Readmissions to hospital following a decision to eat and drink with acknowledged risk.

People with a dysphagia may eat and drink with acknowledged risks (EDAR). The FORWARD care bundle (Feeding via the Oral Route With Acknowledged Risk of Deterioration) is used at our hospital to support patients who are EDAR. This two-year retrospective study of patients supported by FORWARD aimed to determine incidence of EDAR-related readmissions and effects of discharge location and documented preferred place of care in advance care plans. Of 316 patients supported by FORWARD, 200 were discharged alive. 63% (n=126) were not readmitted within six months. Of 74 patients readmitted, 49% had an EDAR-related readmission. Significantly fewer patients wishing to remain at home had EDAR-related readmissions (7%, n=4) than those without a documented preferred place of care (23%, n=30, p<0.01), suggesting advance care plans are effective. Significantly more (23%, n=29) patients discharged to private homes had EDAR-related readmissions than those in nursing/care homes (10%, n=6, p<0.05), which could suggest residential care provides more support.

Impact of female obesity and assisted reproduction on uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy births: a study of 428 336 births in Flanders.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the impact of BMI on uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy births in women who did or did not have medically assisted reproduction (MAR, i.e. ART or hormonal stimulation without manipulation of eggs or embryos) in the Flanders region (Belgium)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women with a higher BMI who use MAR are at the highest risk of pregnancy and birth complications. WHAT WE KNOW ALREADY: Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is used increasingly worldwide and is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Obesity is also increasing globally and obese women are more likely to seek MAR since obesity is associated with infertility. When obese women undergo MAR, the risk of adverse outcomes may be enhanced but it is not clear to what extent. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a registry-based study using the data from the Study Centre for Perinatal epidemiology database for years 2009-2015, region of Flanders, Belgium. This included 428 336 women. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The average age was 30.0 years (SD 4.78), 194 061 (45.31%) were nulliparous, and 6.3% (n = 26 971) conceived with MAR. We examined the association of BMI and MAR with the following composite primary outcomes: 'uncomplicated pregnancy and birth' and 'healthy baby'. We conducted Poisson regression and adjusted for maternal age, parity, gestational weight gain, smoking and previous caesarean section. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In our study, 36.80% (n = 157 623) of women had an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth according to the definition used. The predicted probability of having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth for women with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 who conceived spontaneously was 0.33 (0.32 to 0.35), while it was 0.28 (0.24 to 0.32) for women who used hormonal stimulation and 0.26 (0.22 to 0.29) for women who used IVF/ICSI. This probability reduced with increasing BMI category for both MAR and non-MAR users. For women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2, the predicted probability of having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth was 0.28 (0.26 to 0.30) for women who conceived spontaneously, and 0.22 (0.16 to 0.29) and 0.20 (0.14 to 0.26) for women who used hormonal stimulation only or IVF/ICSI, respectively. The predicted probability of having a healthy baby for women with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 who conceived spontaneously was 0.92 (0.91 to 0.93), 0.89 (0.87 to 0.92) for women who used hormonal stimulation only and 0.85 (0.84 to 0.87) for women who used IVF/ICSI. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The database did not include data on socio-economic status, pre-pregnancy morbidities and paternal BMI. Subsequently, we could not adjust for these factors in the analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Obese women who use MAR are at the highest risk of pregnancy and birth complications. This increase in interventions also has cost and resource implications which is relevant for funding policies. Weight loss interventions prior to MAR seem plausible but their (cost-) effectiveness needs urgent investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): F.W. received an Erasmus Plus training grant to visit A.B., L.A. and R.D. and conducted this study during this visit. The authors have no competing interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Less than full time training in plastic surgery: A qualitative survey-based study and practical suggestions for improvement.

