Seasonal Variation in Rectal Temperature of Holstein Friesian Cattle in The Guinea Savanah Zone of Nigeria

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Standardized MET value underestimates the energy cost of treadmill running in men

AbstractThe main purpose of the present study was to compare the reference metabolic equivalent (MET) value and observed resting oxygen uptake (VO2) for defining cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and characterizing the energy cost of treadmill running. A heterogeneous cohort of 114 healthy men volunteered to participate. In Part 1 of the study, 114 men [mean±SD, age: 24±5 years; height: 177.1±7.9 cm; body mass: 75.0±10.0 kg] visited the laboratory twice for assessment of resting and maximal VO2 values to compare the reference MET value vs. observed resting VO2 and to investigate the association between resting VO2 and VO2max. In Part 2, 14 of the 114 men visited the laboratory once more to perform a 30-min bout of running at 8.0 km∙h−1/8.3 METs. The mean observed resting VO2 of 3.26 mL·kg−1·min−1 was lower than the reference MET value of 3.5 mL·kg−1·min−1 (P&lt;0.001). Resting and maximal VO2 values relative to total body mass and fat-free mass were positively correlated (R=0.71 and 0.60, respectively; P&lt;0.001). The maximal MET and energy cost of treadmill running were consequently underestimated when calculated using the reference MET value only for those with low VO2max (P=0.005 to P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the reference MET value considerably overestimated observed resting VO2 in men with low VO2max, resulting in underestimations of the maximal MET, exercise intensity prescription, and the energy cost of running.</jats:p

Application of multivariate logistic regression model to assess factors of importance influencing prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in Nigerian goat breeds

The aim of the study was to investigate the application of binary logistic regression to assess the potential factors associated with the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in indigenous goat breeds in Nasarawa State, north central Nigeria. 5,268 kidding records of does from a total of 105 traditional goat herders from the year 2010-2011 were utilized in the study. The goats which were of West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and WAD x RS crossbred (WR) genetic groups originated from different flocks and were reared under the traditional extensive system. The risk factors investigated were dam breed group, season, parity and number of fetuses. Of the 5,268 kidding records, 570 (10.8%) and 520 (9.87%) were cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that season, parity and number of fetuses were the parameters of utmost importance (P<0.05) influencing the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in the four genetic groups investigated. The logistic regression models were able to predict correctly 89.2 and 90.1% cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The present information may be exploited in management practices to attenuate the incidence of abortion and stillbirth parturition, thereby increasing the productivity of the animals

Towards an update of the Italian Ministerial Decree July 5th, 1975

In recent years, the Scientific Community and the Public Health world, in general, have devoted increasing interest to housing conditions, which are considered, to date, one of the main environmental and social determinants of the population's health. In particular, the Scientific Community has identified and studied various indoor well-being factors (e.g. lighting, temperature, ventilation, air quality, etc.). Some of these factors have been regulated by laws and regulations at various levels: the availability of clear and updated health requirements dictated by the regulations is fundamental to effectively protect public health, especially in confined environments. In the present work, we propose a revision of the Italian Ministerial Decree of July 5th, 1975 titled Modificazioni alle istruzioni ministeriali 20 giugno 1896 relativamente all'altezza minima ed ai requisiti igienico sanitari principali dei locali d'abitazione (Modifications to the ministerial instructions of June 20th, 1896 regarding the minimum height and the main hygienic-sanitary requirements of living spaces) in order to update the definition of the essential elements that qualify a space as habitable from the hygienic-sanitary point of view, taking into account the evidence gathered from the technical and scientific literature on the requirements and contents of the Building Codes of the major European countries

Monitoring COVID-19 Transmission Risks by Quantitative RealTime PCR Tracing of Droplets in Hospital and Living Environments

