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Objectives: The present study describes the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients and the factors that shaped their experiences of ED visits in regional settings. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive study. We conducted semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients who used the ED services at three hospitals in New South Wales, Northern Territory and South Australia. We coded the collected data and analysed them using a thematic analysis technique. Results: A total of 33 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients participated. Analyses of their experiences revealed four themes, which included: (i) patients' waiting times in ED; (ii) cultural determinants of health; (iii) treatment services; and (iv) safety, security and privacy. Conclusions: A holistic approach and a robust hospital commitment to address cultural needs while considering overall health, social and emotional wellbeing, will enhance Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients' satisfaction for ED visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of xylanase and phytase individually or in combination on the intestinal morphology and blood metabolites of broiler chickens fed a stored wheat-based diet. For this purpose, a total of 640, day-old broiler chicks were used with 8 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Wheat was used as a major energy ingredient, therefore, was designated as a 100% replacement of corn with wheat in the experimental treatments which was 57.52 kg/100 kg feed. Eight isocaloric and isonitrogenous basal diets were prepared based on 1.5-year and 2.5-year-old stored wheat and diets were supplemented with or without exogenous enzymes. Exogenous enzymes supplemented diets were either supplemented with phytase 500FTU or xylanase 500XU alone or in combination. At the end of the trial, the blood metabolites were measured as well as intestinal morphology was evaluated through routine histological examinations. The results showed that combined supplementation of xylanase and phytase in diets T4 and T8 significantly lowered the blood cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05) as compared to treatments without enzymes or supplemented with xylanase or phytase alone. Low blood glucose was observed in the T1 diet (P<0.05). Better villus height was observed in birds fed with T4 and T8 diets (P<0.05). A decrease in villus height and villus surface area was observed in birds-fed diets without the supplementation of xylanase and phytase enzymes (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of xylanase and phytase in combination in wheat -based diets in broilers improves intestinal morphology and blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the psychosocial well-being of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] population like other communities internationally. Objectives: We aimed to identify the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping amongst community members across the UAE. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey across the UAE during November 2020. Adults aged ≥18 years, living in the UAE who were able to respond to an online questionnaire in English or Arabic were considered eligible to participate in the study. We used standard validated tools to measure psychological distress, fear and coping. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10] was used to assess psychological distress, Fear of COVID-19 Scale [FCV-19S] was used to assess the level of fear, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale [BRCS] was used to assess the coping strategies. Results: A total of 417 individuals participated in this study with a mean age of 29 [± 10.7] years. More than half of the participants experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress [55%] and a quarter experienced high levels of fear of COVID-19 [23.3%] with almost a third of them [36.2%] having low resilient coping. About 37.4% of the participants had work-related mental health impacts and 32.4% were perceived to have moderate to a great deal of distress due to a change of employment status during the pandemic. One in ten participants [9.4%] reported increased smoking. Increased smoking [AOR 8.66, 95% CIs 1.08–69.1,], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 2.39, 95% CIs 1.05–5.47] and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 2.93, 95% CIs 1.83–4.67] were associated with moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Being female [AOR 1.82, p = 0.030], having a pre-existing mental health condition [AOR 9.88, 95% p = 0.027], engaging in high-risk behaviors such as increased smoking [AOR 21.14, p = 0.003], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 1.48, p = 0.359] in the previous four weeks, and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 4.18, p <0.001] were associated with moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Also, being a smoker [AOR, 0.840, p = 0.011], and having a high level of fear [AOR 0.372, p = 0.001] were found to be associated with low resilient coping. Conclusion: Community members in the UAE are at a higher risk of psychosocial distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, healthcare providers and policymakers would need to be more alert to provide specific mental health support strategies for their wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to explore the effect of isoleucine to lysine ratio on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler birds. Day-old broiler chicks (n=288; Ross 308®) were assigned randomly to six treatments with four replicates per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. Experimental treatments were as negative control group with low isoleucine to lysine ratio (Ile:Lys) than Ross 308®’s recommendation i.e. 60% (0.77:1.28, 0.70:1.15 and 0.64:1.05) positive control group that had Ross 308® recommended Ile:Lys i.e., 67% (0.86:1.28, 0.78:1.15 and 0.71:1.05) while the other four treatments also had I:L ratios of 74% (0.95:1.28, 0.86:1.15 and 0.78:1.05) in treatment 1 (T1), 80% (1.03:1.28, 0.93:1.15 and 0.84:1.05) in treatment 2 (T2), 87% (1.12:1.28, 1.01:1.15 and 0.92:1.05) in treatment 3 (T3) and 94% (1.2:1.28, 1.09:1.15 and 0.99:1.05) in treatment 4 (T4) for starter, grower and finisher diets respectively. Results showed that feed intake was remained unaffected (P>0.05) by I:L in all phases of life. Higher weight gain was observed in T3 than other treatments. Better feed conversion ratio was found in T3. Carcass characteristics and meat proximate remained unaffected (P>0.05) across the experimental treatments except ether extract that was comparatively higher (P<0.05) in T3. Based on the findings of the current study, it is concluded that isoleucine to lysine ratio as 87 % should always be considered when formulating practical broiler diets in terms of growth performance especially during the finishing phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally.Objectives: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed.Results: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]).Conclusions: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study tools examining psychological distress, fear of COVID‐19 and coping amongst migrants and non‐migrants in Australia are very limited. The aim of this research was to assess the psychometric properties and correlation of the English version of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K‐10), Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCSV‐19S), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) tools during the COVID‐19 pandemic situation in Australia. Data from a cross‐sectional survey (n = 516) were utilized to examine reliability; 299 (57.9%) were migrants. High internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach's alpha, was found for the K‐10 (0.92), FCV‐19S (0.87) and BRCS (0.66) tools. The corresponding values for migrants and non‐migrants were (0.92, 0.87, 0.67) and (0.92, 0.86, 0.63), respectively. Item‐total correlations ranged 0.57‐0.78 for K‐10, 0.62–0.69 for FCV‐19S, and 0.39–0.50 for BRCS tools. EFA retained a single factor for each tool with adequate factor loadings. The scoring of K‐10 was significantly predicted by the scoring of FCV‐19S (r = 0.284, P < 0.001) and BRCS tool (r = 0.132, P < 0.01). Therefore, these tools can be used reliably amongst both migrant and non‐migrant population in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High maternal mortality is still a significant public health challenge in many countries of the South-Asian region. The majority of maternal deaths occur due to pregnancy and delivery-related complications, which can mostly be prevented by safe facility delivery. Due to the paucity of existing evidence, our study aimed to examine the factors associated with place of delivery, including women's preferences for such in three selected South-Asian countries. Methods: We extracted data from the most recent demographic and health surveys (DHS) conducted in Bangladesh (2014), Nepal (2016), and Pakistan (2017–18) and analyzed to identify the association between the outcome variable and socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 16,429 women from Bangladesh (4278; mean age 24.57 years), Nepal (3962; mean age 26.35 years), and Pakistan (8189; mean age 29.57 years) were included in this study. Following descriptive analyses, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Overall, the prevalence of facility-based delivery was 40%, 62%, and 69% in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, respectively. Inequity in utilizing facility-based delivery was observed for women in the highest wealth quintile. Participants from Urban areas, educated, middle and upper household economic status, and with high antenatal care (ANC) visits were significantly associated with facility-based delivery in all three countries. Interestingly, watching TV was also found as a strong determinant for facility-based delivery in Bangladesh (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI:1.09–1.56, P = 0.003), Nepal (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI:1.20–1.67, P<0.001) and Pakistan (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32, P = 0.013). Higher education of husband was a significant predictor for facility delivery in Bangladesh (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.27–2.35, P = 0.001) and Pakistan (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.99–1.43, P = 0.065); husband's occupation was also a significant factor in Bangladesh (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI:1.04–1.61, P = 0.020) and Nepal (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI:1.01–1.58, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the