Manipulation of Grass Growth Through Strategic Distribution of Nitrogen Fertilisation

The objective of this study was to evaluate possibilities and limits of manipulating the grass growth of pastures by different nitrogen (N) application strategies with the aim to better synchronise grass supply and feed demand. In Switzerland, the use of N is strongly restricted by legislation. An efficient and well allocated N fertilisation is therefore important

Weiterer Kariesrückgang bei Schweizer Rekruten von 1996 bis 2006

Rekruten der Rekrutenschule Thun (N = 606) wurden im Jahr 2006 mit einer standardisierten Methode zahnmedizinisch untersucht. Die Resultate wurden mit denjenigen aus früheren Erhebungen (1985 und 1996) verglichen. Der DM6FT-Wert betrug im Jahr 2006 im Durchschnitt 3,11; im Jahr 1996 lag er noch deutlich höher (4,95). Dies entspricht einem Kariesrückgang von 37%. Der beobachtete Kariesrückgang konnte nur zum Teil erklärt werden. Rekruten, die rauchten, zeigten einen erhöhten Kariesbefall. Rekruten aus der Deutschschweiz, die in Kindergarten und Primarschule von Schulzahnpflege- Instruktorinnen betreut worden waren, unterschieden sich im Kariesbefall nicht von den Rekruten aus der Romandie

Further caries decline in Swiss recruits from 1996 to 2006

Swiss army recruits (N = 606) from the army base at Thun were dentally examined with a standardized method in the year 2006. The results were compared with those of previous surveys (1985 and 1996). The mean DM6FT-value in the year 2006 was 3.11, whereas in 1996 it had been clearly higher (4.95). This corresponds to a caries decline of 37%. The observed caries decline can only partly be explained. Recruits, who were smokers, showed an increased caries experience. Recruits of the German-speaking part of Switzerland who had profited from oral health lessons by oral health instructors in Kindergarten and primary schools did not differ in caries experience from recruits of the French-speaking part of Switzerland

Suitability of Small and Large Size Dairy Cows in a Pasture-Based Production System

Pasture-based dairy production with greatly reduced supplemental feeding and block-calving in spring is increasingly applied in Switzerland. The prevalent cow type has been selected mainly for high individual production in a barn feeding system with balanced diet. This cow type has continuously increased in size over the last 30 years. The question arises whether this type is suitable for the new system, and particularly if cow size is a critical factor. Theoretically a large, heavy type of cow has a higher intake capacity, while the nutrient requirements for a small, light type are easier to satisfy

Quality of life in Maltese Adults with Congenital Heart Disease : a Second Look – An APPROACH-IS Substudy

Background A first quality of life (QOL) study among Maltese adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in 2016 found no significant differences when compared to the general population. The aims of the present study were to (1) compare QOL between Maltese and other European ACHD patients and (2) investigate medical predictors (i.e. number of surgical/non-surgical interventions, heart failure, arrhythmias, pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac hospitalisation during preceding year, follow-up frequency, other medical conditions, mood/anxiety/psychiatric disorders) of QOL in Maltese patients. Methods Data collected during \u201cAssessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease\u2013International Study\u201d (APPROACH-IS) was used. QOL was measured using linear analog scale (LAS) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). QOL in 109 Maltese and 1510 European participants was compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of medical factors on QOL in Maltese patients. Results There were no significant differences in QOL between the two cohorts [mean LAS Malta 80.51 (95% CI 77.96,83.07) vs. European 79.43 (95% CI 78.65,80.21) (p=0.776); mean SWLS Malta 26.00 (95% CI 24.94,27.06) vs. European 26.26 (95% CI 25.95,26.57) (p=0.288)] and no significant differences when cohorts were divided by gender and age. Only a mood/anxiety/other psychiatric disorder significantly predicted poorer QOL on both scales in Maltese patients (LAS ( f=-.389, p<0.001), SWLS ( f=-.352, p=0.001)). Conclusions Maltese ACHD patients have a good QOL comparable to that of European counterparts. Mood, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can negatively impact Maltese patients\u2019 QOL. Better access to clinical psychology services should be ensured

Patient-reported outcomes in the aging population of adults with congenital heart disease: results from APPROACH-IS.

