bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
119 Foot scoring effects on cow and calf performance at breeding and weaning
Authors: McGuire Clayton L , Powell Jeremy G , Cauble Reagan , Kutz Bryan , Anschutz Karen , Lester Toby D , Gragg Walker
Published: July 2019

Foot soundness is essential for optimum performance in beef cattle. When evaluating foot soundness, emphasis is placed on foot angle (FA) and claw set (CS). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foot angle and claw set scores on cowherd performance. Data were collected on 491 crossbred Angus-based cows over a three-year period. At weaning, FA and CS were evaluated according to American Angus Association guidelines. Scores are based on a nine-point scale, where a score of one indicates straight pasterns and short, divergent toes, and nine indicates weak, sunken pasterns and long, curled toes. Cows that exhibited scores ranging from four to six were considered acceptable. If either score fell outside this range, the cow was considered undesirable. Acceptable and undesirable cows were evaluated for performance traits including pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pre-breeding body condition score (PBCS), cow body weight at weaning (CWW), cow body condition score at weaning (WBCS), pregnancy rate, 205 d adjusted weaning weight (AWW), and weaning performance (WP). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) for WP, PBW, PBCS, CWW, or pregnancy rate. Cows with acceptable foot scores had a WBCS 5.49% greater (P < 0.001) than undesirable cows. Acceptable cows possessed an average WBCS of 4.9 compared to 4.6 in undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves 3.39% heavier (P = 0.024) compared to undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves with a mean AWW of 216.67 kg compared to undesirable cows with a mean of 209.56 kg. The results from this study suggest that cows with acceptable foot scores may maintain more desirable BCS and wean heavier calves. These results could be used to help predict cow performance based on FA and CS.
181 Characterization of feeding-behavior patterns and application of chemometrics to predict residual feed intake based on feeding-behavior traits in growing Holstein heifers
Authors: Johnson Jocelyn R , Parsons Ira L , Carstens Gordon E , Tedeschi Luis Orlindo , Heuer Claas , Deeb Nader
Published: July 2019

Objectives of this study were to characterize feeding-behavior (FB) patterns in growing dairy heifers with divergent RFI phenotypes (±0.50 SD) and to evaluate the accuracy of partial least squares regression (PLSR) models to predict RFI based on FB traits. Performance, DMI, and FB traits were measured for 70 to 100 d in 15 trials with Holstein heifers (n = 611) fed a corn-silage based ration. Seventeen FB traits were evaluated: frequency and duration of bunk visit (BV) and meal events, head-down duration (HDD), meal length, maximum non-feeding interval, corresponding day-to-day variation (SD) of these traits, and ratios of HDD per BV duration and meal duration, HDD per meal duration, and BV events per meal event. Data were analyzed using a mixed model that included RFI group and trial. The PLSR model for RFI was developed using cross-validation procedures (Leave-One-Out) in JMP (SAS), with FB traits as independent variables. Low-RFI heifers consumed 24% less (P < 0.01) DMI and had lower (P < 0.01) day-to-day DMI variation than high-RFI heifers. Distinct differences were observed in FB patterns between low- and high-RFI heifers (Table 1). Eight of 17 FB traits were included [selected based on variable of importance (VIP) score > 0.80] in the PLSR model that explained 33% of the variation in RFI. Head-down duration had the highest VIP score; accordingly, low-RFI animals had 44% lower HDD and 30 and 40% lower ratios of HDD per BV duration and meal duration, respectively. Additionally, low-RFI animals had 20 and 18% fewer BV and meal events per day, spent 21% less time eating during BV events, and had reduced day-to-day variation in HDD and meal frequency. For this study, distinctive differences were observed in the FB patterns of Holstein heifers with divergent RFI, which explained 33% of the between-animal variation in RFI.
189 Comparison of growth-promoting implant regimens from calfhood to finishing in beef steers: finishing phase
Authors: Ball Jase , Herring Ellen , Kegley Elizabeth B , Richeson John T , Apple Jason K , Tomczak D J , Palmer Elizabeth , Powell Jeremy G
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to compare growth-promoting implant regimens and their effect on growth performance and carcass traits. Crossbred beef steers (n = 106; body weight = 96 ± 3.9 kg; age = 74 ± 2.0 d) were blocked by parity of dam (≤ 2 or > 2 parities), and stratified by birth weight, calf age, calf sire, cow body weight and body condition score then were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) administered Ralgro at branding (D 0), Ralgro at weaning (D 156), and Revalor XS at feedlot processing (D 325; RALG), 2) administered Component E-C at branding, Component TE-G at weaning, and Revalor XS at feedlot processing (COMP), 3) no growth-promoting implant at branding, administered Revalor-G at weaning, and Revalor XS at feedlot processing (N-REV), or 4) no growth-promoting implants administered during any phase of production (CTRL). Quantitative data were analyzed using PROC MIXED, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS. At the end of the stocker phase (d 323), RALG (330 kg), COMP (324 kg), and N-REV (318 kg) were heavier (P = 0.02) compared to CTRL (297 kg). Calves implanted at branding, weaning, and feedlot entry (RALG and COMP) were ≥ 87 kg heavier than CTRL and 17 kg heavier compared to calves implanted only at weaning and feedlot entry (N-REV). Overall ADG during the feedlot phase were greater (P < 0.01) for RALG (2.17), COMP (2.17), and N-REV (2.09) compared to CTRL (1.76 kg). Hot carcass weights were greater (P < 0.01) in implanted steers compared to CTRL; however, quality grade was not affected (P = 0.79) by growth-promoting implant regimen. Implanting steers at branding or weaning may not negatively affect feedlot growth performance or carcass traits.
225 Identifying optimal levels of silage used as a roughage source in finishing beef cattle performance and liver abscess rate
Authors: Wilson Hannah C , Hilscher Henry , Carlson Zachary E , Boyd Bradley M , Watson Andrea K , MacDonald James C , Erickson Galen E
Published: July 2019

