bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Strategy to MCI Management
Authors: Lin Yun-Kuan , Lai Pei-Fang , Niu Kuang-Yu
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

On February 6, 2018, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, a county of East Taiwan. Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, the only tertiary hospital in East Taiwan, activated the mass casualty incident (MCI) call and received 144 patients that night. Our operation did not perform satisfactorily despite regular MCI drills. Thus, a new strategy to cope with the increasing frequency of disaster-related MCIs was developed.

Aim:

To facilitate the management of disaster-related MCIs, we developed a novel Disaster Response System which includes a triage system combining Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) and Five-Level Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale (TTAS), a novel registration system for MCIs, and anonymous patient identification and reporting system.

Methods:

We begin the triage with the START method and then shift to the TTAS. The new registration system only needs the patient’s gender, age, and triage category. Patients are then assigned to different treatment areas accordingly. Further dispositions are applied after initial stabilization management. To identify the anonymous disaster victims, we take photographs of victims after clean-up and display them on an electronic bulletin with the patient list to the families in our emergency department. Real-time casualty statistics are collected automatically and synchronized to the governmental administrative system.

Results:

This novel Disaster Response System reduces the time from patient arrival to definite treatment and disposition in a simulated mass casualty incident exercise. The victim identification bulletin provides clear information to those who are seeking their family, and thus, avoids the chaos of the scene.

Discussion:

From the experience of the earthquake-related MCI, we found that inadequate training causes time mis-triage and treatment delays. Our Disaster Response System facilitates the workflow with an easily practiced algorithm, reveals on-time and easily accessible information to the public, and altogether improves our MCI management.
Perceptions of Climate Change and Disaster Risk in Oceania
Authors: Cuthbertson Joseph , Archer Frank , Rodriguez-llanes Jose-Manuel , Robertson Andrew
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

This study profiles climate change as an emerging disaster risk in Oceania. The rationale for undertaking this study was to investigate climate change and disaster risk in Oceania. The role of this analysis is to examine what evidence exists to support decision-making and profile the nature, type, and potential human and economic impact of climate change and disaster risk in Oceania.

Aim:

To evaluate perceptions of climate change and disaster risk in the Oceania region.

Methods:

Thirty individual interviews with participants from 9 different countries were conducted. All of the participants were engaged in disaster management in the Oceania region as researchers, practitioners in emergency management, disaster health care and policy managers, or academics. Data collection was conducted between April and November 2017. Thematic analysis was conducted using narrative inquiry to gather first-hand insights on their perceptions of current and emerging threats and propose improvements in risk management practice to capture, monitor, and control disaster risk.

Results:

Interviewees who viewed climate change as a risk or hazard described a breadth of impacts. Hazards identified included climate variability and climate-related disasters, climate issues in island areas and loss of land mass, trans-nation migration, and increased transportation risk due to rising sea levels. These emerging risks are reflective of both the geographical location of countries in Oceania, where land mass due to rising oceans has been previously reported and climate change-driven migration of island populations.

Discussion:

Climate change was perceived as a significant contemporary and future risk, and as an influencing factor on other risks in the Oceania region.
Pharmaceutical Prescribing Patterns and Costs During Hurricane Harvey Shelter Operations in Dallas, Texas
Authors: Liu E. Liang , Joseph Alysha , Flax Lindsay A. , Fowler Raymond L. , Klein Kelly R. , Swienton Raymond E.
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in southeast Texas in August 2017, causing unprecedented flooding throughout the Texas coastal region. Residents of affected regions were forced to evacuate to nearby unaffected areas, including Dallas, TX, where a large shelter operation was opened for 23 days to care for those evacuees. Retrospective evaluation of pharmaceutical prescribing patterns for the evacuees who self-presented to the Megashelter Medical Clinic (MMC) established in the shelter contributes to developing evidence-based planning strategies for healthcare delivery in the post-disaster setting.

Aim:

To describe the pharmacy needs of a displaced population following a large-scale evacuation after a hurricane

Methods:

De-identified prescription records written and filled at a shelter pharmacy were reviewed, looking at both cost and category of medications dispensed over time.

Results:

Approximately 41% of evacuees with a total of 2,654 visits utilized the MMC clinic, resulting in 1,590 prescriptions filled with an associated cost of $78,039. The most commonly prescribed drug categories were cardiovascular (21.2%), neuropsychotropic (15.6%), infectious disease (12.5%), and endocrine (9.6%). While the most commonly dispensed were antihypertensives, diabetes treatment-related prescriptions, antibacterials, antidepressants, and NSAIDs, the costliest individual prescriptions were antiretrovirals and antipsychotics.

