Biomedical subjects

M P Baumann

Publications and source records attributed to M P Baumann.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

[Quality assurance of data collection and data processing in epidemiologic study data].

Quality assurance of the data generating processes in epidemiologic studies is a prerequisite for the internal validity of study results. This paper presents practical aspects of such a quality assurance system pertaining to the planning, data gathering, data entry and data processing phase of a study. It is concerned with data obtained in the framework of a project rather than with data accumulating continuously in private practices, research institutes or veterinary faculties. During the planning phase of a project, standard operating protocols should be developed that assure a reliable performance of observation, coding and data entry. The data base structure, consisting of tables, input validation rules and queries, should be predefined and well documented. A data safety concept will provide the necessary integrity, physical safety and availability of the data. The paper presents technical solutions to common data processing problems with emphasis on re-coding and relational data base facilities (Microsoft-ACCESS) using a hypothetical study on risk factors for mastitis.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Genital myiasis (Wohlfahrtiosis) in camel herds of Mongolia.

Genital infestations caused by Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) has been reported as being a common problem encountered in female camels in the Gobi desert. Thus, a field investigation to establish the prevalence of wohlfarthiosis in camel herds in the eastern Gobi district was carried out between May and July 1994. The objectives of the study were to establish the relevance of genital myiasis, and to describe the disease patterns, clinical course and pathomorphological changes associated with it. The field study was designed to suit the specific ecological, infrastructural and logistic conditions. Two cross-sectional samples were taken from 45 selected herds in six different areas of the Chatanbulag Sumon to obtain data on herd structure, age distribution, and the breeding history of infested female animals. Post partum events and previous occurrence of genital myiasis were recorded by use of a standardised questionnaire. Clinically infested animals were first detected visually. All camels to be investigated further were subsequently immobilised using ropes and the genitals were examined for tissue lesions and the presence of larvae. Examination of 1676 Bactrian camels from 45 selected herds in six different areas of the Chatanbulag Sumon in the Eastern Gobi district, Mongolia, led to an estimate of Wohlfahrtia magnifica infestation rates between 8-10%. Most myiasis cases were found in older females (> 4 yr), younger animals were infested at a lower rate. Highest prevalence rates were discovered during June and July, highest levels of infestation occurred in the Aman Us Chudak region with infestation rates up to 15%.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1992

Productivity and health of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Somalia: associations with trypanosomosis and brucellosis.

In Somalia, one of the world's largest dromedary populations of about 5.3 million animals are kept by nomadic pastoralists under traditional management. Interest in the development potential of camel herds in the semi-arid areas of central Somalia initiated an investigation to determine the productivity of herds, their major diseases and likely associations among these parameters. Using a systems approach, data were collected for herd production parameters, environmental factors, management and production systems, and health variables. One thousand and thirty nine camels in 33 herds were studied in the central regions of Somalia. Trypanosoma evansi prevalence ranged from 1.7% in blood-smears to 56.4% using enzyme-linked immunosorbent micro-assay (microELISA). Seroprevalence for brucellosis was determined as 1.9% by the standard agglutination test (SAT) and 0.3% by the complement fixation test (CFT). Using multiple regression, 15% of the total variation of the general fertility rate was explained by the results of the microhaematocrit centrifugation technique (MHCT) and the microELISA for T. evansi, CFT results for brucellosis, herdsize, and young stock death rate. Among herd production variables, herd size differed significantly for different management units. Young stock death rates, as well as general fertility rates varied in the ecological subzones with a marked effect in the zones labeled "Inland". Various other associations were noted among demographic, husbandry and disease variables. The importance of trypanosomosis and brucellosis to the productivity of herds and measures to control their limiting effects on production were discussed.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed1991

Analyses of baseline survey data on rinderpest in Bahr el Ghazal Province, with proposal of an improved vaccination strategy against rinderpest for southern Sudan.

Results from analyses of baseline surveillance data on rinderpest are used for proposing an improved vaccination strategy against rinderpest in southern Sudan. Sera from 4,074 (47%) of the total sample of 8,565 cattle collected in a series of cross-sectional surveys in 400 cattle camps in the Bahr el Ghazal Province of southern Sudan were tested for rinderpest antibodies using the standard virus neutralisation test (VNT) technique: 77.4% were positive while 22.6% gave negative results. The data were cross-classified according to five variables: herd management, breed, age, sex and geographic region (grazing location). The percentage antibody-positivity level (taken as an approximation of past experience with rinderpest antigen and the corresponding prevalence ratio estimates of relative risk) for each variable are discussed within the context of the known characteristics of immunity to rinderpest in endemic areas and the husbandry practices of the cattle owners in the study area. Results suggest that rinderpest "hot-spots" of transmission and/or low level of herd immunity should be mapped out for concentrated efforts to vaccinate calves and young adults so that the high level of antibody-positivity observed in this study can be maintained and transmission permanently interrupted.

Age Factors↗