Evaluation of Filth Fly Species Composition and Abundance Using Two Monitoring Methods in Swine Confinement Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1812-1820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika T Machtinger ◽  
Edwin R Burgess
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Population Fluctuations ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Filth Flies ◽  
Control Threshold ◽  
Swine Confinement ◽  
Complementary Nature ◽  
Fly Control

Abstract Concentrated swine production can produce large amounts of accumulated waste that may serve as development sites for pest flies. Filth flies are not only a nuisance but can also interfere with animal growth and production and are capable of mechanically transmitting many pathogens to swine on confinement facilities. In addition to production and health concerns, high populations of filth flies developing on concentrated animal facilities may subject producers to nuisance litigation. While litigation against livestock producers associated with pest filth flies has become more frequent and high profile, information on the filth fly fauna in swine facilities in the United States is limited. In this study, filth fly species diversity and population fluctuations were monitored with spot and sticky cards in one sow facility and two finishing facilities in North Carolina. House flies Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) were the dominant species followed by black dump flies Hydrotea (Ophyra) aenescens Weidemann (Diptera: Muscidae). A difference was seen in total spots on cards placed in more central barn locations than towards the outer walls in the sow facility but not the finishing facilities. Mean spots at only one of the finishing facilities exceeded the conventional control threshold of 100 spots/week, in May and June. Fly numbers decreased naturally in the following months, suggesting that standard control thresholds may not accurately inform filth fly control efforts in swine production. Due to their complementary nature, both spot and sticky cards placed in representative locations throughout barns are recommended. However, more swine-specific information is needed for optimizing monitoring methods.

scholarly journals The Laboratory Diagnosis of HIV Infections

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Fearon
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Results

HIV diagnostic testing has come a long way since its inception in the early 1980s. Current enzyme immunoassays are sensitive enough to detect antibody as early as one to two weeks after infection. A variety of other assays are essential to confirm positive antibody screens (Western blot, polymerase chain reaction [PCR]), provide an adjunct to antibody testing (p24 antigen, PCR), or provide additional information for the clinician treating HIV-positive patients (qualitative and quantitative PCR, and genotyping). Most diagnostic laboratories have complex testing algorithms to ensure accuracy of results and optimal use of laboratory resources. The choice of assays is guided by the initial screening results and the clinical information provided by the physician; both are integral to the laboratory's ability to provide an accurate laboratory diagnosis. Laboratories should also provide specific information on specimen collection, storage and transport so that specimen integrity is not compromised, thereby preserving the accuracy of laboratory results. Point of Care tests have become increasingly popular in the United States and some places in Canada over the past several years. These tests provide rapid, on-site HIV results in a format that is relatively easy for clinic staff to perform. However, the performance of these tests requires adherence to good laboratory quality control practices, as well as the backup of a licensed diagnostic laboratory to provide confirmation and resolution of positive or indeterminate results. Laboratory quality assurance programs and the participation in HIV proficiency testing programs are essential to ensure that diagnostic laboratories provide accurate, timely and clinically relevant laboratory results.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Research Studies Examining Telehealth Privacy and Security Practices Used By Healthcare Providers

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie J.M. Watzlaf ◽  
Leming Zhou ◽  
Dilhari R. DeAlmeida ◽  
Linda M. Hartman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Computer Security ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Security Practices ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Encryption And Authentication

The objective of this systematic review was to systematically review papers in the United States that examine current practices in privacy and security when telehealth technologies are used by healthcare providers. A literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). PubMed, CINAHL and INSPEC from 2003 – 2016 were searched and returned 25,404 papers (after duplications were removed). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed to examine title, abstract, and full text for 21 published papers which reported on privacy and security practices used by healthcare providers using telehealth.  Data on confidentiality, integrity, privacy, informed consent, access control, availability, retention, encryption, and authentication were all searched and retrieved from the papers examined. Papers were selected by two independent reviewers, first per inclusion/exclusion criteria and, where there was disagreement, a third reviewer was consulted. The percentage of agreement and Cohen’s kappa was 99.04% and 0.7331 respectively. The papers reviewed ranged from 2004 to 2016 and included several types of telehealth specialties. Sixty-seven percent were policy type studies, and 14 percent were survey/interview studies. There were no randomized controlled trials. Based upon the results, we conclude that it is necessary to have more studies with specific information about the use of privacy and security practices when using telehealth technologies as well as studies that examine patient and provider preferences on how data is kept private and secure during and after telehealth sessions.Keywords: Computer security, Health personnel, Privacy, Systematic review, Telehealth 

Comparative Genomics of Three Novel Jumbo Bacteriophages Infecting Staphylococcus aureus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby M. Korn ◽  
Andrew E. Hillhouse ◽  
Lichang Sun ◽  
Jason J. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Comparative Genomics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Homing Endonucleases ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Vertical Inheritance ◽  
Production Environments ◽  
Genes Encoding

The majority of previously described Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages belong to three major groups: P68-like podophages, Twort-like or K-like myophages, and a more diverse group of temperate siphophages. Here we present three novel S. aureus “jumbo” phages: MarsHill, Madawaska, and Machias. These phages were isolated from swine production environments in the United States and represent a novel clade of S. aureus myophage. The average genome size for these phages is ∼269 kb with each genome encoding ∼263 predicted protein-coding genes. Phage genome organization and content is similar to known jumbo phages of Bacillus , including AR9 and vB_BpuM-BpSp. All three phages possess genes encoding complete virion and non-virion RNA polymerases, multiple homing endonucleases, and a retron-like reverse transcriptase. Like AR9, all of these phages are presumed to have uracil-substituted DNA which interferes with DNA sequencing. These phages are also able to transduce host plasmids, which is significant as these phages were found circulating in swine production environments and can also infect human S. aureus isolates. Importance of work: This study describes the comparative genomics of three novel S. aureus jumbo phages: MarsHill, Madawaska, and Machias. These three S. aureus myophages represent an emerging class of S. aureus phage. These genomes contain abundant introns which show a pattern consistent with repeated acquisition rather than vertical inheritance, suggesting intron acquisition and loss is an active process in the evolution of these phages. These phages have presumably hypermodified DNA which inhibits sequencing by several different common platforms. Therefore, these phages also represent potential genomic diversity that has been missed due to the limitations of standard sequencing techniques. In particular, such hypermodified genomes may be missed by metagenomic studies due to their resistance to standard sequencing techniques. Phage MarsHill was found to be able to transduce host DNA at levels comparable to that found for other transducing S. aureus phages, making them a potential vector for horizontal gene transfer in the environment.

