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Teacher aides have been part of New Zealand classrooms for many decades. Initially, they were employed to perform clerical and supervisory duties that required no professional training, such as typing, duplicating and playground supervision. Over the years, however, their role has changed significantly. They now play a pivotal role as a 'people resource' in supporting the New Zealand Ministry of Education's philosophy of inclusion. The most effective teacher aides are working in positive inclusive contexts in which they are respected and valued, however, their role is full of inconsistencies and will likely to remain so until there are some systemic changes made in government policy. This paper argues that teacher aides can be a powerful resource; however their use must be carefully considered so that the fine art of balancing the social and academic needs of a student with special educational needs is sensitively planned, and where possible, underpinned by the professed needs of that student and their family. Teacher capability needs to be built so there is increased ownership for all students. "… nowhere is education an uncomplicated 'good'; it produces both justice and injustice, equity and inequity and the issue is to understand why, when and how" (Walker, 2003, cited in Rutherford, 2009, p.90).

The 15 Minute Challenge is an mHealth workplace wellness initiative, employing gamification to promote physical activity, aiming to enhance health outcomes and overall well-being. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of the program among employees at various Australian, New Zealand, and UK workplaces. Real-world data from 11,575 participants across 73 companies were analyzed. The program encouraged daily 15 min physical activity sessions over six weeks. Participants self-reported their physical activity and fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood at baseline and 6 weeks. Program satisfaction, engagement rates, and adherence to the program were also assessed. Effectiveness was evaluated using multi-level mixed-effects linear regression analyses. The intervention showed significant increases in physical activity, with 95% of participants meeting or exceeding international physical activity guidelines, up from 57% at baseline (p < 0.05). Self-reported fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood significantly improved (between 7.1 and 14.0% improvement; all p < 0.05). High satisfaction was reported, with 92% of participants recommending the program. The 15 Minute Challenge effectively increased physical activity levels and improved self-reported health outcomes among participating employees. The high satisfaction rates and significant health improvements highlight the potential of workplace wellness programs to combat sedentary behavior and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the literature in the area of praise. It considers definitions of praise, types of praise and the effects of praise on learning and behaviour, particularly as it relates to motivation. The evidence base for effective praise is discussed and recommendations for classroom practice are highlighted.

Background: Workplace-based learning is a critical component of professional preparation in speech pathology. A validated assessment of this learning is seen to be "the gold standard", but it is difficult to develop because of design and validation issues. These issues include the role and nature of judgement in assessment, challenges in measuring quality, and the relationship between assessment and learning. Valid assessment of workplace-based performance needs to capture the development of competence over time and account for both occupation specific and generic competencies. Aims: This paper reviews important conceptual issues in the design of valid and reliable workplace-based assessments of competence including assessment content, process, impact on learning, measurement issues, and validation strategies. It then goes on to share what has been learned about quality assessment and validation of a workplace-based performance assessment using competency-based ratings. The outcomes of a four-year national development and validation of an assessment tool are described. Methods & Procedures: A literature review of issues in conceptualizing, designing, and validating workplace-based assessments was conducted. Key factors to consider in the design of a new tool were identified and built into the cycle of design, trialling, and data analysis in the validation stages of the development process. Outcomes & Results: This paper provides an accessible overview of factors to consider in the design and validation of workplace-based assessment tools. It presents strategies used in the development and national validation of a tool COMPASS[R], used in an every speech pathology programme in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The paper also describes Rasch analysis, a model-based statistical approach which is useful for establishing validity and reliability of assessment tools. Conclusions & Implications: Through careful attention to conceptual and design issues in the development and trialling of workplace-based assessments, it has been possible to develop the world's first valid and reliable national assessment tool for the assessment of performance in speech pathology. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)