Including a roughage source in high grain finishing diets can minimize the potential for acidosis and decreased animal performance. An individual feeding study was conducted comparing different levels of corn silage used as a roughage source on finishing performance and liver abscess rate. Sixty crossbred steers (432 kg ± 0.45 kg) were stratified by BW and assigned randomly to 4 treatments with 15 head per treatment. Treatments consisted of 3 inclusions of corn silage at 0 (CS0), 7.5 (CS7.5) and 15% (CS15) of the diet DM and a control treatment with 7.5% alfalfa (Alf). Steers were fed for 117 d in a Calan gate controlled individual feeding system. Refusals were taken weekly and corrected for DM. There were no differences for final BW (P < 0.88), DMI (P < 0.51), ADG (P < 0.88), or G:F (P < 0.20). There were no differences for carcass characteristics such as HCW (P < 0.83), marbling (P < 0.59), LM area (P < 0.84), or fat thickness due to treatment (P < 0.45). There were also no differences in dressing percentage (P < 0.26) or calculated yield grade (P < 0.63). Only 3 out of the 60 animals had liver abscesses, with 2 animals fed CS0 and 1 animal fed Alf. These data suggest that cattle, typically at high risk for reduced performance, are less likely to experience negative effects of high grain diets, like acidosis, when fed individually. When managed accordingly, no roughage is needed in the diet.
PSIII-9 Heritability estimates for sow prolapse
Authors: Christianson Marcie I , Howard Jeremy , Gray Kent , Supakron China , Stalder Kenneth J
Published: July 2019

Vaginal and rectal prolapse incidence has been increasing in the commercial breeding sow population in the U.S. This has resulted in increased sow breeding mortality rates in the U.S. in recent years. The objective of the present study was to estimate the potential role that genetics plays in the prolapse incidence of the U.S. commercial sow population. Data from 22,577 LW x LR crossbred sows from commercial breeding herds were used in this study. Genetic parameters for prolapse incidence were estimated using AIREMLF90 and THRGIBBS1F90 where an animal and threshold models were implemented. The fixed effects in the models included: contemporary group as farm and year-month of removal and removal parity. A random effect for sow and pedigree based relationship matrix was also included in the model. The highest rectal and reproductive tract prolapse incidence were observed in the 1st and 2nd parities. Moreover, sows born in 2013 were investigated greatest incidence of both prolapse incidence. Heritability estimates for prolapse incidence were 0.03 and 0.003 by using the animal and threshold models. The results from this study indicated that there is very little of any genetic impact on the prolapse incidence. Pork producers identify the environmental effects contributing to prolapse incidence.
PSIV-12 A fortified protein blend as a replacement for animal and fish proteins in nursery pig diets: Effects on growth performance, immune status, microbial metabolites, and fecal scoring
Authors: Palencia Jorge Y P , Chastain Clayton S , Thayer Morgan T , Duttlinger Alan W , Mills Kayla M , Feldpausch Julie A , Richert Jacob A , Jones Dan B , Asmus Matthew D , Cantarelli Vinícius S , Richert Brian T
Published: July 2019

This experiment observed the effects of replacing animal and fish proteins with a fortified protein blend (PROPLEX MVP) on growth performance, immune status, microbial metabolites, and fecal scoring of nursery pigs. A total of 244 barrows and gilts [Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire), avg. 19 d age and BW 5.88 ± 1.38 kg] were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design (2 dietary treatments × 2 feeding programs). The dietary treatments were: 1) Control diet (CONT) with animal and fish proteins and 2) PROPLEX MVP (MVP100): CONT with MVP replacing 100% of the animal and fish proteins. The feeding programs for each feeding phase were: high budget (H): Phase 1: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 2: 4.5 kg/pig; Phase 3: 6.8 kg/pig and low budget (L): Phase 1: 1.1 kg/pig; Phase 2: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 3: 3.4 kg/pig). For d 0-7, pigs fed CONT had greater ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P < 0.001) compared to MVP100. From d 7 to 14, ADG and G:F were greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed MVP100 compared to CONT pigs and greater for pigs fed the H budget compared to the L budget (P < 0.05). Overall, d 0 to 35, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in pig final BW, overall ADG, and G:F. For week two and most of the experimental period, pigs fed CONT had greater (P < 0.05) fecal scores, more soft and watery feces, and increased diarrhea incidence compared to MVP100 pigs. The total concentration of fecal volatile fatty acids was greater (P < 0.05) in CONT compared to MVP100 fed pigs. In conclusion, the MVP protein blend can be used as a cost effective alternative to animal and fish proteins in nursery pig diets without compromising overall growth performance, immune status, and post-weaning diarrhea.
PSIV-20 A 6-phytase, Natuphos® E, target dosing energy release compared with fat in corn, soy diets fed to pigs
Authors: Coelho Michael , Jones Robert , Parks Frank
Published: July 2019

