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At least 721 records · Page 40Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

[Kick injuries of veterinarians during examination and treatment of horses: a retrospective study in Switzerland].

The risk of injury to veterinarians treating horses is high, particularly when performing painful procedures. The present retrospective study investigated this risk, including the frequency and severity of kick injuries, by submitting questionnaires to 700 veterinary practitioners in Switzerland. Evaluation of 216 completed questionnaires revealed that the frequency of kick injuries was affected by the professional experience of the veterinarian, veterinarians being an owner of a horse, the season, the type of procedure, the percentage of equine patients in the practice population, the treatment location (stall, pasture) and chemical restraint of the patient. Severe injuries incurred by veterinarians in recent years were few in number and the result of a number of unfortunate circumstances, which included hurried procedures due to time restraints and unforeseen events that frightened the patient. The risk factors derived from the full statistical model are the percentage of equine patients in the practice population, the treatment location, the type of procedure and chemical restraint of the patient. Using this information, it should be feasible to reduce the risk of injuries. Sedation of horses undergoing painful procedures, choosing a safe treatment location and caution on the part of the veterinarian are advised to reduce the number of injuries.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2005

[South American camelids in Switzerland. II. Reference values for blood parameters].

In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

[Mass appearance of actinomycosis in a llama herd in Switzerland].

This work describes the symptoms of actinomycosis (Actinomyces bovis) in several Llamas in a herd raised in Switzerland as well as their therapy. In 5 Llamas a hematological and chemical blood examination was made where low calcium, partially low iron and copper levels were found. Various reasons are discussed which influence the bone metabolism and lead to a higher susceptibility of bone infection.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed2005

[Equine strongyles II. Occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in Switzerland].

The occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in strongyles was investigated in 440 horses on 90 farms in Switzerland. The egg hatch assay suggested that benzimidazole (BZ)-resistance was present in 40 of 82 farms (49%). Faecal egg count reduction after pyrantel-treatment was above 96% in 14 of 15 farms. In the remaining farm the efficacy was only 80%. Ivermectin efficacy was investigated on 5 farms and the efficacy was recorded at 98-100%. Faecal cultures undertaken after treatment revealed almost exclusively larvae of the family Cyathostominae. Data about management practices, pasture hygiene and anthelmintic usage were obtained with a questionnaire. Horses were treated on average 3.5 times per year. In 75% of the farms BZ were a component of the seasonal treatment schedule. Only the use of BZ had a significant correlation with the presence of BZ-resistance (P < 0.01). Recommendations for the control of equine strongyles should include measures that minimize the risk of resistance developing against remaining effective anthelmintics.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2006

Equine botulism and acute pasture myodystrophy: new soil-borne emerging diseases in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the incidence of equine botulism and acute pasture myodystrophy have remarkably increased in the last five years. Equine fodder-borne botulism in Europe is most likely caused by Clostridium botulinum types C and D that produce the toxins BoNT/C and BoNT/D. Horses showing signs suggestive of botulism (muscle weakness and tremors, reduced tongue tone, slow chewing, salivation and difficulties swallowing, drooping eyelids, mydriasis), especially patients that have fed on suspect fodder (mostly haylage), must be treated with anti-serum as soon as possible. They also need intensive care, which is often difficult to provide and always expensive in the face of a guarded to poor prognosis. Therefore, prevention (high standards of forage quality and vaccination) is all the more important. Pasture myodystrophy is an acute disease with signs of rhabdomyolysis and lethality rate over 90%. It affects grazing horses under frosty, windy and rainy conditions. Preliminary results indicate that Clostridium sordellii and Clostridium bifermentans producing lethal toxin may play a role in pasture myodystrophy. Our efforts concentrate on developing a new subunit vaccine for equine botulism and understanding the ethiology and pathogenesis of pasture myodystrophy with the goal of improving prevention against these highly fatal diseases that present a significant risk to our horse population.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2006

[Feline hemoplasmas in Switzerland: identification of a novel species, diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical importance].