In this research, commissioned by the New Zealand Teachers Council, the quality of induction of provisionally registered teachers (PRT) (newly qualified) was examined utilising qualitative "success case studies" within early childhood, primary, secondary, and indigenous Mori medium settings. The establishment of criteria for effective induction (from the literature and previous research) guided the identification of 20 "success" sites across the sectors. In-depth data collection of each case was conducted via focus groups, one-to-one interviews and documentary analysis. The findings of the research highlighted exemplary induction practices across the sectors, with the most important associated with PRTs having access to a community, or "family", of support during their induction. An interesting finding, which contrasted with previous research, was that PRTs in the secondary sector had levels of satisfaction with their role that were as high as those in other sectors. The key limitation to effectiveness was linked to lack of time for discussions and observations of the PRT's practice. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

Several endemic hepialid species in the genus Wiseana have become serious pests in New Zealand. Two species, in particular, reach high numbers, causing significant economic damage to pasture. Key developmental parameters for egg hatch for both species are needed along with monitoring and weather data to estimate the optimal time to apply control measures to the vulnerable early instar larvae. In this study, thermal requirements for the egg stage of Wiseana copularis and W. cervinata were determined to provide the basis of a prototype phenology model designed to improve the timing of application, therefore, the efficacy of an insect growth regulator, diflubenzuron, against early instar larvae. The standard linear regression method and the Ikemoto and Takai method of insect development were compared for the goodness of fit to the egg‐stage development of W. copularis and W. cervinata at constant temperatures to determine a developmental lower threshold (T0) and degree day (DD) requirement for the egg to the larval stage for each species. The Ikemoto and Takai method gave the highest estimate of T0 for W. copularis at 7.9°C compared with 6.4°C for the standard regression method. For W. cervinata, the estimates ranged from 6.6°C (Ikemoto and Takai method) to 4.1°C (standard regression method). Of the two methods, the Ikemoto and Takai method had the better fit and lowest standard error for the parameters of interest. Thus, the Ikemoto and Takai model was chosen to estimate the critical parameters, T0 and the requirement for egg‐larval development of W. copularis (7.9°C, 185 DD) and W. cervinata (6.6°C, 177 DD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To describe the epidemiology of pediatric type 1 diabetes over 50 years in Canterbury, New Zealand. Further, to explore variation in case presentation according to age, gender, ethnicity, urban/rural character, socio‐economic deprivation and immunogenetic features. Research Design and Methods: Prospective ascertainment of cases commenced in 1982, and incident cases presenting 1970–1982 were ascertained retrospectively from clinical records. Eligibility criteria included diagnosis of type 1 diabetes by a physician and commencement of insulin therapy at diagnosis and age less than 15 years. Data collection included name, hospital number, date of birth, date of diagnosis, and date of initiation of insulin treatment. Full address at diagnosis was assigned an urban–rural classification, and a deprivation score. HLA‐DQ susceptibility alleles and diabetes associated autoantibodies were determined. Results: The incidence of type 1 diabetes increased more than 5‐fold (3.9% per annum) over 50 years for the entire cohort. The mean for 5‐year periods, starting from 1970, increased from 5.3 to 29.0 cases per 100,000 person years. Incidence was greatest in the 10–14 year age group. The cohort is predominantly European (89.4%), but there has been an increase in cases identifying as New Zealand Māori in the last three decades. Weak evidence was found for reduced incidence of type 1 diabetes in rural regions (adjusted IRR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.52 to 0.91, p = 0.011). Conclusions: The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children aged less than 15 years continues to increase with time. Incidence was significantly affected by age, ethnicity, and urban/rural characterization of address at diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is being debated whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening effectively reduces prostate cancer mortality. Some of the uncertainty could be related to deficiencies in the age-based PSA cut-off thresholds used in screening. Current study considered 2779 men with prostate cancer and 1606 men without a cancer diagnosis, recruited for various studies in New Zealand, US, and Taiwan. Association of PSA with demographic, lifestyle, clinical characteristics (for cases), and the aldo–keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) rs12529 genetic polymorphisms were analysed using multiple linear regression and univariate modelling. Pooled multivariable analysis of cases