239 research outputs found
Asthma in Vermont Dairy Farmers
Introduction. Although 5.4% of the Vermont population participates in agriculture as an occupation, little data exists on the prevalence of asthma in Vermont dairy farmers, due to inadequate sample sizes. Previous studies have shown dairy farmers are at risk of respiratory illness due to unique exposures intrinsic to their occupation. We conducted a study to assess the prevalence of asthma in dairy farmers in Vermont, to understand rates among this population and potential occupational risks.Methods. We distributed a paper survey modeled after previously-validated surveys, such as the BRFSS, to farmers at Vermont Farmer Bureau meetings, farmers markets, and individual farmers through Cabot Creamery. Out of 309 distributed surveys, we received 176 completed surveys for a response rate of 57%.Results. Self-reported asthma rate in dairy farmers was 21% (22% in dairy only farmers), with 90% of these cases reported as confirmed by a doctor. Of non-dairy farmers, 11% self-reported experiencing asthma. Farming activities associated with exacerbation of asthma symptoms were milking, prepping or cleaning bedding, and haying. 31% of dairy-only farmers reported symptom exacerbations due to these occupational triggers.Conclusions. The prevalence of asthma in Vermont dairy farmers is one of the highest reported rates in any Vermont occupation. Our data suggest that certain occupational exposures may increase risk of asthma and warrant further study; certain farming practices were associated with exacerbation of respiratory symptoms in farmers diagnosed with asthma. These findings and further research can assist in development of health care and preventive health measures for farmers.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1238/thumbnail.jp
Wongi mi bardup (doing it our way)
The Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project investigated the cultural birthing practices of Aboriginal women living on country (Noongar Boodjar) in an urbanised environment; and their experiences of interactions with maternal health care providers (especially midwives). The evidence from the five year study identified changes required in health systems to adequately support Aboriginal women and their families during the significant cultural and life event of childbearing.
This paper sets out the methodological and theoretical considerations which framed how the Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project was conducted by the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal investigators. We provide a brief project background before describing the Indigenous research methodologies and practices crucial to exploring the research questions, collecting data in culturally secure ways and using cultural lenses to analyze and interpret the data. The study design and results are reported in other publications
Correction of non-linearity effects in detectors for electron spectroscopy
Using photoemission intensities and a detection system employed by many
groups in the electron spectroscopy community as an example, we have
quantitatively characterized and corrected detector non-linearity effects over
the full dynamic range of the system. Non-linearity effects are found to be
important whenever measuring relative peak intensities accurately is important,
even in the low-countrate regime. This includes, for example, performing
quantitative analyses for surface contaminants or sample bulk stoichiometries,
where the peak intensities involved can differ by one or two orders of
magnitude, and thus could occupy a significant portion of the detector dynamic
range. Two successful procedures for correcting non-linearity effects are
presented. The first one yields directly the detector efficiency by measuring a
flat-background reference intensity as a function of incident x-ray flux, while
the second one determines the detector response from a least-squares analysis
of broad-scan survey spectra at different incident x-ray fluxes. Although we
have used one spectrometer and detection system as an example, these
methodologies should be useful for many other cases.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figure
Recommended from our members
Evaluation of [11C]metergoline as a PET Radiotracer for 5HTR in Nonhuman Primates
Metergoline, a serotonin receptor antagonist, was labeled with carbon-11 in order to evaluate its pharmacokinetics and distribution in non-human primates using positron emission tomography. [11C]Metergoline had moderate brain uptake and exhibited heterogeneous specific binding, which was blocked by pretreatment with metergoline and altanserin throughout the cortex. Non-specific binding and insensitivity to changes in synaptic serotonin limit its potential as a PET radiotracer. However, the characterization of [11C]metergoline pharmacokinetics and binding in the brain and peripheral organs using PET improves our understanding of metergoline drug pharmacology.Chemistry and Chemical Biolog
Community priority setting for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder research in Australia
Introduction
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol
exposure (PAE). FASD research is a rapidly growing field that crosses multiple disciplines. To ensure
research is relevant and meaningful for people living with FASD, their families, and the broader public
there is a need to engage community members in setting priorities for research.
Objectives
Our primary objective was to formally identify the views of people living with FASD, their par-
ents/caregivers, service providers, and the general community on the research priorities for FASD
and alcohol use in pregnancy in Australia. Our secondary objective was to provide an overview of
current research in the highest priority areas identified.
Methods
The approach for this study involved two community surveys and a consensus workshop, followed by
a rapid literature review. Survey responses (n = 146) were collected and grouped using qualitative
thematic analysis. The themes identified were then ranked in a second survey (n = 45). The 22
highest ranked themes were considered in a workshop with 21 community members, and consensus
on the top ten priority areas was sought. The priority areas were grouped into conceptually similar
topics and rapid literature reviews were undertaken on each.
Results
A diverse range of priorities was identified within key areas of prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. On
request from participants, separate priority lists were developed by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
participants.
Conclusions
There is need for a national network of researchers to take forward the research commenced by the
Centre of Research Excellence, FASD Research Australia, in addressing community prioritie
Fermilab E791
Fermilab E791, a very high statistics charm particle experiment, recently
completed its data taking at Fermilab's Tagged Photon Laboratory. Over 20
billion events were recorded through a loose transverse energy trigger and
written to 8mm tape in the the 1991-92 fixed target run at Fermilab. This
unprecedented data sample containing charm is being analysed on many-thousand
MIP RISC computing farms set up at sites in the collaboration. A glimpse of the
data taking and analysis effort is presented. We also show some preliminary
results for common charm decay modes. Our present analysis indicates a very
rich yield of over 200K reconstructed charm decays.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, LaTe
Histological changes in intra-oral skin flaps
This review outlines the histological features of intra-oral skin flaps and their pathology as encountered in a routine head and neck diagnostic histopathology service. Problems in recognising and interpreting unfamiliar and complex appearances, and areas of diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty, are highlighted
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