159

Author(s):

Anton ◽

E. Taufik ◽

Z. Wulandari

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Egg Production ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Traditional Markets ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Chicken Eggs

Chicken eggs are fairly high in nutritional content, especially in proteins. Usually, antibiotics are used indisease prevention and treatment program at the layer chicken farms. The use of antibiotics are still notaccording to the direction of use. Egg production is also susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore,the objective of this study was to analyze the presence of kanamycin residue, the microbiological quality,and to evaluate potential risk factors associated with the microbiological quality of chicken eggs in theadministration city of East Jakarta. The samples were 100 eggs taken from 21 traditional markets and4 supermarkets in the administration city of East Jakarta. Kanamycin residue tested using bioassaymethod based on SNI 7424: 2008 and the microbiological quality method used based on SNI 3926: 2008.Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis univariate Chi-Square test to determine the effect ofpotential risk factors on the quality of microbiological quality and logistic regression models to analyzethe effect of potential risk factors without looking at the interaction of other factors. The results showedthat kanamycin residues were detected in 26.19% of eggs from traditional markets and 31.25% eggsfrom supermarkets in the administration city of East Jakarta. The median value of TPC, coliform andE.coli were 0.7 log cfu/g, 1.5 MPN/g, and 1.5 MPN/g, respectively, whilst Salmonella sp test was negative.It can be concluded that kanamycin residues still found in the markets and the microbiological qualitywere below the maximum contamination limit based on SNI 3926:2008 and egg cleanness was a riskfactor for coliform contamination.

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Risk Factors in Diabetes and Pregnant Women with Urinary Tract Infections Compared to Younger Aged Female.

International Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.32441/ijms.v1i3.99 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 26-38

Author(s):

Abdulghani Mohamed Alsamarai ◽

Shler Ali Khorshed

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Urinary Tract Infection ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Female Student ◽

Mean Value ◽

Infected Female ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Urinary tract infection is common with health impact in women and characterised by failure to treatment and recurrent episodes. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for the development of urinary tract infection in diabetic and pregnant women in comparison to student female. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted during the period from 1st of June 2015 to the end of January 2016. The population included in the study are 563 women, of them 425 were outpatients, and 138 were inpatients. Their age range between 18 and 80 years, with a mean age of 33.59±15.29 years. Urine samples collected and cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar by spread plate technique. Bacterial colonies with different morphology were selected, purified and identified according to their biochemical characteristics using conventional standard methods. Results: In diabetic women, there were no significant difference in mean age and BMI values between culture positive and culture negative groups. However, pus cell mean scale was significantly higher [P=0.000] in women with urinary tract infection [1.76±1.25] than in those with negative culture [0.69±1.00]. In pregnant women, BMI mean value was significantly [P=0.013] lower in pregnant women with UTI [26.14] as compared to those without infection [26.99]. Pus cell scale mean value was significantly [P=0.000] higher in pregnant women with UTI [1.55] than women with negative UTI [0.85]. While there was no significant difference in mean age between UTI positive and negative pregnant women. In female student, there was a significant difference between UTI infected and non-infected in mean age [P=0.041] and pus cell scale [P=0.000]. However, BMI was not significantly different between infected and non-infected female student. Other risk factors association are variables in the 3 groups when analysed using X2, while AUC and OR show different trends of association between risk factors and UTI. Conclusion: BMI, pus cell scale, child number, delivery method, operation history and hospital setting were significantly associated with culture positivity in the 3 studied groups as determined by AUC. While OR confirmed association with pus sale scale in the 3 groups.

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The relationship between health effects in triathletes and microbiological quality of freshwater

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1995.0549 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 31 (5-6) ◽

pp. 19-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

G. J. Medema ◽

I. A. van Asperen ◽

J. M. Klokman-Houweling ◽

A. Nooitgedagt ◽

M. J. W. van de Laar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Geometric Mean ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Health Complaints ◽