showed that PSA was significantly associated with demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data with an interaction between ethnicity and age further modifying the association. Pooled multivariable analysis of controls data also showed that demographic and lifestyle are significantly associated with PSA level. Independent case and control analyses indicated that factors associated with PSA were specific for each cohort. Univariate analyses showed a significant age and PSA correlation among all cases and controls except for the US-European cases while genetic stratification in cases showed variability of correlation. Data suggests that unique PSA cut-off thresholds factorized with demographics, lifestyle and genetics may be more appropriate for prostate cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments around the world have increasingly used experimental findings from behavioural trials to fine‐tune their service delivery policy models and their communication with citizens. In some areas of policy review, government teams have drawn on 'behavioural' methods, developed through Behavioural Insights (BI) and Behavioural Economics (BE) approaches, with a view to enhancing cost‐efficiencies and regulatory compliance. We compare the practices of several teams in Australia and New Zealand, based on 40 practitioner interviews with staff in governmental BI–BE units. We outline staff perceptions about the challenges and opportunities for BI–BE units in their quest to make positive contributions to policy innovation in the informational, regulatory, and service domains. In most instances, their focus has been on selecting specific researchable topics where experimental methods can be deployed, and where measurable positive changes are anticipated. Although benefits have been produced in many such areas, complex issues have not yet been tackled. However, BI–BE approaches could potentially contribute to broader teams addressing more complex problems. We compare the practices of several teams in Australia and New Zealand, based on 40 practitioner interviews with staff in governmental BI–BE units. We outline staff perceptions about the challenges and opportunities for BI–BE units in their quest to make positive contributions to policy innovation in the informational, regulatory, and service domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies of the nutritional status of older individuals have used measures such as plasma vitamin and mineral levels, which can be difficult to interpret. The relationship between nutrition and dentition has been limited to studying exposures such as the number of posterior occluding pairs of teeth, edentulousness, and the number of natural teeth. Objectives: To investigate the association between dentition status and nutritional status in a national survey of older New Zealanders living in aged residential care facilities. Material and methods: Secondary analysis of clinical oral status and nutrition data collected in 2012 in New Zealand's Older People's Oral Health Survey. The validated Mini Nutritional Assessment short format was used to categorize participants as "normal nutritional status," "at risk of malnutrition" or "malnourished." Results: Just under half of older New Zealanders living in aged residential care facilities were classified as either at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (with about one in sixteen in the latter category). The prevalence of malnutrition was higher among those in hospital‐level and psychogeriatric‐level care, as well as in those of high socioeconomic status. Individuals who were at risk of malnutrition had the most untreated dental caries and untreated coronal caries. Relative to their counterparts in nursing‐home‐level care, dentate individuals in hospital‐level care were 2.4 times—and those in psychogeriatric‐level care were 2.8 times—as likely to be malnourished or at risk of it. Conclusions: Just under half of the New Zealanders living in aged residential care were at risk of malnutrition or were malnourished. Greater experience of untreated dental caries was associated with a higher rate of being malnourished or at risk of it. Poorer cognitive function and greater dependency were important risk indicators for malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure is a chronic condition with various implications for individuals and families. Although the importance of implementing palliative care is recommended in best practice guidelines, implementation strategies are less clear. This study sought to; (1) determine Australian and New Zealand cardiovascular nurses and physicians' end of life care attitudes and specialist palliative care referral in heart failure and; (2) determine self-reported delivery of supportive care and attitudes towards service names. An electronic survey was emailed to members of four peak bodies and professional networks. Participants were also recruited through social media. Paper-based versions of the survey were completed by attendees of the 66th Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, August 2018. There were 113 completed responses included in the analyses. Participants were nurses (n = 75), physicians (n = 32) and allied health professionals (n = 4). Most (67%) reported they were comfortable with providing end of life care; however, fewer respondents agreed they received