Legislative requirements for the identification and traceability of farm animals within the European Union

European Community (EC) legislation requires identification and registration of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine animals. For intra-Community trade, bovine animals must be accompanied by a passport and the required health certificate, and identified by a tag on each ear. The principles of active identification of bovine animals (by ear tags) and of ovine, caprine and porcine animals (by ear tags or tattoos) are harmonised within the EC. International passports are issued and recognised only for registered Equidae. The life-number was introduced as an instrument to allow uninterrupted identification of Equidae using passports. The principles of issuing and recording such numbers have been outlined by the affected industries, but require official approval. Active identification of Equidae using electronic devices is not regulated by EC legislation, but research in livestock is underway.     

Heat exposure control using non-refrigerated water in Brazilian steel factory workers

To test an economically reasonable method to reduce thermal stress, we performed an alternated intervention-control study on 2 groups of 8 male steel workers performing the same jobs, using 2 l of water at ambient temperature (23.5 degrees C +/- 1.4), poured on the head and hands. Each group participated for 2 d as control and 2 d as intervention during 4 consecutive summer days in Brazil, 5 h per shift per day. Testing was done by: 1) recording of temperature by thermistors placed on the external ear canal through earplug, skin (chest, upper arm, inner thigh, outer calf) and clothes; 2) recording of heart rate; and 3) Wet Bulb Globe Temperature recording. The intervention was held hourly, when body weight and water intake were evaluated. Symptoms and subjective sensations were evaluated in the beginning and at the end of each shift. No differences were observed in external ear canal and skin temperatures. Subjective thermal sensation (p = 0.018), sweat perception (p = 0.043), and tiredness (p = 0.028) presented positive statistically significant results when comparing intervention to control measurements. In conclusion, our results could not provide evidence that the proposed method cools the analyzed temperatures, although the subjective evaluation suggests a decrease in the head skin temperature, which could be a useful comfort measure.     

Hearing Surveillance Chart--a tool for tracking serial audiometry results and predicting future hearing impairment

High frequency hearing loss is related to noise-induced deafness. We decided to develop a method of recording serial audiogram results that would provide an accessible overview of trends for an individual. Health & Safety Executive (HSE) warning and referral levels for high frequency hearing losses were plotted against age. A third line was added to indicate a level of 'significant' handicap. This graph is inserted in each individual's hearing surveillance record. High frequency hearing loss results are plotted for each ear over time. Someone with known hearing loss but minimal deterioration will exceed the HSE warning level at every review, whereas someone with perfect hearing suffering a significant deterioration may not exceed the warning level initially. The latter should be of more concern to their current employer.     

Effectiveness of a head wash cooling protocol using non-refrigerated water in reducing heat stress

Envisioning a cooling method and aiming at maximum feasibility and simplicity, we designed an experimental intervention-control study based on non-refrigerated water usage, consisting of pouring 2 l of 23.0 degrees C water simultaneously on head and hands for one minute, after every 20 min of exertion. The subjects were 11 fit male individuals between 19 and 26 yr old. Each individual participated in one control and one intervention measurement in a climatic chamber at 35 degrees C and 60% humidity (31.5 degrees C WBGT) on different days. Heart rate, rectal, esophageal, skin and external ear canal temperatures were monitored constantly. Each experiment consisted of 10 min of basal recording followed by 3 intervals of 20 min of cycling and 15 min of rest. Stabilometry and visual reaction time tests were performed before and after each resting period. A questionnaire evaluating equilibrium, concentration, alertness and tiredness was administered at the beginning and at the end of every experiment. Paired t-test analysis revealed significant improvements in subjective parameters (all p<0.05), as well as skin (p<0.05), external ear canal (p<0.01) and esophageal (p<0.05) temperatures during the rest periods. Repeated measurement analysis of variance revealed significant cooling in all the aforementioned temperatures except the esophageal temperature (p=0.28). Other parameters were not significantly different. Our findings indicate that this method has subjective and physiologic positive effects, and thus can be used as a complementary low cost method to cool subjects safely.     