Discussion:

Prescribing patterns for the MMC differed from normal prescribing patterns of a general population. Of the prescriptions dispensed at the MMC, pharmaceutical prescription patterns suggest the immediate needs of evacuees differ from later needs. There is a greater need for chronic disease management in the early phase of shelter operations, and an increasing need for neuropsychotropic and infectious disease prescriptions over time. Understanding overall patterns of drug utilization over the duration of the shelter provides valuable insight on post-disaster medical resource utilization in evacuee populations.
A Pilot Investigation of the Effect of Transport-Related Factors on Care Quality in a Moving Ambulance
Authors: Prytz Erik , Åkerstedt Zandra , Lidestam Björn , Lampi Maria , Jonson Carl-Oscar
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Providing patient care in a moving ambulance can be difficult due to various transport-related factors, (e.g., accelerations, lateral forces, and noise). Previous research has primarily focused on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance effects but has neglected to investigate other care interventions.

Aim:

To test a range of different care interventions during different driving scenarios.

Methods:

A workshop with ambulance practitioners was held to create a list of care interventions to be tested. Two ambulance practitioners were recruited to drive an ambulance on a closed test-track while performing care interventions on simulation models. Three driving scenarios of differing difficulty were used. Main outcome measures were estimates of workload using the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) and task difficulty. G-forces and video-data were also collected.

Results:

Estimated workload increased overall as the difficulty of the driving scenario increased, as did task difficulty estimates. However, some care scenarios and interventions were affected less. For example, placing intravenous access increased greatly in difficulty, whereas saturation and blood pressure measurements had more modest increases. TLX scores showed that the primarily estimated physical workload and effort that increased, but also mental and temporal demands for some care scenarios. The more difficult driving scenarios primarily increased the variability of measured G-forces but not necessarily the overall driving speed, indicating that force variability is an important factor to study further.

Discussion:

The study was intended as an initial pilot test of a wide range of care interventions. It will serve as input to future, larger studies of specific interventions and transport-related factors. Overall, this small pilot indicates that more interventions than only CPR should be studied in moving ambulances to investigate potential performance effects. This is important for traffic, patient, and work safety for ambulance workers and patients.
A Pilot Study of Surge Capacity in the Metropolitan Area of South Korea
Authors: Yoon Young-hoon , Kim Jung-Youn , Heo Gwang-ryol , Sim Bo-Sun , Moon Sung-Woo
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Seoul is the third most densely populated area in the world except for the city-state. However, a national disaster plan has not yet been established.

Aim:

From September 2017, representatives of seven regional emergency medical centers in Seoul met monthly and decided to investigate basic data for the future establishment of surge capacity planning.

Methods:

Staff, supply, space, and systems for surge capacity were surveyed in seven hospitals. The additional surveyed data were as follows: hospital incident command system and actual operational experience; performance of disaster drill; safety and security plan; estimation of surge capacity in normal operating conditions and extreme operating conditions; alternative therapeutic spaces; back-up plan to call non-duty medical staff; decontamination equipment; contingency plan for stuff shortage; etc.

Results:

All the hospitals reported they have hospital incident command systems and held disaster drills every year, however, the two hospitals (28.5%) had no real experience of hospital incident command system activation. Five hospitals (71.4%) did not have a safety and security plan. They replied they can treat average 7.7 emergency patients (Korean Triage and Acute scale (KTAS) ≤ 3), 10 non-emergent patients (KTAS>4), 0.9 surgical patients and 0.7 unstable patients simultaneously in normal operating conditions. In extreme operating conditions, they replied they can treat average 26.4 emergency patients (KTAS ≤ 3), 54.3 non-emergent patients (KTAS>4), 37 surgical patients and 2.3 unstable patients simultaneously. The two hospitals (28.5%) had no alternative therapeutic spaces, no back-up plan to call non-duty medical staff and no contingency plan for stuff shortage. Three hospitals (42.9%) did not have decontamination equipment.

Discussion:

The survey revealed the basic data for surge capacity planning in Seoul. Data from hospitals other than regional emergency medical centers should be collected for the completion of disaster plans.
Social Media in Disasters
Authors: Doyle Constance , Mace Sharon
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Individuals may not receive messages via usual sources. Social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and social networking groups have been useful in the notification, information dissemination, safe notices, and reunification.

Methods:

A survey of the literature and of social media sites to determine what possibilities of notification, information exchange, marked safe, and reunification information that can be helpful in disasters.

Results:

Social media is useful during all phases of a disaster: pre-disaster notification, information dissemination during disasters, and safe notices/reunification post-disaster

Discussion:

Social media is internet-based and requires a device that needs power. There is widespread internet access to various forms of social media, such as email, various broadcast sources, and social networking sites. Social media may provide pre-disaster warnings (weather alert app, reverse 911), evacuation/sheltering information, blocked routes, open gas stations, stores with supplies, hotels/motels with rooms, and shelter locations. Social networking groups were full of messages informing others they could shelter someone fleeing the California wildfires and recent hurricanes. Volunteers can be alerted and responses collected via social media groups. Social media may reach individuals earlier than official announcements, although sometimes accuracy may be in question. Rumor and malignant information source as well as inaccurate information are possible and may need to be managed. Separation is common during disasters. Knowing if their loved ones are safe and well, then reunifying is critical, especially for the vulnerable: children/infants, elderly, and disabled. Reunification systems need safeguards for vulnerable individuals who may be exploited or abused during disasters. In previous disasters (Hurricanes Maria, Mark, and others; California wildfires), when usual communication was nonfunctional due to downed power lines or damaged/destroyed substations; social media was deluged with individuals giving names and identifying information for family and others and asking whether anyone has seen or heard from them.
A Study to Determine the Nature and Risk Factors for Road Traffic Injuries
Authors: Vaid Harvinder kaur
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