Two feline hemotropic mycoplasma spp. (aka hemoplasma) have previously been recognized. We recently discovered a third novel species in a cat with hemolytic anemia, designated 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', which is closely related to rodent haemoplasmas. This novel species induced anemia after experimental transmission to two SPF cats. Three quantitative real-time PCR assays were newly designed and applied to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population. Blood samples from 713 healthy and ill cats were analyzed. Up to 104 parameters per cat (detailed questionnaire, case history, laboratory parameters and retroviral infections) were evaluated. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' infection was more prevalent (8.5%) than Mycoplasma haemofelis (0.5%) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (1%). Hemoplasma infections were associated with male gender, outdoor access, and old age, but not with disease or anemia. Infections were more frequently found in the South and West of Switzerland. Several hemoplasma infected cats, some acutely infected, others co-infected with FIV or FeLV, showed hemolytic anemia indicating that additional factors might play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

[Significance of Escherichia coli O157 in sheep at slaughter in Switzerland].

The importance of latent zoonoses has increased in recent years in view of foodborne diseases: (i) the "healthy" animal repesents a reservoir for specific pathogens; () no pathological-anatomical changes in the carcass and its organs show the presence of these pathogens; and (iii) these pathogens may enter the food chain via hygienic weak points in the slaughtering process. To estimate the risks involved and to take appropriate measures, analysis of the slaughtering process should be complemented by collecting data relating to the carriage of the animals of latent zoonotic pathogens. From October 2004 to June 2005, fecal samples from 630 slaughtered sheep were enriched and then examied by IMS technique and by PCR to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157 (OE). Seven samples (1.1%), distributed throughout the whole examination period, were found to be positive. To assess the potential pathogenicity for humans, E. coli O157 strains were isolated by colony hybridization and further characterized. The isolated strains fermented Sorbitol, showed four different H tys (H7, H12, H38, H48), and were all negative for stx. One O157:H7 strain harbored the gene for intimin (eae) in combination with ehxA, and paa. In consequence, the potential health hazard from sheep meat related to O157 STEC seems current not to be of particular importance in Switzerland. Results emphasize the fact that E. coli O157 are not always STEC but may belong to other pathotypes as nontraditional EPEC.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2006

[Overview of helminth problems in domestic ruminants in Switzerland].

Potent anthelmintics were introduced into the Swiss market several decades ago. Despite this, gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), lungworms and the large liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) can successfully inhabit Swiss ruminant farms. This is mainly due to a high reproductive capacity as well as very efficient survival strategies. In addition some species readily develop anthelmintic resistance. GIN-infections in young cattle are under comparatively good control. However, prophylactic measures are compromised where adult stock is also affected due to incomplete development of immune protection. Under these circumstances control measures must include all age groups. This results in fewer helminths in refugia thus may accelerate the development of anthelmintic resistance. This review aims to present a synopsis of the significance of the major helminth infections obtained on pasture by large and small ruminants in Switzerland. Currently available strategies for strategic helminth control are summarized and an outlook is given on new developments which might expand the spectrum of control measures relevant for veterinary practice in the future.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[8 years experience with heroin-assited treatment in Switzerland--current results and future improvements].

In 1994, Switzerland introduced experimental heroin assisted treatment for refractory opioid addicts as last line of treatment. An evaluation research was established examining effectiveness and cost-benefit of heroin-assisted treatment for the first project phase between 1994 and 1996. The present publication intends to provide an overview for the newer results of the evaluation. In summary, the positive outcomes found at first follow-ups continued to persist regarding somatic and mental improvements, social integration including reduction of criminal behaviour, and reduction of use of illicit drugs. In future, treatment of co-morbid mental disorders, integration into the labour market and persistent consumption of cocaine in some patients still need focussed attention. Different efforts to assure quality control and development hopefully will serve towards further optimisation of heroin-assisted treatment.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2004

[Nationwide surveillance of nosocomial infections in Switzerland--methods and results of the Swiss Nosocomial Infection Prevalence Studies (SNIP) in 1999 and 2002].