educational status of both women and their husbands, household economic situation, and the number of ANC visits influenced the place of delivery. There is an urgent need to promote facility delivery by building more birthing facilities, training and deployment of skilled birth attendants in rural and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring compulsory female education for all women, encouraging more ANC visits, and providing financial incentives for facility deliveries. There is a need to promote facility delivery by encouraging health facility visits through utilizing social networks and continuing mass media campaigns. Ensuring adequate Government funding for free maternal and newborn health care and local community involvement is crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and achieving sustainable development goals in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) supplementation on nutrient intake, nitrogen (N) utilisation, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation and growth performance of young Holstein bulls. Methods: Twenty-one young bulls weighing 277±11.2 kg were equally divided into three groups and were offered diets formulated with low CP (LCP; 10.21% CP and 4.22% rumen degradable protein [RDP]), medium CP (MCP; 12.35% CP and 5.17% RDP) and high CP (HCP; 14.24% CP and 6.03% RDP). Yellow corn silage was used as a unique forage source and was mixed with concentrate. This mixed feed was given ad libitum to the young bulls included in the study. Results: Results showed that CP intake, blood urea nitrogen, N intake, total N excretion and N balance increased linearly with an increase in dietary CP level (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in nutrient digestibility among the bulls receiving the different diets. Ruminal pH (p<0.05) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (p<0.01) were significantly higher in the bulls receiving the MCP and HCP diets than in those receiving the LCP diet. The bulls receiving the HCP diet showed significantly higher ruminal bacterial protein level, propionate, acetate and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations than bulls receiving the LCP diet (p<0.05). Moreover, dietary CP level exerted a significant positive effect on the final body weight, average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio of the bulls (p<0.05). Conclusion: High dietary CP level is optimal for achieving maximum growth and high profitability without exerting a negative effect on the physiology of growing Holstein bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Persistent smoking in patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) has a significant effect on morbidity and mortality. Although there has been considerable debate around gender differences in smoking cessation, conclusive evidence on how gender impacts rates of smoking cessation and/or relapse following CHD diagnosis is lacking.Aims and Methods: Our aim was to test the hypothesis that female smokers with CHD were more likely to persist in smoking or relapse post-diagnosis or hospitalization than male smokers. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases for studies published in the last 10 years. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random effects model.Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The aggregated sample size was 36 591, 20 617 (56%) were smokers of which 2564 (12%) were female. Meta-analyses of eight studies where smoking prevalence could be measured, showed that females were less likely to be smokers at baseline than males (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.70). Overall, one in two (47%) smokers persisted in smoking/relapsed following a diagnosis or hospitalization for CHD; but there was no gender difference in the rate of persistent smoking/relapse (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.95 to 1.21).Conclusions: Female smokers with CHD were relatively uncommon in the included study populations. However, the rate of persistent smoking/relapse was high in both female and male smokers following a diagnosis or hospitalization for CHD. Therefore similar, sustained smoking cessation efforts are warranted for both genders.Implications: There was no gender difference for persistent smoking/relapse following a diagnosis or hospitalization for CHD, but the rate was high in both female and male smokers. Therefore, similar, sustained smoking cessation efforts are warranted for both genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of post pubertal castration on blood hormone level, weight gain and body size of Wannan cattle. Twelve Wannan cattle of 12 month age were randomly selected and equally divided into two groups for castration treatment. Six cattle of body weight 126.22±4.51 kg, height 92.67±6.07 cm, length 94.00±5.00 cm and chest girth 117.67±3.21 cm were castrated surgically (SCG), while other six animals of body weight 128.33±14.05 kg, height 93.00±1.00 cm, length 94.00±4.00 cm and chest girth 118.33±5.77 cm were kept as non-treated control group (NCG). Overall, no significant difference in body weight and body size (height, length and girth) was observed within two groups (P > 0.05). However, reduction (P<0.05) in live weight was noted at the 18th month of the experiment. A non-significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in SCG and NCG on monthly body height, length, chest girth, average daily weight gain (ADWG), blood insulin, thyroid-3 and thyroid-4 concentration. Concentration of blood testosterone of the SCG was extremely low (P<0.01) compared to the NCG. During 1st month of castration, concentration of growth hormone decreased (P<0.01) in SCG compared to NCG. However, concentration of the growth hormone remained unaltered after a 13th month of age until the end of the experiment. The study revealed that post pubertal castration of the Wannan cattle had no negative effect on average daily weight gain, blood hormone level and indirectly physiology of different body organs. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: E-cigarettes are currently being debated regarding their possible role in smoking cessation and as they are becoming increasingly popular, the research to date requires investigation. Objectives: To investigate whether the use of e-cigarettes is associated with smoking cessation or reduction, and whether there is any difference in efficacy of e-cigarettes with and without nicotine on smoking cessation. Data Sources: A systematic review of articles with no limit on publication date was conducted by searching PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases. Methods: Published studies, those reported smoking abstinence or reduction in cigarette consumption after the use of e-cigarettes, were included. Studies were systematically reviewed, and meta-analyses were conducted using Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect and random-effects models. Degree of heterogeneity among studies and quality of the selected studies were evaluated. Results: Six studies were included involving 7,551 participants. Meta-analyses included 1,242 participants who had complete data on smoking cessation. Nicotine filled e-cigarettes were more effective for cessation than those without nicotine (pooled Risk Ratio 2.29, 95%CI 1.05-4.97). Amongst 1,242 smokers, 224 (18%) reported smoking cessation after using nicotine-enriched e-cigarettes for a minimum period of six months. Use of such e-cigarettes was positively associated with smoking cessation with a pooled Effect Size of 0.20 (95%CI 0.11-0.28). Use of e-cigarettes was also associated with a reduction in the number of cigarettes used. Limitations: Included studies were heterogeneous, due to different study designs and gender variation. Whilst we were able to comment on the efficacy of nicotine vs. non-nicotine e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, we were unable to comment on the efficacy of e-cigarettes vs. other interventions for cessation, given the lack of comparator groups in the studies included in this meta-analysis. Conclusions: Use of e-cigarettes is associated with smoking cessation and reduction. More randomised controlled trials are needed to assess effectiveness against other cessation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that vaporize a liquid solution to deliver a dose of inhaled nicotine to the user. There is ongoing debate regarding their regulation. Objectives This comprehensive narrative review aimed to discuss key issues including usage patterns, health effects, efficacy in smoking cessation and regulatory concerns with a view to informing future regulation and research agendas. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms (electronic cigarettes OR e-cigarettes) for articles in English, relevant to humans and published during January 2009-January 2014. Results The literature search revealed 37 relevant articles. Findings suggest that e-cigarettes are mostly used by middle-aged current smokers, particularly males, to help them for quitting or for recreation. E-cigarettes contain very low levels of multiple toxic substances such as formaldehyde and acrolein, but these levels are many times lower than those found in cigarettes. They were found to have effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation to a limited degree. Debate continues regarding regulating their use for cessation versus heavy restrictions to control recreational use on the basis that it perpetuates nicotine addiction. Conclusions The cytotoxicity and long term health effects of e-cigarettes are unknown. Nevertheless the ecigarette market continues to expand, largely driven by middle-aged smokers who claim to be using e-cigarettes in an attempt to reduce or quit smoking. E-cigarettes may have some potential as smoking cessation aids and, in the researchers' view, should therefore be subject to further research and regulation similar to other nicotine replacement therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most epidemiological studies exploring the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and coronary heart disease (CHD) have been in Western populations, and have focused on SLT products used in those countries. Few studies come from South Asian countries. Our objective was to determine the association between SLT use and CHD among non-smoking adults in Bangladesh. Methods: A matched case-control study of non-smoking Bangladeshi adults aged 40-75 years was conducted in 2010. Incident cases of CHD were selected from two cardiac hospitals. Community controls, matched to CHD cases, were selected from neighbourhoods, and hospital controls were selected from outpatient departments of the same hospitals. The Rose Angina Questionnaire (RAQ) was also used to re-classify cases and