E Coli ◽

Thermotolerant Coliforms ◽

Microbiological Water Quality ◽

The Relationship ◽

Faecal Streptococci

This pilot study was carried out to determine the relationship between microbiological water quality parameters and the occurrence of health complaints among triathletes. Data were collected at an Olympic distance triathlon (n=314) and a run-bike-run (n=81; controls for exposure to fresh water). At the time of the triathlon, the concentrations of Escherichia coli , thermotolerant coliforms, faecal streptococci, entero- and reoviruses, F-specific RNA phages, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were examined over the swimming course. Information on the occurrence of health complaints during the competition and in the week thereafter was collected through a written questionnaire. The results show that triathletes and run-bike-runners are comparable with respect to factors other than water exposure (age, sex, training history, physical stress, lower intestinal health complaints during the competition) that may influence the occurrence of health complaints in the week after the competition. Triathletes and run-bike-runners reported gastro-intestinal (7.7% vs 2.5%), respiratory (5.5% vs 3.7%), skin/mucosal (2.6% vs 1.2%), general (3.5% vs 1.2%) and total symptoms (14.8% vs 7.4%) in the week after the event. The health risks for triathletes for all symptom groups are not significantly higher than for run-bike-runners. The geometric mean concentration of faecal indicator bacteria is relatively low: E. coli 170/100 ml; faecal streptococci 13/100 ml, enteroviruses were present at concentrations of 0.1/l. The group of triathletes was homogeneusly and relatively intensely exposed to water; they all swam in the same body of water at the same time and 75% reported to have swallowed freshwater. It was concluded that this study design is suitable to study the relationship between health complaints and microbiological water quality. In the summers of 1993 and 1994, a study will be carried out concerning several run-bike-runs and triathlons in freshwaters of different quality.

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Analysis of Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in Lombardy to Identify Pig Holdings and Areas Most at Risk of Introduction in Order to Plan Preventive Measures

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens9121077 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1077

Author(s):

Silvia Bellini ◽

Alessandra Scaburri ◽

Marco Tironi ◽

Stefania Calò

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

At Risk ◽

European Union ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

African Swine Fever ◽

The European Union ◽

Z Score ◽

Pork Products ◽

Pig Farms

In 2019, the area of the European Union (EU) affected by African swine fever (ASF) expanded progressively in a southwestern direction from Baltic and eastern countries. The disease can severely affect and disrupt regional and international trade of pigs and pork products with serious socioeconomic damages to the pig industry. Lombardy is one of the most important European pig producers and the introduction of ASF into the pig population could adversely affect the entire sector. A study was carried out to identify the farms and territories in the region most at risk of ASF introduction to plan preventive measures. The pig holdings were identified through a descriptive analysis of pig movements and Social Network Analysis (SNA), while, for the identification of the most exposed municipalities, an assessment of risk factors was carried out using the ranking of summed scores attributed to the Z-score. From the analysis, it was found that 109 municipalities and 297 pig holdings of the region were potentially more at risk, and these holdings were selected for target surveillance. This information was provided to veterinary authority to target surveillance in pig farms, in order to early detect a possible incursion of ASF and prevent its spread.

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An absolute risk-guided approach to cardiovascular risk management within a chest pain clinic: the ARCPAC randomized trial

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2916 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J.A Black ◽

J Campbell ◽

J Sharman ◽

M Nelson ◽

S Parker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Chest Pain ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Absolute Risk ◽

Pain Clinic ◽

Risk Scores ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Management ◽

Risk Factor Management

Abstract Background The majority of patients attending chest pain clinics are found not to have a cardiac cause of their symptoms, but have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors that may be opportunistically addressed. Absolute risk calculators are recommended to guide risk factor management, although it is uncertain to what extent these calculations may assist with patient engagement in risk factor modification. Purpose We sought to determine the usefulness of a proactive, absolute risk-based approach, to guide opportunistic cardiovascular risk factor management within a chest pain clinic. Methods This was a prospective, open-label, blinded-endpoint study in 192 enhanced risk (estimated 5-year risk ≥8%, based on Australian Absolute Risk Calculator) patients presenting to a tertiary hospital chest pain clinic. Patients were randomized to best practice usual care, or intervention with development of a proactive cardiovascular risk management strategy framed around a discussion of the individual's absolute risk. Patients found to have a cardiac cause of symptoms were excluded as they constitute a secondary prevention population. Primary outcome was 5-year absolute cardiovascular risk score at minimum 12 months follow up. Secondary outcomes were individual modifiable risk factors (lipid profile, blood pressure, smoking status). Results 192 people entered the study; 100 in the intervention arm and 92 in usual care. There was no statistical difference between the two groups' baseline sociodemographic and clinical variables. The intervention group showed greater reduction in 5-year absolute risk scores (difference −2.77; p<0.001), and more favourable individual risk factors, although only smoking status and LDL cholesterol reached statistical significance (table). Conclusion An absolute risk-guided proactive risk factor management strategy employed opportunistically in a chest pain clinic significantly improves 5-year cardiovascular risk scores. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Tasmanian Community Fund