The General Medical Council (GMC) has voiced its support of less-than-full-time (LTFT) training, which has been shown to have a positive impact on workforce well-being, burnout and attrition and patient safety. However, barriers to LTFT exist within plastic surgery. This study aims to understand plastic surgery trainees' perceptions of LTFT and provide practical suggestions for improvement. Two surveys were disseminated by the UK Plastic Surgery Trainees' Association (PLASTA). Survey 1 formed part of the PLASTA National Training Survey (NTS) 2021, and all plastic surgery trainees with a National Training Number (NTN) were eligible. Survey 2 looked specifically at the lived experience of LTFT trainees in plastic surgery. A total of 177 trainees responded to the NTS. Seven per cent of respondents currently work LTFT, and 50% would consider it in future. Reported barriers to applying for LTFT included concerns about reduction in pay, extension of training time, and concerns about trainers' negative perceptions of LTFT. Twenty LTFT NTN trainees responded to the LTFT-specific survey. The majority of respondents reported an overall positive impact on their training and personal lives, although many still encountered negative attitudes from trainers and peers. Based on the results of this study, we provide practical suggestions to make LTFT more accessible to and acceptable for all trainees regardless of reason for applying or gender. Promoting the uptake of LTFT and improving the experience of LTFT in plastic surgery will support a healthy work-life balance in our workforce, prevent attrition and support gender equality.

Does amantadine maintain function in long-established brain injury? A single case experimental design.

OBJECTIVE: The role of dopamine agonist (DA) in restoring consciousness and cognition in recovery phase following acquired brain injury (ABI) is established (1-5). The role in later recovery is less well defined. We report a single case experimental design (SCED) trial of amantadine demonstrating improvement in function, six years following ABI. METHOD: A scoring system based on established abilities in personal care and interaction was used to identify tasks with component actions, 34 actions in total, each ranked in terms of quality of response to a request or prompt. Actions were scored on maintenance dose amantadine; on withdrawal; and after reintroduction. Daytime sleep duration was also recorded. RESULTS: At 3rd and 5th weeks post withdrawal, deterioration was noted in 27 of 34 graded activities. At 3rd and 5th weeks following reintroduction, all but 3 grades returned to baseline or better. Afternoon sleep duration increased from 35 to 80 minutes during withdrawal period returning towards baseline on amantadine resumption. CONCLUSION: We believe this provides evidence for benefit of amantadine in sustaining function following ABI. The SCED model used provides a template for others to use to identify comparable change in similar trials.

A prospective study of placental growth factor in twin pregnancy and development of a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range for placental growth factor (PlGF), and to compare gestation-specific placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancies later complicated by pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or fetal growth restriction with control pregnancies. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single large tertiary maternity unit in Ireland. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Women with a twin pregnancy. METHODS: Consenting pregnant women, across a variety of gestations, had a single blood sample taken at one time-point only during their pregnancy. The plasma was initially biobanked and PlGF was measured later in batches using the point of care Triage® PlGF test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or fetal growth restriction. RESULTS: Placental growth factor levels in uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancies were significantly lower in the women who later developed pre-eclampsia than in the controls at all gestational intervals. In those that later developed any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, median PlGF was lower only in those recruited before 24 weeks of gestation, whereas in infants with a customised birthweight below the third centile, PlGF was lower only in those sampled after 24 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancy differ significantly between those women with a pregnancy that will later be complicated by pre-eclampsia and those that will not. This difference is present many weeks before clinical signs or symptoms of disease are present. Using cross-sectional values from uncomplicated twin pregnancies, we have developed a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range for PlGF. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancy differ significantly between women that will later develop pre-eclampsia and those that will not.

Oncological outcomes in differentiated thyroid cancer in South East Scotland.