controls. Results: The study enrolled 302 cases, 1,208 community controls and 302 hospital controls. Current use was higher among community controls (38%) compared to cases (33%) and hospital controls (32%). Current use of SLT was not significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD when community controls were used (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63-1.19), or when hospital controls were used (adjusted OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.63-1.60), or when both control groups were combined (adjusted OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.74-1.34). Risk of CHD did not increase with use of individual types except gul, frequency, duration, past use of SLT products, or using the RAQ to re-classify cases and controls. There was a significant association between gul use and CHD when both controls were combined (adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.28-6.70). Conclusions: There was no statistically significant association between SLT use in general and CHD among non-smoking adults in Bangladesh. Further research on the association between gul use and CHD in Bangladesh along with SLT use and CHD in other parts of the subcontinent will guide public health policy and interventions that focus on SLT-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of concentrate and roughage supplementation on feed intake, growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Thalli lambs. Twenty-one male lambs, weighing an average of 16.15 ± 2.33 kg, were allotted to three treatments in such a way that each treatment had seven lambs. Experimental lambs were arranged in a randomized complete block design and blocking was done on the basis of initial body weight. Lambs were confined in individual cages and stall-fed experimental diets twice daily. One week was given as adaptation period to experimental diets. The duration of trial was 12 weeks. Experimental treatments were: T1 = 100% hay; T2 = 80% hay + 20% concentrate and T3 = 60% hay + 40% concentrate. Growth performance parameters were analyzed by ANOVA using GLM procedure of Minitab and mean values were compared using Tukey's test. Results indicated that body weight gain and daily dry matter intake increased linearly (P<0.05) with an increase in concentrate percentage from 0 to 40% in the rations. Similarly, feed conversion ratio was significant among the treatments (P<0.05). Lambs fed hay supplemented with concentrate @ 20% had better feed conversion ratio as compared to other treatments. Experimental treatments had no effect (P>0.05) on feed intake, water intake and body condition score. The digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber were increased as the level of concentrate was increased in the diet (P<0.05) whereas crude protein, crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Based on the findings of the current study it is concluded that increasing concentrate ratio @ 40% in the diet of lambs containing Lucerne hay as forage source increased body weight gain, daily dry matter intake, dry matter and acid detergent fiber digestibility. However, concentrate ratio @ 20% in the diet of lambs showed better feed conversion ratio in Thalli lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the personal, professional and social life of Australians with some people more impacted than others.Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents in Australia, including patients, frontline health and other essential service workers, and community members during June 2020. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S); and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the extent of psychological distress, level of fear and coping strategies while adjusting for potential confounders.Results: Among 587 participants, the majority (391, 73.2%) were 30-59 years old and female (363, 61.8%). More than half (349, 59.5%) were born outside Australia and two-third (418, 71.5%) completed at least a Bachelor's degree. The majority (401, 71.5%) had a source of income, 243 (42.3%) self-identified as a frontline worker, and 335 (58.9%) reported financial impact due to COVID-19. Comorbidities such as pre-existing mental health conditions (AOR 3.13, 95% CIs 1.12-8.75), increased smoking (8.66, 1.08-69.1) and alcohol drinking (2.39, 1.05-5.47) over the last four weeks, high levels of fear (2.93, 1.83-4.67) and being female (1.74, 1.15-2.65) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Perceived distress due to change of employment status (4.14, 1.39-12.4), alcohol drinking (3.64, 1.54-8.58), providing care to known or suspected cases (3.64, 1.54-8.58), being female (1.56, 1.00-2.45), being 30-59 years old (2.29, 1.21-4.35) and having medium to high levels of psychological distress (2.90, 1.82-5.62) were associated with a higher level of fear; while healthcare service use in the last four weeks was associated with medium to high resilience.Conclusions: This study identified individuals who were at higher risk of distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically in the State of Victoria, Australia. Specific interventions to support the mental wellbeing of these individuals should be considered in addition to the existing resources within primary healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study compared the caring self-efficacy between personal care attendants (PCAs) from English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries, controlling for potential sociodemographic and work-related covariates. PCAs' perceptions of their caring self-efficacy were further explored. Methods: An independent samples t -test was used to determine the mean difference in the caring self-efficacy score between the two groups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust for covariates. Thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses. Results: The results showed that caring self-efficacy was significantly influenced by whether participants primarily spoke English at home rather than where they were born. Younger age and everyday discrimination experiences were negatively associated with caring self-efficacy. Both groups perceived that inadequate resources and experiencing bullying and discrimination reduced their caring self-efficacy. Discussion: Access to organisational resources and training opportunities and addressing workplace bullying and discrimination against PCAs, particularly younger PCAs and those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, could improve their caring self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION An emerging body of research has developed around tobacco retailer density and its contribution to smoking behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between tobacco retailer density and smoking behavior in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. METHODS A local government database (updated 2018) of listed tobacco retailers (n=93) was accessed and potential unlisted tobacco retailers (n=230) were added using online searches. All retailers (n=323) were visited in 2019 and GPS coordinates of retailers that sold tobacco (n=125) were assigned to suburbs in ArcMap. A community survey conducted in the Local Government Area provided smoking and sociodemographic data amongst adult respondents (n=8981). Associations between tobacco retailer density (calculated as the number of retailers per km² based on respondents' suburb of residence) and daily, occasional and experimental smoking were assessed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Separate models with and without covariates were undertaken. RESULTS Without adjusting for possible confounders, living in suburbs with greater retailer density did not increase the odds of daily smoking (OR=1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.12), occasional smoking (OR=1.05; 95% CI: 0.94-1.18), or experimental smoking (0R=0.98; 95% 0.92- 1.05). However, after adjustment, living in suburbs with greater retailer density increased the odds of occasional smoking behavior (AOR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.71) but not daily or experimental smoking. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant positive association between tobacco retailer density and the likelihood of occasional smoking in a rural Australian jurisdiction without a tobacco retailer licensing system in place. The findings strengthen calls for the introduction of a comprehensive, positive tobacco retailer licensing system to provide a framework for improving compliance with legislation and to reduce the overall availability of tobacco products in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing public opinion towards tobacco policies is important, particularly when determining the possible direction of future public health policies. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of tobacco retailer licensing systems by state and territory governments in Australia, and to use the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) to assess levels of public support for a retailer licensing system in each jurisdiction over time and by a range of socio-demographic and behavioural attributes.Methods: National and state/territory estimates of public support for a tobacco retailer licensing system were derived as proportions using NDSHS data from 2004 to 2016. The effect of one's jurisdiction of residence on the likelihood of supporting such an initiative in 2016 was assessed using logistic regression while controlling for various socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics.Results: Public support for a tobacco retailer licensing system ranged from a high of 67.2% (95% CI 66.5-67.9%) nationally in 2007 and declined to 59.5% (95% CI 58.9-60.2%) in 2016. In 2016, support was greatest amongst those from Tasmania, those aged 50 years and older, females, those from the least disadvantaged areas, those living in major cities, never-smokers and never-drinkers. After adjusting for the socio-demographic and behavioural attributes of respondents, those from Queensland were significantly less likely to support a licensing system (adjusted OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.94) compared to those from other jurisdictions, while those from Tasmania were significantly more likely to support a licensing system compared to those from other jurisdictions (adjusted OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.52).Conclusions: A clear majority of the public support a tobacco retailer licensing system, regardless of whether or not such a system is already in place in their jurisdiction of residence. Tobacco control initiatives other than a retailer licensing system may explain some of the residual variations in support observed between jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date only a limited number