In 2010, an estimated 1.3 million road traffic injury (RTI) deaths occurred worldwide, accounting for about 2.5% of all deaths. Mortality in serious injuries is 6 times worse in a developing country such as India compared to a developed country. Strengthening and undertaking research on the public health burden and impact and understanding the risk factors of trauma is the need of the hour.

Aim:

To identify the nature of injury in terms of causes and severity of injury.

Methods:

Using a quantitative approach, a retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted at the emergency and trauma center in Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi. The information of all the injured patients seeking health care during the past one year from October 2015 - September 2016 at Emergency and trauma center was collected from the trauma registry forms filled at the time of registration.

Results:

A total of 1952 cases of road traffic injury sought health care during the study period. The average number of cases reported per day was five. Maximum of the cases (40%) were reported between 12-6PM. Among the injured, 82% were males and the majority of victims were between 20-30 years age group followed by 30-40 years.

Discussion:

Trauma services need to be coordinated in infrastructure and human resources so that the right patient is taken to the right hospital at the right time. This calls for a lead agency at the district, state, and finally national level. Safety education regarding road safety should be imparted, especially to all victims, relatives, and the general public to make the care comprehensive. Students in schools and colleges should also be the target for intense safety education.
Train Related Injuries: Growing Concern in Developing Countries and Five-year Experience at Level-1 Trauma Center in India
Authors: Bagaria Dinesh , Banerjee Niladri , Ud Parvez Mohi , Gupta Amit , Joshi Mohit , Sagar Sushma
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Indian railway systems are fourth largest in the world, and cause on average 15 deaths daily due to various intentional and unintentional reasons. This study presents a 5-year retrospective data analysis of polytrauma patients with train-related injuries.

Aim:

To highlight key lessons learned from data analysis to inform better safety measures and laws.

Methods:

Trauma registry data between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed for patients with train-related injuries. Data from 726 patients were analyzed for demographics, event, injuries, management, and final outcome. ISS was used to quantify the extent of injury.

Results:

Mean patient age was 33 years with an 86% to 14% male to female ratio. 62% of patients were in the 20- to 40-year age group. Average time of arrival at health facility post-injury was 3.3 hours. Half of the patients were trespassers. Mean ISS was 11.65. Chest injuries were present in 24.6% of patients, with half requiring interventions like ICD insertion or surgery. 20% of patients underwent amputations of extremities. 40% of patients needed admission to the ICU. 3.5% died in the Emergency Department (ED). Mean hospital stay was 17 days with an in-hospital mortality of 17.4%.

Discussion:

This analysis is the largest to date showing comprehensive injury patterns and outcomes of train-related injuries from a developing country. Patients injured on the platform and off the platform had the same severity of injuries. This analysis shows the need for safety measures and strict law enforcement both at the station and at the track.
Triage Problem Among the Ambulance Crew (Paramedic) in Japan
Authors: Nakata Keiji
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

At various accidents or disaster sites, rescue, first aid, and transport to hospitals has been provided by ambulance crews (paramedics). In the case of mass casualties, they also need to operate triage for injured people.

Aim:

To consider and reveal challenges in triage by ambulance crews (paramedics) on-site.

Methods:

Interviews of seven ambulance crews (paramedics) and their instructors were conducted and their answers were analyzed.

Results:

(1.) Triage black tags: declaring “deceased: not able to survive” might give a heavy mental burden and psychological responsibility. Legal protection and an interstitial rule will be necessary in the future. (2.) Missed triage: the ambulance crew cannot perform a triage that may develop a legal problem. It is always important to prevent ambulance crews from being charged. (3.) Triage education and training: there are few triage trainings at fire departments although the number of emergency medical responses is increasing compared to fire response. It will be necessary to increase time of the triage education and training in near future. (4.) Command system (characteristic rank system in the fire department): There is a problem with the rank system in fire departments since confusion occurs when a commander of the First Aid Station is not a licensed paramedic. The ambulance crew (paramedic) usually consists of the three different ranked people. Individual operations are difficult during operation. Education for the paramedic executive is necessary for the fire organization.

