scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Leptospira in Racehorses and Broodmares in New Zealand

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1952
Author(s):  
Charlotte F. Bolwell ◽  
Chris W. Rogers ◽  
Jackie Benschop ◽  
Julie M. Collins-Emerson ◽  
Brooke Adams ◽  
...  

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira in a cohort of horses and to evaluate potential risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity in horses in New Zealand. The convenience sample included 499 Thoroughbred racing and breeding horses from 25 commercial properties in North Island, New Zealand. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data on horses and property-level information on grazing and management practices, pest (rodent) management, access to natural waterways, other livestock on the property, and possible contact with wildlife. The microscopic agglutination test was used to test sera for serovars Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity to at least one serovar and for each serovar individually. A total of 124 (25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21–29%) horses had positive titres to any one of the five serovars. The seroprevalence of Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi was 5% (95% CI 3–7%), 9% (95% CI 7–12%), 6% (95% CI 4–8%), 6% (95% CI 4–8%), and 6% (95% CI 4–8%), respectively. Broodmares, compared to racehorses and alternately grazing horses with sheep, increased the odds of exposure to any one serovar, whilst grazing the same time as sheep and alternately grazing horses with cattle increased the odds of exposure to Ballum and Hardjo (bovis), respectively. Historical exposure to Leptospira in racing and breeding horses was identified, and risk factors were consistent with pasture-based exposure.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-233
Author(s):  
Evans Oduro ◽  
Abigail Kusi-Amponsah Diji ◽  
Grace Kusi ◽  
Albert Amagyei ◽  
Joana Kyei-Dompim ◽  
...  

Background: Children’s nurses’ knowledge of pain affects their pain management practices. Even though poor knowledge and attitudes have been reported in several studies, most were carried out in developed settings. However, little has been reported on the management of paediatric pain by nurses in resource-limited settings such as in sub-Saharan Africa.Purpose: This study sought to assess the knowledge and perceptions of children’s nurses regarding paediatric pain in a Ghanaian context.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 65 nurses at eight hospitals at various levels of healthcare in Ghana. Over three months, participants’ demographic data and responses on the Pediatric Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain (PNKAS) instrument were collected. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Participants’ average (SD) knowledge and attitudes regarding paeditric pain was 36.7% (6.9%) and ranged from 21.4% to 57.1%. Pediatric pain knowledge and attitudes (PPKA) of the nurses differed based on working years in the children’s unit and the hospital type they worked in (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the type of hospital facility was the only independent predictor of their PPKA (R2=0.181, p<0.001).Conclusion: Children nurses in this setting generally had insufficient knowledge and attitudes on paediatric pain. They should be motivated to undertake self-directed learning and regular continuing professional education to update their knowledge, attitude and skills on evidence-based pediatric pain assessment and management. 


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vili Nosa ◽  
Dudley Gentles ◽  
Marewa Glover ◽  
Robert Scragg ◽  
Judith McCool ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Pacific New Zealanders have a high prevalence of smoking, with many first smoking in their pre-adolescent years. AIM: To identify risk factors for tobacco smoking among Pacific pre-adolescent intermediate school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2208 Pacific students aged between 10 and 13 years from four South Auckland intermediate schools who were asked about their smoking behaviour between the years 2007 and 2009. RESULTS: The prevalence of Pacific ever-smokers (for 2007) in Year 7 was 15.0% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 12.0%–18.3%) and Year 8, 23.0% (95% CI 19.5%–26.7%). Multivariate modelling showed the risk factors for ever-smoking were Cook Island ethnic group (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.26–2.36, ref=Samoan), boys (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14–1.89), age (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.36–2.00), exposure to smoking in a car within the previous seven days (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.67–3.01), anyone smoking at home within the previous seven days (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.12–2.04) and receiving more than $NZ20 per week as pocket money/allowance (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.23–2.96). DISCUSSION: Parents control and therefore can modify identified risk factors for Pacific children’s smoking initiation: exposure to smoking at home or in the car and the amount of weekly pocket money the child receives. Primary health care professionals should advise Pacific parents to make their homes and cars smokefree and to monitor their children’s spending. This study also suggests a particular need for specific Cook Island smokefree promotion and cessation resources. KEYWORDS: Adolescent; child; ethnic group; New Zealand; Pacific; smoking