Nonlinear analysis of electrodermal activity signals for healthy subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

It is known that signals recorded from physiological systems represent nonlinear features. Several recent studies report that quantitative information about signal complexity is obtained by using nonlinear analysis algorithms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the causes of mortality worldwide with an increasing prevalence. This study aims to investigate nonlinear parameters such as largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) and correlation dimension of electrodermal activity signals recorded from healthy subjects and patients with COPD. Electrodermal activity signals recorded from 14 healthy subjects and 24 patients with COPD were analysed. Auditory and tactile stimuli were applied at different time intervals during the recording process. Signals were reconstructed in the phase space compatible with theory and LLE and correlation dimension values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by using Shapiro–Wilk normality test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-test and Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test. It was determined that the chaoticity and the complexity of the system increased in the presence of COPD. The systematic auditory stimuli increases chaoticity more than random auditory stimuli. Furthermore it was observed that participants develop habituation to the same auditory stimuli in time. There is no significant difference between COPD groups. Different results were found for the tactile stimuli applied to right or left ear. The results revealed that the nonlinear analysis of physiological data can be used for the development of new strategies for the diagnosis of chronic diseases.     

一种基于ARM系统的多频耳声导抗测试系统的研究

目的：研究多频探测音对某些单一低频耳导抗测试所不敏感病变的鉴别（如：传导链中断，耳硬化症等）。方法：在原有单一低频SY—IA声阻抗中耳功能分析仪的基础上，重点对多频探测音产生电路、恒压声控系统、微处理器控制系统及多频声导抗及相位角检测电路进行了研究与设计。结果：运用多频耳声导抗测试系统可以分别在不同频率探测音下对正常耳、鼓膜松弛耳和听骨链中断耳进行声导抗检测和相位角检测。结论：实验结果表明，基于ARM系统的多频耳声导抗测试系统可以为某些单一低频耳声导抗测试所不敏感病变的鉴别提供进一步的临床依据。     

IDEA: a large-scale project on electronic identification of livestock

The aim of the IDEA (Identification électronique des animaux) project is to collect information on the feasibility of the introduction into the European Union (EU) of an animal electronic identification system, as referred to in Directive 92/102 and Regulation 1760/2000. The project will run for a period of four years (1998-2001) and will include one million animals in six countries (France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain). The Joint Research Centre, as technical co-ordinator of the project, provides technical support in terms of testing and certification of electronic identification devices, establishment of the central database, transmission and recording of data and evaluation of results. Identification has been undertaken in cattle, sheep, goats and buffalo using three types of electronic tags (ruminal bolus, ear tag and injectable transponder). The performance of these tags is checked at defined intervals until recovery in the slaughterhouse. The evaluation of the results in terms of the performance of the device and the necessary organisational support structures will lead to recommendations for a system to trace animals from birth to slaughterhouse, including the appropriate technology to be applied in any generalised system for the livestock sector in the EU.     

儿童先天性外耳道闭锁合并其他畸形的CT分析

目的探讨高分辨率螺旋CT（HRCT）多平面重组对外耳道闭锁合并其他畸形的诊断价值,提高对复合耳科畸形的认识。方法回顾性分析经临床、手术证实的资料完整的先天性外耳道闭锁患者82例,共106耳,男61例,女21例,年龄2个月～14岁,平均2.4岁。其中,24例为双侧外耳道闭锁,39例为右侧外耳道闭锁,19例为左侧外耳道闭锁。多为传导性耳聋,如伴有内耳畸形则为感音性耳聋。结果外耳道闭锁多合并复杂的中耳畸形,发生率约72%（76/106）,内耳畸形发生率约8%（9/106）。其中,骨性外耳道闭锁（77耳）多合并中耳畸形,发生率约92%（71/77）,内耳畸形较少见,约10%（8/77）;膜性闭锁（29耳）中合并中耳及内耳的畸形均较少见,共约20%（6/29）。结论 HRCT扫描多平面重组能全程观察耳廓、外耳道及中耳、内耳的解剖结构,对诊断外耳道闭锁合并其他畸形的病变具有重要价值。     

Management of risk of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis due to systemic administration in general practice in Denmark

Abstract

We describe a case of ear candling presenting as hearing loss, and review the literature. Ear candling is considered as an alternate medical therapy for dewaxing the ears, discomfort in ears and sinuses, rhinitis, sinusitis, glue ear, colds, flu, migraines, poor or “muffled” hearing, high stress, and ringing in the ear. There is no evidence of its effectiveness, and it can actually cause damage to the ears.     