Introduction to Counseling Psychology and to the Current Volume

2012 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Jairo N. Fuertes ◽  
Arnold R. Spokane ◽  
Elizabeth Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Counseling Psychology ◽  
American Psychological Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
History Of ◽  
Complementary Nature ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Web

Chapter 1 provides a formal definition of counseling psychology, citing various though similar definitions that are found on the Web sites of professional organizations, including the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of the American Psychological Association) and the American Board of Counseling Psychology (the certifying board for counseling psychologists in the United States and Canada). It also offers five unifying themes whose interplay and complementary nature distinguish counseling psychology from other psychological specialties, the uniqueness of counseling psychology, a brief history of the specialty, the culture of competence, and the founding of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

scholarly journals Identifying Barriers to Implementing Pain Management for Piglet Castration: A Focus Group of Swine Veterinarians

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooklyn Wagner ◽  
Kenneth Royal ◽  
Rachel Park ◽  
Monique Pairis-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Audio Recordings ◽  
On Farm ◽  
And Training

Surgical castration is a painful husbandry procedure performed on piglets in the United States (US) to improve meat quality. Veterinarians play a crucial role in developing pain management protocols. However, providing pain management for castration is not common practice in US swine production systems. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to identify factors influencing swine veterinarian decision-making in regard to pain management protocols for piglet castration using focus group methodologies. Swine veterinarians (n = 21) were recruited to participate in one of three focus groups. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by two independent coders who identified three areas of focus, including (1) the lack of approved products validated for efficacy, (2) economic limitations and challenges, and (3) deficient guidelines and training for veterinarians to develop protocols. Although participating veterinarians acknowledged the importance of pain management from an animal welfare standpoint, these barriers must be addressed to ensure that castration pain can be successfully mitigated on-farm.

scholarly journals Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Swine Production in the United States: Impact and Opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type

ABSTRACT The discovery of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in U.S. swine production is troubling and underscores a tumultuous period where the outlook on the battle against superbugs is bleak. However, all is not lost. This commentary highlights both the good and the bad that can come from such findings, including those of a recent study published by Mollenkopf et al. (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 61:e012198-16, 2017, https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/AAC.01298-16 ).

A survey of national trends in psychiatric patients found incompetent to stand trial: reasons for the reinstitutionalization of people with serious mental illness in the United States

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-251
Author(s):  
Katherine Warburton ◽  
Barbara E. McDermott ◽  
Anthony Gale ◽  
Stephen M. Stahl
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
National Level ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
Forensic Patients ◽  
State Hospitals ◽  
Incompetent To Stand Trial

Objective.Recent information indicates that the number of forensic patients in state hospitals has been increasing, largely driven by an increase in patients referred to state hospitals as incompetent to stand trial (IST). This survey was intended to broaden the understanding of IST population trends on a national level.Methods.The authors developed a 30-question survey to gather specific information on IST commitments in each state and the District of Columbia. The survey was administered to all 50 states and the District of Columbia via email. Specific individuals identified as primary administrators responsible for the care and evaluation of IST admissions in each state were contacted.Results.A total of 50 out of the 51 jurisdictions contacted completed the survey. Fully 82% of states indicated that referrals for competency evaluation were increasing. Additionally, 78% of respondents thought referrals for competency restoration were increasing. When asked to rank factors that led to an increase, the highest ranked response was inadequate general mental health services in the community. Inadequate crisis services were the second ranked reason. Inadequate number of inpatient psychiatric beds in the community was the third highest, with inadequate assertive community treatment services ranking fourth.Conclusions.Understanding the national trend and causes behind the recent surge in referrals for IST admissions will benefit states searching for ways to remedy this crisis. Our survey indicates most states are facing this issue, and that it is largely related to insufficient services in the community.

scholarly journals Perceived Utility of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination from a GME Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-57
Author(s):  
Miguel Paniagua ◽  
Jessica Salt ◽  
Kimberly Swygert ◽  
Michael A. Barone
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
The United States ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Representative Sampling ◽  
Medical Licensing ◽  
Communications Skills ◽  
Score Reports

There have been a number of important stakeholder opinions critical of the Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination (CS) in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) licensure sequence. The Resident Program Director (RPD) Awareness survey was convened to gauge perceptions of current and potential Step 2 CS use, attitudes towards the importance of residents' clinical skills, and awareness of a medical student petition against Step 2 CS. This was a cross-sectional survey which resulted in 205 responses from a representative sampling of RPDs across various specialties, regions and program sizes. RPDs view clinical skills as very important, and perceive a lack of readiness among entering residents in communications skills and professionalism competencies. Most RPDs use Step 2 CS to screen residency applicants. There is desire for more specific information from score reports in these areas. Few of the respondents were aware of a current medical student petition against Step 2 CS. RPDs rely on a nationally standardized assessment of clinical skills as a criterion considered in applicant selection. These findings are valuable as the USMLE program continues to evolve and pursue its validity research agenda for USMLE.

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