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the metabolizable energy (ME)-releasing efficacy of a 6-phytase, Natuphos E, on pig performance compared with fat. A total of 1750 weaned, (PIC 337 x Camborough) pigs were used in a randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit, treatment as the fixed effect, and block as the random effect (25 pig/rep x 7 treatments x 10 replications). Pigs were blocked by sex and weight. Treatments consisted of PC, NC1=PC- 0.17% Ca, - 0.15% aP, -80 Kcal/kg, NC2=PC- 0.17% Ca, - 0.15% aP, -100 Kcal/kg, NC3=PC- 0.17% Ca, - 0.15% aP, -120 Kcal/kg, NC1 + 1000, NC2 + 1750 and NC3 + 2500 FTU/kg. Pigs were fed mash corn/soy diets formulated to meet or exceed current NRC (2012) recommendations. Least significant difference was used to compare means of treatments. In phase 3, ADG was 655, 650, 642, 632, 697, 911 and 724 g, P < 0.05, respectively. FI was 968, 1000, 1004, 1010, 1028, 1023 and 1052,P < 0.05, respectively. FCR was 1.48, 1.54, 1.56, 1.60, 1.47, 1.44 and 1.45, P < 0.05, respectively. NC1, NC2 and NC3 decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and increased (P < 0.05) FCR compared to PC. NC1 + 1000, NC2 + 1750 and NC3 + 2500 FTU/kg Natuphos E, increased (P < 0.05) ADG, and decreased (P < 0.05) FCR compared to PC. ADG, FI and FCR of NC1 + 1000, NC2 + 1750 and NC3 + 2500 had a better performance (P < 0.05) than NC1, NC2 and NC3, respectively. In conclusion, 1000, 1750 and 2500 FTU/kg phytase, Natuphos E, met or exceeded (P < 0.05) the performance of 80, 100 and 120 Kcal/kg. 2500 FTU/kg Natuphos E phytase could compensate, performance wise, the reduction of 0.17% Ca, 0.15% aP and 120 Kcal/kg ME in the diet.
PSII-4 Effect of urea and distillers inclusion in dry rolled corn based diets on heifer performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Boyd Bradley M , Hales Kristin E , Erickson Galen E
Published: July 2019

Crossbred heifers (n = 96) were utilized to study the effects of increasing wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) and urea inclusion in a dry rolled corn (DRC) based finishing diet on performance and carcass characteristics. Heifers were individually fed using a calan gate system with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Orts were collected once a week and analyzed for dry matter (DM) content and used to correct DM intake (DMI). Factors included WDGS inclusion at either 10 or 20% of diet DM and urea inclusion at either 0 or 1.2% of diet DM. Cattle were stratified by body weight (BW) and assigned randomly to treatment. Blood samples were taken at 3 points during the feeding period and analyzed for blood urea nitrogen content. The model included urea and WDGS inclusions and their interactions as fixed effects. There were no interactions (P > 0.08) between WDGS and urea inclusion for any performance or carcass characteristics so only main effects are discussed. There was no difference for initial BW, final BW, ADG, and G:F on a live or carcass adjusted basis (P > 0.26) for either urea or distillers inclusion in the diet. Dry matter intake was reduced (P = 0.03) with increased urea inclusion; however, WDGS inclusion did not influence DMI (P = 0.29). No difference (P > 0.10) was detected for urea or WDGS inclusion for any carcass characteristics. Blood urea nitrogen was greater (P < 0.01) for cattle fed increasing levels of both urea and WDGS. Added distillers and urea in the diet had minimal impact on performance or carcass characteristic suggesting supplemental urea in a DRC-based finishing diets is of minimal benefit when feeding at least 10% WDGS.
PSII-22 Impact of stocking density and number of pigs per feeder space with wet/dry feeders: an economic analysis
Authors: Garcia Ricardo M , Garbossa Cesar A P , Wastell Marvin E , Schinckel Allan P
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economically most profitable stocking density (SDEN) and the number of pigs per feeder space (PF) with a Crystal Springs wet/dry single-space double-sided feeder model F1-115. Data from a trial was used to model the optimal value. The initial trial included 3182 pigs from three consecutive grow-finish groups. The experimental treatments were designed as a two by three factorial (SDEN of 0.65 or 0.78 m2/pig with PF of 10, 13, or 16). Each pen was equipped with one double-sided wet/dry feeder, 37.5 cm wide, with one nipple drinker. Pigs with less floor space allowance had reduced ADG (1.00 versus 1.02 kg/d, P = 0.002) with improved G:F (0.402 versus 0.397, P = 0.039). Overall, ADG had a quadratic relationship (P = 0.005) with PF with means of 1.03, 1.01, and 1.01 kg/d for 10, 13, and 16 respectively. The G:F had a quadratic relationship (P = 0.005) with the number of pigs PF with means of 0.395, 0.404, and 0.400 for 10, 13, and 16 respectively. The G:F and ADG data were fitted to a regression equation including SDEN (linear) and PF (linear –quadratic). A pork production cost model was used to evaluate the impact of a range of SDEN (0.65 to 0.758 m2/pig) and PF (10 to 16) on annual profit of a grow-finish barn including feeder cost. Annual profit for a 1200 head grow-finisher was fitted to linear and quadratic regression of SDEN and PF (R2= 0.999). The optimal SDEN was 0.65 m2 per pig and 13 to 14 (13.26) PF. The differences between the maximum and the minimum net income year values for PF and PF were $4055 and $21667 USD respectively. Stocking density had a greater impact than the number of pigs per feeder space.
PSII-20 Effect of mixing of extended boar semen using a bulk semen delivery system after 2 and 5 days in storage
Authors: Mills Kayla M , Steckler Tabitha , Bock Megan , Minton Amanda M , Terlouw Steve , Stewart Kara R
Published: July 2019