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juncai Ye ◽  
Qiao Li ◽  
Jing Nie

Abstract BackgroundWrist fractures, also known as distal radius fractures, are the most common fractures occurred in the upper limb. This study is conducted in the purpose of evaluating the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of wrist fractures in Americans that aged 50 and above.MethodsData of Americans aged 50 or above from the year 2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2018 in NHANES was extracted and analyzed. Based on orthopedist's diagnosis, we further conducted surveys to determine the condition of wrist fractures, and collected relevant epidemiological and demographic data. The prevalence of wrist fractures and other statistics were calculated to study population characteristics and analyze potential risk factors associated with wrist fractures.ResultsThe prevalence of wrist fractures among Americans whose age was 50 or above was 12%, with similar results between men and women patients (male 12.8 % vs female 11.4 %, P = 0.267). Male and female Americans’ first wrist fracture occurred at a mean age of 29.4. 17.8% of Americans aged 50 and above had experienced two fractures, while 1.7% of Americans even experienced four or more fractures. The top two causes of the first fracture were falling down from standing height (56%) and violent falls (34.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that osteoporosis (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.7-2.9), excessive drinking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.4), smoking (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.1), prednisolone administration (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1) and obesity (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.6-0.9) were independently associated with wrist fractures. Gender was not an independent risk factor associated with wrist fractures.ConclusionsThe prevalence of wrist fractures in Americans aged 50 and above was 12 %. The prevalence was similar between male and female patients. Falling from a standing height was the main cause of the first wrist fracture. Osteoporosis, excessive drinking, smoking and prednisolone administration were risk factors of wrist fractures, while obesity was negatively correlated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-375
Author(s):  
Anthonia A. Ikpeme*,Nchiewe E. Ani, Edoise M. Isiwele, Andrew E. Ekpenyong,Emmanuel E. Ekanem

Introduction: Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low and middle incomecountries. These cardiovascular deaths are caused by modifiable risk factors. Evidenceis emerging that some of these factors maybe even more prevalent in rural areas whichare generally underserved.Aim: The aim of this study was to record risk factors for cardiovascular disease inrural communities in south southern Nigeria and review some related literature.Methods: A cross sectional study during clinical outreach activities that took placein 2016 to 2018 in several rural and few urban communities in Cross River State,Nigeria. Participating individuals gave full consent and ethical clearance obtained.Socio-demographic data, Anthropometric data and Blood sugar measurements wereobtained. Data extracted was transferred into EXCEL thereafter analysis was doneusing SPSS version 21. p values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant.Tests of significance included Anova, chi square and student t- tests.Results: Total population investigated over the 3 year period was 504. (2016-33.1%),(2017 -37.9%), (2018 – 28%) with a Female: Male distribution of 1:1.Most participants tended to be overweight across the years 59.7%, 59.1%, 73.7%,2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. The prevalence of Hypertension was 10.71%. Nosignificant gender difference in the prevalence of Hypertension (6.94% males to 3.77%females, p=0.097). The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 10.67%. There was nosignificant gender prevalence (6.67% males to 4.00% females, p =0.431)Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease remains relatively uncommon in Sub-SaharanAfrica, despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, but it’s incidence is rising.Steps should be taken in Sub-Saharan Africa to prevent an epidemic. This involvesdetailed and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities.Key words: RISK FACTORS, Cardio vascular disease, South South Nigeria.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2032
Author(s):  
Anna L. Palmer ◽  
Chris W. Rogers ◽  
Kevin J. Stafford ◽  
Arnon Gal ◽  
Darryl J. Cochrane ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of racing greyhound trainers in New Zealand in order to provide an overview of their training practices. A survey regarding training practices was posted to all registered greyhound training license holders in New Zealand in August 2019. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 48 trainers (35.6%; n = 48/137) who completed the survey. Other than the differences in the number of greyhounds in race training, the training programmes described by public trainers and owner trainers were similar. Trainers reported that the primary reason for registering young dogs for racing and for qualifying for racing was the ability to meet time milestones. Young dogs had a median of six (interquartile range (IQR): 4–10) trials before they commenced their racing career. Trainers described training practices that aimed to prepare greyhounds for race-day. Regardless of whether the dogs raced once or twice a week, most training programmes demonstrated high specificity where training involved two periods of load cycles through high-intensity workload. Trainers racing their greyhounds once a week simulated the workload of trainers racing their greyhounds twice a week by introducing one high-intensity (speed) workout during the week. Training programmes were structured to condition the dogs to the physiological and metabolic requirements of sprint racing. This study highlights the importance of the need for an improved understanding of training and competition load in order to enable future research in the field of racing greyhounds.


