bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the Patient Data in the Hualien Earthquake to Analyze the Reasons of Visit, the Trauma Injury Sites and the Severity
Authors: Cheng Hsing Chia , Nieh Jen Hao , Hsu Tzu Heng , Chong Kok Chin 
Published: May 2019

Introduction:On February 6, 2018, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Hualien, the eastern part of Taiwan. The quake resulted in 17 deaths and more than 300 people injured. Four buildings completely collapsed and hundreds of houses were damaged.Aim:The aim of this research was to use the patient data to analyze the reasons for visits, the trauma sites, and the severity.Methods:We obtained the patient information from the Taiwan Eastern Medical Emergency Operation Center. Medical records were reviewed to analyze the primary diagnosis, the trauma mechanisms, and the sites of injury. Injury severity score (ISS) was used to assess trauma severity.Results:Two hundred and eighty patients were included in the study, with 90.3% being traumatic patients. Among them, 18.2% was geriatric trauma, 4.7% was pediatric trauma, and 0.4% was obstetric trauma. The most common injury site was lower extremities (33.2%), followed by head (31.4%) and upper extremities (27.1%). The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 1.9. The geriatric population had an average ISS of 2.4, and the pediatric group had a mean ISS of 1.2.Discussion:In our study, the majority of the patients had minor trauma. Lower extremities may be more vulnerable during the evacuation of an earthquake, and thus, became the most common injury site. The elderly patients had a higher ISS, which may be explained by their immobility and fragility of the body. In the future, it is critical to educate citizens about self-protection during earthquakes, focusing on protecting the head and the extremities. Healthcare providers and emergency medical technicians need to be well-trained to handle geriatric trauma since it poses unique challenges and is associated with increased mortality.
A Verification Test for an Assessment System: Rapid Assessment System of Evacuation Center Condition- Gonryo and Miyagi (RASECC-GM) that Utilizes Mobile Devices
Authors: Ishii Tadashi , Morino Kazuma , Nakayama Masaharu , Mase Tomohiko , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Ichikawa Manabu 
Published: May 2019

Introduction:On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan with the magnitude nine. Ishinomaki medical zone was affected most severely with 328 evacuation shelters and approximately 50,000 evacuees. The Ishinomaki Zone Joint Relief Team gathered information directly from all evacuation shelters using assessment sheets. Based on this assessment data, various measures were carried out for environmental improvement of the shelters. To prepare for the next major disaster, a software program called Rapid Assessment System of Evacuation Center Condition - Gonryo and Miyagi (RASECC-GM) was developed, which computerizes the whole process, including entering, tabulating, and managing of shelter assessment data.Aim:To verify the feasibility, usability, and accuracy of RASECC-GM, a verification test was performed using mock shelter data on October 23-26, 2018, to coincide with Logistics Training Course of Medical Logistics for Disasters held by Iwate Medical University.Methods:On October 22, 2018 at four simulated disaster relief and health care branches, participants at each branch were asked to enter two mock shelter data items, submit a closed shelter request, and register a new shelter using RASECC-GM, respectively. The next day participants were asked to enter two mock shelter data items per branch while offline and upload the data to the server when next online. The uploaded data was checked for accuracy and whether it could be viewed on the management screen. After the test, a questionnaire survey was given to participants to verify the feasibility and usability of RASECC-GM.Results:It was confirmed that RASECC-GM functioned almost correctly. All participants answered that input operation was easy to understand, and 90.9% of participants could input without a mistake and did not feel stress when inputting data.Discussion:RASECC-GM appeared to be useful to shelter assessment, but further improvements are needed for practical use.