男性冠心病患者耳折与冠状动脉影像学特点的相关性研究

目的本文就男性冠心病患者耳折与冠状动脉影像学特点的相关性进行研究。方法选择某院2008年10月到2011年10月收治的因胸痛行冠脉造影的男性患者166例,年龄45~79岁,平均年龄56.32岁。根据造影结果分为冠心病组和非冠心病组。根据耳折程度,将患者分为两组,一组耳折组、一组非耳折组。目测法判断耳折程度。结果①冠心病组耳折积分高于非冠心病组(t=-5.51,P﹤0.01)。②耳折组的冠脉病变积分高于非耳折组(t=-4.78,P﹤0.01)。③直线回归分析,耳折与冠脉病变积分之间有直线关系,随耳折程度加重,病变积分增加。直线相关分析显示病变积分耳折积分呈正相关(r=0.37,P﹤0.01)。④多元分析:冠脉病变积分与年龄、耳折积分呈正相关(t=4.11,P﹤0.01;t=4.39,P﹤0.01)。⑤耳折与冠脉造影在诊断男性冠心病时有正向一致性(Kappa=0.51)。耳折判断男性冠心病的敏感性为83.33%,特异性78.26%,阳性似然比3.83,阴性似然比0.21。结论男性冠心病患者随耳折程度加重,冠脉病变程度加重;耳折对男性冠心病有一定的预测价值。     

Frequency of recording of diabetes on U.S. death certificates: analysis of the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey.

We used data from the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey to estimate the frequency of recording of diabetes on death certificates and to determine factors associated with recording of diabetes among decedents aged 25 years and older who died in the U.S. in 1986. Among 2766 decedents for whom a history of diabetes was provided by a personal informant, diabetes was recorded on an estimated 38.2% of death certificates and was listed as the underlying cause of death on an estimated 9.6%. The frequency of recording of diabetes was strongly related to age and duration of diabetes--among those aged 25-44 years who had had diabetes for 15 or more years, the frequency of recording was 71.9%. When other listed causes of death included conditions that may have been related to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes was recorded between 45 and 70% of the time, depending on the other causes. Diabetes is usually not recorded on death certificates, and the likelihood of recording is related to decedent characteristics, particularly age, duration of diabetes, and co-morbidity.     

Influence of routes and administration parameters on antibody response of pigs following DNA vaccination

Using the nucleoprotein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus as model antigen, we optimised parameters for gene gun vaccination of pigs, including firing pressure and vaccination site. As criteria for optimisation, we characterised particle penetration and local tissue damage by histology. For selected combinations, vaccination efficiency in terms of antibody response was studied. Gene gun vaccination on ear alone was as efficient as a multi-site (ear, thorax, inguinal area, tongue mucosa) gene gun approach, and more efficient than combined intramuscular (i.m.)/intradermal (i.d.) injection of plasmid DNA. This indicates, that the ear is an attractive site for gene gun vaccination of pigs.     

Putting the personal back into PPE: hearing protector effectiveness

The lessons learned from this field study of hearing protector attenuation can be distilled for the safety manager into two recommendations: 1) One-on-one training is the best predictor of whether workers will achieve a good fit with their ear plug. While the sheer volume of individual training may appear overwhelming in some facilities, the results were significant and measurable in terms of protecting hearing. 2) If a worker obtains a poor fit with a particular style of ear plug, trying a different pair of ear plugs typically achieves an acceptable attenuation. But even if the different ear plugs do not provide proper fit, the employer still has the option of fitting ear muffs to that worker. Field testing of hearing protectors bridges the gap between the laboratory estimates of attenuation and the real-world attenuation achieved by workers as they normally wear the protectors. But most importantly, it restores the personal back into Personal Protective Equipment. And when it comes to hearing protection, achieving good protection is all personal.     

动脉化静脉皮瓣成活机制的实验研究

目的 直视下观测动脉化静脉皮瓣的血液循环途径,探讨其成活机制。方法 选用15只中国大白兔30只耳朵,设计动脉化静脉皮瓣模型,应用微循环显微镜在不同时间观察皮瓣微循环的血液途径(1h、2h、4h、8h)。结果 皮瓣全部成活。皮瓣组织内毛细管管网是一个“立体”的网状结构;静脉皮瓣早期可见毛细血管床关闭,动脉血在微静脉间快速流动;随毛细血管逐渐开放,动脉血逆流进入微循环,完成循环重建。结论在引流静脉保持通畅的前提下,静脉皮瓣可借助静脉系统重建有效血液循环并保持成活。     

Variability in audiometric recording

Howell, R. W., and Hartley, B. P. R. (1972).Brit. J. industr. Med.,29, 432-435. Variability in audiometric recording. A study of initial and repeat audiograms by two operators on 143 young male new entrants to industry (free of previous occupational exposure) has shown that mean values (mean of both ears, readings at 3 and 4 kHz) differed significantly between operators, and that this difference was not attributable to transient medical conditions such as wax in the ears or temporary infection.