Discussion:

For the triage by ambulance crew (paramedic), legal protection by medical control operation is required, and it may lead to a reduction of heavy mental burden. Triage training is needed to improve the training of triage. The ambulance crew (paramedic) operates under the fire department command system. However, at the time of disaster, the ambulance crew (paramedic) should also work under the medical command system.
Using the Past to Prepare for the Future: A 2018 Pilot Study to Improve the Hospital Response for Mass Casualties via a Multi-Dimensional Approach
Authors: Contreras George W. , Pohlman Kevin , Mandel-Ricci Jenna , Markenson David , Reilly Michael
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Recent mass shooting events remind us of the importance of hospitals’ preparedness to manage a large number of patients in a short period of time. While prehospital systems triage for field interventions and priority of transport, they were not designed to triage for the scarce resources of a hospital. Therefore, upon arrival to hospital, clinicians must then quickly determine how to best assess and provide life-saving interventions based on their limited resources.

Methods:

In collaboration with the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), the Center for Disaster Medicine at New York Medical College piloted an interactive and intensive eight-hour course at four New York State hospitals that covered critical areas such as: current literature on Mass Casualty Events and Triage, review of hospital emergency management, hospital-based triage principles, a MCI exercise in the emergency department, a surge capacity tabletop exercise, and use of ultrasound. While targeted towards physicians to foster team-based care and learning, nurses, physician assistants, and hospital administrators also participated in the pilot course.

Results:

Sixty persons from four hospitals participated in the pilot phase. Preliminary findings post-training reveal the following: 58% of participants expressed greater confidence in distinguishing between emergency department triage and triage during disasters; 59% of participants expressed greater confidence in performing initial triage of victims; 49% of participants expressed greater confidence in describing the use of ultrasound-guided triage; and 95% of participants reported an enhancement in their ability to perform their clinical role.

Discussion:

Preliminary findings reiterate the ongoing need for hospitals to provide training to their staff in the unique aspects of hospital triage and surge management using tools specifically designed in order to be prepared for the rapid influx of a large number of patients. A multipronged training model is a positive approach to help hospitals prepare for large-scale disasters.
Utilization of the Multi-Pathogen Approach in an Online Program for Prehospital Responders in High Consequence Infectious Diseases
Authors: Jenkins J Lee , Bissell Richard , Wilson Lucy
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The prehospital disaster and emergency medical services community stands on the front-line in the response to events such as novel influenza, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and other high consequence diseases such as the Ebola Virus Disease.

Aim:

To address provider and community safety, we developed an online educational program utilizing a Multi-Pathogen Approach to infectious disease personal protective equipment (PPE) deployment by prehospital providers. Such vigilance starts with syndromic recognition and quickly transcends to include operational issues, clinical interventions, and public health integration.

Methods:

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Maryland, USA), Department of Emergency Health Services partnered with the Maryland State Department of Health (USA), to develop an online educational curriculum. The curriculum was developed through an expert panel consensus group including prehospital providers and is hybrid in design and includes awareness level training and procedural guidance.

Results:

Currently deployed online, this educational content demonstrating the use of the Multi-Pathogen Approach is accessible open-access via YouTube worldwide on computers, tablets, and smartphones. This curriculum is also accessible for continuing medical education to over 50,000 prehospital, hospital, and clinic personnel throughout Maryland and the National Capital Region of the United States. The curriculum consists of twelve modules of didactic and live videotaped demonstrations.

Discussion:

The development of the Multi-Pathogen Approach for the deployment of PPE and the use of online education modules has given prehospital providers an easily accessible open-access tool for high consequence disease management. The development of educational efforts such as these can help ensure better patient care and prehospital EMS system readiness.
Who Revisits Medical Services at a Music Festival?
Authors: Munn Matthew Brendan , Gogaert Stefan
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Attendees at music festivals rely upon on-site medical services for their emergency and medical care needs. Patients previously cared for can re-present for services at different times over the course of an event.

Aim:

To identify the proportion of visits that are repeat presentations at music festivals and discuss themes in the medical care needs of these potentially resource-intensive patients.

Methods:

This study included a review of prospectively enrolled patients presenting for health services over five years at a number of music festivals in Belgium and Canada. Patient data were extracted from existing databases of visits as well as visit documentation, and linked by name and date of birth to identify repeat visits. Data were de-identified and visit times, triage acuity, chief complaints, treatments, and discharge instructions were extracted.

Results:

Re-presentations constituted approximately 5% of all on-site medical visits. The majority were for minor care (e.g., wounds, dressings, foot care). Repeat visits for major issues included chronic disease (e.g., asthma, seizures, diabetes) and serial intoxications; these were high risk for transport to hospital. Festival duration was positively correlated with the number of patients with multiple visits. Three or more visits or visits in different years were rare occurrences.