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) environmental contamination occurs through droplets and biological fluids released in the surroundings from patients or asymptomatic carriers. Surfaces and objects contaminated by saliva or nose secretions represent a risk for indirect transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assayed surfaces from hospital and living spaces to identify the presence of viral RNA and the spread of fomites in the environment. Anthropic contamination by droplets and biological fluids was monitored by detecting the microbiota signature using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) on selected species and massive sequencing on 16S amplicons. A total of 92 samples (flocked swabs) were collected from critical areas during the pandemic, including indoor (three hospitals and three public buildings) and outdoor surfaces exposed to anthropic contamination (handles and handrails, playgrounds). Traces of biological fluids were frequently detected in spaces open to the public and on objects that are touched with the hands (.80%). However, viral RNA was not detected in hospital wards or other indoor and outdoor surfaces either in the air system of a COVID hospital but only in the surroundings of an infected patient, in consistent association with droplet traces and fomites. Handled objects accumulated the highest level of multiple contaminations by saliva, nose secretions, and fecal traces, further supporting the priority role of handwashing in prevention. In conclusion, anthropic contamination by droplets and biological fluids is widespread in spaces open to the public and can be traced by qPCR. Monitoring fomites can support evaluation of indirect transmission risks for coronavirus or other flu-like viruses in the environment

Pro-environmental behaviors: Determinants and obstacles among italian university students

none31The awareness of citizens concerning the health risks caused by environmental pollution is growing, but studies on determinants of pro-environmental behaviors have rarely examined health-related aspects. In this study, we investigated these determinants using data from a large survey among Italian university students (15 Universities: 4778 filled questionnaires). Besides the health-related aspects, represented by environmental health risk perception and functional health literacy, we considered social and demographic characteristics (gender, area of residence, sources of information, trust in institutional and non-institutional subjects, and students’ capacity of positive actions, indicated as internal locus of control). The attitudes towards pro-environmental behaviors were positive for more than 70% of students and positively related with health risk perception, internal locus of control, and health literacy. The correspondence between the positive attitudes towards pro-environmental behaviors and the real adoption of such behaviors was approximately 20% for most behaviors, except for the separate collection of waste (60%). Such a discrepancy can be attributable to external obstacles (i.e., lack of time, costs, lack of support). The health-related aspects were linked to the pro-environmental attitudes, but to a lesser extent to pro-environmental behaviors, owing to the complexity of their determinants. However, they should be taken in account in planning education interventions.openCarducci A.; Fiore M.; Azara A.; Bonaccorsi G.; Bortoletto M.; Caggiano G.; Calamusa A.; De Donno A.; De Giglio O.; Dettori M.; Di Giovanni P.; Di Pietro A.; Facciola A.; Federigi I.; Grappasonni I.; Izzotti A.; Libralato G.; Lorini C.; Montagna M.T.; Nicolosi L.K.; Paladino G.; Palomba G.; Petrelli F.; Schiliro T.; Scuri S.; Serio F.; Tesauro M.; Verani M.; Vinceti M.; Violi F.; Ferrante M.Carducci, A.; Fiore, M.; Azara, A.; Bonaccorsi, G.; Bortoletto, M.; Caggiano, G.; Calamusa, A.; De Donno, A.; De Giglio, O.; Dettori, M.; Di Giovanni, P.; Di Pietro, A.; Facciola, A.; Federigi, I.; Grappasonni, I.; Izzotti, A.; Libralato, G.; Lorini, C.; Montagna, M. T.; Nicolosi, L. K.; Paladino, G.; Palomba, G.; Petrelli, F.; Schiliro, T.; Scuri, S.; Serio, F.; Tesauro, M.; Verani, M.; Vinceti, M.; Violi, F.; Ferrante, M

Trece tratamientos de la insuficiencia renal aguda secundaria a mieloma múltiple con filtros de high cut off