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An Exploratory Study of Operations Management Best Practices

Jurnal Teknologi ◽

10.11113/jt.v64.2283 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 64 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Mastora Mustafar ◽

Amran Rasli ◽

Azlin Shafinaz Mohamad Arshad ◽

Nadhirah Norhalim

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Operations Management ◽

Process Management ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

High Technology ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Mean Value ◽

T Test ◽

Test Analysis ◽

Exploratory Investigation

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an exploratory investigation on the level of operations management best practices. A sample random t-test analysis was used upon a high technology company that was selected based on simple random sampling from government agency directory. After various attempts, 72 out of 138 are providing feedback. However, only 34 can be used, the rest did not answer completely. Descriptive analysis and t-test analysis were performed on 34 completed feedbacks. Six factors in the form of quality commitment, customer focus, formalization of performance measurement, people management, process management and technology management were examined as predictors for operations management best practices. Findings indicated that the mean value is more than 3 for all dimensions. Furthermore, most cases are significant as the selected samples are high technology based companies and their workers are knowledgeable in terms of operations management best practices.

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Risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections in intensive care units: A multicenter case-control study

Medical Mycology ◽

10.1093/mmy/myy127 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 668-674 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ferhat Arslan ◽

Hulya Caskurlu ◽

Sema Sarı ◽

Hayriye Cankar Dal ◽

Sema Turan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Absolute Risk ◽

Subsequent Development ◽

Bloodstream Infections ◽

Case Control ◽

Prior Exposure ◽

Control Study

Abstract Candida bloodstream infections are associated with high mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Studies that explore the risk factors for candidemia may support better patient care in intensive care units. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter case-control study to investigate the risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) in adult ICUs. Participants selected controls randomly on a 1:1 basis among all noncase patients stayed during the same period in ICUs. Data on 139 cases and 140 controls were deemed eligible. Among the controls, 69 patients died. The stratified Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the subdistribution Hazard ratios. The subdistribution hazards and 95% confidence intervals for final covariates were as follows: prior exposure to antimycotic agents, 2.21 (1.56–3.14); prior exposure to N-acetylcysteine, 0.11 (0.03–0.34) and prior surgical intervention, 1.26 (0.76–2.11). Of the patients, those exposed to antimycotic drugs, 87.1% (54/62) had breakthrough candidemia. Serious renal, hepatic, or hematologic side effects were comparable between patients those exposed and not-exposed to systemic antimycotic drugs. Untargeted administration of antimycotic drugs did not improve survival among candidemic patients (not-exposed, 63.6% [49/77]; exposed % 66.1 [41/62]; P = .899). This study documented that exposure to an antifungal agent is associated with increased the risk of subsequent development of CBSIs among nonneutropenic adult patients admitted to the ICU. Only two centers regularly prescribed N-acetylcysteine. Due to the limited number of subjects, we interpreted the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the absolute risk of CBSIs with caution.

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The Incidence of Subsequent Meniscal Surgery Is Higher in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Knee Than in the Contralateral Knee

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517721685 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (14) ◽

pp. 3216-3222 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Brent R. Davis ◽

Jason Chen ◽

Maria C.S. Inacio ◽

Rebecca Love ◽

Heather A. Prentice ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Absolute Risk ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Free Survival ◽