With the increase in utilization of bulk semen delivery systems, the objective of this study was to determine whether differences in semen quality exist from mixing stored bulk semen. Semen with motility and normal morphology >75% were used to create 4, 70-dose and 4, 35-dose bulk semen bags. Semen was cooled and transported 235 miles. On d2 or d5, a bag was mixed and hung for 15 min. Doses were removed every 2 minutes. One 70-dose (70M) and one 35-dose bag (35M) were mixed every 5th dose, while the remaining 70-dose (70NM) and 35-dose (35NM) bags were not mixed. Doses were weighed and analyzed for concentration using CASA and agglutination assessed. Every 5th dose was warmed and evaluated for motility. One milliliter of semen from the 5th dose was preserved and evaluated for sperm cell morphology. Doses averaged 0.04 ± 0.0001 x 109/mL cells in 31.5 ± 0.077 mL resulting in 1.26 billion sperm/dose. All bags averaged >80% motility on d2 and 69% on d5 with >90% normal morphology on both days. There were minor differences in concentration and normal morphology from variation in preparing bags, not associated with mixing. On d2, mixing had no significant effects on agglutination or motility (P > 0.05). Concentration differed between 35M and 35NM (0.0385 ± 0.0004 vs 0.0417 ± 0.0002 x 109/mL; P < 0.001), with no identifiable trend. On d5, mixing had no effects on concentration, normal morphology or agglutination (P > 0.05). Bag 70M had more distal droplets compared with 70NM (3.78 ± 0.31 vs 2.36 ± 0.34%; P = 0.023). There was a non-significant linear decrease in concentration in the 70NM and 35NM bags, where concentration decreased by 0.124 x109 cells. Mixing alleviated this reduction in the 35-dose bags and partially alleviated it in the 70-dose bags. These data demonstrate that mixing had minimal impact on semen quality and was able to mitigate the decrease in concentration in the 35-dose bag.
PSVI-7 Feedback optimization: an iterative, value-added approach in a beef cattle breeding simulation
Authors: Haag Maria , Le Tourneau Justin , Marra Rose , Lamberson William
Published: July 2019

Understanding the systematic effects of genetic change is critical for any livestock producer. To help students learn about such changes we developed a beef cattle breeding simulation. This simulation features dynamic feedback designed to assist students in understanding their progress. Without feedback, students are often unable to make sense of their results which can inhibit their learning. The literature on feedback in simulations has shown varying effectiveness complexity levels, timing, and personalization. Oftentimes, this variation is associated with learner characteristics such as prior knowledge or gender. In our previous work, we determined that students did not always read feedback which reduces the likelihood of misconception reversal. Therefore, the aim of our current work was to identify feedback designs that ensure students are engaging with the material. To do this we designed two types of feedback: Static and Interactive. In Static feedback, students were simply shown the feedback and could click through—like the previous version. In Interactive feedback, students were required to answer a question regarding the feedback. We then assigned 242 students from 10 universities to one feedback type at random. We found that students in low and moderate performance groups using Interactive feedback showed higher (P = 0.06) posttest scores than those using Static feedback. No difference was observed in high performers which was expected according to the literature. This study demonstrated that feedback effectiveness is dependent on learner characteristics such as performance level. Thereby, developing feedback that is tailored to the student delivers a more personalized learning experience which can improve learning.
Genotype by environment interactions for performance and thermoregulation responses in growing pigs1,2
Authors: Gourdine Jean-Luc , Riquet Juliette , Rosé Roseline , Poullet Nausicaa , Giorgi Mario , Billon Yvon , Renaudeau David , Gilbert Hélène
Published: July 2019

