12 research outputs found
Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes
Background: We examined the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening
programmes in Europe.
Methods: Themes relevant for comparison of screening programmes were derived from
literature and used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing and public-health
screening. Tests used, professions involved, age and frequency of testing seem to influence
sensitivity, specificity and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists,
orthoptists, otolaryngologists and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU fullmember,
candidate and associate states. Answers were cross-checked.
Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a
nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35
countries, in 71% more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years
of age, but is usually before the age of five. At age three and four picture charts, including Lea
Hyvarinen are used most, in children over four Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing
screening test otoacoustic emission (OAE) is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory
brainstem response (ABR) in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing
programmes are staged; children are referred after one to four abnormal tests. Vision
screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists or nurses. Funding is
mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but
reporting was often not first-hand.
Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in
vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1-4) and funding
sources (8)
Use of the MMPI-2 to predict the employment continuation and performance ratings of recently hired police officers
Use of the MMPI-2 and the Inwald personality inventory to identify the personality characteristics of dropouts from a state police academy
FI: The Fecobiome Initiative
International audienceAnimal husbandry has been key to the sustainability of human societies for millennia. Livestock animals, such as cattle, convert plants to protein biomass due to a compartmentalized gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the complementary contributions of a diverse GIT microbiota, thereby providing humans with meat and dairy products. Research on cattle gut microbial symbionts has mainly focused on the rumen (which is the primary fermentation compartment) and there is a paucity of functional insight on the intestinal (distal end) microbiota, where most foodborne zoonotic bacteria reside. Here, we present the Fecobiome Initiative (or FI), an international effort that aims at facilitating collaboration on research projects related to the intestinal microbiota, disseminating research results, and increasing public availability of resources. By doing so, the FI can help mitigate foodborne and animal pathogens that threaten livestock and human health, reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in cattle and their proximate environment, and potentially improve the welfare and nutrition of animals. We invite all researchers interested in this type of research to join the FI through our website: www.fecobiome.co