The congenital heart disease (CHD) population now comprises an increasing number of older persons in their 6th decade of life and beyond. We cross-sectionally evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in persons with CHD aged 60 years or older, and contrasted these with PROs of younger patients aged 40-59 years and 18-39 years. Adjusted for demographic and medical characteristics, patients ≥60 years had a lower Physical Component Summary, higher Mental Component Summary, and lower anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety) scores than patients in the two younger categories. For satisfaction with life, older persons had a higher score than patients aged 40-59 years. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02150603

Rationale, design and methodology of APPROACH-IS II: International study of patient-reported outcomes and frailty phenotyping in adults with congenital heart disease.

In recent years, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have received increasing prominence in cardiovascular research and clinical care. An understanding of the variability and global experience of PROs in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), however, is still lacking. Moreover, information on epidemiological characteristics and the frailty phenotype of older adults with CHD is minimal. The APPROACH-IS II study was established to address these knowledge gaps. This paper presents the design and methodology of APPROACH-IS II. APPROACH-IS II is a cross-sectional global multicentric study that includes Part 1 (assessing PROs) and Part 2 (investigating the frailty phenotype of older adults). With 53 participating centers, located in 32 countries across six continents, the aim is to enroll 8000 patients with CHD. In Part 1, self-report surveys are used to collect data on PROs (e.g., quality of life, perceived health, depressive symptoms, autonomy support), and explanatory variables (e.g., social support, stigma, illness identity, empowerment). In Part 2, the cognitive functioning and frailty phenotype of older adults are measured using validated assessments. APPROACH-IS II will generate a rich dataset representing the international experience of individuals in adult CHD care. The results of this project will provide a global view of PROs and the frailty phenotype of adults with CHD and will thereby address important knowledge gaps. Undoubtedly, the project will contribute to the overarching aim of improving optimal living and care provision for adults with CHD

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease : an international study

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly being used to prevent sudden death in the growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, little is known about their impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare PROs in adults with CHD with and without ICDs.Methods: A propensity-based matching weight analysis was conducted to evaluate PROs in an international cross-sectional study of adults with CHD from 15 countries across 5 continents.Results: A total of 3188 patients were included: 107 with ICDs and 3081 weight-matched controls without ICDs. ICD recipients were an average age of 40.1 ± 12.4 years, and >95% had moderate or complex CHD. Defibrillators were implanted for primary and secondary prevention in 38.3% and 61.7%, respectively. Perceived health status, psychological distress, sense of coherence, and health behaviors did not differ significantly among patients with and without ICDs. However, ICD recipients had a more threatening view of their illness (relative % difference 8.56; P = .011). Those with secondary compared to primary prevention indications had a significantly lower quality-of-life score (Linear Analogue Scale 72.0 ± 23.1 vs 79.2 ± 13.0; P = .047). Marked geographic variations were observed. Overall sense of well-being, assessed by a summary score that combines various PROs, was significantly lower in ICD recipients (vs controls) from Switzerland, Argentina, Taiwan, and the United States.Conclusion:In an international cohort of adults with CHD, ICDs were associated with a more threatening illness perception, with a lower quality of life in those with secondary compared to primary prevention indications. However, marked geographic variability in PROs was observed.peer-reviewe

Patient-reported outcomes in the aging population of adults with congenital heart disease : results from APPROACH-IS

The congenital heart disease (CHD) population now comprises an increasing number of older persons in their 6th decade of life and beyond. We cross-sectionally evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in persons with CHD aged 60 years or older, and contrasted these with PROs of younger patients aged 40–59 years and 18–39 years. Adjusted for demographic and medical characteristics, patients ≥60 years had a lower Physical Component Summary, higher Mental Component Summary, and lower anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety) scores than patients in the two younger categories. For satisfaction with life, older persons had a higher score than patients aged 40–59 years.peer-reviewe