Discussion:

At music festivals, a small but significant proportion of attendees utilize medical services repeatedly. Most are low acuity issues that could potentially be avoided with counseling or supplies at the initial visit. However, higher acuity re-registrations, both within and between event years, are a higher risk for transport and could benefit from early identification. Having a plan to identify and potentially remove the sicker, higher risk patients from the event could be important for safety and liability.
Young Doctors’ Emergency Medicine Rotation Qualifications and Relation with Self-Confidence
Authors: Taşkın Hasan Can , Soyer Şadiye Hande , Hocagil Abdullah Cüneyt , Koca Şükran , Hocagil Hilal
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Medicine is one of the most important areas of higher education. It is important that undergraduate students are well educated and have theoretical knowledge, but also have good clinical skills after graduating from medical training.

Aim:

To understand whether the training objectives of the emergency medical internship was completed or not and to find the relationship between young doctors’ self-confidence and what they can do via using Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES). In addition, an objective was to consider which learning methods are more useful based on the feedback.

Methods:

This survey study was performed in 2018 at Bulent Ecevit University, Faculty of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey with the students who completed an emergency department rotation in the 2017-2018 education term. The questionnaire was composed by the researchers. It consisted of three parts which were included demographic information and education methods in emergency medicine of internships, questions about knowledge goals and learning goals for basic medicine applications, and RSES to assess young doctors’ self-confidence.

Results:

96 young doctors with the mean age of 25.22 ± 1.216 years(minimum 23 and maximum 30 years) were in the study5. 3 (55.2%) of which were female. All young doctors were evaluated with RSES4. (4.2%) of which were low self-confidence and 32 (33.3%) of which were high self-confidence. The best useful learning methods were clinical application of interaction with patients (n=828. 5%) and invasive procedures performed on patients (n=727. 5%).

Discussion:

The more you practice, the more you learn. Practice-based education is an important factor in a young doctor’s life. Besides, the higher self-confidence you have, the more you can. Young doctors with high self-esteem see themselves as qualified to perform applications even in complicated situations. However, more studies are needed to find out whether they could really perform or not.
Analysis of Disaster Related International Consensus Frameworks 2015-2017: Implications for WADEM
Authors: Archer Frank , Spencer Caroline , McArdle Dudley , Pokharel Suresh
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Between 2015 and 2018, a number of influential disaster-related International Consensus Frameworks evolved.

Aim:

To locate these Frameworks and identify commonalities, potential interactions, and possible implications for WADEM.

Methods:

A targeted literature review and thematic analysis.

Results:

The review identified the following Frameworks: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030; Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda; Paris Climate Change Conference; WADEM Position Statement on Climate Change; World Humanitarian Summit; Core Humanitarian Standards; Sphere Handbook, Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response; Habitat111 - the new Urban Agenda; Sphere Guidelines for Urban Disasters; Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities Project; New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants; Dhaka Declaration on Disability and Disaster Risk Management; WHO Emergency Medical Teams and Accreditation; WADEM’s Disaster Research and Evaluation Frameworks; ALNAP’s Evaluation of Humanitarian Action Guide; and Evidence Aid’s Use of Evidence in the Humanitarian Sector: A Practice Guide.

Discussion:

All Frameworks used substantial theoretical and/or evidence-based underpinnings, and evolved from structured processes. One subset had major political and government influences while others reflected applied, professional influences. A number of the Frameworks further evolved during 2017-18, providing indicators, international reporting, and interpretative guidelines. Common themes included a desire to improve the quantum and quality of science, evidence-based and accountability, use of Resilience as a conceptual framework, commonalities, and interactions between the new generation humanitarian, development concepts, and traditional disaster concepts, particularly in the global influence of climate change and greater urbanization. Other themes included new paradigms (e.g. international influence of Rockefeller’s Acute Shocks), Chronic Stressors concept, and the anchoring theme of the Sustainable Development Goals and capacity building. The ALNAP, Rockefeller, Sphere, and WADEM Evidence Aid Frameworks provide useful guidelines on how the objectives of these International Consensus Frameworks may be achieved and measured. All Frameworks have implications for the future direction of WADEM.
Portal vein, hepatic vein and circulating plasma amino acids in rats given diets based on lactalbumin, faba bean (Vicia faba) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Rubiot L. A.
Published: May 2019

Three experiments were carried out to determine plasma amino acids concentrations in circulating, portal and hepatic blood of growing male Wistar rats given diets containing lactalbumin, faba beans or chickpeas as the only protein source. Diets contained the same amount of digestible energy (15·5 kJ/g) and protein (lactalbumin in controls or legume proteins in the experimental diets; 100 g/kg). Appropriate amounts of essential synthetic amino acids were also added to legume-based diets taking into account their amino acid composition to equalize them to control (lactalbumin) diets. Portal blood flow (8·7±0·3 ml/min) was measured by using a transit-time ultrasound flow probe. Higher (P < 001) plasma concentrations of methionine than of controls were determined in hepatic veins of legume-fed rats. In contrast, lower (P < 001) concentrations of threonine, proline, valine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine than those of controls were found in faba bean- and chickpea-fed rats. The same result as hepatic was obtained for portal and circulating plasma samples except that alanine and histidine values of legume-fed rats were also lower (P < 001) than controls. Calculated net afferent appearance rates of amino acids to the liver were lower (P < 001) than controls in rats given faba bean and chickpea diets for threonine, alanine, proline, valine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine. This lower contribution of amino acids to the liver mainly via the portal vein in faba bean or chickpea-fed rats might explain previously reported differences in protein utilization and growth in comparison with animals given other protein sources (lactalbumin).
Effects of dietary protein content and food intake on carcass characteristics and organ weights of growing Iberian pigs
Authors: Nieto R. , Lara L. , García M. A. , Vílchez M. A. , Aguilera J. F.
Published: May 2019