A Workplace-Based Observation Strategy to Assess Prehospital Care Delivery by Public Ambulances in Ukraine
Authors: Gaievskyi Stanislav , Linchevskyy Oleksandr , Meghoo Colin 
Published: May 2019

Introduction:Current methods to evaluate the delivery of urgent prehospital care often rely on inadequate surrogate measures or unreliable self-reported data. A workplace-based strategy may be feasible to assess the delivery of prehospital care by ambulances in selected populations.Aim:To perform a nationwide assessment of the psychomotor performance of public ambulance workers in Ukraine, we created a plan of workplace-based observation. We conducted a post-hoc analysis of this strategy to assess feasibility, strengths, and limitations for future use in assessing prehospital ambulance performance.Methods:With support from the Ministry of Health, we sent teams of trained observers to 30 ambulance substations across Ukraine. Using data collection tools on mobile devices, these observers accompanied Advanced Life Support ambulances on urgent calls for periods of 72 hours. We evaluated this program for collecting patient encounter data against the investment of time, personnel, and financial resources.Results:Over a two-month period, we directly observed 524 patient encounters by public ambulances responding to urgent calls at 30 ambulance substations across Ukraine. We employed 6 observers and 2 administrators over this time period. Collecting our observations required 2,160 person-hours at the ambulance substations. The total distance traveled to these sites was 11,375 kilometers. Project costs amounted to 37,000 USD, equating to 71 USD per observed patient encounter.Discussion:Workplace-based assessments are a cost-effective strategy to collect data on the delivery of prehospital care in select populations. This data can be useful for identifying the current state of EMS care delivered and evaluating compliance with established treatment protocols. Successful implementation depends on effective planning and coordination with a commitment of time, personnel, and financial resources. Issues of patient privacy, legal permission, and observer training must be considered.
Ensuring Emergency Preparedness through Systematic Evaluations
Authors: Margalit Gila , Rachaminov Orna , Levy Yuval , Adini Bruria , Grinberg Amir 
Published: May 2019

Introduction:Hospitals are required to maintain emergency preparedness 24/7. In order to maintain readiness, Israeli hospitals operate Emergency Committees comprised of medical, nursing, and administrative professionals who are responsible for capacity building including the development of plans, infrastructure, equipment, training, crisis management, and learning lessons. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Front Command (HFC) conduct a comprehensive, structured evaluation of emergency preparedness in every hospital every two to three years.Aim:To assess the impact of a periodical evaluation on levels of emergency preparedness over time in a level one trauma center.Methods:Evaluation of emergency preparedness is conducted by approximately 12 evaluators from the MOH and HFC, encompassing mass casualty incidents (MCIs), mass toxicological/chemical incidents (MTEs), radiological and biological events, earthquakes and conflicts. Evaluations are based on objective parameters, relayed to hospitals prior to the evaluation. The hospital’s level of emergency preparedness is graded and improvements that must be implemented are delineated. The grades of four evaluations conducted from 2011 to 2018 were compared to identify trends in preparedness.Results:Mean levels of emergency preparedness in the 2018 versus 2011 evaluations presented an increase concerning all threats, including MCIs (92 vs. 90), MTEs (99 vs. 77, respectively), biological events (96 vs. 73, respectively), radiological events (91 vs. 79), earthquakes (87 vs. 60, respectively), and conflicts (95 vs. 74). The relative change in levels of preparedness was more noted concerning biological events and earthquakes.Discussion:A periodical evaluation by governing authorities seems to motivate the hospital’s administrations to invest efforts in building and maintain a high level of emergency preparedness. Systematic evaluations conducted bi-annually contributed to improved readiness for diverse emergency scenarios, including for threats that less frequently materialize.
Effect of pre- and post-weaning management on subsequent pig performance to slaughter and carcass quality
Authors: Lawlor P. G. , Lynch P. B. , Caffrey P. J. , O’ Doherty J. V. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of weaning weight and post-weaning diet on the performance of weaned pigs. In experiment 1, 30 litters with more than 10 pigs born alive per litter were selected. At 11 days of age, pigs of average weight for the litter were removed from 15 litters so that eight pigs remained per sow. These litters were given access to creep food (16·5 MJ digestible energy (DE) per kg and 18·7 g/kg lysine). The remaining litters were left complete and were not given creep food. Pigs were weaned at 28 days of age and pairs of pigs (a male and a female littermate of similar weight) were formed from each litter (no. = 54 pairs). Pairs were blocked on the basis of litter origin and weight and assigned at random to one of the following treatments: (1) 10 kg starter diet (16·1 MJ DE per kg and 17·4 g/kg lysine) followed by link diet (15·3 MJ DE per kg and 15·0 g/kg lysine) to 27 days (high dietary regimen; HDR); or (2) 4 kg starter