of reviews have focused on how exposure and outcome measures are defined in the existing literature on associations between tobacco retailer density ('density') and smoking behaviour ('smoking'). Therefore this systematic review classified and summarised how both density and smoking variables are operationalised in the existing literature, and provides several methodological recommendations for future density and smoking research. Methods: Two literature searches between March and April 2018 and April 2022 were conducted across 10 databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed and keyword database searches were undertaken. Studies were imported into Covidence. Cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were extracted and a quality assessment was undertaken. Studies were categorised according to the density measure used, and smoking was re-categorised using a modified classification tool. Results: Large heterogeneity was found in the operationalisation of both measures in the 47 studies included for analysis. Density was most commonly measured directly from geocoded locations using circular buffers at various distances (n = 14). After smoking was reclassified using a smoking classification tool, past-month smoking was the most common smoking type reported (n = 26). Conclusions: It is recommended that density is measured through length-distance and travel time using the street network and weighted (e.g. by the size of an area), or by using Kernel Density Estimates as these methods provide a more accurate measure of geographical to tobacco and e-cigarette retailer density. The consistent application of a smoking measures classification tool, such as the one developed for this systematic review, would enable better comparisons between studies. Future research should measure exposure and outcome measures in a way that makes them comparable with other studies. Implications: This systematic review provides a strong case for improving data collection and analysis methodologies in studies assessing tobacco retailer density and smoking behaviour to ensure that both exposure and outcome measures are clearly defined and captured. As large heterogeneity was found in the operationalisation of both density and smoking behaviour measures in the studies included for analysis, there is a need for future studies to capture, measure and classify exposure measures accurately, and to define outcome measures in a manner that makes them comparable with other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may reduce tobacco use and achieve tobacco abstinence in the perioperative period of cardiothoracic surgery for patients who smoke. However, research on patients' views on the role of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool is lacking. This mixed-methods study explored perceptions on the use of e-cigarettes among current smokers and ex-smokers awaiting cardiothoracic surgery in Australia. METHODS A cross-sectional study and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 62 patients who were diagnosed with coronary artery disease or lung cancer and were scheduled for elective cardiothoracic surgery at six metropolitan hospitals in Sydney. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, smoking history, surgical risk index, self-efficacy, interest in, perceived benefits of, and barriers to using e-cigarettes in the perioperative period. RESULTS Current smokers reported significantly higher interest in the use of e-cigarettes (p=0.008), and perceived fewer barriers (p=0.048) and more health benefits (p=0.079), compared to ex-smokers. Current smokers considered e-cigarettes to be either a safer alternative to tobacco or a novel method for quitting. Recent ex-smokers, defined as those who quit 2-8 weeks, were a distinct group with high nicotine dependency, a long history of smoking, and multiple failed quit attempts. Compared to longer-term ex-smokers (8-52 weeks quit), recent ex-smokers were more interested in e-cigarettes (p=0.029) and considered e-cigarettes a useful aid to prevent relapse in the lead up to surgery and to manage their nicotine cravings. CONCLUSIONS E-cigarettes may be considered a short-term novel aid and a bridge to evidence-based methods to reduce harm from continued tobacco use for some patients awaiting cardiothoracic surgery for coronary artery disease or lung cancer. This study presents reasons why patients awaiting cardiothoracic surgery may enquire about or use e-cigarettes, which will help clinicians identify those who need more consistent, sustained cessation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression differs from common mood swings and shortlived emotions. It has been extensively reported that cognitive impairment is associated with depression. Depression affects all aspects of life and interferes with productivity. Purpose: This study examined the association between cognitive function and depression in an Indonesian working age group. Methods: We used data from longitudinal socioeconomic and health surveys based on the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) from October 2014 to April 2015. Household members aged 15-64 were included in the analysis. Depression was assessed using the Short Center for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale (CESD). Cognitive function was measured using the Cognitive Status Telephone Interview (TICS). Simple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the association between cognitive function and depression. Results: A total of 10,628 households were included. Most respondents had good cognitive function (61.84%) and no depression (82.19%). A simple linear regression analysis showed that household members with good cognitive functioning had a significantly lower risk of developing depression compared to household members with cognitive decline, he was significantly 1.28 lower. Conclusion: This study found a significant association between cognitive function and depression in the productive-age group. Further research exploring variables related to depression other than cognitive function is recommended. Health care providers should provide education, counselling, and training sessions related to healthy lifestyles and positive mindsets to prevent depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was planned to evaluate supplementation of two different xylanase levels on digesta viscosity, blood metabolites and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed low energy wheat-based diet. A total of 480-day old broiler chicks were used in the current study with 8 replicates per treatment, and each replicate had ten birds. Six iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were prepared according to strain recommendations. Wheat was used in all dietary treatments except control treatment in which corn-soybean was used. Experimental diets were formulated as, 1) =control, corn-soybean based diet 2) = wheat-based diet, 100% wheat, no corn, 3) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 75 Kcal with 1000XU/kg of feed, 4) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 75 Kcal with 1500XU/kg of feed, 5) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 150 Kcal with 1000XU/kg of feed, 6) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 150 Kcal with 1500XU/kg of feed. Less viscosity, cholesterol and urea nitrogen noted in birds fed control diet and 100% wheat-based diet without xylanase supplementation (P<0.05). Low blood glucose was observed in diets without supplementation of xylanase and without reduced energy levels (P<0.05). Better villus height, villus width and villus surface area were in birds fed control diet and wheat-based diet with no lowered energy level and without xylanase supplementation (P>0.05). Based on the findings of current study, the inclusion of xylanase in diets with 75 Kcal lowered energy perform better than diets with 150 Kcal lowered energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explored the factors associated with timeliness of care in the healthcare seeking pathway among patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 418 patients with lung cancer through face-to-face interviews in three tertiary care hospitals. Log-rank tests were performed to test differences in the length of intervals between points in healthcare by socioeconomic characteristics and care seeking behaviours of the patients. Cox Proportional Hazard (PH) regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of the intervals after adjustment for variations in other variables. Results: A higher education level was associated significantly (p < 0.05) with a shorter interval between first contact with a healthcare provider (HCP) and diagnosis (median 81 days) and initiation of treatment (median 101 days). Higher monthly household income was associated significantly with a shorter time from first contact and diagnosis (median 91 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 99 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 122 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 111 days). Consulting with additional HCPs prior to diagnosis was associated significantly with longer intervals from first contact with any HCP and diagnosis (median 127 days), onset of symptom and diagnosis (median 154 days), onset of symptom and treatment (median 205 days), and first contact with any HCP to treatment (median 174 days). Consulting with informal HCPs was associated significantly with a longer time interval from symptom to treatment (median 171 days). Having more than one triggering symptom was associated significantly with a shorter interval between onset of symptoms and first contact with any HCP. Conclusion: The predictors for timeliness of lung cancer care used in this study affected different intervals in the care seeking pathway. Higher education and income predicted shorter intervals whereas consulting informal healthcare providers and multiple providers were associated with longer intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has detrimental effects on both physical and psychological well-being of community people worldwide. The purpose of this research was to determine coping strategies and the factors associated with psychological distress and fear among adults in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Participants with good-excellent mental health perception had significantly lower prevalence of reporting high psychological distress, while those identified as patients as used health services in the past 4 weeks had significantly higher prevalence of reporting high psychological distress. On the other hand, individuals born in the same country of residence, whose financial situation was impacted by COVID-19 had significantly lower prevalence of reporting high levels of fear from COVID-19. Those with