The effects of dietary protein content and level of feeding on carcass characteristics and organs weight were evaluated in 72 male castrated Iberian pigs growing from 15 to 50 kg live weight. Animals were offered six diets providing 223, 192, 175, 156, 129 and 101 g crude ideal protein (CP) (N × 6·25) per kg dry matter (DM) and 14·64, 14·14, 14·37, 14·80, 15·36 and 15·53 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg DM, respectively. Each diet was offered at three levels of feeding : 0·60, 0·80 and 0·95 × ad libitum intake. Mean values of protein, fat, ash and water contents in the carcass determined at 50 kg live weight were 130, 378, 28·2 and 458 g/kg, respectively, with a small but significant effect of CP content of the diet on carcass composition (P <0·001 to P <0·01) favouring both protein and fat content on decreasing dietary protein level. Protein deposition (PD) in the eviscerated carcass reached a maximum value when the diet containing 129 g CP per kg DM was offered (54·6 g/day at the highest feeding level). Nitrogen (N) retention in the carcass represented 70·9% of whole-body N retention and the efficiency of this process (carcass N retention : N intake) increased with declining dietary protein content (P <0·001). Carcass energy retention increased significantly with decreasing dietary CP content (P <0·001) and with feeding level (P <0·001). Raising energy intake resulted in a significant increase on total weight of viscera as proportion of empty body weight (P <0·001). Decreasing the CP content in the diet resulted in a lower proportional shoulder weight (P <0·01) meanwhile the proportion of ham decreased significantly (P <0·05) with increase in feeding level. The proportionate weights of dissectable fat in the shoulder and of intermuscular and subcutaneous fat in the ham increased significantly (P <0·05 and P <0·001) in response to decreasing dietary CP content meanwhile only ham intermuscular fat content increased with feeding level (P <0·001). Thus, decreasing dietary protein concentration from well in excess of requirements and increasing energy intake enhance N and fat retention in the carcass but also increases intermuscular fat content in the ham of the Iberian pig with possible implications for meat quality.
Effect of weaning diet and weaning age on growth, body composition and caecal fermentation of young rabbits
Authors: Xiccato G. , Trocino A. , Sartori A. , Queaque P. I.
Published: May 2019

Two weaning diets (C and S) and three weaning ages (21, 25, and 28 days) were compared in a two factorial arrangement to evaluate their effect on growth performance, body composition and caecal fermentation activity of young rabbits. One hundred litters born the same day from multiparous does were used. Sixty litters were early weaned at 21, 25 and 28 days of age (20 litters per weaning age), put in collective cages (nine kits per cage) (W21, W25, and W28 litters) and offered the control diet C (crude protein (CP) : 175 g/kg dry matter (DM); ether extract : 20 g/kg DM; starch : 157 g/kg DM; acid-detergent lignin (ADL) : 60 g/kg DM; digestible energy (DE) : 11·08 MJ/kg DM) or the starter diet S (CP : 173 g/kg DM; ether extract : 41 g/kg DM; starch : 112 g/kg DM; ADL : 51 g/kg DM; DE : 11·31 MJ/kg DM). At 32 days of age, 180 early weaned rabbits (three rabbits from each of the 60 litters above) were selected : 60 animals were slaughtered; 120 animals were placed into individual cages and offered a fattening diet (CP : 166 g/kg DM; ether extract : 23 g/kg DM; starch : 177 g/kg DM; ADL : 49 g/kg DM; DE : 11·26 MJ/kg DM) from 32 to 56 days of age. At 56 days of age, another 60 representative rabbits were slaughtered. The administration of diet S to the early weaned rabbits increased litter weight at 32 days (6160 v. 6027 g;P<005) and gain to food ratio from weaning to 32 days (752 v 666 g/kg;P<0001) compared with diet C. Moreover, empty bodies (EB) of S rabbits were fatter (fat : 45 v. 41 g/kg; P = 001) and had greater energy content (5·92 v 5·71 MJ/kg;P<001). At 56 days of age, no residual effect of the diet was recorded. Weaning age affected growth performance, body composition and caecal fermentation at 32 days of age : EB weight (P<005) and EB protein concentration increased (from 164 to 168 g/kg,P<0·01) while caecal volatile fatty acid concentration decreased (from 71·7 to 53·8 mmol/l;P<0·01) when weaning age was increased from 21 to 28 days. At 56 days of age, no effect (P > 0·05) of weaning age was recorded on growth performance or caecal fermentation traits, but EB protein remained lower in the earliest weaned rabbits (P<0·05). In conclusion, feeding a high-fat low-starch diet to early weaned rabbits stimulated growth and body fat and energy retention of kits at 32 days of age with no effect on caecal fermentation. The early weaning successfully performed at 21 days of age strongly stimulated caecal fermentation but reduced body protein reserves.
Effect of dietary fish oil on biohydrogenation of fatty acids and milk fatty acid content in cows
Authors: Shingfield K. J. , Ahvenjärvi S. , Toivonen V. , Ärölä A. , Nurmela K. V. V. , Huhtanen P. , Griinari J. M.
Published: May 2019

