Listeria monocytogenes in Milk Products

peer-reviewedMilk and milk products are frequently identified as vectors for transmission of Listeria monocytogenes. Milk can be contaminated at farm level either by indirect external contamination from the farm environment or less frequently by direct contamination of the milk from infection in the animal. Pasteurisation of milk will kill L. monocytogenes, but post-pasteurisation contamination, consumption of unpasteurised milk and manufacture of unpasteurised milk products can lead to milk being the cause of outbreaks of listeriosis. Therefore, there is a concern that L. monocytogenes in milk could lead to a public health risk. To protect against this risk, there is a need for awareness surrounding the issues, hygienic practices to reduce the risk and adequate sampling and analysis to verify that the risk is controlled. This review will highlight the issues surrounding L. monocytogenes in milk and milk products, including possible control measures. It will therefore create awareness about L. monocytogenes, contributing to protection of public health

B-31 The Experience of Shame in Individuals with Epilepsy

Abstract Objective This study explored the impact of shame on individuals with epilepsy and its relationship with seizure characteristics, other self-conscious emotions, quality of life, and multiple psychosocial factors. Method Fourteen participants diagnosed with epilepsy (57% female, mean age 42, mean epilepsy duration 16 years) were recruited from a private neurology practice and local epilepsy support groups. All were interviewed about their history of epilepsy. Measures included the Compass of Shame Scale, State Shame and Guilt Scale, and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy–10. Results of Pearson and Spearman’s rho correlations as well as mean comparison analyses are reported (p &lt; .05). Results Participants generally scored higher on measures of shame than standardization samples. Quality of life related negatively to overall seizures (r = -.71) and positively to pride (r = .56). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were positively related to state-shame (r = .61) and negatively related to pride (r = -.77). State-shame related positively to guilt (r = .57) and negatively to pride (r = -.76). Overall trait-shame related to personal traits of withdrawal (r = .64), attacking self (r = .78), and attacking others (r = .66). Participants with previous neurosurgical treatment for epilepsy endorsed fewer shame withdrawal traits (t[12] = -3.19) than nonsurgical patients. Participants currently working endorsed lower levels of state-shame (t[12] = -2.36) and higher quality of life (t[12] = 3.58) than unemployed participants. Conclusions Shame presented as a strong factor in individuals with epilepsy as it related to seizure type and frequency, history of neurosurgical intervention, and employment status. Findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive treatment of patients with epilepsy, including consideration of potential shame feelings, in order to achieve optimal overall quality of life. </jats:sec

Proposal of design and experimental research of dynamics of chaotic double pendulum

W artykule opisano istotę działania chaotycznego wahadła dwuczłonowego, przedstawiono jego model matematyczny oraz wyniki numeryczne otrzymane na podstawie tego modelu. Do celów badawczych wykonano stanowisko pozwalające na obserwację i rejestrację oscylacji chaotycznych. Stanowisko pozwala na badanie oscylacji chaotycznych dla szerokiego zakresu parametrów początkowych: kątów wychylenia obu ramion oraz zmiennego obciążenia masowego na końcach każdego z ramion. Metoda pomiaru polega na wykorzystaniu metod analizy obrazu, tj. identyfikacji kolorów markerów, umiejscowionych na końcach ramion wahadła, a następnie wyznaczenia trajektorii ruchu poszczególnych punktów pomiarowych. Przedstawiono sposób przeprowadzenia badań oraz przykładowe wyniki.The paper describes the operation principle of the chaotic double pendulum, the mathematical model and numerical results obtained based on this model were presented. For the research purposes the test rig was developed, which allows for the monitoring and registration of chaotic oscillations. The test rig allows for monitoring of chaotic oscillations in the wide range of initial parameters: angles of deviation of both pendulum arms and variable mass loading at the ends of each arm. The method of measurements is based on using of the methods of image processing, i.e. identification of colors of the markers placed at the ends of pendulum arms and then the determination of the motion trajectories of particular measurement points. The experimental process as well as exemplary results was described

B-49 Family Expectations regarding Functional Disability following Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Objective The present study explored self-concept and treatment motivation in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on what their family members recalled having been told by health care professionals to expect about functional changes following brain injury. Method Adult family members (76% female) of nineteen individuals with moderate/severe TBI (mean age 38; 4 yrs post) were asked about expected functional changes. Patients completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) and Motivation for Rehabilitation Treatment Questionnaire. Patients and families completed the Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory (NFI). Results of point biserial correlational analyses (p &lt; .05) are reported. Results NFI and TSCS:2 results placed within the average range. Patients expressed stronger interest in rehabilitation when their families had been told that they might not have survived or that they would not recover to their premorbid levels (r = .43-.47). When families had not been told to expect changes, patients were more self-critical and evidenced lower personal self-concept if not warned specifically about cognitive problems (r =.44 ). When families were told not to expect recovery, patients acknowledged lower family and personal self-concept (r = .53-.64) and poorer self-satisfaction (r = .66). Conclusions Key findings underscore detrimental impact on TBI patients when their families did not expect functional changes during recovery. Patients expressed greater interest in rehabilitation when their families had been told they would not recover to their premorbid baseline. Results suggest that health professionals should inform families about potential physical, cognitive, and emotional changes following moderate/severe TBI; negative residua of not doing so may persist in patients for years into recovery. </jats:sec