an income source, with co-morbidities, tested negative to COVID-19, being frontline or essential worker, reported medium to high psychological distress and had significantly higher prevalence of high levels of fear of COVID-19. Conclusions: Mental health services should be provided in addition to the existing services in primary healthcare settings, so that the impact of ongoing pandemic on psychological wellbeing of people in Kuwait can be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to explore Aboriginal patients' lived experiences of cardiac care at a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne. Methods. The study was a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 10 Aboriginal patients who had been treated in the cardiology unit at the study hospital during 2012-13. A phenomenological approach was used to analyse the data. Results. Eight themes emerged from the data, each concerning various aspects of participants' experiences: 'dislike of hospitals', 'system failures', 'engagement with hospital staff', 'experiences of racism', 'health literacy and information needs', 'self-identifying as Aboriginal', 'family involvement in care' and 'going home and difficulties adapting'. Most participants had positive experiences of the cardiac care, but hospitalisation was often challenging because of a sense of dislocation and disorientation. The stress of hospitalisation was greatly mediated by positive engagements with staff, but at times exacerbated by system failures or negative experiences. Conclusion. Cardiac crises are stressful and hospital stays were particularly disorienting for Aboriginal people dislocated from their home land and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wheat is a staple food in Pakistan and Government of Pakistan stores huge amount of wheat every year to maintain food supply chains especially during scarcity period. Every year, surplus stored wheat is provided to poultry feed manufacturers at lower price and poultry feed manufacturers use stored wheat in diet of poultry with different exogenous enzymes. However, no data is available on the utilization of stored wheat (1.5 and 2.5 years storage) with or without exogenous enzymes in broilers. This study will provide evidence that storage of wheat will require exogenous enzymes in the diet of broilers for enhanced productivity. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stored wheat-based diet (1.5 and 2.5 years stored wheat) with and without the supplementation of xylanase and phytase enzymes in combination or individually on performance parameters, digestibility, digesta viscosity and carcass characteristics of broilers. For this purpose, a total of 640-day-old male broilers were randomly distributed to the 64 pens, and each pen had 10 birds. Two basal isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets contained 1.5 and 2.5 years stored wheat were formulated in this experiment. In the current study, experimental feeds were prepared by supplementing exogenous enzymes in both basal diets with xylanase (500 XU), phytase (500 FTU) alone or in a combination of phytase and xylanase. Performance parameters data represents that both in starter phase and finisher phase, inclusion of exogenous enzymes xylanase and phytase in both basal diets alone or in combination enhance the feed intake, and body weight gain (p < 0.05) and improve the feed conversion ratio in overall phase (p < 0.05). Similarly, supplementation of exogenous xylanase and phytase alone or in combination enhance the nutrient digestibility and reduce the digesta viscosity (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this experiment, it is concluded that supplementation of exogenous xylanase and phytase enzymes alone or in combination in wheat-based diets (stored wheat 1.5 and 2.5 years) enhance and improves the performance of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the number of injuries recorded. However, little is known about the impact of easing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the nature and outcome of injuries. This study aims to compare injury patterns prior to and after the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Method: Data were collected retrospectively from the Saudi TraumA Registry for the period between March 25, 2019, and June 21, 2021. These data corresponded to three periods: March 2019–February 2020 (pre-restrictions, period 1), March 2020–June 2020 (lockdown, period 2), and July 2020–June 2021 (post easing of restrictions, period 3). Data related to patients' demographics, mechanism and severity of injury, and in-hospital mortality were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 5,147 traumatic injury patients were included in the analysis (pre-restrictions n = 2593; lockdown n = 218; post easing of lockdown restrictions n = 2336). An increase in trauma cases (by 7.6%) was seen in the 30–44 age group after easing restrictions (n = 648 vs. 762, p < 0.01). Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) were the leading cause of injury, followed by falls in all the three periods. MVC-related injuries decreased by 3.1% (n = 1068 vs. 890, p = 0.03) and pedestrian-related injuries decreased by 2.7% (n = 227 vs. 143, p < 0.01); however, burn injuries increased by 2.2% (n = 134 vs. 174, p < 0.01) and violence-related injuries increased by 0.9% (n = 45 vs. 60, p = 0.05) post easing of lockdown restrictions. We observed an increase in in-hospital mortality during the period of 12 months after easing of lockdown restrictions—4.9% (114/2336) compared to 12 months of pre-lockdown period—4.3% (113/2593). Conclusion: This is one of the first studies to document trauma trends over a one-year period after easing lockdown restrictions. MVC continues to be the leading cause of injuries despite a slight decrease; overall injury cases rebounded towards pre-lockdown levels in Saudi Arabia. Injury prevention needs robust legislation with respect to road safety measures and law enforcement that can decrease the burden of traumatic injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This review aims to identify the factors influencing the transition and retention of mental health nurses during the initial years of practice, recognize gaps in the literature and propose evidence‐based strategies. Background: Mental health is a challenging specialty; recruitment, transition and retention of mental health nurses are known issues of concern. Evaluation: The present study undertakes a scoping review to identify factors influencing the transition and retention of mental health nurses during the initial years of practice and the gaps in that research domain. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases. To gain an understanding of the topic of interest, the review of the literature extended from 2000 to 2022. Key issues: Existing evidence focuses on specific perspectives of transition. There is limited literature on factors influencing transition and retention among mental health nurses. Findings suggested that personal and professional factors could influence the transition and retention of mental health nurses during the initial years of practice. The main themes identified were personal attributes and professional factors with a number of subthemes. Conclusion: The scoping review identified only a few studies, which showed personal and professional factors related to the transition and retention of mental health nurses at the early stages of their career. Implications for nursing management: Potential benefits of effective transition and support with the understanding of factors influencing transition and retention of early career mental health nurses will enhance staff morale, sustainability of the workforce and better patient outcomes. Additionally, a few recommendations for nurse managers and leaders to improve transitional experiences and retention of early career nurses are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To assess a dialysis nurse practitioner (NP) model of care by examining satisfaction, quality of life (QOL) and clinical outcomes of haemodialysis patients and explore experiences of dialysis nurses. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: Database analyses of dialysis indices amongst a sample (n = 45) of haemodialysis patients; a survey (n = 27) examining patient experience, satisfaction and QOL; and in-depth interviews with a sample (n = 10) of nurses. Results: Nurses commended the NP role, with five themes emerging: "managing and co-ordinating", "streamlining and alleviating", "developing capability", "supporting innovation and quality" and "connecting rurally". Patients' average age was 66 years and 71% were male. Patients' satisfaction with the care they received was rated 3.5/4 or higher across seven parameters and the average QOL score was 7.9/10. Conclusion: The NP model of care is effective in enhancing patient care within a collaborative framework. The challenge is to sustain, and enhance the model, through mentorship programs for potential candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with an increased risk of post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following lung cancer resection. It remains unclear whether smoking cessation reduces this risk. Methods: Retrospective review of a large, prospectively collected database of over 1000 consecutive resections for lung cancer in a quaternary lung cancer centre over a 23-year period. Results: One thousand and thirteen patients underwent curative-intent lobectomy or pneumonectomy between 1995 and 2018. Three hundred and sixty-two patients (36%) were ex-smokers, 314 (31%) were current smokers and 111 (11%) were never smokers. A pre-operative diagnosis of COPD was present in 57% of current smokers, 57% of ex-smokers and 20% of never smokers. Just over 25% of patients experienced a PPC. PPCs were more frequent in current smokers compared to never smokers (27% vs 17%, p = 0.036), however, no difference was seen between current and ex-smokers (p = 0.412) or between never and ex-smokers (p = 0.113). Those with a diagnosis of COPD, independent of smoking status, had a higher frequency of both PPCs (65% vs 35%, p<0.01) and overall complications (60% vs 40%, p<0.01) as well as a longer length of hospital stay (10 vs 9 days, p<0.01). Conclusion: Smoking and COPD are both associated with a higher rate of PPCs post lung cancer resection. COPD, independent of smoking status, is also associated with an increased overall post-operative complication rate and length of hospital stay. An emphasis on COPD treatment optimisation, rather than smoking cessation in isolation, may help improve post-operative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timeliness in seeking care is critical for lung cancer patients' survival and better prognosis. The care seeking trajectory of patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh has not been explored, despite the differences in health systems and structures compared to high income countries. This study investigated the symptoms triggering healthcare seeking, preferred healthcare providers (including informal healthcare providers such as pharmacy retailers, village doctors, and "traditional healers"), and the duration of intervals in the lung cancer care pathway of patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh among diagnosed lung cancer patients through face-to-face interview and medical record review. Time intervals from onset of symptom and care seeking events were calculated and compared between those who sought initial care from different providers using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Among 418 study participants, the majority (90%) of whom were males, with a mean age of 57 ±9.86 years, cough and chest pain were the most common (23%) combination of symptoms triggering healthcare seeking. About two-thirds of the total respondents (60%) went to informal healthcare providers as their first point of contact. Living in rural areas, lower levels of education and lower income were associated with seeking care from such providers. The median duration between onset of symptom to confirmation of diagnosis was 121 days, between confirmation of diagnosis and initiation of treatment was 22 days, and between onset of symptom and initiation of treatment was 151 days. Pre-diagnosis durations were longer for those who had sought initial care from an informal provider (p<0.05). Time to first contact with a health provider was shorter in this study compared to other developed and developing countries but utilizing informal healthcare providers caused delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Encouraging people to seek care from a formal healthcare provider may reduce the overall duration of the care seeking pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously affected the psychological well-being, social and working life of millions of people across the world. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress, fear and coping strategies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among Malaysian residents. Methods: Participants were invited to an online cross-sectional survey from Aug-Sep 2020. The study assessed psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, level of fear using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and coping strategies using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants (N = 720) was 31.7 (±11.5) years, and most of them were females (67.1%). Half of the participants had an income source, while 216 (30%) identified themselves as frontline health or essential service workers. People whose financial situation was impacted due to COVID-19 (AOR 2.16, 95% CIs 1.54–3.03), people who drank alcohol in the last four weeks (3.43, 1.45–8.10), people who were a patient (2.02, 1.39–2.93), and had higher levels of fear of COVID-19 (2.55, 1.70–3.80) were more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress. Participants who self-isolated due to exposure to COVID-19 (3.12, 1.04–9.32) and who had moderate to very high levels of psychological distress (2.56, 1.71–3.83) had higher levels of fear. Participants who provided care to a family member/patient with a suspected case of COVID-19 were more likely to be moderately to highly resilient compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Vulnerable groups of individuals such as patients and those impacted financially during COVID-19 should be supported for their mental wellbeing. Behavioural interventions should be targeted to reduce the impact of alcohol drinking during such crisis period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aim was to see the effects of different starter rations energy levels in the diet on ruminal microbial diversity, bacterial community structure and microbial diversity indices of rumen bacterial communities in Angus calves. For this, 18 suckling Angus calves were distributed into 3 different treatment groups. Dietary treatments were: Low metabolizable energy ration (LME); Medium metabolizable energy ration (MME) and High metabolizable energy ration (HME). Results of bacterial community revealed that most abundant phylum was Firmicute. At phyla level, TM7 and Fibrobacteres showed significant higher relative abundance in LME group than HME group. Under different dietary energy, 59 genera showed significant correlation with physiological production parameters. These results provide new information for the understanding of the dietary energy level effect on ruminal microbial community interactions and are of great importance for optimizing energy supply strategy for suckling calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work was planned to explore the effect of a natural emulsifier (Lysophospholipid) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood serum, meat quality, carcass characters and economics in broilers. Total research period was divided in starter, grower and finisher phases. A total of 1530, day old Ross-308 chicks were purchased from local hatchery and divided into five treatments in such a way that each treatment had six replicates and each replicate had fifty-one birds. Treatments were (1) diet with emulsifier during overall (0-35 days) period; (2) diet without emulsifier during overall (0-35 days) period; (3) diet with emulsifier during starter (0-10 days) phase only; (4) diet with emulsifier during grower (11-25 days) phase only; (5) diet with emulsifier during finisher (26-35 days) phase only. Results explored that feed intake was not affected (P>0.05) by any dietary treatment in starter and finisher phase. However, feed intake decreased in broilers fed emulsifier supplemented diet during grower phase only (P<0.05). Diets with emulsifier addition throughout life and during finisher phase only showed highest (P<0.05) body weight and better feed conversion ratio. At day 35th % nutrient digestibility (dry matter, crude protein and ether extract) was improved by emulsifier addition in diet (P<0.05). Total cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum were not affected (P>0.05) by all dietary treatments but glucose was highest (P<0.05) in group fed diet without emulsifier during all phases. Relative organs weight like liver, heart, spleen and gizzard were not affected (P>0.05) by all dietary treatments while, dressing (%) and meat quality were better (P<0.05) by supplementation of emulsifier in diet during finisher phase and overall period. Profit percentage and feed economic efficiency per bird were increased (P<0.05) by emulsifier supplementation throughout the life of broilers and during finisher phase only. Based on the findings of current study it is recommended that natural emulsifier should be added in broilers diet during finisher phase for better growth performance, meat quality, digestibility, economics and dressing percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to check the effect of photoperiod (lightning duration) on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score of Sahiwal heifers. For this purpose, a total of nine yearling Sahiwal heifers having similar age, body weight and height were selected and divided into three groups (A, B and C) in such a way that each group had three heifers. Group A was allotted short day photoperiod (8 h Light: 16 h Dark), Group B was maintained on natural photoperiod and Group C was kept on long day photoperiod (16 h Light: 8 h Dark). The duration of experimental trial was from December to February (90 days) and during these months the duration of natural photoperiod varies from 8 to 12 hours. Results of this study showed that the photoperiod manipulation had a significant (p<0.05) effect on DMI, water intake and weight gain. The DMI in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C were4.86, 4.76 and 5.33 kg day-1, respectively. Water intake in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C was 2.68, 2.49 and 3.06 Lday-1, respectively. Average daily weight gain in Group A, Group B and Group C was 372.5, 338.1 and 435.4 g day-1, respectively. Body measurements were not statistically different (p >0.10) however, body measurements were numerically greater in heifers exposed to long-day photoperiod than those on short-day photoperiod. Based on results, it is concluded that supplemental lighting had a significant effect on the growth performance of Sahiwal cattle heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-efficacy is developed through a person's interaction with his/her physical and social environment. Self-efficacy in caring is an essential attribute of care workers to develop a positive attitude towards their clients, improve work performance, and enhance job satisfaction. Care workers' self-efficacy may vary according to the context in which the care is being provided. Aged care is a multidimensional and challenging setting, and characteristics of aged care services are different from those of acute care services. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the self-efficacy of residential aged care workers in caring for older people and factors influencing their self-efficacy. Methods: The protocol for this review is based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual for Scoping Review. A systematic search of the literature on electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, SCOPUS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global will be carried out using predefined search terms to identify relevant studies. This review will include studies that examined the self-efficacy of direct care workers in caring for older people living in residential aged care facilities. All primary studies irrespective of the study design will be included. Studies conducted to develop measures or studies with informal care workers or students as study participants will not be considered. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and data charting. A third reviewer will resolve discrepancies, while the final decision for conflicting studies will be made by consensus within the review team. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to analyze the quantitative findings, and the result will be presented in narrative form accompanied by tables and charts. Content analysis will be carried to analyze the qualitative findings and will be presented in narrative form supported by illustrative quotations. Discussion: This study will be an important source of knowledge to policymakers and aged care providers to understand the self-efficacy of aged care workers to support and enhance their self-efficacy and thereby improve their caring behaviors towards their clients. Scoping review registration: Joanna Briggs Institute Systematic Review Register with the title "A scoping review of factors influencing caring efficacy of direct care workers providing care to older people". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the molasses and bacterial inoculant effects on ensiled corn stover chemical composition, physical characteristics, aerobic stability and total microbial cell count. Corn stover (CS) was ensiled into 24 laboratory silos with molasses or without molasses (3 and 0%), with inoculant (10 and 0 ml/kg of CS) and air ingression (air ingressed or no air ingressed) for 60 days. On day 30 of ensiling, air ingressed treatments were exposed to air. A significant interaction was observed among molasses, inoculant and air ingressed for chemical composition of ensiled CS (P<0.05). Highest crude protein contents were present in non-air ingressed, molasses, without inoculant treated ensiled CS (P<0.05). The molasses and inoculant interaction showed lowest neutral detergent fibre contents in molasses and inoculant treated CS (P<0.05). The lowest acid detergent fibre contents were found in molasses treated CS compared to CS without molasses treatment (P<0.05). The molasses, inoculant and air ingressed interaction showed the lowest ash contents in air ingressed CS ensiled with inoculant and without molasses (P<0.05). While, this interaction showed highest ash contents by ensiled CS treated with molasses, without inoculant and air ingressed (P<0.05). The highest total lactobacillus cell load was expressed by Molasses with inoculant with air ingression (MIA), MA (Molasses with air ingression) treatments than MN (Molasses with non-air ingression), IN (Inoculant with non-air ingression), IA (Inoculant with air ingression), N (non-air ingression), A (air ingression) and MIN (Molasses with inoculant with non-air ingression) treatments (P<0.05). Lowest cell count of E.coli was expressed by IN treatments than MN, MA, MIA, IA, N, A and MIN treatments (P<0.05). Based on findings, it is concluded that bacterial inoculants (L. buchneri 40788 and L. plantarum MTD-1) along with molasses supplementation improves the physical characteristics, nutritional profile and aerobic stability of ensiled CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of study was to evaluate the effects of energy level in starter ration on blood biochemical parameters, hormone profile, immune response and antioxidant status of calves. A total of eighteen angus calves were divided into three groups in such a way that each group had six calves. Three energy levels were {9 MJ/kg, low metabolizable energy (LME), 12.38 MJ/kg, medium metabolizable energy (MME) and 13.62 MJ/kg, high metabolizable energy (HME)} fed to experimental groups. Results showed that hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, thrombocytocrit and high-density lipoprotein was higher in HME diet (P<0.05). While, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width was higher in MME diet as compared to HME diet (P<0.05). Results of immunity revealed that IgA content were lowest in calves fed LME diet (P<0.05). Calves received different energy level in the diet had no effect on IgG, IgM and C4 (P>0.05). However, the calves on LME starter diet represented higher blood complement C3 contents (P<0.05). It is concluded that blood metabolites were influenced by energy level in Angus calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of calf rearing methods in Sahiwal cows on milk and feed intake, weight gain, body condition score, and locomotion score. We randomly selected the eight Sahiwal cows just before their calving and divided into two groups. After parturition, claves from both groups were reared under natural restricted suckling (RS) and artificial rearing system (AR) at Livestock Experimental Station, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Restricted suckling calves were allowed to suckle from cow's udder just before milking in the morning and evening (twice milking arrangement) up to weaning. In an artificial rearing system, calves were fed milk through bucket feeders @ 10% of their body weight up to weaning. Post-weaning data for two months were also conceded to complete the trial. The results for weight gain kg week-1 was significantly(P<0.05) higher in RS group (3.35± 0.15) than AR group (2.88 ± 0.31) calves. The average daily weight gain in RS (465 g) group was higher (P<0.05) as compared to AR group (332 g) in the pre-weaning phase (90 days). The average weekly weight gain was also higher (P<0.05) in RS group (3.26 ± 0.24) as compared to AR group (2.33 ± 0.36) up to weaning. There was no significant difference in weight gain of calves in RS group (3.64 ± 0.16) as compared to AR (3.23 ± 0.15) group in post-weaning. The results of milk composition did not show any difference (P>0.05), but the effect of the suckling method had demonstrated a positive impact on the performance of calves. A higher (P<0.05) level of cortisol concentration was found in AR group as compared to RS group. Based on results, it is concluded that natural milk feeding had a positive effect in preweaning on the growth and stress of Sahiwal calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of energy and lysine on production performance of laying hens. For this purpose, 448 laying hens of body weight 1560±60 grams were used in 2×2 factorial arrangements with 14 replicates per treatment and 8 birds per replicate. The treatments were: standard energy (2800 kcal/kg) with standard lysine (0.67%), standard energy (2800 kcal/kg) with low lysine (0.65%), low energy (2750 kcal/kg) with standard lysine (0.67%) and low energy (2750 kcal/kg) with low lysine (0.65%). Feed intake, egg production, yolk height, albumin height, yolk diameter, egg specific gravity, egg breaking strength, eggshell thickness and blood metabolites were measured. Results showed that feed intake in first week was maximum (P<0.05) for diet with standard energy and low lysine while in last week feed intake was maximum (P<0.05) in low energy and low lysine diet. Results also showed that egg production, egg weight, egg quality parameters and blood metabolites were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Nutrient digestibility was highest (P<0.05) for diet having low energy and standard lysine. It can be concluded that decreasing energy and lysine in late laying hens affects (P<0.05) feed intake and nutrient digestibility but had no effect (P>0.05) on egg production, egg weight, egg quality parameters and blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chop lengths of berseem fodder on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, milk production, milk composition and nutrients digestibility in Sahiwal cows. For this purpose, twelve Sahiwal midlactating cows of almost same weight and milk production were randomly assigned to three treatments in such a way that each treatment contained four cows. Cows received ad-libitum berseem fodder with: whole plant (WP) and two different chop lengths: medium chop length (MCL) (3.8 cm) and small chop length (SCL) (1.9 cm). Experimental period was 40 d long and consisted of 14 d of adaptation. Daily feed intake and water intake of individual animal were measured. In the last week digestibility was determined by using internal marker (acid insoluble ash). Results delineated that reducing the chop length of berseem fodder increased (P<0.05) DMI 9.24 to 11.25 kg/day. However, milk production (7 L/day) was not affected (P>0.05) by the varying chop lengths of berseem. Feeding WP berseem fodder increased (P<0.05) percentage of fat, total solids and ash compared to other ones. The digestibility of DM, protein, fat and neutral detergent fiber was increased (P<0.05) by feeding SCL berseem. However, there was no significant difference in fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility, with all groups having 71% (mean) and 69% (mean), respectively. In conclusion, feeding WP berseem fodder could increase milk quality in term of increased milk fat, total solids and ash contents. As fodder chop length had no impact on milk production, WP berseem can be a useful option for improving milk quality in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the comparative effects of various sources of vitamin D on growth and bone mineralization in broiler birds. For this purpose, vitamin D3 and its metabolites 25 (OH) D3 and 1a OH D3 were added to a basal diet containing CP (20%) and ME (2900 kcal/kg) without any animal protein source. In this study, four hundred and eighty day old Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly divided into 16 experimental units (30 birds/unit). Four experimental diets i.e. control (without vitamin D supplementation), VD3 (control + vitamin D3; 9g/ton of feed), HyD (control + HyD circulating form; 5.52 g/ton of feed) and Alpha D3 (control + Alpha D3 Hormonal form; 12.5g/ton of feed) were randomly assigned to the experimental units. The birds of each replicate were weighed to determine growth, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio for 35 days. On day-21 and day-35, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered for determining carcass yield, tibial density, ash, relative organ weights and calcium and phosphorus analysis (from sera). Data showed that supplementation of vitamin D sources improved the growth performance and feed efficiency (P<0.05). However, carcass characteristics and organ weights were not significantly different. Tibial ash, tibial calcium and phosphorus and toe ash were significantly improved in the birds fed by vitamin D supplemented diet (P<0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of vitamin D enhances the growth and feed efficiency in broilers, therefore vitamin D can be supplemented in the diet of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australian farmers are routinely exposed to a wide variety of agrichemicals, including herbicides and insecticides. Organophosphate (OP) insecticides are widely used for agricultural production, horticulture and animal husbandry practices. Symptoms of OP toxicity are the results of inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which is found in many types of conducting tissue in human bodies such as nerve and muscle, central and peripheral tissues, motor and sensory fibres. Cholinesterase can be measured in red blood cells/erythrocytes (AChE) and plasma (PChE). This study aims to explore integration of AChE monitoring into routine health checks for those at risk and also to examine any association between AChE activity and agrichemical use in a Victorian farming community in Australia.