Impacts of olfactory cues on equine feeding behavior.

Anise has demonstrated equine palatability but its olfactory effect is underexplored. The objective was to investigate the effect of the aroma of anise on consumptive behavior. Stock-type horses (n = 8) were used in a crossover 6-day preference test. Palatability stocks were utilized. Bowls containing oats were situated on plates holding gauze soaked with 0.375 ml of anise or corn oil (control). Variables included first diet sniffed (FS), first consumed (FC), first action (FA), and amount consumed (AC). Each trial was video-recorded. Behavior data were analyzed using chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. FS and FC were elevated for anise treatment (P = 0.02; P = 0.04). For FA, sniffing was more frequent versus consuming (P < 0.01). AC for anise was twice the daily average of control (P < 0.01). Data represents an important relationship between olfactory stimuli and feeding in horses. To determine thresholds, more work is needed.

Integrated ECG Interpretation Course for the Improvement of Medical Student Electrocardiography Literacy.

Background: While undergraduate medical education curricula typically integrate electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation during the preclinical phase, the skill can be challenging, and students may lack confidence to interpret ECGs in clinical practice. The purpose of this online curriculum was to provide a supplemental course which provides a practical, systematic approach to ECG reading and increases student confidence in recognizing basic patterns of pathology. Methods: We used a proprietary online learning content-management system to create a course for 4th-year medical students at a US-based MD program. The course consisted of 12 video modules which reviewed basic ECG interpretation and then provided practice ECG tracings for the students to interpret. Weekly online video calls with faculty were held to address any questions and to emphasize key concepts presented in that week's material. The students completed a pre- and post-course assessment on ECG pathology and reported their self-confidence in ECG interpretation skills. Results: The median score for the pre-test was 76.5/100 with a median self-confidence score of 3/10. After completion of the course, the students' post-test median score increased to 87.5 (p < 0.0001) with a median self-confidence score of 7.5 (p < 0.0001). As a result of this course, the students showed a significant improvement in grades and self-confidence. Discussion: An online course consisting of practice ECGs and limited direct faculty interaction helped the students improve ECG interpretation accuracy and self-confidence.

Influences of Oil-Based Palatants on Eating Behavior in Gestating Mares.

Gustatory and olfactory changes have been reported during gestation in multiple species. However, few data are available regarding feeding preferences in gestating mares. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of oil-based palatants on feeding behavior in late term gestating mares. Late-term gestating mares (n = 5) and reproductively sound, open mares (n = 4) were evaluated via paired preference testing during the final 120 days of gestation. Oil-based flavors (corn oil, anise, and apple) were topically applied to a basal pelleted diet (0.375 ml/0.23 kg). Diets were offered simultaneously using a ground level feeding platform and individual box stalls with 20 minutes allotted for engagement. Behaviors assessed included: sniffing, hovering, checking, chewing, chewing with the head lifted, uninterested, ingestion, pawing, flipping of feed pan, moving of feed platform, and defecation. Variables of interest included: first diet sniffed, consumed, and finished; time to finish first diet; time to finish all diets, and number of olfactory and consumption engagements for each diet. Data were analyzed using PROC FREQ and PROC MIXED in SAS Studio. Data analysis revealed a faster rate of consumption for first diet finished (P = .05) of gestating mares when compared to open mares. Additionally, gestating mares had a greater frequency of olfactory interactions across all diets (P < .01), but less consumption interactions across all diets (P = .01). These novel data suggest a previously unreported increase in olfactory investigation for gestating mares as well as new insights into gestational feeding behaviors of horses.

An Assessment of Starch Content and Gelatinization in Traditional and Non-Traditional Dog Food Formulations.

Starch gelatinization in pet food may be affected by moisture, retention time, and ingredients used. Starch gelatinization has been associated with changes in digestibility but is not well studied using non-traditional ingredients in canine diets. The objective of this research was to examine differences in starch content and gelatinization associated with changes in ingredient profile (traditional vs. non-traditional) and nutrient content requirements associated with differing life stages. Traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing protein sources including chicken, chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal and plant-based ingredients including rice, barley, oats, and corn were examined in comparison with non-traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing protein sources including alligator, buffalo, venison, kangaroo, squid, quail, rabbit, and salmon along with plant-based ingredients including tapioca, chickpeas, lentils, potato, and pumpkin. Total starch and gelatinized starch (as percent of total diet) were measured with variation due to ingredient type assessed using Student's t-test in SAS 9.4. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Total starch (as a percent of diet) was higher in traditional diets compared to non-traditional diets formulated for maintenance (p < 0.0032) or all life stages (p < 0.0128). However, starch gelatinization as a proportion of total starch was lower in traditional diets formulated for maintenance (p < 0.0165) and all life stages (p < 0.0220). Total starch and gelatinized starch had a strong negative correlation (r = −0.78; p < 0.01) in diets utilizing traditional ingredients. These novel data reveal important differences between starch content and gelatinization and may impact selection of various ingredient types by pet food manufacturers.

Surgical Interventions for Lumbosacral Plexus Injuries: A Systematic Review.

Background: Nerve reconstruction techniques for lumbosacral plexus (LSP) injuries vary. There are no clear treatment guidelines available, and summative evaluations of the literature discussing these surgeries are lacking. For these reasons, this investigation aimed to systematically review and consolidate all available literature discussing surgical interventions for LSP injuries and cohesively present patient-reported and objective postoperative outcomes. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (via Proquest.com), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. After title and abstract screening, identified articles were read in full and selected for inclusion based on prespecified criteria. Results: Our literature search identified 8683 potential citations, and after duplicate removal, abstract screening, and full-text review, 62 studies remained meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes were extracted according to the location of injury and type of surgical repair. Injuries were classified into isolated femoral nerve injuries, isolated obturator nerve injuries, isolated sciatic nerve injuries, and multilevel LSP injuries. Surgical treatment was further classified into exploration with neurolysis, direct repair, nerve grafting, and nerve transfer surgery. Conclusions: Although results vary based on the location of the injury and the surgical technique used, nerve grafts and transfers demonstrated reasonable success in improving functional and pain outcomes. Overall, isolated femoral and obturator nerve injuries had the best outcomes reported with surgical treatment. Furthermore, incomplete sciatic nerve and multilevel LSP injuries had more reported surgical options and better outcomes than complete sciatic nerve injuries.

Impact of a Point-of-care Respiratory PCR Panel in a Pediatric Clinic on Postvisit Communication and Follow-up Visits.

While the FilmArray Respiratory Panel EZ has been proven to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in the outpatient pediatric setting, it is unclear whether its implementation will also reduce downstream health costs such as provider visits and telephone calls. This analysis will help pediatricians make more informed decisions on the implementation and judicious use of the Respiratory Panel EZ in their clinical practice.