An evaluation of the capability of existing and novel serodiagnostic methods for porcine brucellosis to reduce false positive serological reactions.

Porcine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of truly global significance because even in countries without the disease the occurrence of false positive serological reactions (FPSRs) creates significant problems. Statutory diagnostic testing is required in many disease free countries or regions and is often a prerequisite for the movement of live animals. Currently this testing is dependent almost entirely on serological assays and these may result in a significant number of FPSRs. The aim of this study was to examine existing and novel serodiagnostic assays to evaluate their diagnostic sensitivity and resilience to FPSRs. The existing assays evaluated were the RBT, smooth lipopolysaccharide (sLPS) indirect (i) ELISA, sLPS competitive (c) ELISA, and the FPA. The novel assays evaluated were the sLPS TR-FRET assay, a rough (r) LPS iELISA, a recombinant protein BP26 iELISA and a cytoplasmic protein extract (Brucellergene™) iELISA. Four populations of sera were evaluated: those from Brucella suis infected swine (n=34), randomly selected samples from non-infected swine (n=161), sera from non-infected swine within herds exhibiting FPSRs (n=132) and sera from swine experimentally infected with Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 (n=4). The results show that all the assays dependent on the sLPS O-polysaccharide (OPS) for their sensitivity (the RBT, sLPS ELISAs, FPA and the sLPS TR-FRET) had significantly reduced diagnostic specificity when applied to the FPSR population, the RBT being most affected. Of the two rapid homogeneous assays, the TR-FRET was diagnostically superior to the FPA in this study. Neither of the protein based iELISAs demonstrated sufficient diagnostic sensitivity to resolve the FPSRs. The rLPS iELISA showed no cross reaction with the FPSRs and had diagnostic sensitivity similar to that of the OPS based assays.

The first International Standard anti-Brucella melitensis Serum.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) requested an International Standard anti-Brucella melitensis Serum (ISaBmS) to standardise diagnostic tests and reagents for sheep and goats. The agreed criteria were the highest dilution (in negative serum) of the standard which must give a positive result and the lowest dilution (in negative serum) which must simultaneously give a negative result. The two dilutions for each assay were, respectively: indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) 1/64 and 1/750, competitive ELISA (cELISA) 1/8 and 1/300, fluorescent polarisation assay (FPA) 1/16 and 1/200, Rose Bengal test (RBT) 1/16 and 1/200. The OIE International Standard Serum (OIEISS) will remain the primary standard for the RBT; the ISaBmS is an additional standard. It was impossible to set criteria for the complement fixation test, therefore the OIEISS will remain the primary standard. The ISaBmS can be used to standardise iELISA, cELISA and FPA to diagnose sheep and goat brucellosis. This standard should facilitate harmonisation of tests used for brucellosis surveillance and international trade in these species.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in New South Wales dentists.

This study describes the prevalence and distribution of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders occurring in New South Wales dentists and investigates the relationship between these symptoms and work practices. Four hundred and forty two members of the Australian Dental Association (New South Wales Branch), were randomly selected and sent questionnaires. Eighty per cent (n = 355) responded. No significant differences in reported symptoms were found when considering age, experience, handedness, operating position or period of working without a break. Eighty-two per cent of the respondents reported experiencing one or more musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous month. Sixty-four per cent of the sample reported suffering pain (the majority reported back pain) and 58 per cent headaches. Most severe symptoms reported were pain (39%) and headaches (25%). Those in the youngest age category of less than 35 years (26%), were significantly more likely to have headaches (chi 2 4df p < 0.05). Female dentists were more likely to rate the severity of their most severe symptom higher (chi 2 1df p < 0.05), and to report more frequent pain (chi 2 2df p < 0.05) and headaches (chi 2 2df p < 0.05). Those practising four-handed dentistry were significantly more likely to be in the 35-44 age range (chi 2 4df p < 0.01), to work for longer periods before taking a 10-minute break (chi 2 5df p < 0.05) and to report frequent pain (chi 2 2df p < 0.05). The results support the findings of previous studies conducted overseas but additional information about musculoskeletal symptoms in this occupational group has been identified.

Cultural considerations in the development of children with disabilities: implications for future work potential.

This article discusses the role of culture in the development of individuals with disabilities and how culture might affect one's self-esteem. Implications for future work potential are presented relative to self-esteem. The World Health Organization definitions of impairment, disability and handicap are presented as a reminder that someone with a disability is considered 'handicapped' by the society or culture in which one lives and works. Thus it is culture which helps to mold how one thinks about oneself and about what one is capable of doing in one's life. Next, culture is defined and parents' cultural beliefs about disability are examined. Cross-cultural studies are presented to illustrate differences between cultures relative to disabilities with implications for participation in an adult society. Cooperation and competition are mentioned. Several educational experiences are described in the context of culture. All who work with children with disabilities are urged to be aware of the culture(s) of each child and of the potential effects on self-esteem and on one's ability to be a contributing member of society.