Heat stress affects pig health, welfare, and production, and thus the economic viability of the pig sector in many countries. Breeding for heat tolerance is a complex issue, increasingly important due to climate change and the development of pig production in tropical areas. Characterizing genetic determinism of heat tolerance would help building selection schemes dedicated to high performance in tropical areas. The main objective of our study was to estimate the genetic parameters for production and thermoregulation traits in two highly related growing pig populations reared in temperate (TEMP) or tropical humid (TROP) environment. Pigs came from a backcross population between Large White (LW, heat sensitive) and Creole (CR, heat tolerant) pigs. Phenotypic data were obtained on a total of 1,297 pigs using the same procedures in both environments, for body weight (BW, at weeks 11 and 23), daily feed intake (ADFI), backfat thickness (BFT, at weeks 19 and 23), cutaneous temperature (CT, at weeks 19 and 23), and rectal temperature (RT, at weeks 19, 21, and 23). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) were computed for the whole test period (11 to 23 wk). Criteria comparing the fits to the data revealed genotype × environment (G × E) interactions for most traits but not for FCR. The variance components were obtained using two different methods, a restricted maximum likelihood method and a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method, considering that traits are either similar or different in each environment. Regardless of the method, heritability estimates for production traits were moderate to high, except for FCR (lower than 0.18). Heritability estimates for RT were low to moderate, ranging from 0.04 to 0.34. The genetic correlations of each trait between environments generally differed from 1, except for FCR and ADG. For most thermoregulation traits, they also did not differ significantly from zero, suggesting that the main genetic bases of heat tolerance may vary in different environment. Within environments, the unfavorable genetic correlations between production traits and RT suggest an antagonism between the ability to maintain inner temperature and the ability to increase ADFI and ADG. However, greater RT were also associated to leaner pigs and better feed efficiency. Nevertheless, due to large inaccuracies of these estimations, larger cohorts would be needed to decide about the best breeding schemes to choose for tropical pig production.
Epidemiology, tumor characteristics and survival in patients with angiosarcoma in the United States: a population-based study of 4537 cases
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xu Guijun , Liu Zheng , Xu Yao , Lin Feng , Baklaushev Vladimir P , Chekhonin Vladimir P , Peltzer Karl , Mao Min , Wang Xin , Wang Guowen , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2019

Objective

Limited by sample size, angiosarcoma was rarely studied. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of angiosarcoma in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with primary angiosarcoma from 1973 to 2014 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the overall survival, and the difference between groups was tested by the log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to identify prognostic factors for primary angiosarcoma.

Results

A total of 4537 patients with angiosarcoma were included with the median age of 69 years. The median overall survival was 82.1 (95% confidence interval: 76.5–87.7) months. Overall 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 55.2 ± 0.7, 41.0 ± 0.7 and 26.3 ± 0.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, age, gender, marital status, race, primary site, tumor grade, tumor size, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results historic stage and the surgery of primary site were significantly associated with overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression showed that factors including the patients older than 69 years, male, unmarried status, other primary sites, grades (III and IV), tumor size ≥ 5 cm, regional and distant stage and non-surgery were independently associated with poor survival. The results were consistent after excluding the patients in IV stages.

Conclusions

This large population-based study comprehensively described the survival rate and prognostic factors for angiosarcoma in the United States. Age, gender, marital status, primary sites, tumor grade and size and historic stage were determinants of survival, and surgery can improve the prognosis of patients with angiosarcoma.
Comparison of radiotherapy infrastructure between Korea and Japan
Authors: Huh Seung Jae , Nishimura Tetsuo , Park Won , Nakamura Katsumasa
Published: July 2019

Background

Patterns of cancer incidence and radiotherapy use are similar in Korea and Japan, with differences in radiotherapy infrastructure.

Methods

The authors surveyed the megavoltage machines in 91 radiotherapy centers in Korea and published data in Japan. The number of megavoltage machines per center was used as an indicator of the fragmentation of radiotherapy services using four as the threshold, and the number of megavoltage machines per million people was compared. The practice pattern of intensity-modulated radiation therapy was analyzed.

Results

There were 91 centers in Korea and 825 in Japan. The number of megavoltage machines per center was 1.3 in Japan and 2.3 in Korea. Radiotherapy infrastructure showed fragmentation in Korea and hyperfragmentation in Japan. In Japan, 75% of radiotherapy centers operated with one megavoltage machine, whereas in Korea, 47% megavoltage machines per center was 3.2 in Seoul, while that in the non-capital area was 1.8, constituting a mixed pattern of centralization and fragmentation. In Japan, megavoltage machines per center in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka, was 1.5, 1.3 and 1.2, respectively, indicating no concentration in the metropolis. The number of megavoltage machines per million in Korea was 4.0, whereas that in Seoul was 8.7, constituting capital concentration. In Japan, the number of megavoltage machines per million was 8.7, whereas in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka, it was is 9.3, 6.3 and 9.0, showing uniform distribution. intensity-modulated radiation therapy utilization is increasing, accounting for 15% and 23% of radiotherapy patients in Japan and Korea, respectively.

Conclusions

The fragmentation of radiotherapy services in Korea and Japan might affect radiotherapy quality.
Children Listening to Music or Watching Cartoons During ER Procedures: A RCT
Authors: van der Heijden Marianne J E , Mevius Hiske , van der Heijde Nicky , van Rosmalen Joost , van As Sebastian , van Dijk Monique
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aims to determine if listening to music and watching cartoons are effective to distract children from pain and distress during procedures in the emergency room (ER).

Methods

This study is a single-center, 3-armed, superiority randomized controlled trial comparing listening to music, watching cartoons, and standard care during ER procedures in children aged 3–13 years. The primary outcome was pain measured from video footage with the Alder Hey Triage Pain Score (AHTPS). Children older than 4 years self-reported pain with the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). The secondary outcome was distress measured with the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-revised (OSBD-r). Another indicator of distress was heart rate.