Contralateral Knee ◽

Meniscal Surgery ◽

Anterior Cruciate ◽

Reconstructed Knee

Background: A goal of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is to provide a meniscal protective effect for the knee. Purpose: (1) To evaluate whether there was a different likelihood of subsequent meniscal surgery in the ACL-reconstructed knee or in the normal contralateral knee and (2) to compare the risk factors associated with subsequent meniscal surgery in the ACL-reconstructed knee and contralateral knee. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using an integrated health care system’s ACL reconstruction registry, patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction, with no meniscal injury at the time of index surgery and a normal contralateral knee, were evaluated. Subsequent meniscal tears associated with ACL graft revision were excluded. Subsequent meniscal surgery in either knee was the outcome of interest. Sex, age, and graft type were assessed as potential risk factors. Survival analysis was used to compare meniscal surgery–free survival rates and to assess risk factors of subsequent meniscal surgery. Results: Of 4087 patients, there were 32 (0.78%) patients who underwent subsequent meniscal surgery in the index knee and 9 (0.22%) in the contralateral knee. The meniscal surgery–free survival rate at 4 years was 99.08% (95% CI, 98.64%-99.37%) in the index knee and 99.65% (95% CI, 99.31%-99.82%) in the contralateral knee. There was a 3.73 (95% CI, 1.73-8.04; P < .001) higher risk of subsequent meniscal surgery in the index knee compared with the contralateral knee, or a 0.57% absolute risk difference. After adjustments, allografts (hazard ratio [HR], 5.06; 95% CI, 1.80-14.23; P = .002) and hamstring autografts (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.06-9.10; P = .038) were risk factors for subsequent meniscal surgery in the index knee compared with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts. Conclusion: After ACL reconstruction, the overall risk of subsequent meniscal surgery was low. However, the relative risk of subsequent meniscal surgery in the ACL-reconstructed knee was higher compared with the contralateral knee. Only graft type was found to be a risk factor for subsequent meniscal surgery in the ACL-reconstructed knee, with a higher risk for allografts and hamstring autografts compared with BPTB autografts.

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Oral contraceptive among risk factors for women with ischemic stroke

Revista Brasileira de Farmácia Hospitalar e Serviços de Saúde ◽

10.30968/rbfhss.2021.121.0548 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 548

Author(s):

Carla S. PALUDO ◽

Amanda SACHETTI ◽

Maiara S. PAIXÃO

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Oral Contraceptive ◽

Oral Contraceptives ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mean Value ◽

Northern Region ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of use of oral contraceptives and other risk factors among women with ischemic stroke seen at a hospital in the northern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional study. The population was characterized by patients admitted with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke during a period from March to August 2019 and the sample by female patients found in the population. The data were collected through an individual interview using a questionnaire developed by the researchers and tabulated for further analysis. All analyzes were performed using the statistical program Bioestat 5.0, considering p = 0.05. Results: In the characterization of the sample, an average age of 68.2 years was observed. The occurrence of gender was 52.4% for women. The mean hospital stay was 12.2 ± 8.91 days. Outcome of hospital discharge was 89.1%. The mean value of body mass index was 25 ± 4.89 kg / m², with an average of 27.4 kg / m² in patients who used oral contraceptives and 25.23 kg / m² in patients who did not use oral contraceptives. The sample had a 34.5%incidence of oral contraceptive use. The average age of those who used oral contraceptives was 62.4 years and of the patients who did not use it was 70.3 years. Conclusion: The study showed a high use of oral contraceptives in the sample, with percentage values very close to other factors evaluated, thus showing itself as a probable risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke.

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Risk Factors and Microbiological Control of Soils, Surfaces and Medical-technical Equipment at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava University Hospital Center, Benin

International Journal of Pathogen Research ◽

10.9734/ijpr/2019/v3i130086 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Akim Socohou ◽

Haziz Sina ◽

Cyriaque C. Degbey ◽

Helène Ahouandjinou ◽

Houssenatou Gounou-Kora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

University Hospital ◽

Technical Equipment ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Hospital Environments ◽

Microbiological Control ◽

Biochemical Analyses ◽

The One ◽

Staphylococcus Spp

Aims: The aim of our work was, on the one hand, to evaluate the risk factors for infectious contamination in hospital environments and, on the other hand, to carry out a microbiological control of surfaces at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava hospital in Benin. Methodology: The risk factors were evaluated using structured interviews based on the questionnaire. Fifty-five health care workers were surveyed and the questionnaire focused on: i) knowledge of care-associated infections and risk factors, ii) services most affected by care-associated infections and iii) origin of care-associated infections. For the microbial quality control of medical surfaces and materials, samples were collected by the dry swab method and the microbial isolation was carried out on Chapman and EMB agar plates. The biochemical analyses were carried out for the confirmations. Results: Out of 55 respondents, the 93% think that bacterial germs are often involved in care-associated infections. In addition, 80% of respondents believe that the healthcare environment may be the source of care-associated infections. Regarding the microbiological quality of the surfaces, out of 96 samples collected, 77% were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp and 30% with Enterobacteria. Concerning units’ contamination, the highest prevalence was observed in paediatrics with 92% of samples contaminated with Staphylococcus spp followed by the operating theatre (87%). Conclusion: It is clear from our work that hygiene managers must carry out preventive and corrective actions for the respect of the principles of hygiene. It would also be important to conduct regular microbiological monitoring of surfaces to identify any contamination.

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