...An outbreak investigation featuring a cohort study associated with food contamination with an unknown organism: Confirmed with a variety of biological identification techniques 2015 – Karl Olsen N0425691 During October 2015, an outbreak of 14 cases of symptoms related to gastroenteritis occurred at a bank staff party in Nottingham, it was confirmed via a cohort study that Salmonella was the infectious pathogen. A lack of significant association between specific food sources and illness suggests an attack rate distributed through multiple foods, including salad and chicken, which were considered to be contaminated through a food handler. Introduction A conventional outbreak investigation is when two or more people share identical or related diseases/symptoms or excrete the same pathogens. This is common when cases are shared between individuals that have circumstantial association. In this particular case, the number of confirmed symptoms exceeded that expected and illuminated the potential cause; a foodborne disease. Moreover, on the 11th of October 2015, the first incidence of 14 human cases of symptoms related to food poisoning occurred between bank staff colleagues in Nottingham; United Kingdom. Symptoms of diarrhoea and fever manifested themselves and were reported within a week of a party of which 36 of 42 staff members attended. Symptoms subsided by the 15th of October. The occurrence and proximity of these infections suggest a link which can be explained by the consumption...
Words: 3153 - Pages: 13
...adolescents: a case-control study 1-3 by Ulf Ekelund, Jan Aman, Agneta Yngve, Cecilia Renman, Klaas Westerterp, and Michael Sjostrom Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of cardiovascular disease in US adults: the first national health and nutrition examinations survey epidemiologic follow-up study 1-3 By Lydia A Bazzano, Jiang He, Lorraine G Ogden, Catherine M Loria, Suma Vupputuri, Leann Myers, and Paul K Whelton The first study; Learning Problems in Kindergarten Students with Extremely Preterm, objective by the research objective was to implement a cohort study to assess early learning problems in extremely preterm(EP) children in kindergarten compared with term-born normal birth weight (NBY) controls; to identify risk factors of educational outcomes in the extremely preterm group with neonatal factor, early childhood neurodevelopmental impairment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Variables included the age, sex and ethnicity and children born January 2001-December 2003 (n=148), and term-born normal birth weight classmate controls (n=111). Main outcome measures are achievement testing, teacher ratings of learning progress, and individual educational assistance. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the extremely preterm (EP) and term-born normal birth weight (NBW) groups on tests achievement tests and total of teacher ratings of progress in written language and mathematics learning progress. Logistic regression was also used in this study to examine differences...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
...adolescents: a case-control study 1-3 by Ulf Ekelund, Jan Aman, Agneta Yngve, Cecilia Renman, Klaas Westerterp, and Michael Sjostrom Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of cardiovascular disease in US adults: the first national health and nutrition examinations survey epidemiologic follow-up study 1-3 By Lydia A Bazzano, Jiang He, Lorraine G Ogden, Catherine M Loria, Suma Vupputuri, Leann Myers, and Paul K Whelton The first study; Learning Problems in Kindergarten Students with Extremely Preterm, objective by the research objective was to implement a cohort study to assess early learning problems in extremely preterm(EP) children in kindergarten compared with term-born normal birth weight (NBY) controls; to identify risk factors of educational outcomes in the extremely preterm group with neonatal factor, early childhood neurodevelopmental impairment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Variables included the age, sex and ethnicity and children born January 2001-December 2003 (n=148), and term-born normal birth weight classmate controls (n=111). Main outcome measures are achievement testing, teacher ratings of learning progress, and individual educational assistance. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the extremely preterm (EP) and term-born normal birth weight (NBW) groups on tests achievement tests and total of teacher ratings of progress in written language and mathematics learning progress. Logistic regression was also used in this study to examine differences...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
...epidemiologists prefer one type of study over another and describes strengths and weaknesses of each approach. To begin an epidemiologic study, we decide what to study. For this discussion, let's say we want to study prenatal exposure to electric and magnetic fields and the effect on a baby's birthweight. We look at the existing literature on birthweight to assess current knowledge and data. It is important to know if others have conducted similar studies in case they have uncovered specific design limitations or useful results, and this information is helpful in understanding the context of one's own study. We believe that known risks include prematurity, poor prenatal care, low socioeconomic status, non-white ethnicity, large size of the mother, younger or older mothers, smoking, alcohol consumption and a host of other factors. Electric and magnetic field exposures are not known risk factors but have not been studied extensively. Therefore we wish to study them. Cohort Study The "What will happen to me?" study follows a group of healthy people with different levels of exposure and assesses what happens to their health over time. It is a desirable design because exposure precedes the health outcome — a condition necessary for causation — and is less subject to bias because exposure is evaluated before the health status is known. The cohort study is also expensive, time-consuming and the most logistically difficult of all the studies. It is most useful for relatively common...