Results

Data of 191 participants were analyzed for the 3 groups: music (n = 75), cartoon (n = 62), and control (n = 54). The median age was 7.3 years (4.9–9.7). In multivariable analysis, pain assessed with the AHTPS was significantly lower (B = −1.173, 95% confidence interval −1.953, −0.394, p = .003) in the music group than in the control groups. Across the 3 groups, 108 children self-reported pain with the FPS-R after the procedure. The scores were lowest in the music group, but the differences between groups were not significant (p = .077). OSBD-r distress scores assigned during the procedures were not significantly different between the 3 groups (p = .55). Heart rate directly after the procedure was not statistically significantly different between the 3 groups (p = .83).

Conclusions

Listening to recorded music is a beneficial distraction for children experiencing pain during ER procedures, whereas watching cartoons did not seem to reduce pain or distress.
Observational limits on the X-ray emission from the bubble nebula surrounding Ho IX X-1
Authors: Sathyaprakash Rajath , Roberts Timothy P , Siwek Magdalena M
Published: July 2019

Optical and radio observations of shock-ionized bubble nebulae surrounding ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) suggest that they are powered by jets or supercritical outflows presumably launched from the ULX accretion disc. Recent simulations of these systems have shown that the shocked wind can emit thermal X-rays with estimated luminosities ≲1036 erg s−1. In this work, we investigated whether it is possible to detect and spatially resolve the X-ray emission from these systems using archival Chandra observations of the ULX Holmberg IX X-1 (Ho IX X-1). This source is an ideal target to study for two reasons: it is surrounded by an optical bubble nebula with a large spatial extent (∼400 pc) that can easily be resolved with Chandra. Further, it has a hard X-ray continuum that is easily distinguishable from the expected soft thermal emission from the nebula. However, a spectral and photometric analysis on stacked Chandra observations of the source reveals that there is no strong evidence for an X-ray bubble associated with it, to a limiting luminosity of ∼2 × 1036 erg s−1. The detection of such X-ray nebulae may be possible with future X-ray missions such as Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics(ATHENA), which would provide useful constraints on the kinematics of the outflow. Finally, our observations also emphasize that the nebular emission does not contribute significantly to the residuals in the X-ray spectrum of the source, which are more likely to be linked to processes localized to the ULX.
Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Values in an Era of Estrangement
Authors: Ventriss Curtis , Perry James L , Nabatchi Tina , Milward H Brinton , Johnston Jocelyn M
Published: July 2019

This essay responds to the prevailing political environment of estrangement that can be seen in the growing distrust of public institutions, intensifying levels of political polarization, and rising support for populism, particularly in the United States. These trends have contributed to a diminished sense of publicness in public administration, including an erosion of public values and political legitimacy, and an increasingly cynical view of the value, role, and purpose of public service in the modern polity. We argue that public administration must respond actively to this estrangement and seek to repair and strengthen the links between democracy, public administration, and public values through scholarship, connections to practice and the public, and education.
Measures of Clinical Meaningfulness and Important Differences
Authors: Collins John P
Published: July 2019

Measures of clinical significance have been in use for several decades as a means of interpreting clinical findings and patient-reported outcomes. The most common of these measures is the minimal clinically important difference. With the rise in popularity of measurements of clinical significance, several common misconceptions have arisen that may impact their interpretation and application to clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to present a schema for understanding measurement of clinical significance and use this to highlight the reasons why misuse and misinterpretation have occurred. A new measure of clinical significance is then defined that is intended to be resistant to these issues.

Clinical significance has long been a topic of importance to researchers looking to make their findings interpretable and has been quantified in diverse ways.1 Recently, there has been rapidly increasing interest in and use of an assortment of minimal (clinically) important difference measures. The range of their use is illustrated by the publications of reviews and meta-analyses in pain relief,2 cognitive interventions for dementia,3 and CT densitometry for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.4

Consensus has not been reached for how clinical significance should be defined. Despite this, current methods fall into 2 distinct approaches. The first estimates measurement error levels, and the other quantifies the ability of the instrument to predict clinical outcomes of interest. The conceptual differences between the 2 approaches have not been clearly delineated in the literature. Further, additional conceptual and practical issues exist for measures using the second approach because it has not previously been framed as a clinical prediction problem.

It is the aim of this paper to develop a framework to guide researchers in the use of clinical importance measures and to introduce a new methodology for predicting clinically meaningful change. We first propose 2 types of clinical significance measures relating to what we call the Detection and Clinical Prediction Problems. Next, we discuss weaknesses of existing measures of clinical prediction within this unifying framework. Finally, we define a new measure of clinical significance using predictive values and demonstrate its use with simulated data.
Meeting Lydgate’s Ghost: Building Medieval History in Seventeenth-Century England
Authors: Ensley Mimi
Published: July 2019