Mechanisms underlying milk fat conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) responses to supplements of fish oil were investigated using five lactating cows each fitted with a rumen cannula in a simple experiment consisting of two consecutive 14-day experimental periods. During the first period cows were offered 18 kg dry matter (DM) per day of a basal (B) diet formulated from grass silage and a cereal based-concentrate (0·6 : 0·4; forage : concentrate ratio, on a DM basis) followed by the same diet supplemented with 250 g fish oil per day (FO) in the second period. The flow of non-esterified fatty acids leaving the rumen was measured using the omasal sampling technique in combination with a triple indigestible marker method based on Li-Co-EDTA, Yb-acetate and Cr-mordanted straw. Fish oil decreased DM intake and milk yield, but had no effect on milk constituent content. Milk fat trans-11 C18:1, total trans-C18 : 1, cis-9 trans-11 CLA, total CLA, C18 : 2(n-6) and total C18 : 2content were increased in response to fish oil from 1·80, 4·51, 0·39, 0·56, 0·90 and 1·41 to 9·39, 14·39, 1·66, 1·85, 1·25 and 4·00 g/100 g total fatty acids, respectively. Increases in the cis-9, trans-11 isomer accounted for proportionately 0·89 of the CLA response to fish oil. Furthermore, fish oil decreased the flow of C18 : 0(283 and 47 g/day for B and FO, respectively) and increased that of trans-C18 : 1fatty acids entering the omasal canal (38 and 182 g/day). Omasal flows of trans-C18 : 1acids with double bonds in positions from delta-4 to -15 inclusive were enhanced, but the effects were isomer dependent and primarily associated with an increase in trans-11 C18 : 1 leaving the rumen (17·1 and 121·1 g/day for B and FO, respectively). Fish oil had no effect on total (4·36 and 3·50 g/day) or cis-9, trans-11 CLA (2·86 and 2·08 g/day) entering the omasal canal. Flows of cis-9, trans-11 CLA were lower than the secretion of this isomer in milk. Comparison with the transfer of the trans-9, trans-11 isomer synthesized in the rumen suggested that proportionately 0·66 and 0·97 of cis-9, trans-11 CLA was derived from endogenous conversion of trans-11 C18 : 1in the mammary gland for B and FO, respectively. It is concluded that fish oil enhances milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in response to increased supply of trans-11 C18:1that arises from an inhibition of trans-C18 : 1reduction in the rumen.
Effects of vitamin A deficiency on growth hormone secretion and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration in Japanese Black steers
Authors: Oka A. , Iwaki F. , Dohgo T.
Published: May 2019

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of vitamin A (retinol) on growth hormone (GH) secretion and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration in Japanese Black steers. Thirteen 10-month-old Japanese Black steers were divided into two groups: high vitamin A (H) group and low vitamin A (L) group. The animals in the H group were injected with 20 ml retinol palmitate (303 mg as retinol) intramuscularly every month throughout the experimental period. The steers in the L group were injected with vitamin A similarly at the age of 10 to 14 months. All steers were given vitamin A with the food (approx. 100 μg as retinol per kg diet) at the age of 21 to 30 months to prevent clinical vitamin A deficiency. Blood samples for analyses of vitamin A and IGF-1 were collected every 2 months. Series of blood samples for analyses of GH were collected at 15-min intervals over a 6-h period from each animal at the age of 10, 20, and 30 months. Although there was no difference in food intake between the two groups (P > 0·05), the average daily gain of the H group was greater (P < 0·001) than that of the L group. The carcass weight and subcutaneous fat thickness of the H group were significantly greater (P < 0·05) than those of the L group. The longissimus muscle area (P < 0·01) and marbling score (P < 0·001) of the L group were significantly greater than those of the H group. The serum retinol concentrations of the L group were significantly lower (P < 0·01) than those of the H group from the age of 16 months. The serum IGF-1 concentrations of the L group gradually decreased and were significantly lower (P < 0·01) than those of the H group from the age of 18 months. The overall mean concentration, peak height, area under the curve, and nadir of GH in both groups decreased with age. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0·05) in overall mean GH concentration, peak number, peak height, area under the curve, or nadir between the two groups. These results indicate that vitamin A affects the IGF-1 levels, with little or no intermediary effect on GH.
The influence of climatic conditions on physiological and behavioural parameters in dairy cows kept in open stables
Authors: Zähner M. , Schrader L. , Hauser R. , Keck M. , Langhans W. , Wechsler B.
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to assess whether cows are able to cope with the range of climatic conditions they are exposed to in open stables on commercial farms in central Europe. On each of four farms, ten lactating cows were observed over a total of five weeks in winter, spring and summer. Based on continuous measurements of air temperature (–13·8 to 28·7ºC) and relative air humidity (0·26 to 0·99), a mean value of a temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated for each farm and each observation day for night and day.