BACKGROUND: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is increasing in incidence but little is known about oncological outcomes for patients treated in the UK. Internationally there is a move toward conservative treatment of DTC. However, this is based on evidence from outside the UK. The aim of this study was to analyse oncological outcomes for a contemporary cohort of patients treated in a UK centre. METHODS: Review of 470 consecutive prospectively recorded cases of DTC from the South East of Scotland endocrine MDT 2009-2018. Data on patient, tumour and treatment details as well as recurrence and survival details were extracted from the electronic patient record. RESULTS: Of 470 patients female:male ratio was 3.4:1, median age at presentation was 48 years (range 16-86 years). Overall 193 (41%), 134 (29%), 119 (25%) and 22 (5%) patients were p T1, T2, T3, and p T4 respectively. 385 patients (82%) were pN0, 31 patients (7%) were pN1a and 53 patients (11%) were pN1b. 19 patients (4%) were M1. Of 470 patients 350 (74%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma, 120 patients (26%) had follicular carcinoma. Surgical management was lobectomy, isthumusectomy, total thyroidectomy and lobectomy then completion thyroidectomy in 14%,1%, 41% and 43% cases respectively. 64% patients received radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy. With a median follow-up of 70 months (range 4-124 months), 5 years overall survival and disease specific survival were 96.7% and 98.5% respectively. The 5 year local recurrence free survival (LRFS), regional recurrence free survival (RRFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), distant recurrence free survival (DRFS) and any recurrence free survivals were 100%, 95.8%, 95.8%, 98.3% and 95% respectively. CONCLUSION: Oncological outcomes for patients treated with DTC were excellent, in keeping with experience from international groups, suggesting that a move towards conservative treatment in the UK seems reasonable.

Impact of improved observed hand hygiene on bloodstream infection rates in Ireland. A prospective segmented regression analysis, 2009-2016.

Participation in European surveillance for bloodstream infection (BSI) commenced in Ireland in 1999 with all laboratories (n = 39) participating by 2014. Observational hand hygiene auditing (OHHA) was implemented in 2011. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of OHHA on hand hygiene compliance, alcohol hand rub (AHR) procurement and the incidence of sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium and faecalis BSI. A prospective segmented regression analysis was performed to determine the temporal association between OHHA and outcomes. Observed hand hygiene improved from 74.7% (73.7-75.6) in 2011 to 90.8% (90.1-91.3) in 2016. AHR procurement increased from 20.1 l/1000 bed days used (BDU) in 2009 to 33.2 l/1000 BDU in 2016. A pre-intervention reduction of 2% per quarter in the ratio of methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus BSI/BDU stabilized in the time period after the intervention (P < 0.01). The ratio of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) BSI/BDU was decreasing by 5% per quarter pre-intervention, this slowed to 2% per quarter post intervention, (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in the ratio of vancomycin sensitive (P = 0.49) or vancomycin resistant (P = 0.90) Enterococcus sp. BSI/BDU post intervention. This study shows national OHHA increased observed hand hygiene compliance and AHR procurement, however there was no associated reduction in BSI.

Co-registered combined OCT and THz imaging to extract depth and refractive index of a tissue-equivalent test object.

Terahertz (THz) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide complementary information with similar length scales. In addition to OCT's extensive use in ophthalmology, both methods have shown some promise for other medical applications and non-destructive testing. In this paper, we present an iterative algorithm that combines the information from OCT and THz imaging at two different measurement locations within an object to determine both the depth of the reflecting layers at the two locations and the unknown refractive index of the medium for both the OCT wavelengths and THz frequencies. We validate this algorithm using a silicone test object with embedded layers and show that the depths and refractive index values obtained from the algorithm agreed with the measured values to within 3.3%. We further demonstrate for the first time that OCT and THz images can be co-registered and aligned using unsupervised image registration. Hence we show that a combined OCT/THz system can provide unique information beyond the capability of the separate modalities alone, with possible applications in the medical, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.

Percepción del ambiente educacional de los estudiantes de medicina de una universidad pública peruana en el año 2014 / Perception of the medical student educational environment from a Peruvian public university in 2014

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la percepción de los estudiantes de medicina humana sobre el ambiente educacional en la Facultad de Medicina «San Fernando» de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos de Lima, Perú. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de tipo cuantitativo y corte transversal mediante la aplicación del instrumento Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure. El instrumento fue aplicado a 177 estudiantes de medicina del segundo al sexto año de estudio. RESULTADOS: El 53,7% de los estudiantes tuvieron una percepción positiva del aprendizaje, de los docentes (73,5%), de la atmósfera (66,1%) y de su situación académica (66,1%), pero la percepción social de la facultad fue desfavorable (57,1%) y la calificación total de la percepción del ambiente educacional fue favorable (75,7%). DISCUSIÓN: La percepción de los estudiantes de medicina sobre el ambiente educacional en la escuela de medicina fue favorable. Se recomienda afianzar los aspectos relacionados con el ambiente social del estudiante de medicina