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, where farmers and non-famers were compared on the levels of AChE at four time points of baseline, 3-4 weeks, 6-weeks and at 9-weeks. Study participants (N = 55) were residents from South West Victoria, aged between 18 and 75 years, spoke English, and had not had a previous known acute chemical accident. A total of 41 farming (had been farming for more than 5 years) and a convenience sample of 14 non-farming individuals met the inclusion criteria. Testing of AChE was repeated for all participants with a maximum of three times over 10 weeks.Results: The integration of AChE monitoring was very well accepted by all participants. There was no significant difference in average AChE activity between farming and non-farming participants (one-way ANOVA p > 0.05) in this study. There was no significant difference between personal use of agricultural chemicals on farm and the levels of AChE at baseline (measurement 1) or any of the follow up periods (p > 0.05). However, the mean activity of AChE was significantly lower within follow up periods [F (2.633, 139.539) = 14.967, p < 0.001]. There was a significant reduction of AChE between the follow up at 3-weeks and 6-weeks period (p = 0.015).Conclusions: The routine monitoring of AChE may allow for early recognition of chronic low-level exposure to OPs when they are used by farmers, provided a reasonable estimate of baseline AChE is available. This work provides an evidence for recommending the integration of AChE monitoring into point of care (POC) procedures in rural health clinics and quantifying pesticide exposure and personal protection both on the farm and in the home. Farmer engagement is crucial to the successful integration of AChE monitoring into rural health clinics in Australia.Trial Registration: ACTRN12613001256763 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Differences in demographics, presenting characteristics, and treatment of heart disease in women may contribute to adverse outcomes. The purpose of this paper was to describe gender differences in the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of all admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Victoria that occurred between June 2007 and July 2009. Methods We undertook a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to Victorian hospitals with a first time diagnosis of ACS. Use of angiograms, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and adverse outcomes (death and/or unplanned readmission) were compared by gender and hierarchical logistic regression models were used to account for confounding variables. Results Of a total of 28,985 ACS patients, 10,455 (36%) were women. Compared with men, women were older (aged ≥75 years: 54% vs 31%; p < .001), more likely to present with multiple comorbidities (>1 comorbidity: 53% vs 46%; p < .001), and more likely to be diagnosed with non–ST-segment elevation ACS (86% vs 80%; p < .001). Women were less likely to receive coronary interventions (angiogram: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.66–0.75; PCI: aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.66–0.80; CABG: aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53–0.64). Adverse outcomes were similar in women and men after accounting for confounding variables. Conclusions Our results show that women in Victoria were less likely to receive coronary interventions after an admission for ACS. Clinicians should be wary of inherent gender bias in decisions to refer patients for angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Psychological concerns relating to "diabetes distress" (DD) and depressive symptoms (DS) in individuals with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may negatively impact adherence to medical treatments and overall mental health. Thus, this study was undertaken to investigate DS and DD in relation to fasting during the month of Ramadan.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 735 patients with T2DM in 2021. DD and DS were measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were executed.Results: More than one-third of the participants (41.2%) had DD and DS (36.9%). DS was significantly higher in participants who did not fast (p = 0.027). Participants who had higher dietary diversity were less likely to have DD (p = 0.004) and DS (p = 0.001). Females (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25-2.85) and those who lived alone (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25-2.85) were more likely to have DS. Participants with diabetes-related complications were more likely to experience DS (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.5-3.13) and DD (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.42-4.95). DD was also associated with being younger (p = 0.003), having hypertension (p = 0.030), having heart disease (p = 0.012), and taking insulin (p = 0.010).Conclusions: Individuals with T2DM who were not fasting experienced more mental health concerns. Psychosocial support and other interventions from health professionals should be examined and empirical interventions should be implemented to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe the burden of bone and joint problems (BJP) in a defined regional population, and to identify characteristics and service-usage patterns. Methods In 2010, a health census of adults aged ≥15 years was conducted in Port Lincoln, South Australia. A follow-up computer-assisted telephone interview provided more specific information about those with BJP. Results Overall, 3350 people (42%) reported current BJP. General practitioners (GP) were the most commonly used provider (85%). People with BJP were also 85% more likely to visit chiropractors, twice as likely to visit physiotherapists and 34% more likely to visit Accident and Emergency or GP out of hours (compared with the rest of the population). Among the phenotypes, those with BJP with co-morbidities were more likely to visit GP, had a significantly higher mean pain score and higher levels of depression or anxiety compared with those with BJP only. Those with BJP only were more likely to visit physiotherapists. Conclusions GP were significant providers for those with co-morbidities, the group who also reported higher levels of pain and mental distress. GP have a central role in effectively managing this phenotype within the BJP population including linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. What is known about the topic? As a highly prevalent group of conditions that are likely to impact on health-related quality of life and are a common cause of severe long-term disability, musculoskeletal conditions place a significant burden on individuals and the health system. However, far less is known about access and usage of musculoskeletal-related health services and programs in Australia. What does this paper add? As a result of analysing the characteristics of the overall BJP population, as well as phenotypes within it, a greater understanding of patterns of health service interactions, care pathways and opportunities for targeted improvements in delivery of care may be identified. The results emphasise that participants with BJP utilised the services of a narrow range of providers, which may have workforce implications for these sectors. The funding models for physiotherapists and chiropractors in Australia involve a mix of private and fees for service, which limits access to those who have private health insurance or can pay directly for these services. What are the implications for practitioners? These analyses indicate the importance of linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. Alternative and appropriate care pathways need to be more strongly developed and identified for effective management of these conditions rather than relying on a traditional range of practitioners. Alternatively, greater ease of access to allied health practitioners may enable more effective treatment and improved quality of life for those with BJP. There is an urgent need to develop an effective population-based model of integrated care for BJP within regional Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem of cattle impacts their health and productivity. Collection of fecal samples provides a non-invasive and practicable way to explore the relationships between fecal microbiota and host productivity or health. Fecal bacteria are influenced by diet, feeding regime, animal age, and health status. However, dynamic variations in the fecal fermentation profile and microbiota composition of finishing steers in response to variable diets are limited. In the current study, we conducted an 11-month tracking investigation to uncover the dynamic variations in fecal fermentation profile and bacterial community in steers fed three stepwise density diets. We found that fecal bacterial diversity decreased as dietary density increased and as the fattening phase continued. Our results revealed that fecal organic acids and bacterial composition were influenced by diet and fattening period. Our results also indicated that time-dependent variations of fecal fermentation profile and microbiota composition exist in the long-term fattening of steers in addition to diet stimulation. This study will be beneficial to reducing fecal contamination from the origin by optimizing diet and fattening time. The objective of this study was to track the dynamic variations in fecal bacterial composition and fermentation profile of finishing steers in response to three stepwise diets varied in energy and protein density. A total of 18 Holstein steers were divided into three groups in such a way that each group contained six animals and received one of three stepwise dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were C = standard energy and protein diet, H = high energy and protein diet, and L = low energy and protein diet. Animals were fattened for 11 months with a three-phase fattening strategy. Fecal samples were collected to evaluate the dynamics of fecal fermentation and bacterial composition in response to dietary treatments and fattening phases using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate increased with increasing density of diet and as the fattening phase continued. The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominated and showed 56.19% and 33.58%, respectively. Higher dietary density decreased the fecal bacterial diversity, Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, and the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Bacteroides, whereas higher dietary density increased the abundance of Prevotella_9. Our results indicated that both fecal fermentation profile and bacterial composition share a time-dependent variation in response to different dietary densities. This knowledge highlights that both diet and fattening phase impact fecal fermentation profile and bacterial composition, and may provide insight into strategies to reduce fecal contamination from the origin by optimizing diet and fattening time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]