This article examines a manuscript poem composed by the seventeenth-century author John Lane. Writing in what is now London, British Library, Harley MS 5243, Lane revives the medieval poet John Lydgate in order to re-tell the story of Guy of Warwick, famous from medieval romance. In Lane’s poem, Lydgate returns from beyond the grave to proclaim the historicity of Guy’s legend and simultaneously preserve his own reputation as a chronicler of English history. While some scholars suggest that Lydgate’s popularity declined in the post-Reformation period due to his reputation as the ‘Monk of Bury’, and while it is true that significantly fewer editions of Lydgate’s poems were published in the decades after the Reformation, Lane’s poem offers another window into Lydgate’s early modern reputation. I argue that Lane’s historiographic technique in his Guy of Warwick narrative mirrors Lydgate’s own poetic histories. Both Lane and Lydgate grapple with existing historical resources and compose their narratives by compiling the accreted traditions of the past, supplementing these traditions with documentary sources and artefacts. This article, thus, complicates existing scholarly narratives that align Lydgate with medieval or monastic traditions, traditions perceived to be irrecoverably transformed by the events of the Reformation in England.
Incorporating natural language processing to improve classification of axial spondyloarthritis using electronic health records
Authors: Zhao Sizheng Steven , Hong Chuan , Cai Tianrun , Xu Chang , Huang Jie , Ermann Joerg , Goodson Nicola J , Solomon Daniel H , Cai Tianxi , Liao Katherine P
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To develop classification algorithms that accurately identify axial SpA (axSpA) patients in electronic health records, and compare the performance of algorithms incorporating free-text data against approaches using only International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.

Methods

An enriched cohort of 7853 eligible patients was created from electronic health records of two large hospitals using automated searches (⩾1 ICD codes combined with simple text searches). Key disease concepts from free-text data were extracted using NLP and combined with ICD codes to develop algorithms. We created both supervised regression-based algorithms—on a training set of 127 axSpA cases and 423 non-cases—and unsupervised algorithms to identify patients with high probability of having axSpA from the enriched cohort. Their performance was compared against classifications using ICD codes only.

Results

NLP extracted four disease concepts of high predictive value: ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis, HLA-B27 and spondylitis. The unsupervised algorithm, incorporating both the NLP concept and ICD code for AS, identified the greatest number of patients. By setting the probability threshold to attain 80% positive predictive value, it identified 1509 axSpA patients (mean age 53 years, 71% male). Sensitivity was 0.78, specificity 0.94 and area under the curve 0.93. The two supervised algorithms performed similarly but identified fewer patients. All three outperformed traditional approaches using ICD codes alone (area under the curve 0.80–0.87).

Conclusion

Algorithms incorporating free-text data can accurately identify axSpA patients in electronic health records. Large cohorts identified using these novel methods offer exciting opportunities for future clinical research.
The Enduring Influence of Cohort Characteristics on Race-Specific Homicide Rates
Authors: Vogel Matt , Thompson Kristina J , Messner Steven F
Published: July 2019

This study extends research on cohort effects and crime by considering how bifurcated population dynamics and institutional constraints explain variation in homicide rates across racial groups in the United States. Drawing upon the extensive research on racial residential segregation and institutional segmentation, we theorize how the criminogenic influences of cohort characteristics elucidated in prior work will be greater for Black cohorts than for White cohorts. We assess our hypothesis by estimating Age-Period-Cohort Characteristic models with data for the total population and separately for the Black and White populations over the 1975–2014 period. The results reveal persistent effects of relative cohort size and nonmarital births on Black cohort-specific homicide rates but null effects among the White population. These effects follow Black birth cohorts across the life course, leading to higher rates of both homicide arrest and homicide victimization.
Late Medieval Jewish Physicians and their Manuscripts
Authors: Kozodoy Maud
Published: July 2019

Most medieval Hebrew manuscripts in late medieval Iberia, especially those containing non-religious texts, were copied by individuals for their personal use. Hebrew medical codices were thus very often both written and used by Jewish physicians. Considering these manuscripts as material objects opens a new window onto medical practice among the Jewish community. This article uses two case studies—one exploring a single manuscript (Vatican Biblioteca Apostolica ebr. 362) and the various medical texts it contains and the other following the transmission of a single medical text (Bernard de Gordon’s Lilium medicinae) through a number of different manuscripts—to inquire into what can be learned from the scribal practices of the Jewish doctors who wrote, owned and used these manuscripts.
Impact of a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, feed intake, and carcass traits of finishing steers
Authors: Brand Tassilo , Hünerberg Martin , McAllister Tim A , He Maolong , Saleem Atef M , Shen Yizhao , Miller Bryan , Yang Wenzhu
Published: July 2019