Words: 1087 - Pages: 5
...Research studies are done with the intention of creating a positive impact in the welfare of a group of people or individuals within a given population. The quantitative research design is a formal, systematic and objective process of obtaining information about the world or a part that can be quantified. Health effects of environmental contaminants has evinced research work in air pollution exposure and lung function in children. Another study was conducted on the relationship between domestic exposure to radon and childhood cancers. There are three major types of quantitative research methods namely; experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental (Polit & Beck, 2012). In the study on air pollution and exposure and lung function in children, the method applied is descriptive research. The study is important since lung function is a marker of respiratory health and a predictor of cardiorespiratory system disease and mortality. The study was carried out in five European countries with birth cohorts taken from a credible agency European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE). The study population for the analysis consisted of 5,921 children 6–8 years of age. The tabular analysis was then done for population characteristics, lung function measurements and the prevalence of low lung function according to the cohort. Distribution of estimated annual average air pollution levels, traffic indicators, and short-term air pollution exposure variables. Crude and adjusted...
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...Research and Design Methodology Elizabeth Dressel Excelsior College Abstract The study of lifespan and development requires research to understand what makes people who they are. There are different types of research, which assist with gathering data and measuring outcomes. The three I will be describing are the longitudinal, cross sectional and sequential design. There are also different formats of collecting data such as systemic observation, self reports, the clinical method and ethnograpy, which I will explain my understanding of the similarities and differences. Keywords: longitudinal design, cross sectional design, sequential design, systemic observation, self-reports, clinical method and ethnograpy Research and Design Methodology In the longitudinal design the participants are monitored frequently for a short or long period of time and data is analyzed as the participant ages. By monitoring the participants in this way it unfolds patterns and allows the researcher to more easily see relationships over a period of time. For example our textbook used an example of behavior types and then added male and female to further see relationships. The limitation to this study is the possibility of drop out of the participants due to the length of study. The cross sectional seems to be a more convenient type of research due to the time frame. It does study different age groups but at one period of time not over a period of time as in the longitudinal...
Words: 627 - Pages: 3
...on March 25, 2013 as 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301508 Original article Do television and electronic games predict children’s psychosocial adjustment? Longitudinal research using the UK Millennium Cohort Study Alison Parkes, Helen Sweeting, Daniel Wight, Marion Henderson Medical Research Council/ CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK Correspondence to Dr Alison Parkes, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 4 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK; Alison-p@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk Received 7 December 2011 Revised 15 October 2012 Accepted 7 December 2012 ABSTRACT Background Screen entertainment for young children has been associated with several aspects of psychosocial adjustment. Most research is from North America and focuses on television. Few longitudinal studies have compared the effects of TV and electronic games, or have investigated gender differences. Purpose To explore how time watching TV and playing electronic games at age 5 years each predicts change in psychosocial adjustment in a representative sample of 7 year-olds from the UK. Methods Typical daily hours viewing television and playing electronic games at age 5 years were reported by mothers of 11 014 children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Conduct problems, emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, hyperactivity/inattention and prosocial behaviour were reported by mothers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Change...