For nearly half the employees, the difference between the results obtained by the two operators amounted to 5 dB or more, with differences up to and including 21¼ dB. Of the two operators' lists of men in the lowest decile of hearing threshold levels, only half the names were common to both operators; there was clearly wide variation between the operators.

With such variability in audiometric recording, some of which may be attributable to variation in the patients' responses, it seems unlikely that small changes in recorded hearing levels will give confident early indication of deterioration in a susceptible ear.

It is suggested that further studies be carried out under industrial conditions to ascertain the advantages, if any, of two or more readings taken at one session (or within a short space of time) over single observations. Similar studies are needed using self-recording audiometry.

Consideration should be given to the basic training and potential of operators, to the need for monitoring their performance, and to periodic refresher training where appropriate.

     

Bacterial otitis media: a new non-invasive rat model

This study describes the development of a physiological rat model for otitis media. The model is based on the assumption that bacteria, intranasally introduced into the nasopharynx, will be transferred into the middle ear cavity during swallowing provided that the ambient air pressure is higher than the middle ear pressure. This model demonstrates that small pressure changes, generated in a pressure cabin under controlled conditions, can be used as driving force for the transfer of bacteria into the middle ear cavity resulting in bilateral otitis media. Because invasive techniques or biochemical agents are not applied, this model is suited to investigate immunological aspects of otitis media, including the effects of vaccination.     

New prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated inner ear disease

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) represents a very fertile research field and the advancements in the understanding of this disease have a direct application not only in patients affected with this condition but also in other inner ear disorders that share the same injury mechanism, damage to the inner ear hair cells. AIED also presents many challenges that have still to be overcome. Firstly, access to the inner ear is limited, as many interventions such as biopsies can result in great irreversible damage. Secondly, there are no completely specific markers for AIED. Lack of a definitive diagnosis can result in the treatment of patients not affected with the disease and, therefore, no response. Finally, some patients become refractory to glucocorticoids and new therapies are needed. This review offers an overview of the animal models that have contributed to the understanding of AIED pathophysiology, the value of currently available diagnostic tests, and therapeutic options, with a special focus on new therapies for non responders or patients refractory to glucocorticoids. Among these new options for therapy, biological agents have been tested recently, whereas gene and stem cell therapy may have a role in the future. The intratympanic route of administration avoids the systemic side effects associated with currently used drugs, and may become a more frequent approach in the future.     

中耳手术后耳内镜随访观察

目的 中耳手术后应用耳内镜进行随访观察,以了解其术腔转归及复发情况.方法 对447例(483耳)施行中耳手术的病例,术后定期耳内镜复查,了解其干耳情况、术腔病变情况以及是否有复发.施行中耳手术的483耳中,单纯鼓室成形术172耳,鼓室成形加改良乳突根治术211耳,完壁式乳突根治加鼓室成形术26耳,乳突根治术15耳,乳突术腔修理59耳.结果 耳内镜发现继发性鼓膜穿孔12耳,鼓膜穿孔愈合不良9耳,鼓膜或乳突肉芽36耳,胆脂瘤复发23耳,中耳积液11耳,外耳道口瘢痕狭窄5耳,术腔真菌感染16耳,人工听骨脱出2耳,乳突术腔皮瓣坏死3耳.开放式乳突根治术后干耳时间为(2.1±0.4)个月.结论 中耳手术后定期应用耳内镜进行随访观察,有利于清除残余病变,防止复发,促进早期干耳.     

与作息安排相结合的青少年3日体力活动记录工具效度研究

采用体力活动客观测量工具加速度计作为效标,研制适合中国青少年的三日体力活动记录工具,并进行信效度研究,为有效调查中国青少年体力活动提供参考.方法 抽取北京市某校初高中148名12~17岁青少年(男生70名,女生78名).记录工具与ActiGraph GT3X+加速度计一同发放,1周后统一回收加速度计和记录工具.再次发放记录工具填写进行信度检验.通过分析记录工具和加速度计体力活动水平的Spearman相关系数和Bland-Altman图来评价效度,通过组内相关系数评价信度.结果 记录工具结果同加速度计测量值之间的Spearman系数处于0.246~0.557之间(P<0.05).Bland-Altman的一致性分析显示中强度、高强度、中高强度体力活动结果的一致性分别为94.59%,95.27%,93.24%,具有较高的效度.2次测量的平均每天代谢当量总分的组内相关系数系数均大于0.7,表明该记录工具的信度较好.结论 3d体力活动记录工具具有较好的可靠性和有效性,可用于青少年的日常体力活动大样本调查.