Abstact:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic feed additive (Digestarom [DA]; Biomin, Getzersdorf, Austria) on growth performance, feed intake, carcass traits, fatty acid composition, and liver abscesses of finishing steers. One hundred twenty Angus × Charolais crossbred steers (488 ± 26.5 kg) were used in a 110-d feeding experiment. Steers were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to 12 pens with 10 steers per pen. Each pen was allocated to one of three diets. Each diet contained 86.5% barley, 10.0% barley silage, and 3.5% vitamin and mineral supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis. The diets contained 0, 0.05, and 0.1 g DA/kg complete diet (DM basis), to achieve average daily DA intakes of 0 (control), 0.5 (LowDA), and 1.0 g (HighDA) per steer. Diets were prepared once daily and provided ad libitum. Two pens per treatment were equipped to record individual feed intake behavior. Steers were weighed every 28 d and carcass traits and liver scores were recorded at slaughter. Dry matter intake (average: 9.34 kg/d) did not differ (P > 0.05) among diets. Average daily gain tended to increase linearly as DA increased (control: 1.82; LowDA: 1.87; and HighDA: 1.95 kg/d; P < 0.09), but gain:feed ratio was not affected. Supplementation of DA affected longissimus muscle area quadratically (P = 0.05) with the largest area observed for LowDA. However, dressing percentage decreased linearly in response to increasing level of DA (P < 0.01). Total abscessed livers were not affected, whereas proportion of severe liver abscesses was numerically lower with DA (30.8% and 42.5% for LowDA and HighDA) compared to the control (50%).
Designing a text messaging program to increase adherence to medication for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Uribe-Rodríguez Ana , Pérez-Rivero Paula , Free Caroline , Perel Pablo , Murray Elizabeth , Serrano Díaz Norma , Horne Robert , Atkins Louise , Casas Juan Pablo , Bermon Angarita Anderson
Published: July 2019

Background

Cardiovascular medication for secondary prevention has been shown to be effective. However, cardiovascular patients have poor medication adherence, the consequences of which include premature death, recurrence risk, hospitalization, and high financial cost for the healthcare system. Behavioral interventions based on text messaging technology are a promising strategy to improving adherence in medications. In low-middle income settings there is no high-quality evidence of a behavioral program delivered by SMS; hence we describe the development, message content, and the program design of the intervention for improving adherence to cardiovascular medication.

Methods

We used the model reported by Abroms and colleagues’ for developing and evaluating text messages-based interventions. This model describes a process in which the intervention created is based on theory and evidence, the target audience is involved to ensure the intervention is engaging and useful, and there is a focus on implementation from the outset.

Results

Our main result was the design of the program, which consisted of a twelve-month structured intervention based on Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. We wrote and validated clusters of texts messages targeting each stage of the model. Each message went through an examination process including the evaluation of former cardiovascular patients, experts and the team research personnel. Another important result was an understanding of patients’ perceptions of their experience of cardiovascular disease, barriers to accessing healthcare in Colombia and the use of mobile technology for health.

Conclusions

An SMS intervention has the potential to be an acceptable and effective way of improving adherence to medication in patients with cardiovascular disease. This paper describes the development and content of one such intervention.
Esophageal Cooling For Protection During Left Atrial Ablation: A Systematic Review And Meta- Analysis
Authors: Leung Lisa , Gallagher Mark , Santangeli Pasquale , Tschabrunn Cory , Guerra Jose , Campos Bieito , Hayat Jamal , Atem Folefac , Mickelsen Steven , Kulstad Erik
Published: July 2019

Background

Thermal damage to the esophagus is a risk from radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), with the most extreme type of thermal injury resulting in atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF), with a correspondingly high mortality rate. Various approaches have been developed to reduce esophageal injury, including power reduction, avoidance of greater contact-force, esophageal deviation, and esophageal cooling. One method of esophageal cooling involves direct instillation of cold water or saline into the esophagus during RF ablation. Although this method provides limited heat-extraction capacity, studies of it have suggested potential benefit.

Objective

We sought to perform a meta-analysis of existing studies evaluating esophageal cooling via direct liquid instillation for the reduction of thermal injury.

Methods

We reviewed Medline for existing studies involving esophageal cooling for protection of thermal injury during RF ablation. A meta-analysis was then performed using random effects model to calculate estimated effect size with 95% confidence intervals, with outcome of esophageal lesions, stratified by severity, as determined by post-procedure endoscopy.

Results

A total of 9 studies were identified and reviewed. After excluding pre-clinical and mathematical model studies, 3 were included in the meta-analysis, totaling 494 patients. Esophageal cooling showed a tendency to shift lesion severity downward, such that total lesions did not show a statistically significant change (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.38). For high grade lesions, a significant OR of 0.39 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.89) in favor of esophageal cooling was found, suggesting that esophageal cooling, even utilizing a low-capacity thermal extraction technique, reduces lesion severity from RF ablation.

Conclusions

Esophageal cooling reduces lesion severity encountered during RF ablation, even when using relatively low heat extraction methods such as direct instillation of cold liquid. Further investigation of this approach is warranted.
Scarabaeidae larvae are neglected greenhouse gas sources in soils
Authors: Görres Carolyn-Monika , Kammann Claudia
Published: July 2019

A precise knowledge of the sink and source distributions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in regional and global carbon and nitrogen budgets, and of the processes governing them, is a necessary prerequisite for the development and assessment of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies1-3. Certain soil-inhabiting Arthropoda groups are known producers of GHG, namely methane (CH4), but apart from termites, their emissions have never been studied in the field and quantified at different scales4,5. Here we report the first field GHG emission data of soil-dwelling Scarabaeidae larvae, focusing on pest insects in a temperate climate region (Melolontha melolontha and M. hippocastani). Variations in larval biomass explained variations in larval field CO2 and CH4 emissions well at the individual and site level. This correlation disappeared after transferring larvae from the field to a laboratory setting. We show that GHG emissions of soil-inhabiting Scarabaeidae larvae are comparable to those from termites, thus questioning the neglect of Scarabaeidae larvae in GHG flux research, and we demonstrate the importance of field-based emission estimates for soil biota.