Group treatment: goals, tasks, and economic implications.

OBJECTIVE: In 1993, a replication of a 1983 survey of occupational therapists who used group treatment in practice was administered in order to determine whether economic and demographic changes during the 10-year period altered the use of group treatment in the delivery of occupational therapy services. METHOD: The survey used in 1983 was updated with new questions regarding reimbursement and payment and was mailed to 307 practicing occupational therapists nationwide. Of the 188 respondents, who represented all areas of practice, 96 used group treatment and provided data on the 233 groups that they led. RESULTS: The two largest groups of occupational therapists who used group treatment worked in non-medical facilities (i.e., schools and community facilities). In general, group occupational therapy was activity oriented and small sized. Therapeutic goals included enhancing patients' task skills, communication and socialization skills, and physical abilities. Fifty-five percent of the 75 respondents to a reimbursement question indicated that there was no difference in the rate charged for individual versus group treatment. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapists continue to use group treatment in a variety of facilities and with many different groups. The differences between the 1983 and 1993 studies were largely due to demographics (e.g., the decrease in the number of therapists working in mental health settings.) Recent documentation of the cost-effectiveness of group treatment may promote its use in times of staff member shortages and restricted funds.

Group work in occupational therapy: a survey of practice.

This paper documents the extent to which occupational therapists use groups in practice. A questionnaire was mailed to 300 occupational therapists nationwide. Questions included the types of groups occupational therapists lead, the facilities in which the groups take place, the patients included, the activities presented, and individual and groups goals. Results were tabulated based on the responses of 120 therapists. We established that 60% of occupational therapists in all areas of practice lead groups in treatment. Of the 209 groups described by the respondents, there was a significantly greater number of activity groups than verbal groups. Also, there were significantly more groups with ten or less members than groups of more than ten. This paper describes the ten categories of groups that were identified in this study.

Effects of selected activities on affective meaning in psychiatric patients.

Occupational therapists have used activity analysis to ensure the therapeutic use of activities. Recently, they have begun to explore the affective components of activities. This study explores the feelings (affective responses) that chronic psychiatric patients have toward selected activities commonly used in occupational therapy. Twenty-two participating chronic psychiatric patients were randomly assigned to one of three different activity groups: cooking, craft, or sensory awareness. Immediately following participation, each subject was asked to rate the activity by using Osgood's semantic differential, which measures the evaluation, power, and action factors of affective meaning. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the cooking activity and the other two activities on the evaluation factor. The fact that the three activities were rated differently is evidence that different activities can elicit different responses in one of the target populations of occupational therapy. The implications of these findings to occupational therapists are discussed and areas of future research are indicated.

Choice making in group and individual activity.

A guiding premise of occupational therapy practice is that it is beneficial to allow clients freedom of choice in selecting and participating in activities. This study examined subjects' affective responses to having or lacking freedom of choice in completing an activity and explored how those responses might differ when subjects did the activity in individual as opposed to group settings. Forty female undergraduate and graduate students participated in an origami activity under four different experimental conditions: a) individual--choice; b) individual--no choice; c) group--choice; and d) group--no choice. Afterward, each subject rated how she felt about herself while participating in the activity by using Osgood's semantic differential designed to elicit responses in terms of three affective factors: evaluation, power, and activity. Data analysis revealed an interaction between the two independent variables on the power factor such that subjects who were not permitted choice responded significantly differently from those who were permitted choice only in the group setting. Implications of this finding for occupational therapy practice are discussed.

The effect of psychological type on the mood and meaning of two college activities.

This study used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to identify two types of college students who differed in preferred perceptual processes, with one group strongly preferring the use of sense impressions (sensing types), and the other preferring the use of unconscious associations (intuitive types) in becoming aware of phenomena. All subjects then participated in two collage activities with slightly different instructions, one requiring a creative approach and the other requiring imitation. Change in mood after each college was measured by the Bipolar Form of the Profile of Mood States, and the affective meanings of the two activities were assessed by Osgood's 12-scale short-form semantic differential. Results indicated that the creative activity elicited significantly higher scores on two mood states (agreeable-hostile and composed-anxious) and two factors of affective meaning (power and evaluation). Intuitive types rated both activities higher than sensing types on one mood (agreeable-hostile) and one factor of affective meaning (action). Hypothesized interactions were not found. The findings have possible implications for the effects of occupational therapy activities that require creativity as opposed to imitation as well as for the effects of perceptual preferences on the moods and meanings of activities.