diet, 10 kg link diet and weaner diet to 27 days (low dietary regimen; LDR). Thereafter pigs were given common diets to slaughter at about 95·6 kg live weight. On experiment 2, four pigs (two light and two heavy) were taken from each of 32 litters (no. = 128 pigs; age = 22 days), blocked on sex, litter origin, and weaning weight and within weight category individually assigned at random to two dietary treatments: (1) high density diet (16·1 MJ DE per kg and 17·4 g/kg lysine); and (2) low density diet (15·1 MJ DE per kg and 15·7 g/kg lysine). The duration of the experiment was 26 days. In experiment 1, reducing litter size and creep feeding increased weaning weight by 0·6 kg (P 0·05). This weight advantage at weaning was lost by day 14 post weaning (P > 0·05). From day 0 to day 27 post weaning daily gain was 472 and 427 g/day (s.e.12·8; P 0·05) and food conversion efficiency was 1·26 and 1·36 g/g (s.e. 0·026; P 0·05) for HDR and LDR, respectively. In experiment 2, weaning weight was 7·1 and 5·8 kg (s.e. 0·08; P 0·01) and pig weight at day 26 post weaning was 17·5 and 15·4 kg (s.e.0·23; P 0·01) for heavy and light weight categories, respectively. In the period from day 0 to 26, food intake was 440 and 396 g/day (s.e. 8·0; P 0·01) and daily gain was 389 and 355 g/day (s.e. 8·0; P < i 0·01) for heavy and light weight categories, respectively. Weaning weight was found to be a good determinant of weight at day 26 when terms for litter origin were included (R2 = 0·67; P 0·001 for the high density diet and R2 = 0·77; P 0·001 for the low density diet). It is concluded that weaning weight can be increased by pre-weaning management but that this weight advantage is lost in the early post-weaning period. Where weaning weight was naturally higher the weight advantage was still evident at day 26 post weaning.
Body composition changes in Scottish Blackface ewes during one annual production cycle
Authors: Lambe N.R. , Young M.J. , Brotherstone S. , Kvame T. , Conington J. , Kolstad K. , Simm G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTissue depletion and repletion were investigated in 142 Scottish Blackface ewes using computed tomography (CT). Ewes of two ages (2 or 3 years) and differing reproductive status (barren, single- or twin-bearing) were studied through one annual production cycle to investigate mobilization of carcass fat (subcutaneous and inter-muscular), internal fat and muscle.Ewes were CT scanned five times during the 1-year study period: pre-mating; pre-lambing; mid-lactation; weaning; pre-mating the following year. For each animal at each of the five scanning events cross-sectional CT scans were taken at five anatomical sites (ischium, hip, 5th lumbar vertebra, 2nd lumbar vertebra and 8th thoracic vertebra). CT images were analysed to yield areas of carcass fat, muscle and internal fat and total weights of these tissues were estimated at each scanning event using prediction equations derived from a separate calibration data set.The results show that both carcass and internal fat depots were depleted during pregnancy and early lactation and repleted from mid-lactation to mating the following year. In proportionate terms, internal fat was most labile, but carcass fat contributed more to total weight change because it was a bigger fat depot. Subcutaneous fat was the largest and most labile of the carcass fat depots. Muscle reserves were depleted only when fat reserves had fallen to very low levels. Older ewes carried more carcass fat in total than younger ewes when reserves were low. Mobilization of tissue reserves in twin-bearing ewes was less than in single-bearing ewes, probably due to preferential feeding.
Effect of supplementation with different proportions of barley grain or citrus pulp on the digestive utilization of ammonia-treated straw by sheep
Authors: Barrios-Urdanetat A. , Fondevila M. , Castrillo C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe effect of carbohydrate supplementation on rumen utilization of ammonia-treated straw was studied in four rumen-cannulated ewes (42•0 (s.e. 2•80) kg live weight) in a Latin-square design. Diets were a 50: 50 mixture of ammoniated barley straw and a concentrate made up with different ratios of barley grain and citrus pulp, namely M1 (100: 0), M2 (66: 33), M3 (33: 66) and M4 (0: 100). Concentrates also included soya-bean meal and urea to make diets isonitrogenous. Diets were given in one meal in the morning at 0•8 kg/day. There were no significant differences among treatments in daily weighted means of rumen pH and concentration of volatile fatty acids. Acetate, propionate and butyrate molar proportions were not different among treatments, but proportions of isobutyrate (P < 0•05) and isovalerate (P < 0•10) were higher for M1 and M2. Ammonia concentration immediately before feeding was lower (P < 0•05) for M3 and M4 (72•1 and 51•3 mg/l) than for M1 and M2 (97•0 and 107•9 mg/ l). Total rumen bacterial concentration was higher (P < 0•05) with the highest barley proportion, whereas enzymatic activity against structural carbohydrates of particle-associated bacteria did not differ significantly among treatments. Digestibility of neutral-detergent fibre increased (P < 0•05) with the increase in the proportion of citrus pulp in the concentrate (0•647, 0•674, 0•684 and 0•693 for M1, M2, M3 and M4; s.e. = 0•0086). Urinary excretion of purine derivatives decreased linearly (P < 0•05) as the proportion of citrus pulp in the diet increased, while faecal excretion of purine bases was not significantly affected by dietary treatments.