support for their dying patients and one-third experienced a sense of failure when heart failure progressed. Most (84–100%) participants agreed they would refer a heart failure patient later in the illness trajectory. There was a more favourable attitude towards the service name 'supportive care' than to 'palliative care'. Comfort with end of life discussions is encouraging as it may lead to a greater likelihood of planning future care and identifying palliative care needs. Peer support and supervision may be useful for addressing feelings of failure. The use of needs-based assessment tools, adopting the service name 'supportive care' and further research focusing on primary palliative team-based approach is required to improve palliative care access. Cardiovascular nurses and physicians are comfortable providing end of life care, but referrals to palliative care in the later stages of heart failure persists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Medication-induced xerostomia is common in older people. We investigated medication use and xerostomia in dependent older New Zealanders. Methods Medication and xerostomia data analysed from a nationally representative survey of dependent older people. Automatic interaction detection analysis identified medications combinations most strongly associated with xerostomia, and then xerostomia was modelled. Results Just over half were taking five to nine different medications; one in five was taking 10+. Xerostomia prevalence (29.4%; 95% confidence interval 26.5, 32.5) was higher among the latter and lowest in psychogeriatric patients. After controlling for age and sex, it was higher among people taking any antidepressant, and higher still with a tricyclic antidepressant and either a steroid or an anticholinergic, or among people taking a bronchodilator without prophylactic aspirin. Conclusions Health practitioners should work together to ensure that those with xerostomia are managed in a timely and appropriate manner. Medication review is an important component of that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher stocking rates of lambing ewes have been associated with poorer ewe-lamb behaviour and lamb survival. This study tested the hypothesis that increasing the mob size and stocking rate of lambing ewes on commercial farms will reduce the survival of their lambs. Data were collected from 66 producers in Australia for Experiment one and 22 producers in New Zealand for Experiment two. Survival of single- and twin-born lambs decreased by 1.4% and 3.5% per extra 100 ewes in the mob, regardless of breed, in Experiment one. The survival of Merino lambs in Experiment two decreased by 0.9% per extra 100 ewes in the mob, regardless of birth type. Increasing stocking rate by 1 ewe/ha also decreased lamb survival by 0.7% in Experiment one. However, this was not evident in Experiment two. These findings highlight the scope to optimise ewe mob size and stocking rate at lambing to improve lamb survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic moth species of the genus Wiseana spp. (Hepialidae) have become serious pests of introduced pasture plants in New Zealand. The original native host plants of these moths have not been confirmed. This study investigated the performance (survival, development time, weight gain) of three Wiseana species on seven putative host plants: five native and two exotic species. The aim was to identify native hosts for the three Wiseana species and to compare their performance on native plants and exotic pasture plants. The chemical composition of the seven putative host plants was investigated to compare native and exotic plant chemistries, and to test for associations between plant characteristics and performance of selected Wiseana species. Carbon, nitrogen, silica and fibre contents were measured for each plant species; primary metabolite composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For the three moth species, increased survival and weight gain were significantly associated with high nitrogen and low fibre contents in one exotic host plant, white clover (Trifolium repens), although one species, W. umbraculata, did not complete development to adult on any of the plants tested, including clover. Two exotic plants (T. repens, Lolium perenne × Lolium multiflorum), and two native plants (Aciphylla squarrosa and Festuca actae) supported W. copularis development to the adult stage, but only one exotic (T. repens) and one native (F. actae) species supported complete development of W. cervinata. Exotic and native plant species had distinct metabolite profiles, but there was no significant association between metabolite composition and Wiseana performance. We conclude that W. copularis and W. cervinata, but not W. umbraculata, have expanded their host range, because of their ability to use both native and new hosts. No evidence was found for a host shift, i.e., a loss of performance on the ancestral host compared with the new host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more countries set smoking endgame goals and introduce measures to denormalize smoking, smokers' experience of stigma may intensify and require new management strategies. Probing the tension between environmental changes that support population-level behaviour change and individuals' sense making, which occurs at a micro, everyday level, provides