2011 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Fletcher ◽  
Nitin Pagedar ◽  
Richard J. H. Smith

Objective. This study sought to determine which demographic and practice characteristics were predictive of professional burnout in otolaryngologists. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. Tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods. Postal mailings, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), were sent to alumni of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics otolaryngology program. Participants completed the MBI according to the enclosed instructions. In addition, they answered a brief questionnaire comprising 8 items designed to collect demographic information. The MBI was then scored and subjects were classified according to their degree of burnout. Statistical analysis was then performed, and correlations were used to summarize associations between continuous variables. Results. This study had a response rate of 49% to the survey. Of the respondents, 3.5% met criteria for burnout syndrome, and 16% were classified as having high levels of burnout according to the MBI. Young age, number of hours worked per week, and length of time in practice were found to be statistically significant predictors of burnout. In addition, the length of time married and the presence of children in the home were also significant predictors of burnout. Conclusion. The authors report an investigation of burnout in practicing otolaryngologists using a validated instrument with correlation to potentially modifiable risk factors. The experience of burnout was found to correlate significantly with both personal and professional factors, each of which can potentially be addressed to curb the incidence of burnout. Further understanding of the potential risk factors for burnout is necessary to minimize and prevent burnout among practicing otolaryngologists.


2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa N. Jackson ◽  
Jake P. Morgan ◽  
Diane L. Jackson ◽  
Taylor R. Cook ◽  
Kevin McLean ◽  
...  

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among trauma surgeons is three times that of the general population, and physician burnout (PBO) among surgeons is rising. Given that PTSD and PBO are both stress-based syndromes, we aim to identify the prevalence and risk factors for PTSD among trauma and nontrauma surgeons, and determine if a relationship exists. A cross-sectional survey of surgeons was conducted between September 2016 and May 2017. Respondents were screened for PTSD and PBO. Traumatic stressors were identified, and 20 potential risk factors were assessed. The respondents (n = 1026) were grouped into trauma (n = 350) and nontrauma (n = 676). Between the cohorts, there was no significant difference in prevalence of screening positive for PTSD (17% vs 15%) or PBO (30% vs 25%). A relationship was found between PTSD and PBO (P < 0.001). The most common traumatic stressor was overwhelming work responsibilities. Potential risk factors for PTSD differed, but overlapping risk factors included hospital culture, hospital support, and salary (P < 0.05). Our findings of an association between PTSD and PBO is concerning. Interventions to reduce rates of PTSD should target changing the existing culture of surgery, improving hospital support, and ensuring equitable pay.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yee-Lam E. Chan ◽  
Chih-Ming Cheng ◽  
Mao-Hsuan Huang ◽  
Huey-Jane Lee ◽  
Li-Yu Tang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: To investigate potential risk factors for mild behavioral impairment (MBI) among non-demented geriatrics. Design: Population-based, cross-sectional survey. Setting: Taiwan Alzheimer Disease Association (TADA) Database. Participants: Participants were selected by multistage random sampling of all Taiwan counties. They received in-person interviews between December 2011 and March 2013. Measurements: Demographic data, lifestyle and habits, medical comorbidities, cognitive status measured by the Taiwanese Mini-Mental Status Examination (TMSE) and presence of MCI of the participants were collected. Subjects were distributed to the MBI and non-MBI groups. These factors had been evaluated for their effects on MBI in the univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: In total, 6,196 non-demented participants aged 65 years or older, including 409 MBI and 5,787 non-MBI participants, were recruited. After adjustment for age, sex, education, body mass index, lifestyle and habits, medical comorbidities, and MCI, good sleep was associated with lower risk of MBI (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.07 – 0.12). Low body weight (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.21–3.33), low-to-medium education (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.06–1.85; OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.67–3.21), medical comorbidities of hypertension (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.25–1.95), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.67), cancer (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.37–3.06) were significantly associated with increased MBI risk. MCI neither increased nor decreased risk of MBI (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.76–1.32). Conclusions: Good sleep was associated with lower MBI risk. Underweight, lower education, medical comorbidities of cancer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia were predictive of MBI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdela Edao ◽  
Abdurahman Meribo