Effect of amount of rumen degradable protein on the utilization of wheat straw by Dohne Merino wethers
Authors: Nolte J. van E. , Ferreirat A.V. , Köster H.H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA 5 ✕ 5 Latin square was conducted with ruminally and duodenally cannulated Dohne Merino wethers consuming wheat straw to determine the effect of different rumen degradable protein (RDP) levels on forage intake, fermentation characteristics, nutrient flow and digestion. The wethers had ad libitum access to water and wheat straw (32 g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM); 742 g neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) per kg DM) that was offered twice daily, immediately after intraruminal infusion of the supplements at 07:00 and 19:00 h. The supplemental RDP (calcium caseinate; 900 g CP per kg DM) levels were: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 g/day. Each period consisted of 14 days of adaptation and 6 days of sampling. Forage and total organic matter (OM) intakes increased in a linear manner (P < 0•01) with increasing supplemental RDP levels. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) displayed a quadratic increase with elevated amounts of RDP (P < 0•01). The effects of treatments on rumen and total tract digestion, as well as fluid dilution rate were minimal. Microbial nitrogen (MN) flow to the duodenum and microbial efficiency increased quadratically (P < 0•04) with increased RDP supplementation. Rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations increased linearly (P < 0•01) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) tended to increase linearly (P = 0•07). In conclusion, RDP supplementation to Dohne Merino wethers consuming wheat straw generally enhanced rumen fermentation and forage intake. A total RDP intake (sources: calcium caseinate and wheat straw) of 3•30 g/kg M0•75 or 0•12 of DOM maximized DOMI.
The effect of genotype and castration method on the eating quality characteristics of pork from male pigs
Authors: D’Souza D. N. , Mullan B. P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSixty crossbred (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) pigs were used to compare the growth performance, carcass and pork quality characteristics of entire, surgically castrated and immunologically castrated male pigs from two Western Australian commercial genotypes (genotype A : ‘lean’ genotype and genotype B : propensity for increased subcutaneous fat deposition). Pigs from genotype B had a higher average daily gain and a superior food conversion ratio compared with pigs from genotype A. Entire males had lower backfat compared with surgically and immunologically castrated male pigs. Pork from entire males was drier, tougher and had lower overall acceptability scores compared with surgically or immunologically castrated male pigs. Pork from genotype A pigs had a lower m. longissimus thoracis (LT) ultimate pH and higher drip loss compared with pork from genotype B pigs. However, consumer taste panel assessment indicated that pork from genotype A pigs was more tender, had higher juiciness and overall acceptability scores compared with pork from genotype B pigs. Within genotype A, the consumer taste panel preferred pork from surgically castrated pigs compared with either entire or immunologically castrated pigs. Within genotype B, the consumer taste panel preferred pork from immunologically castrated pigs compared with either entire or surgically castrated male pigs. These results indicate that interactions between genotype and castration method can significantly influence eating quality of pork.