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological tumour that is characterised by uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells and a significant volume of serum free light chains (sFLCs), which can cause acute renal failure due to intratubular precipitation, resulting in cast nephropathy. Acute renal failure is a complication that can arise in more than 20% of patients with multiple myeloma, half of which will require dialysis. Methods We report our experience with 13 patients who were treated with dialysis using high cut off filters (HCO) between July 2011 and February 2015. A total of 6 consecutive 6-hour sessions were performed using a 2.1 m2 HCO filter (Theralite® by Gambro®). Afterwards, further 6-hour sessions were continued on alternate days. Results A total of 151 sessions were conducted, with an average of 11.6 sessions per patient (range 6-27). The treatment proved to be effective in removing both kappa and lambda sFLCs, resulting in a 93.7% fall in sFLCs by the end of treatment. The average reduction was 57.7% per dialysis session. 10 out of the 13 cases recovered sufficient renal function to become independent of dialysis. There were no major changes in albumin levels using an infusion protocol of 2 50-mL vials of 20% albumin at the end of the dialysis session. Conclusions Combination treatment with chemotherapy and long dialysis with HCO filters was effective in reducing the sFLC levels and recovering sufficient renal function in 77% of cases. With HCO filters, significant cost savings are achieved, contrary to what was previously believed

Hygiene inspections on passenger ships in Europe - an overview

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hygiene inspections on passenger ships are important for the prevention of communicable diseases. The European Union (EU) countries conduct hygiene inspections on passenger ships in order to ensure that appropriate measures have been taken to eliminate potential sources of contamination which could lead to the spread of communicable diseases. This study was implemented within the framework of the EU SHIPSAN project and it investigates the legislation applied and practices of hygiene inspections of passenger ships in the EU Member States (MS) and European Free Trade Association countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two questionnaires were composed and disseminated to 28 countries. A total of 92 questionnaires were completed by competent authorities responsible for hygiene inspections (n = 48) and the creation of legislation (n = 44); response rates were 96%, and 75.9%, respectively.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of the 48 responding authorities responsible for hygiene inspections, a routine programme was used by 19 (39.6%) of these to conduct inspections of ships on national voyages and by 26 (54.2%) for ships on international voyages. Standardised inspection forms are used by 59.1% of the authorities. A scoring inspection system is applied by five (11.6%) of the 43 responding authorities. Environmental sampling is conducted by 84.1% of the authorities (37 out of 44). The inspection results are collected and analysed by 54.5% (24 out of 44) of the authorities, while 9 authorities (20.5%) declared that they publish the results. Inspections are conducted during outbreak investigations by 75% and 70.8% of the authorities, on ships on national and international voyages, respectively. A total of 31 (64.6%) and 39 (81.3%) authorities conducted inspections during complaint investigations on ships on international and on national voyages, respectively. Port-to-port communication between the national port authorities was reported by 35.4% (17 out of 48) of the responding authorities and 20.8% (10 out of 48) of the port authorities of other countries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study revealed a diversity of approaches and practices in the conduct of inspections, differences in the qualifications/knowledge/experience of inspectors, the legislation applied during inspections, and the lack of communication and training among many EU countries. An integrated European inspection programme involving competent expert inspectors in each EU Member States and special training for ship hygiene delivered to crew members and inspectors would help to minimize the risk of communicable diseases. Common inspection tools at a European level for hygiene inspection practices and port-to-port communication are needed.</p

Historical analysis of the Brazilian cervical cancer screening program from 2006 to 2013: a time for reflection

BACKGROUND: The Cervical Cancer Database of the Brazilian National Health Service (SISCOLO) contains information regarding all cervical cytological tests and, if properly explored, can be used as a tool for monitoring and managing the cervical cancer screening program. The aim of this study was to perform a historical analysis of the cervical cancer screening program in Brazil from 2006 to 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data necessary to calculate quality indicators were obtained from the SISCOLO, a Brazilian health system tool. Joinpoint analysis was used to calculate the annual percentage change. RESULTS: We observed important trends showing decreased rates of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and an increased rate of rejected exams from 2009 to 2013. The index of positivity was maintained at levels below those indicated by international standards; very low frequencies of unsatisfactory cases were observed over the study period, which partially contradicts the low rate of positive cases. The number of positive cytological diagnoses was below that expected, considering that developed countries with low frequencies of cervical cancer detect more lesions annually. CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of indicators from 2006 to 2013 suggests that actions must be taken to improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer control in Brazil