unique insights into reactance, agency and stigma. Using a Foucauldian informed approach, we analyze how young RYO (roll-your-own tobacco) smokers internalize neoliberal marketplace economic norms and create positions of resistance. Experience-based videographies and in-depth interviews with 15 New Zealand young adults aged 20-30 illustrate how participants resist stigma and the social disapproval they experience. This analysis identifies how smoking denormalization affects practices and pleasures, and generates four discernible positions of resistance: Socialized, Comfort, Status and Pleasure Orientated Resistances. These highlight intersections between policy initiatives and consumer resistance, offering new insights relevant to public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of consuming iodine-fortified toddler milk for improving dietary iodine intakes and biochemical iodine status in toddlers. Methods: In a 20-week parallel randomised controlled trial, healthy 12–20-month-old children were assigned to: Fortified Milk [n = 45; iodine-fortified (21.1 µg iodine/100 g prepared drink) cow's milk], or Non-Fortified Milk (n = 90; non-fortified cow's milk). Food and nutrient intakes were assessed with 3-day weighed food records at baseline, and weeks 4 and 20. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured at baseline and 20 weeks. Results: At baseline, toddlers' median milk intake was 429 g/day. There was no evidence that milk intakes changed within or between the groups during the intervention. Toddlers' baseline geometric mean iodine intake was 46.9 µg/day, and the median UIC of 43 µg/L in the Fortified Milk group and 55 µg/L in the Non-Fortified Milk group indicated moderate and mild iodine deficiency, respectively, with this difference due to chance. During the intervention, iodine intakes increased by 136% (p < 0.001) and UIC increased by 85 µg/L (p < 0.001) in the Fortified Milk group compared to the Non-Fortified Milk group. The 20-week median UIC was 91 µg/L in the Fortified Milk group and 49 µg/L in the Non-Fortified Milk group. Conclusions: Consumption of ≈ 1.7 cups of iodine-fortified toddler milk per day for 20 weeks can increase dietary iodine intakes and UIC in healthy iodine-deficient toddlers. This strategy alone is unlikely to provide sufficient intake to ensure adequate iodine status in toddlers at risk of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical sealants help achieve rapid haemostasis when applied as an adjunct to sutures in vascular surgery, but their use can lead to various side effects. This study compared the local inflammatory reaction to commercially available BioGlue and Coseal sealants in a rabbit aorta suture hole model. Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomised to testing with either BioGlue or Coseal. Two weeks after sealant application to suture holes, sections of the aorta at the puncture site, and surrounding tissue, were processed for histopathological analysis. Inflammation was graded from 0 to 3 according to tissue alteration and presence of inflammatory cells. Material stiffness was measured in vitro using compression testing. From examination of the inflammatory response to the sealants, a less severe histopathological assessment score was assigned to the Coseal compared to the BioGlue group (mean ± SD: 1.56 ± 0.53 vs 2.67 ± 0.50; p = 0.002). While both materials triggered a typical foreign body reaction characterised by granulomatous inflammation, BioGlue additionally provoked eosinophilic cell infiltration. Lymphocytes, plasma cells and B cells were also more prevalent in the BioGlue compared to the Coseal specimens. Coseal residue was either absent or visible in only small quantities, while significant BioGlue deposits remained in the tissue 2 weeks after application. Coseal was much more elastic than BioGlue, with a compressive modulus an order of magnitude lower (mean ± SD: 91 ± 41 vs 1833 ± 297 kPa). Compared to BioGlue, Coseal elicited a less pronounced inflammatory response in the aortic and peri-aortic tissue in this model, and demonstrated greater elasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Ocular injury is a common, preventable cause of temporary and permanent disability. Background: The current study evaluates the nationwide incidence, demographics and visual outcomes of adults with ocular injury in New Zealand. Design: Nationwide retrospective review. Participants: New Zealanders aged 18‐99 years from 2007 to 2016 with ocular injury requiring assessment by a registered medical practitioner. Methods: New Zealand national and regional datasets were used to evaluate population‐level statistics over a 10‐year period. Visual and clinical outcome data were assessed using a random sample of 150 patients from a tertiary hospital. Main Outcome Measures: Annual incidence, aetiology, demographics, injury location, visual outcomes, protective eyewear use, surgical intervention and follow‐up. Results: A total of 332 418 adult eye injuries were recorded nationally. The annual incidence of eye injury was 1007/100 000 population/year. Patients were predominantly male (76.1%), of New Zealand‐European ethnicity (74.6%) and aged between 20 and 29 years (21.1%). The most common mechanism of injury was "struck by object" (55.4%). Injuries occurred most commonly at home (48.4%), followed by commercial (15%) and industrial locations (13.8%). Injuries were more common in rural regions (P <.001). Protective eyewear use was reported in 6% of cases (n = 9, 95% confidence interval = 3.2‐11.0). Most ocular injuries were managed exclusively in primary care (70.5%). Conclusions and Relevance: Adults with the highest risk of ocular injury are rural males aged 20 to 29 years. Protective eyewear use is uncommon in adults presenting with ocular injury and the majority of injuries are managed in primary care. Promotion of appropriate injury prevention strategies is an important public health message. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), and anti-inflammatory strategies might therefore have therapeutic potential. This trial aimed to determine whether adjunctive aspirin or rosuvastatin, compared with placebo, reduced depressive symptoms in young people (15-25 years).Methods: YoDA-A, Youth Depression Alleviation with Anti-inflammatory Agents, was a 12-week triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Participants were young people (aged 15-25 years) with moderate to severe MDD (MADRS mean at baseline 32.5 ± 6.0; N = 130; age 20.2 ± 2.6; 60% female), recruited between June 2013 and June 2017 across six sites in Victoria, Australia. In addition to treatment as usual, participants were randomised to receive aspirin (n = 40), rosuvastatin (n = 48), or placebo (n = 42), with assessments at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 26. The primary outcome was change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from baseline to week 12.Results: At the a priori primary endpoint of MADRS differential change from baseline at week 12, there was no significant difference between aspirin and placebo (1.9, 95% CI (- 2.8, 6.6), p = 0.433), or rosuvastatin and placebo (- 4.2, 95% CI (- 9.1, 0.6), p = 0.089). For rosuvastatin, secondary outcomes on self-rated depression and global impression, quality of life, functioning, and mania were not significantly different from placebo. Aspirin was inferior to placebo on the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF) at week 12. Statins were superior to aspirin on the MADRS, the Clinical Global Impressions Severity Scale (CGI-S), and the Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire scale (NPOQ) at week 12.Conclusions: The addition of either aspirin or rosuvastatin did not to confer any beneficial effect over and above routine treatment for depression in young people. Exploratory comparisons of secondary outcomes provide limited support for a potential therapeutic role for adjunctive rosuvastatin, but not for aspirin, in youth depression.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12613000112763. Registered on 30/01/2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Porina is the common name for moths and larvae of the genus Wiseana (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), some of which are significant pasture pests in New Zealand. Because of environmental concerns and the non‐target effects of insecticide control measures, biological alternatives for the control of insect pests such as porina are required. RESULTS: Using a food preference assay and time‐lapse photography, a range of low‐cost food ingredients were assessed for their palatability to porina larvae. Lead candidates were combined into extruded bait variants, allowing assessment of their palatability to porina larvae. A composite bait consisting of palatable ingredients was developed, into which the porina‐active entomopathogen Yersinia entomophaga was incorporated. A 7 day minimum median lethal dose of approximately 6.0 × ±1 × 106Y. entomophaga cells per 0.02 g of bait was defined. Field trials showed that the mean change in larval density over time differed between treatments, with Y. entomophaga bait applied at 87 kg ha−1 resulting in a mean 65% reduction in larval density relative to the control plots, and diflubenzuron treatment resulting in a mean 77% reduction relative to the control plots. The mean dry matter yields over the course of the trial were highest for diflubenzuron (5029 kg ha−1), followed by the Y. entomophaga (4783 kg ha−1) and control (4673 kg ha−1) treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The bacterium Y. entomophaga applied as a composite bait offers an environmentally sustainable approach for porina pest control. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invertebrate pests most commonly affecting New Zealand's pastoral-based production in 'average' years cause losses of between $1.7B and $2.3B p.a. of which up to $0.9B occur on sheep and beef farms and $1.4B on dairy farms. The native scarab grass grub is the most costly pest causing losses of $140-380 M on dairy farms and $75-205 M on sheep and beef farms annually. The exotic scarab, black beetle, although only affecting approximately 1 M ha, costs dairy farmers up to $223 M and sheep and beef farmers up to $19 M annually. Porina cause losses up to $84 M and $88 M respectively. Pasture nematodes are estimated to cost up to $274 M p.a. for dairy farmers and $326 M p.a. for sheep and beef farmers. Two exotic pests, Argentine stem weevil (ASW) and clover root weevil (CRW) are causing damage estimated at up to $200 M p.a. and $235 M p.a. respectively in dairy and sheep and beef pastures. While CRW is subject to successful biological control management it still causes considerable