Responses of weanling pigs to spray-dried animal plasma added to simple diets containing varying levels of soya-bean meal
Authors: Hartke J. L. , Apgar G. A. , Griswold K. E. , Jacobson B. N. , Rosenthal T. L. , Guthrie T. A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA total of 276 crossbred pigs were used in three trials to determine if feeding spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) in simple phase 1 piglet diets with differing soya-bean meal (SBM) levels can influence performance or immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels specific to the antigenic soya proteins, glycinin and β-conglycinin. Pigs were blocked according to initial body weight and equalized across treatments according to gender and ancestry. Blocks of pigs were then randomly assigned to one of three treatments in a completely randomized block design. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) 10% +: 100 g/kg SBM with 75 g/kg SDAP; (2) 20% +: 200 g/kg SBM with 75 g/ kg SDAP; (3) 20%-: 200 g/kg SBM without SDAP. Pigs were given treatment diets for 14 days, followed by a common diet for the duration of the trials (35 days). Average daily gain (ADG) and gain to food (G: F) ratios were not affected by dietary treatments. Average daily food intake (ADFI), however, was greater for pigs given 10% + as compared with 20% + and 20%- (P < 0.05) during days 0 to 14 post weaning. Addition of SDAP increased ADFI (P < 0.01) and tended to increase ADFI when added to diets containing 200 g/kg of soya-bean meal (P = 0.06). No differences were detected in soya-specific IgG levels during any collection period. These data suggest that SDAP addition to simple phase 1 piglet diets increased ADFI during the first 2 weeks, but did not alter ADG or food efficiency. There was no indication that SDAP addition altered IgG titres against the soya-bean proteins, glycinin and β-conglycinin.
Architecture of a harmonized model of the growing pig for the determination of dietary net energy and protein requirements and of excretions into the environment (IMS Pig)
Authors: Green D. M. , Whittemore C. T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe model incorporates, amongst its novel components, variable efficiency coefficients in the simulation of the responses of growing pigs to nutrient inputs, and thereby increases the accuracy and efficacy of control of feeding and nitrate excretion. The model determines (rather than is presented with) net energy and required amino acid level and balance. The estimation of protein turn-over as a function of rate of protein retention, protein mass and the maturity of the pig was found to be central to both the energy (ATP) and protein economy. Protein turn-over varied from around 0·14 to 0·08 of the protein mass depending upon the size of the pig. Efficiencies of energy yield from lipid, starch (and sugar), protein and (fibre-derived) volatile fatty acids were calculated to be 0·98, 0·86, 0·56 and 0·58 for ATP production and 0·90, 0·70, 0·50, and 0·44 for lipid retention, respectively. The maximum efficiency of use of ileal digestible amino acids was determined as around 0·85. The energy cost of protein synthesis was equivalent to 4·2 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg, and the efficiency of use of ME for protein retention varied from 0·55 to 0·40 depending on the protein mass of the pig. The components of the model and the biochemical drivers are described in detail, and proof of principle of the main elements is presented. The model is different in its architecture to other published simulation models, and is considered to add to the present knowledge base in this discipline.
Body chemical composition and efficiency of energy and nutrient utilization by growing pre-ruminant Saanen goat kids
Authors: Bezabih M. , Pfeffer E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn experiment involving a feeding trial and a comparative slaughter was conducted to assess the body chemical composition and patterns of nutrient utilization in pre-ruminant Saanen goat kids. Thirty male kids weighing about 6 kg were divided into five equal groups, one of which was slaughtered as the reference group (G0). The remainder were randomly assigned to four feeding levels of 250, 290, 330 and 370 g goats’ milk per kg M0·75 per day and named as groups GI, GII, GIII and GIV, respectively up to about 15 kg live weight, after which they were slaughtered. Mean milk consumption per unit live-weight gain (LWG) (kg/kg), and daily LWG (g/day), for GI, GII, GIII, GIV respectively were: 13·5 and 110; 10·5 and 160; 10·2 and 180; and 10·3 and 200. Empty body weight (EBW) as a proportion of final live weight was 0·95 in the reference animals, and ranged from 0·80 to 0·88 in the treatment groups. The dry matter (DM) concentration in the empty body of kids increased as their age advanced, from 277 g/kg EBW (G0) to between 308 and 326 g/kg EBW (GI to GIV). The protein and fat concentration of LWGs increased with the level of feeding from GI (142 g crude protein (CP) and 75·5 g fat per kg LWG) to GIV (155 g CP and 109 g fat per kg LWG). Regression of energy retention (ER) on metabolizable energy (ME) intake resulted in an efficiency of ME utilization for body retention (k) of 0·72(± 006). ME requirement for maintenance was estimated as 458 kJ/kg M0·75 per day. Efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilization for growth and N requirement for maintenance were estimated as 0·66(±011) and 0·47 g/kg M0·75 per day, respectively.