Words: 1355 - Pages: 6
...than one study addressing a particular health question. In such circumstances it is logical to collect all these studies together and base conclusions on the cumulated results. However the same scientific principles as would be expected in the original studies need to be applied to the identification, sorting and analysis of potentially relevant studies. This is what is meant by a systematic review. The most obvious sign that a review is systematic will be the presence of a methods section. Meta-analysis is the statistical process of combining the results from several studies that is often part of a systematic review. What is a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)? An RCT is a type of interventional or experimental study design. Participants (individuals or groups) are randomly allocated to receive either the new intervention being tested or a control treatment (usually the standard treatment or a placebo). Each arm of the study is then followed up and the amount or severity of the disease measured in the intervention group and compared with the control group. RCTs are by definition prospective. What is a Qualitative study? A qualitative study examines the experiences and beliefs of people from their own perspective. It can take many forms including in-depth interviews and focus-groups with analysis attempting to identify underlying themes. Verbatim quotes of participants can be used to illustrate these themes. What is a Cohort study...
Words: 452 - Pages: 2
...in American women according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer research has found no cure and treatments vary in effectiveness. Objectives This paper will review some of the various conventional and natural prevention methods of breast cancer and evaluate the effectiveness and risks of each. Methods/Design Published studies on early detection , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical activity and diet were reviewed. Opposing studies and risks of each were also sought and reviewed. Major Findings All methods were found to have a positive effect on reducing the risk of breast cancer except for early detection. All methods were also found to have a negative effect on breast cancer risk or have risks of other health problems except for physical activity and thermography. Conclusion Studies show that early detection does not prevent breast cancer and moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer. All other methods have conflicting studies . Early Detection: Early detection is the most recommend method for the prevention of breast cancer, however it does not prevent breast cancer but studies show it can reduce the death rate of breast cancer. Mammography the most used and accurate form of non-evasive early detection will be examined in this paper as well as thermography, a new alternative to mammogram screenings. Mammography Mammography is a procedure that uses x-ray radiation to capture an image inside the body. Research...
Words: 2751 - Pages: 12
...Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Surgically Treated Hyperthyroidism A Nation-wide Cohort Study With a Long-term Follow-up Essi Ryödi, Jorma Salmi, Pia Jaatinen, Heini Huhtala, Rauni Saaristo, Matti Välimäki, Anssi Auvinen, Saara Metso Clin Endocrinol. 2014;80(5):743-750. Abstract and Introduction Abstract Objective Previous studies suggest that patients with hyperthyroidism remain at an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity even after restoring euthyroidism. The mechanisms of the increased risk and its dependency on the different treatment modalities of hyperthyroidism remain unclear. The aim of this long-term follow-up study was to compare the rate of hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes and the mortality in hyperthyroid patients treated surgically with an ageand gender-matched reference population. Patients and Measurements A population-based cohort study was conducted among 4334 hyperthyroid patients (median age 46 years) treated with thyroidectomy in 1986–2007 in Finland and among 12 991 reference subjects. Firstly, the hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were analysed until thyroidectomy. Secondly, the hazard ratios for any new hospitalization due to CVDs after the thyroidectomy were calculated in Cox regression analysis adjusted with the prevalent CVDs at the time of thyroidectomy. Results The risk of hospitalization due to all CVDs started to increase already 5 years before the thyroidectomy, and by the time of the operation...
Words: 2440 - Pages: 10
...of the various study designs. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of case control and cohort study designs (15 marks). Comment: In this case, we give advantages and disadvantages of cohort and case control study designs and offer a summary table to bring out their strengths and shortcomings. Cohort studies Advantages 1. Allow complete information on the subject’s exposure, including quality control of data, and experience thereafter. 2. Provide a clear temporal sequence of exposure and disease. 3. Give an opportunity to study multiple outcomes related to a specific exposure. 4. Permit calculation of incidence rates (absolute risk) as well as relative risk. 5. Enable the study of relatively rare exposures. Disadvantages 1. Not suited for the study of rare diseases because a large number of subjects is required. 2. Not suited when the time between exposure and disease manifestation is very long, although this can be overcome in historical cohort studies. 3. Exposure patterns, for example the composition of oral contraceptives, may change during the course of the study and make the results irrelevant. 4. Maintaining high rates of follow-up can be difficult. 5. Expensive to carry out because a large number of subjects is usually required. 6. Baseline data may be sparse because the large number of subjects does not allow for long interviews. Case-control studies Advantages 1. Permit the study of rare diseases. 2. Permit the study of diseases with...