losses. Lesser pests also contribute to lost production, particularly as they often coexist with more major pests. However, their economic cost to New Zealand is difficult to calculate due to the variable nature of infestations on both temporal and spatial scales. At farm and paddock level, it is abundantly clear that substantial savings could be made if pest management is achieved. It is equally clear that in many instances the tools to do so are limited but if developed would contribute substantially to farm profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Childhood ocular injury is a common, preventable cause of potentially severe permanent disability. Background: This study evaluates the nationwide incidence, demographics and visual outcomes of children with ocular injury in New Zealand. Design Nationwide retrospective review. Participants: All children in New Zealand aged 0 to 17 years from 2007 to 2016 with ocular injury requiring assessment by a medical practitioner. Methods: New Zealand national and regional datasets were used to evaluate population‐level statistics for ocular injury over a 10‐year period. Visual and clinical outcome data were assessed using a randomized sample of 150 patients. Main Outcome Measures: Annual incidence, aetiology, demographics, injury location, visual outcomes, protective eyewear use, surgical intervention and follow‐up. Results: A national total of 75 601 cases were included with a mean incidence of 719/100 000 children/year. Cases were predominantly male (63.2%) and of New Zealand‐European ethnicity (60.8%), aged 0 to 4 years (30.66%). Injury cause was most commonly "struck by object" (53.7%) and occurred in the home (50.9%). Tertiary hospital assessment and treatment was required in 17.7% where final visual acuity of 6/12 or worse was noted in 19.7% and protective eyewear use was reported in 2.7%. Maori and Pacific ethnicities were associated with higher rates of permanent visual impairment. Conclusions and Relevance: Children with the highest risk of ocular injury are males aged 0 to 4 years. Children of Maori or Pacific Island ethnicity and aged 15 to 17 years have the highest risk of ocular injury resulting in permanent visual impairment. Protective eyewear use is uncommon in children presenting with ocular injury. Promotion of appropriate injury prevention strategies is an important public health message. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite growing awareness of increasing rates of youth suicide and self-harm in New Zealand, there is still little known about self-harm among rural youth. Aim: This study compared: (1) rates of youth self-harm presentations between a rural emergency department (ED) and nationally available rates; and (2) local and national youth suicide rates over the decade from January 2008 to December 2017. Methods: Data were requested on all presentations to Ashburton Hospital ED coded for 'self-harm' for patients aged 15–24 years. Comparative data were obtained from the coroner, Ministry of Health and the 2013 census. Analyses were conducted of the effects of age, time, repetition, method, ethnicity and contact with mental health services on corresponding suicide rates. Results: Self-harm rates in Ashburton rose in the post-earthquake period (2013–17). During the peri-earthquake period (2008–12), non-Māori rates of self-harm were higher than for Māori (527 vs 116 per 100 000 youth respectively), reflecting the national trend. In the post-earthquake period, although non-Māori rates of self-harm stayed stable (595 per 100 000), there was a significant increase in Māori rates of self-harm to 1106 per 100 000 (Chi-squared = 14.0, P < 0.001). Youth living within the Ashburton township showed higher rates than youth living more rurally. Discussion: Youth self-harm behaviours, especially self-poisoning, have increased since the Canterbury earthquakes in the Ashburton rural community. Of most concern was the almost ninefold increase in Māori self-harm presentations in recent years, along with the increasing prevalence among teenagers and females. Possible explanations and further exploratory investigation strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is known for multiple functions including its catalytic activity towards producing extra-testicular androgen. The present study is towards understanding interaction between biological, lifestyle and genetic impacts of AKR1C3 and their influence on clinical factors in a prostate cancer (PC) cohort from New Zealand (NZ). Method: Characteristics of 516 PC patients were collected from the Auckland Regional Urology Facility, NZ. These men were genotyped for the AKR1C3 rs12529 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The leukocyte AKR1C3 activity was measured in a sub-cohort. Variability of leukocyte AKR1C3 activity between biological, lifestyle and clinical features as well as correlation between biological and clinical features were assessed with and without genetic stratification. Results: The leukocyte AKR1C3 activity was associated with age at diagnosis (0.51 vs 0.34 μM coumberol units for >69y vs ≤69y, P = 0.03); and with anatomic stage/prognostic grouping among the AKR1C3 rs12529 CC genotype carriers (0.50 vs 28 μM coumberol units among low- and high-risk groups respectively, P = 0.02). Significant correlation between leukocyte AKR1C3 activity and age at PC