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: Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a representative tuberculin skin test (TST) survey for M?ori in Aotearoa New Zealand and to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Methods: Participants were M?ori in the Waikato region, recruited by a M?ori nurse, through: 1) random household selection from the Electoral Roll; 2) randomly selected prison inmates; and 3) community and health settings. A TB history and symptoms questionnaire was completed, TST performed and investigation of those with TST induration ?10mm. Results: Random household selection was resource intensive and only contributed 14 participants. Repeated random selection of prison lists were required to recruit 207 participants and there were no positive TST cases. Community and health settings yielded the highest participation (n=370) and the three people (0.5%) with TST ?10mm. Age ?45 years and history of contact with a TB case were associated with TST induration ?5mm (n=39; 6.6%). Conclusions: The community and health settings were the only feasible options for recruitment. The overall prevalence of a positive TST in the study population was low. A 5mm cut?off may be best to maximise sensitivity for future studies. Implications for public health: A mixture of sample selection processes that are more targeted are needed to identify M?ori with latent TB infection., The World Health Assembly in May 2014 approved a new Global Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy with ambitious goals.[sup.1] The Strategy aimed to end the global TB epidemic, with targets to reduce [...]

Mantis shrimp possess both formidable weapons and impact-resistant armour that clash during ritualized combat. The telson is one of few biological structures known to withstand the repeated high impact forces of smashing mantis shrimp strikes, and it is hypothesized that this pairing of armour and weapon is associated with the evolution of telson sparring. We carried out a comparative analysis of telson impact mechanics across 15 mantis shrimp species to assess if the telsons of sparring species (i) are consistently specialized for impact-resistance, (ii) are more impact-resistant than those of non-sparring species, and (iii) have impact parameters that correlate with body size, and thereby useful for assessment. Our data from ball drop tests show that the telsons of all species function like a stiff spring that dissipates most of the impact energy, but none of the measured impact parameters are correlated with the occurrence of sparring behaviour. Impact parameters were correlated with body mass for only some species, suggesting that it is not broadly useful for size assessment during ritualized fighting. Contrary to expectation, sparring mantis shrimp do not appear to have coevolved telson armour that is more robust to impact than non-sparring species. Rather, telson structure is inherently impact-resistant.

Ensuring the growth and development of the Māori health research workforce is key to achieving health equity for Māori and enabling positive change for all New Zealanders. The purpose of this study was to identify enablers and barriers to research for Māori staff in a large health organisation, and to understand how research is developed and undertaken. A Kaupapa Māori mixed-methods study was undertaken, using an electronic survey comprised of quantitative data and open-ended responses delivered to all Māori staff at the Waikato District Health Board. Following the survey were 10 one on one interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses summarised. A descriptive thematic analysis was undertaken of the interview data. Each of the interview responses was coded and five themes emerged. Frontline Māori staff affirmed their desire to conduct, design, and undertake health research. Challenges to staff included a lack of information on research opportunities, unclear processes for initiating research, and lack of support and resource. The evidence from participants provides insights into Māori health research priorities, considerations for those wanting to undertake research, and solutions for informing, building, and sustaining the Māori health research workforce. Glossary of Māori words: Aotearoa: Māori name for New Zealand; āwhinatia i tāku hapū: help my hapū; hapū: sub-tribe; iwi: tribe; kaumatua: elder; Kaupapa Māori: Māori ideology incorporating the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of Māori society; kia ora: greeting; koinā te whakamaatauranga nēra: power of knowledge; hohā: nuisance; hui: meeting; Kaitiaki: Māori cultural support team for patients; Kīngitanga: Māori King movement; Māori: Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa; marae: ancestral meeting house; mōhio ki tēra mahi: knowledgeable in that area; Te Ao Māori: Māori world view; Te Ika-a-Māui: North Island; Te Reo Māori: Māori language; Te Tiriti o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi; Te Whatu Ora: Health New Zealand; whakahoki ki tāku marae: to go back to my marae; wānanga: workshop; whanau: family [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]