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality in smallholder dairy farms and associated potential risk factors in Shashemene. A total of 187 calves from 46 farms were included in the present study. The overall crude morbidity and crude mortality rates were 27.8% and 6.4%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was diarrhea with incidence rate of 28(15%) followed by pneumonia 8(4.3%), Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder 8(4.3%) and septicemia 5(2.7%). In addition skin lesion, navel ill and unidentified cases were encountered. The main causes of death were diarrhea 6(3.2%), Septicemia 2(1.1%), GIT disorder 2(1.1%), pneumonia 1(0.5%) and others 1(0.5%). The most important risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality were housing hygiene, floor condition and calf size in farm. Out of 187 calves examined for GIT parasites; 63(33.3%) were positive for nematode eggs. Prevalence of helminthes parasite increased with increasing age, showing higher prevalence (P<0.05) in calves above 2 months than in calves below 2 months of age. Besides, majority of the calves, 48(25.7%) were found positive for coccidian oocyst. In general; diarrhea, pneumonia and septicemia were the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality. Interms of risk factors housing hygiene, floor condition, calf size in the farms, age and breed were identified major role players. Therefore, identifying major causes and improving management practices and breed should be given to emphasis by advisory of smallholder dairy farms.


2021 ◽  
pp. 204-215
Author(s):  
Seyed Hamed Mousavi ◽  
Juha M. Hijmans ◽  
Hooman Minoonejad ◽  
Reza Rajabi ◽  
Johannes Zwerver

Knowledge about prevalence and etiology of running-related injuries (RRIs) is important to design effective RRI prevention programs. Mental aspects and sleep quality seem to be important potential risk factors, yet their association with RRIs needs to be elucidated. The aims of this study are to investigate the epidemiology of RRIs in recreational runners and the association of mental aspects, sleep, and other potential factors with RRIs. An internet-based questionnaire was sent to recreational runners recruited through social media, asking for personal and training characteristics, mental aspects (obsessive passion, motivation to exercise), sleep quality, perceived health, quality of life, foot arch type, and RRIs over the past six months. Data were analyzed descriptively and using logistic regression. Self-reported data from 804 questionnaires were analyzed. Twenty-five potential risk factors for RRIs were investigated. 54% of runners reported at least one RRI. The knee was the most-affected location (45%), followed by the lower leg (19%). Patellofemoral pain syndrome was the most-reported injury (20%), followed by medial tibial stress syndrome (17%). Obsessive passionate attitude (odds ratio (OR):1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.18-1.54), motivation to exercise (OR:1.09; CI:1.03-1.15), and sleep quality (OR:1.23; CI:1.15-1.31) were associated with RRIs, as were perceived health (OR:0.96; CI:0.94-0.97), running over 20 km/week (OR:1.58; CI:1.04-2.42), overweight (OR:2.17; CI:1.41-3.34), pes planus (OR:1.80; CI:1.12-2.88), hard-surface running (OR:1.37; CI:1.17-1.59), running company (OR:1.65; CI:1.16-2.35), and following a training program (OR:1.51; CI:1.09-2.10). These factors together explained 30% of the variance in RRIs. A separate regression analysis showed that mental aspects and sleep quality explain 15% of the variance in RRIs. The association of mental aspects and sleep quality with RRIs adds new insights into the multifactorial etiology of RRIs. We therefore recommend that besides common risk factors for RRI, mental aspects and sleep be incorporated into the advice on prevention and management of RRIs.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document