diagnosis was also observed (correlation coefficient 0.20 and P = 0.02). Ever- smoking impacted both age and PSA at PC diagnosis among AKR1C3 rs12529 GG and CG genotype carriers respectively. Age at diagnosis significantly correlated with PSA at diagnosis in the main (correlation coefficient 0.29, and P<0.001) and sub-cohorts (correlation coefficient 0.24, and P = 0.01); and those carrying the AKR1C3 rs12529 CG and GG genotypes in both the main (correlation coefficient 0.30, and P<0.001 and correlation coefficient 0.35, and P<0.001 respectively) and sub-cohorts (correlation coefficient 0.43, and P<0.001 and correlation coefficient 0.39, and P = 0.06 respectively); but not with those carrying the CC genotype. Conclusions: Age dependent PSA thresholds in PC screening could have been valid only in men carrying the AKR1C3 rs12529 CG and GG genotypes in this NZ cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a new point-of-care diagnostic (Mastatest), an on-farm test designed to identify bacteria and provide antibiotic sensitivity testing information from milk samples, was compared with standard microbiological culture methods. A total of 292 milk samples from clinical mastitis cases in dairy cows on New Zealand dairy farms were examined, and latent class analysis was used to estimate the performance characteristics of both tests. Two hundred and fifty-six samples (87.7%) demonstrated bacterial infection in standard culture, and 269 (92.1%) using the point-of-care diagnostic. The most common bacterial species detected was Streptococcus uberis , found in 195 samples (66.8%) using standard culture and 190 samples (65.1%) using the point-of-care diagnostic. Latent class analysis found no significant differences in test characteristics between the point-of-care diagnostic and standard culture. The estimated sensitivity and specificity of the point-of-care diagnostic against all targets combined were 94.6 and 72.1% respectively; the corresponding estimates for standard culture were 90.5 and 73.9%. Comparison of antibiotic susceptibility testing using the point-of-care diagnostic and the reference method showed similar trends and, in some cases, identical MIC50 and MIC90 values, with at most one antibiotic dilution difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to quantify the proportion of patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation using ketamine in Australian and New Zealand EDs between 2010 and 2015. Methods: The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry is a multicentre airway registry prospectively capturing data from 43 sites. Data on demographics and physiology, the attending staff and indication for intubation were recorded. The primary outcome was the annual percentage of patients intubated with ketamine. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with ketamine use. Results: A total of 4658 patients met inclusion criteria. The annual incidence of ketamine use increased from 5% to 28% over the study period (P < 0.0001). In the logistic regression analysis, the presence of an emergency physician as a team leader was the strongest predictor of ketamine use (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–2.34). The OR for an increase in one point on the Glasgow Coma Scale was 1.10 (95% CI 1.07–1.12), whereas an increase of 1 mmHg of systolic blood pressure had an OR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.98–0.99). Intubation occurring in a major referral hospital had an OR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.56–0.82), while trauma conferred an OR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.25–1.53). Conclusions: Ketamine use increased between 2010 and 2015. Lower systolic blood pressure, the presence of an emergency medicine team leader, trauma and a higher Glasgow Coma Scale were associated with increased odds of ketamine use. Intubation occurring in a major referral centre was associated with lower odds of ketamine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To define the practice of management for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in Australia and New Zealand.Methods: Online survey of Australian and New Zealand Association of Paediatric Surgeons (ANZAPS) members.Results: 56/80 (70%) members from 17 centres responded.Diagnosis: 100% perform suction rectal biopsies; 40% perform a contrast enema.Histopathological Staining: H&E (94%), ACHE (70%) and calretinin (75%).Surgery: Primary pull-through (PT) is performed by 88% (100% by < 6/12 months). The Soave-Boley PT is the preferred approach (85%), with laparoscopic assistance (77%) and muscle cuff division (93%). Routine post-operative dilatations are performed by 63% of respondents. If symptoms persist following PT, majority adopt a conservative approach (enemas/laxatives 90%; Botox 74%). If a long-segment is identified at PT, 60% fashion a stoma and delay definitive surgery. If total colonic aganglionosis is identified at PT, 76% fashion a stoma and delay definitive surgery. A dedicated bowel management program is available in 45% of centres with transition to adult services in 29%.Conclusions: A laparoscopic-assisted Soave-Boley PT is the most common technique for recto-sigmoid HD. Differences are noted in both the management of long-segment/total aganglionosis HD and post-operative management/follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]