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate medical students perception of the educational environment in the "San Fernando" School of Medicine of the National University of San Marcos of Lima, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative and cross-sectional study was performed using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure. A total of 177 medical students from second to sixth year were tested. RESULTS: The scores obtained from the DREEM demonstrate that medical student's perceptions were positive in learning (53.7%), teachers (7.5%), environment (66.1%), and academic situation (66.1%). However, there was a negative perception of their medical school (57.1%). The overall rating of the perception of the educational environment was positive (75.7%). DISCUSSION: The medical student's perception of the medical school educational environment was positive. It is recommended to strengthen the medical student's social environment related to medical school

Health service utilization and related costs attributable to diabetes.

AIMS: To estimate the health service use and direct healthcare costs attributable to diabetes using best available data and methods. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of adults aged ≥50 years was analysed (n=8107). Health service use in the previous 12 months included the number of general practitioner visits, outpatient department visits, hospital admissions, and accident and emergency department attendances. Multivariable negative binomial regression was used to estimate the associations between diabetes and frequency of visits. Average marginal effects were applied to unit costs for each health service and extrapolated to the total population, calculating the incremental costs associated with diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes was 8.0% (95% CI: 7.4, 8.6). In fully adjusted models, diabetes was associated with additional health service use. Compared to those without diabetes, people with diabetes have, on average, 1.49 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.88) additional general practitioner visits annually. Diabetes was associated with an 87% increase in outpatient visits, a 52% increase in hospital admissions and a 33% increase in accident and emergency department attendances (P<0.001). The incremental cost of this additional service use, nationally, is an estimated €88,894,421 annually, with hospital admissions accounting for 67% of these costs. CONCLUSION: Using robust methods, we identified substantially increased service use attributable to diabetes across the health system. Our findings highlight the urgent need to invest in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Morning surge in blood pressure using a random-effects multiple-component cosinor model.

Blood pressure (BP) fluctuates throughout the day. The pattern it follows represents one of the most important circadian rhythms in the human body. For example, morning BP surge has been suggested as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular events occurring in the morning, but the accurate quantification of this phenomenon remains a challenge. Here, we outline a novel method to quantify morning surge. We demonstrate how the most commonly used method to model 24-hour BP, the single cosinor approach, can be extended to a multiple-component cosinor random-effects model. We outline how this model can be used to obtain a measure of morning BP surge by obtaining derivatives of the model fit. The model is compared with a functional principal component analysis that determines the main components of variability in the data. Data from the Mitchelstown Study, a population-based study of Irish adults (n = 2047), were used where a subsample (1207) underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We demonstrate that our 2-component model provided a significant improvement in fit compared with a single model and a similar fit to a more complex model captured by b-splines using functional principal component analysis. The estimate of the average maximum slope was 2.857 mmHg/30 min (bootstrap estimates; 95% CI: 2.855-2.858 mmHg/30 min). Simulation results allowed us to quantify the between-individual SD in maximum slopes, which was 1.02 mmHg/30 min. By obtaining derivatives we have demonstrated a novel approach to quantify morning BP surge and its variation between individuals. This is the first demonstration of cosinor approach to obtain a measure of morning surge.

Impact of Ethylene Glycol Toxicity on Donor Organ Viability: A Case Report.

Using kidneys from deceased donors whose demise was secondary to ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity requires considerable thought and planning. The exact impact that kidneys from these donors could have is unclear. The shortage of viable organs and growing wait list mortality should lead us to consider these allografts as potential life-saving transplants. Because it is crucial for the transplant community to use every available allograft, we need to develop processes that optimize each possible scenario. This article is a discussion of the viability of kidneys from a donor with EG-induced brain death and a proposed algorithm for encouraging the use of renal allografts after EG toxicity.