THI had significant effects on skin temperature and body surface temperature (infra-red thermography) both during night and day. Rectal temperature, duration of lying and cortisol concentration in the milk was significantly affected by THI during the day but not during the night. Heart rate and frequency of lying did not significantly covary with THI. Differences between farms and interactions between THI and farm were significant for most parameters. These results suggest that the climatic conditions during the day induced stronger thermoregulatory responses than the conditions during the night. Within the measured range of climatic conditions the cows were hardly exposed to severe cold or heat stress.
The effect of strain of Holstein-Friesian and feeding system on grazing behaviour, herbage intake and productivity in the first lactation
Authors: Linnane M. , Horan B. , Connolly J. , O'Connor P. , Buckley F. , Dillon P.
Published: May 2019

A comparative study of grazing behaviour, herbage intake and milk production was conducted using three strains of Holstein-Friesian (HF) heifer : 33 high production North American (HP), 33 high durability North American (HD) and 33 New Zealand (NZ) animals. Heifers were assigned, within strain, to one of three grass-based feeding systems : (1) the Moorepark (control) system (MP), (2) a high concentrate system (HC), (3) a high stocking rate system (HS). Strain of HF had no significant effect on grazing time or number of grazing bouts. The NZ strain had longer grazing bouts (P< 0.01) and spent a lower proportion of time ruminating (P< 0.05) than both the HP and HD strains. There was a significant strain ✕ feeding system interaction for biting rate. The biting rate of the NZ strain was reduced in the HC system. Biting rates in the HS feeding system were significantly higher (P< 0.001) than in the MP system. Heifers on HC had shorter grazing time (P< 0.01) with grazing bouts of shorter duration (P< 0.01). Increasing stocking rate (HS) decreased the proportion of time ruminating (P< 0.001) and tended to shorten grazing bouts (P = 0.06). The HP strain had higher (P< 0.05) herbage and total dry matter (DM) intakes than the NZ strain, while the HD strain was intermediate. Concentrate supplementation reduced (P< 0.001) herbage DM intake but increased (P< 0.001) total DM intake. The reduction of herbage DM intake per kg of concentrate DM intake (substitution rate) was greater for the NZ than the HP strain. The HP produced significantly higher milk, fat, protein and lactose yields than the NZ, while the HD strain was intermediate. The milk fat content of the NZ was higher than both the HP and HD strains, while the protein content was higher than the HP strain. Concentrate supplementation (HC v . MP) significantly increased yields of milk and milk components. Milk production responses to the HC system were much greater with the HP than the NZ strain. Increasing stocking rate (MP v . HS) significantly decreased milk protein yield. The results indicate that the choice of strain of HF may depend on the feeding system.
Exploring major gene-marker phase-typing strategies in marker-assisted selection schemes
Authors: Marshall K. , van der Werf J. H. J. , Henshall J.
Published: May 2019

Major gene-marker phase is generally assumed to be family specific. This has the consequence in relation to marker-assisted selection (MAS) that phase information about each family may need to be collected through progeny testing, which could represent a substantial cost. This paper examines the effect of different policies in relation to major gene-marker phase-typing on response to MAS. The different policies considered varied in the criteria by which individuals were selected for phase-typing, the number of individuals phase-typed, and the frequency of establishing phase. Stochastic simulation of a closed breeding nucleus, with either high or low levels of inbreeding and undergoing selection for two traits, was utilized. Total response under MAS was lower than that under genotypic assisted selection (GAS) for all phase-typing policies. For example, additional gains of 70% under GAS, achieved in year 1 and in comparison with non-MAS, corresponded to additional gains of 43% and 15% under MAS for linkage distances of 1 cM and 20 cM, respectively. The different phase-typing policies examined in relation to MAS did not have any effect on total response, although there were small effects on major gene response. For breeding nuclei with either level of inbreeding, higher major gene response was achieved when phase-typed sires were selected on the basis of high ranking for genetic merit rather than connectivity to the other selection candidates. Further, increasing the number of males phase-typed within any year did not increase the rate of major gene response, although phase-typing in more years was favourable for the large linkage distance. An overall conclusion of this study is that additional gain could be achieved under MAS within a closed nucleus when progeny testing to determine major gene-marker phase was limited to from one to a few individuals.