The first multi-center prevalence study of nosocomial infections in Switzerland took place in 1996. Since then, the number of participating hospitals has steadily increased. Today, 72 hospitals of various sizes are part of the Swiss-NOSO surveillance network and represent 30% of all Swiss acute care hospitals, which include approximately 10,000 acute care beds. This article describes the methodology of the national prevalence studies and the results of the 1999 and 2002 surveys. The proportion of infected patients was 10.1% and 8.1% in 1999 and 2002, respectively. The highest prevalence occurred in intensive care units. The most prevalent nosocomial infections were surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Increasingly, crude rates of nosocomial infections serve as a quality indicator and are used for interhospital comparison and benchmarking. This may be misleading due to differences in case-mix between hospitals as shown in the 1999 study. Using a coordinated approach within a national network, surveillance of nosocomial infections has established itself as an indispensible part of infection control and prevention in Swiss hospitals.

Benchmarking↗
PubMed2003

[Overweight, obesity and underweigh in Switzerland: results of the 2000 Nutri-Trend Study].

The Nutri-Trend-Study 2000 conducted by Nestlé Suisse SA and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health collected data on body weight and height of a random sample (n = 1004) of persons aged 18-54 years living in Switzerland. 3% of participants are underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 26% overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), 5% obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) and 66% are of normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). Nutritional knowledge and attitudes of the BMI-groups do not differ substantially. All groups but especially participants with a BMI of 25+ should be better informed about the health consequences of an unbalanced diet. Furthermore they should be encouraged to adopt a physically active lifestyle and a healthy diet to remain within the BMI-range of normal weight or to reduce overweight.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Can empowerment of elderly with chronic disease be achieved in Switzerland? First results of the ALLFIT program in Zurich].

Self management courses can efficiently empower elderly with chronic disease. ALLFIT, a Swiss self management and fitness programme for seniors with chronic heart, lung, musculoskeletal or diabetic disease, consists of individual contracting and coaching by a Nurse, a weekly Fitness Training and 8 self management courses for 2 hours a week. Of the first 100 Participants, 99 defined contracts of goals and 80 achieved at least partially, 21% improved their physical fitness in walking and 25% in climbing stairs. Empowerment of elderly with chronic diseases can be achieved in Switzerland by a combination of fitness, self management training and individual coaching.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

[The impact of methodology on the reported prevalence of thyroid pathology: comparison of two autopsy series from Switzerland performed with different methods].

To investigate the impact of methodology on the detection and hence reported prevalence of pathological findings in thyroids, in the geographic area of Kt. Thurgau in Switzerland, we used two different methods in two consecutive autopsy series of 420 patients. In series A, the thyroids were sliced unfixed and only suspect lesions were examined histologically. In series B, the thyroids were fixed in formalin and sectioned in a standardized manner. At least one specimen per lobe was taken for histological examination. Series A revealed that five patients had adenomas, four malignant primary tumors, two metastases and four inflammatory changes in the thyroid. Series B detected ten patients with adenomas, eight with primary malignant tumors, eleven with metastases and twenty-eight with inflammatory changes in the thyroid. These differences were significant (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the methodology has an important impact on the detected prevalence of pathological findings in the thyroid.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[HIV/AIDS family care-giving in Switzerland in the context of silence].

Based on critical hermeneutics, this qualitative study presents insights about care giving experiences of HIV affected families in the German speaking part in Switzerland. Eleven families (12 women, 5 men) were interviewed, and members of different families participated in group-conversations. Critical reflection of the results highlighted that these HIV-families offered family caregiving in a context of silence. Two perspectives of this silence are presented: 1. HIV-families do not share their experiences in their closer and larger environments because of stigmatization, changing family constellations, and traditional images of family care. Instead, HIV-families create silent circles. 2. Professional discourses about family care are almost absent in the Swiss health care system because of its focus on the needs of individual patients with health care providers, in particular nurses, offering no systematic health services tailored to family caregivers. The results highlight, that it is paramount for nurses to take responsibility and to create programs that will better serve HIV-families.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

[Attitude of cancer patients to fatigue: patient attitude in Switzerland and England].