Swallowing outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary (chemo)radiation therapy receiving either prophylactic gastrostomy or reactive nasogastric tube: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: There is currently no consensus on the optimal feeding route for an oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) patient without pre-existing dysphagia undergoing chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed to compare the swallowing outcomes for OPSCC patients fed via either prophylactic RIG (pRIG) or reactive nasogastric tube (rNGT). DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four head and neck cancer centres in the North of England Cancer Network. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three participants with OPSCC, on a normal diet pre-(chemo) radiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Swallowing outcomes for patients with rNGT and pRIG were compared using the following outcome measures administered prospectively at pre-treatment, three and 12 months post-treatment: MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), Performance Status Scales (Normalcy of Diet), timed water swallow test. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients received pRIG while 30 were planned for a rNGT. No differences in demographics were found between the groups. The rNGT group had a clinically significant higher score on MDADI at 12 months post-treatment. No significant difference was found on a timed water swallow test or diet texture scale. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistical difference for swallowing outcomes in either group. However, patients' in the rNGT group reported a clinically meaningful difference at 1 year, with a trend for them to do better across all measures. Neither group returned to their baseline swallowing function. Further research with a larger sample size is indicated.

Use of a 40-day rolling incidence to monitor pertussis in Nova Scotia, 2015.

BACKGROUND: Pertussis can cause a serious respiratory bacterial infection, especially in infants. Between January 1 and December 31, 2015, there was an increase in the number of reported pertussis cases in Nova Scotia (NS). Surveillance practices for pertussis in NS were challenging because immunization coverage data are not available and rate information was neither timely nor precise with respect to geography. Public health officials in NS decided to adopt a new surveillance technique to inform public health actions across the Province. OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of a 40-day rolling incidence rate to monitor pertussis activity in Nova Scotia. INTERVENTION: A 40-day rolling incidence rate was calculated for pertussis by age groups and various levels of geography. Public health authorities continued to anticipate new cases of pertussis if the contacts of known cases were still within the incubation period (range between six and 20 days). The 40-day incubation period was chosen to reflect twice the incubation period's upper range. Rates were calculated using Statistics Canada population projections for 2014 and then compared with traditional case counts and cumulative incidences. The usefulness of the statistics was assessed by public health decision makers. OUTCOMES: Increased pertussis activity was noted across NS, most notably in the South West region. The use of a 40-day rolling incidence rate as a surveillance tool provided more timely and geographically precise descriptions of ongoing trends in pertussis activity and helped to inform appropriate public health action. Health officials valued the information provided from the rolling incidence because it allowed them to manage activities based on weekly estimates at various levels of geography. CONCLUSION: Rolling incidence proved to be a useful tool to monitor a cyclical increase in pertussis cases in Nova Scotia and to inform related public health actions. The rolling incidence provided geographically precise and timely information that was useful to estimate new cases in the absence of reliable immunization coverage information. This method could supplement traditional epidemiological surveillance of future communicable disease events, especially those characterized by long incubation periods and low case counts.

Evidence for the treatment of moderate depression: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate existing evidence for the effectiveness of psychological treatments and/or antidepressant medication as a treatment for those diagnosed with moderate levels of depression. METHODS: A PRISMA systematic review of articles using electronic research databases (2000-2014) was conducted to identify studies investigating the effectiveness of psychotherapy and/or medication as a treatment for people with moderate levels of depression. Search terms included moderate depression, psychotherapy and/or medication, depressive disorders, antidepressants, psychotherapy, mental health services, and randomized-controlled trial (RCT). The included studies were then assessed, extracted, and synthesised. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria (11 RCTs and three additional studies) for this review. The findings of the systematic review indicate that there is limited evidence available specific to the treatment of moderate depression and that this research seems to suggest that psychotherapy or combined treatment has a beneficial effect. CONCLUSIONS: Given that depression is one of the biggest challenges the world faces at present, further research is required to examine the effectiveness of treatment for different levels of depression severity.