Words: 609 - Pages: 3
...focused on the reduction of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all adults admitted to one of our 4 adult ICUs, intubated on invasive mechanical ventilation. We implemented a ventilator bundle in April of 2007; we report the incidence of VAP in 2008, and, after adjustment in the process (oral care performed by respiratory therapists), the incidence in 2009. The primary outcome was reduction of the microbiologically confirmed VAP rate over a 2 year period. Other outcomes were duration of mechanical ventilation, antibiotic days, ICU and hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,588 patients received invasive mechanical ventilation in the adult ICUs. The VAP rate during 2008 was 4.3/1,000 ventilator days, and the 2009 rate was 1.2/1,000 ventilator days. The 2008 to 2009 VAP rate ratio was significantly greater than 1 (rate ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.8-8.0, P < .001). Antibiotic days were less in 2009 versus 2008 (Hodges-Lehmann estimate of difference between 2008 and 2009, 1.0, 95% CI 0.0 -1.0, P = .002). The median stay in the ICU was unchanged, and in the hospital was decreased in 2009 (Hodges- Lehmann estimate of difference between 2008 and 2009, 1.0, 95% CI 0.0 -1.0, P < .001). The hospital mortality was 26.1%, and there was no difference between the 2 years. Adherence with the ventilator bundle was above 92% during the study period, but the oral care adherence improved from 33% to 97% after respiratory therapists...
Words: 853 - Pages: 4
... objectives, methodology (study design, population, sample size, sampling technique, and instruments of data collection, ethical considerations, and methods of data analysis), budget, organization (work plan and time frame), references and annexes. II. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Research is systematic, scientific and methodological approach to search for basic facts related to a specific problem aiming to find solutions based on these facts. II.1. Selection of a topic The first step for one intending to do a research work is the selection of the research topic. It is of most importance that the topic should be a priority problem that goes with the national priority research agenda, which may affect a greater number of people or a serious problem being identified by managers or decision-makers. The originality of the work is required unless there is a gap in the previous works. The repetition of works results only in wastage of resources. It is preferred that the selected topic to be relevant to the researcher’s interest and in line with his/her personal and departmental expertise. The feasibility of the work is a balance between the complexities of the problem and the available and expected resources. Other factors that should be considered in selecting a topic include the applicability of the research results, ethical, political, and socio-cultural acceptability of the work. II.2. Preparing a research proposal The initial step in designing a study is to...
Words: 1564 - Pages: 7
...EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report investigates the character and consequences of part-time work by school students. Between one quarter and one third of 17 year-old students are employed during the school year and spend on average nine hours per week in their jobs. Over half of all these 17 year-old student-workers in 1992 were found to be employed in sales jobs, and a third were labourers, with a marked gender difference – twice as many females as males were sales workers, while many more males than females did labouring jobs. Data on which the report is based come from the 1975 birth cohort of the Youth in Transition project that forms part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth program. Students’ Motivation for Working, and Perceptions of their Jobs Most students indicated that they worked not simply for financial reasons; they liked the independence their job gave them, they generally enjoyed the work, and believed that the experience of part-time work would help them obtain employment in later life. These benefits were perceived to be true more often by females, and by middle and lower achieving students, the latter fact highlighting the importance of a part-time job for students whom may not be as well served by the school system as those who are higher achievers. For a small proportion of student-workers - perhaps as many as one in ten - there was some evidence of a financial imperative in their decision to work while at school; these were more...
Words: 483 - Pages: 2
...There were several jobs this cohort and employee of the City of Memphis, Code Enforcement, applied for that the results were, “thank you for applying for …, but we regret to inform you that you were not selected for this position”. Some came immediately after this cohort applied, that smells fishy. This cohort had mix feeling. First, happy that he got an interview even those the job was not offerd and yet confident that God has something better for him considering the Bible says, “promotions come from the Lord” (Psalm 75:6-7, KJV). Second, after three of four rejection letters and seeing the people that were selected, less educated and experience, this cohort started feeling discriminated against because he was and is not apart of the social group, the clique. There is a saying, ‘you can be dumb as a brick, but as long as you are a part of the clique you will be promoted real quick’....
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