UNLABELLED: In the course of a cancer trajectory, many patients suffer from distressing fatigue. In past years, research has shown that care givers tend to underestimate or even to ignore this frequent phenomenon. Despite increasing knowledge, fatigue seems to remain an orphan topic in symptom management. AIM: A qualitative research strategy was used to explore the perception of cancer patients regarding the awareness of fatigue in professionals and the way they deal with it. Patients also evaluated the usefulness of some currently available information material about fatigue. METHODS: The expert-opinion of cancer patients in Switzerland and England was analysed. Convenient sampling guided the selection process of seven patients in each country. A tape-recorded focus-group interview served as method to collect and transcribe data. Data were analysed according to the framework analyses by Richie & Spencer. RESULTS: Results were very similar in both countries. Patients stated a great need for more information regarding fatigue. They feel that care givers are not sufficiently aware of it and that a specific support is not part of current standard practice. The information material was well received and generally judged as very good and helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Communication barriers in professionals as well as in patients continue to exist. Patients wish to be better informed by care givers. The available information material serves well to support this information as they provide words for the unmentioned phenomenon. Far more professional fatigue education is needed to raise care givers' awareness.

Awareness↗
PubMed2002

Does Switzerland train tomorrow's surgeons today? Today's reflections on tomorrow's surgeons.

Various factors are influencing the Swiss health care system, and therefore, surgeons' actual and future profession. Initiated by the current president of the Swiss Society of Surgery, a group of eight young Swiss surgeons constituted the ad hoc committee "Chirurgie 2020". The goal was to develop several scenarios of the surgeon's professional situation in 20 years. The future direction of surgery will be markedly influenced by medical innovation, political and economic relationships between Switzerland and Europe. However, the development of health care costs represents the most powerful factor predicting all further changes. The current situation of today's surgeons is best characterised as "hamsters in the treadmill" who try to fulfill a multitude of diverging tasks causing major demotivation. In order to retain a leading role in the health care system, surgeons must take part in social and political activities. To provide an excellent curriculum, university and county hospitals must join together to form clinical and educational networks. A clearly defined and structured curriculum must be introduced by the Swiss Society of Surgery. From our current point of view, only everyone's strong personal commitment will help to find solutions and to improve the current and future situation. In particular, today's surgical residents must actively take part in the development of tomorrow's surgery.

Curriculum↗
PubMed2000

Double suicide and homicide-suicide in Switzerland.

Double suicide and homicide-suicide are infrequent and are different in psychopathology from that of a single suicide. However, precipitating factors for double suicide and homicide-suicide are similar to these found in single suicide. Depression, borderline disturbances, and narcissistic neuroses in combination with stressors such as physical illness, isolation, and social losses can lead to homicide-suicide. Epidemiological studies indicate that double suicide and homicide-suicide are influenced by ethnicity and cultural and social background. This study explores the situation in Switzerland between 1928-48 and 1971-1990.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Perception of aggression among psychiatric nurses in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: To identify principal components and patterns in the perception of aggression by psychiatric nurses and to explore relationships between the perception of aggression and personal and workplace characteristics. METHOD: Seven hundred and twenty-nine nurses working in psychiatric inpatient departments of German-speaking Switzerland completed the perception of aggression scale (POAS). Data analysis included factor analysis, group comparisons and multivariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Two plausible factors were identified, representing different dimensions in the perception of aggression and accounting for 35% of the variance. Firstly, aggression is perceived as dysfunctional/ undesirable and, secondly, aggression is perceived as a functional/ comprehensible phenomenon. Only minor differences were found in the perception of aggression with regard to personal characteristics or work environment of the nurses. CONCLUSION: Nurses perceive aggression not just as a negative phenomenon. The perception of aggression as measured by POAS is independent of many characteristics expected to be related to the perception of violence, such as grade of education, work experience, etc.

Aggression↗