Trends in blindness due to diabetic retinopathy among adults aged 18-69years over a decade in Ireland.

AIMS: To describe trends in the incidence of visual impairment and blindness due to diabetic retinopathy among adults aged 18-69years in Ireland between 2004 and 2013. METHODS: Data on visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in adults aged 18-69years or over who are registered with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, (2004-2013) were analysed. Annual incidence rates were calculated for the adult population and the population with diagnosed diabetes. Poisson regression was used to test for changes in rates over time. The relative, attributable and population risk of blindness and visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy were calculated for 2013. RESULTS: Over the decade, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased from 2.1% to 3.6%. Among people with diagnosed diabetes, the incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy increased from 6.4 (95% CI 2.4-13.9) per 100,000 in 2004 to 11.7 (95% CI 5.9-21.0) per 100,000 in 2013. The incidence of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy varied from 31.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 21.6-45.7) in 2004 to 14.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 8.2-25.1) in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the need for increased attention to preventive measures for microvascular complications among adults with diabetes in Ireland. Retinopathy screening has been standardised in Ireland, these findings provide useful baseline statistics to monitor the impact of this population-based screening programme.

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and related complications in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 and over in the Republic of Ireland.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and its related complications in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the Republic of Ireland. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample of adults aged ≥ 50 years from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), (2009-2011). Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes prevalence was estimated by self-report or the use of oral hypoglycaemic agents. The prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications was determined by self-report. RESULTS: Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes prevalence was 8.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.8-9.0%] and was higher among men [10.3% (95% CI: 9.4-11.2%)] than women [6.6% (95% CI: 5.9-7.5%)]; P ≤ 0.001. Among participants with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, the overall prevalence of microvascular complications was 26.0% (95% CI: 22.4-30.0%) with no evidence of gender-specific differences (P = 0.7). The overall prevalence of macrovascular complications was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.2-18.4%) and was higher among men [17.8% (95% CI: 14.3-23.1%)] than women [11.4% (95% CI: 7.7-16.4%)]; P ≤ 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of a national diabetes register, these findings provide a robust estimate of the national prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and level of complications among adults aged 50 years and over in Ireland.

Genetic relationships between detailed reproductive traits and performance traits in Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle.

The objective of the study was to estimate the genetic relationships between detailed reproductive traits derived from ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract and a range of performance traits in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. The performance traits investigated included calving performance, milk production, somatic cell score (i.e., logarithm transformation of somatic cell count), carcass traits, and body-related linear type traits. Detailed reproductive traits included (1) resumed cyclicity at the time of examination, (2) multiple ovulations, (3) early ovulation, (4) heat detection, (5) ovarian cystic structures, (6) embryo loss, and (7) uterine score, measured on a 1 (little or no fluid with normal tone) to 4 (large quantity of fluid with a flaccid tone) scale, based on the tone of the uterine wall and the quantity of fluid present in the uterus. (Co)variance components were estimated using a repeatability animal linear mixed model. Genetic merit for greater milk, fat, and protein yield was associated with a reduced ability to resume cyclicity postpartum (genetic correlations ranged from -0.25 to -0.15). Higher genetic merit for milk yield was also associated with a greater genetic susceptibility to multiple ovulations. Genetic predisposition to elevated somatic cell score was associated with a decreased likelihood of cyclicity postpartum (genetic correlation of -0.32) and a greater risk of both multiple ovulations (genetic correlation of 0.25) and embryo loss (genetic correlation of 0.32). Greater body condition score was genetically associated with an increased likelihood of resumption of cyclicity postpartum (genetic correlation of 0.52). Genetically heavier, fatter carcasses with better conformation were also associated with an increased likelihood of resumed cyclicity by the time of examination (genetic correlations ranged from 0.24 to 0.41). Genetically heavier carcasses were associated with an inferior uterine score as well as a greater predisposition to embryo loss. Despite the overall antagonistic relationship between reproductive performance and both milk and carcass traits, not all detailed aspects of reproduction performance exhibited an antagonistic relationship.