Effect of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 dosing on rumen development, volatile fatty acid production and blood ß-hydroxybutyrate in neonatal dairy calves.

Thirty calves were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed until weaning [42 days (d) of age]. Treatments were a control group (n = 15), which did not receive Megasphaera elsdenii (Me0) and a M. elsdenii group, which received a 50-ml oral dose of M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (10(8) CFU/ml) at day 14 day of age (Me14). Calves were given colostrum for the first 3 day followed by limited whole milk feeding. A commercial calf starter was offered ad libitum starting at day 4 until the end of the study. Fresh water was available throughout the study. Feed intake and growth were measured. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture to determine ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Fourteen male calves (seven per group) were euthanised on day 42 and digestive tracts harvested. Reticulo-rumen weight was determined and rumen tissue samples collected from the cranial and caudal sacs of the ventral and dorsal portions of the rumen for measurements of papillae length, papillae width and rumen wall thickness. Dosing with M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 improved starter dry matter intake (DMI), weaning body weight (BW) and tended to improve average daily gain. Calves in Me14 group had greater plasma BHBA concentration than Me0-calves during the last 3 weeks of the trial and had at day 42 greater reticulo-rumen weight, papillae width and papillae density compared to Me0. No differences in rumen wall thickness or papillae length were observed between the two groups. Total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate production did not differ between treatments, but butyrate production was greater in Me14 than Me0. Dosing M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 showed benefit for calves with improved feed intake and rumen development suggesting increased epithelium metabolism and improved absorption of digestive end products.

The potential effect of Garlium GEM HCTM as a tick control agent in cattle.

As resistance to chemical acaricides increases amongst tick populations, investigations of natural remedies that have acaricidal or tick-repellent effects have become essential in the search for alternatives for sustainable tick control. Garlium GEM HC (Garlium), a natural concentrated garlic product, was supplemented in-feed to beef cattle to determine if it could assist in reducing the number of attached ticks on cattle. Two grams of Garlium was supplemented daily to eight Bonsmara steers over 43 days. A second group of eight steers served as controls. All animals were infested with a similar number of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adults and Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Subsequently, the number of attached engorged ticks and the hatchability of the tick eggs were determined. Blood samples were collected from the steers for whole blood analyses. The results were analysed using a twosample t-test procedure. Due to large standard deviations observed, most of the tick parameters were only numerically improved. Although not significant, the number of larvae produced by female R. appendiculatus ticks per host was reduced by 23%. Estimated number of R. microplus larvae produced from ticks harvested from Garlium supplemented cattle were reduced by 42.3% (p = 0.10). No adverse effect was observed on haematocrits or haemoglobin concentrations. Garlium reduced segmented neutrophil count in the treatment group, suggesting that the immune system was less challenged. Although not statistically significant, the effect of reducing the number of larvae produced per host for the two tick species by approximately 20% and 40% respectively, may be of economic benefit to commercial cattle farmers.

Exploring the effect of auditory stimuli on activity levels, milk yield and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in Holstein cows.

Health and welfare are inextricably linked within efficient and sustainable dairy production, and several potential risk factors may affect the well-being of dairy cows, including chronic stress. Although auditory stimuli could be used as a tool to decrease the potential stress that cows might experience, it is seldom applied to livestock production systems due to the perception that enrichment is an unnecessary expense. This study aimed to explore the effect of auditory stimuli as a form of enrichment in a Holstein herd by monitoring fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations (a non-invasive, stress-associated biomarker). Cow activity level and milk yield were also measured. Nine cows in their second and third lactation were divided into 3 groups, using a Latin Square experimental design, exposing each cow group to each of the 3 treatments, namely constant exposure (CE), limited exposure (LE), and no exposure (NE) to classical music. FGCMs were quantified using a group-specific enzyme immunoassay detecting 11,17-dioxoandrostanes. Compared to LE and NE animals, cows exposed to constant music had significantly lower fGCM concentrations (P = 0.012), as well as higher milk yields (P < 0.0001) and lowered activity levels during the morning (P = 0.005) and the evening activity period (P = 0.048). These findings indicate that auditory stimuli in the form of classical music may have a positive effect on the welfare of cows as well as milk yield, which hold economic benefits for the producer and potentially reduces the number of cows needed for profitable production.

Dried culture spots for Xpert MTB/RIF external quality assessment: results of a phase 1 pilot study in South Africa.

Implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF requires quality assessment. A pilot program using dried culture spots (DCSs) of inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis is described. Of 274 DCS results received, 2.19% generated errors; the remainder yielded 100% correct Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection. The probe A cycle threshold (C(T)) variability of three DCS batches was ≤ 3.47. The study of longer-term DCS stability is ongoing.

Highly efficient infrared to visible up-conversion emission tuning from red to white in Eu/Yb co-doped NaYF4 phosphor.

Eu/Yb co-doped NaYF4 phosphors have been synthesized by the combustion method. The Eu doping was fixed and the effect of Yb doping concentration on the structural, morphological and luminescence properties has been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the phosphors consisted of mixed α- and ß-phases, but the ß-phase was dominant. All elements of the host and dopants, as well as adventitious C, were detected using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology showed a microrod-like structure with sharp hexagonal edges. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra proved the formation of the desired materials. The photoluminescence spectra illustrated the optical emission properties of Eu3+ in the red region when excited at 394 nm, while, under the same excitation, Yb3+ ions gave emission at 980 nm. The up-conversion (UC) emission of Eu/Yb co-doped NaYF4 produced a white color at the higher concentration of Yb excited by a 980 nm laser, which was made possible by green emission of Er contamination (from Yb source) and blue emission of Eu2+ ions. The lifetime of the Eu3+ UC luminescence at 615 nm was also affected by the Yb doping concentration. The temperature sensitivity associated with the Er3+ peaks at 520 and 542 nm was assessed as a function of temperature and the maximum of 0.0040 K-1 occurred at 463 K.

Epidemiology of drug-resistant tuberculosis among children and adolescents in South Africa, 2005-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children and adolescents diagnosed with resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug (drug-resistant tuberculosis; DR-TB) in South Africa. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all children (<13 years) and adolescents (13 to <18 years) with DR-TB at specialty hospitals in four South African provinces from 2005 to 2010. RESULTS: During the review period, 774 children and adolescents (median age 11.3 years) were diagnosed with DR-TB at selected facilities. A high proportion of patients had a history of previous TB treatment (285/631; 45.2%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (375/685; 54.7%), contact with a TB case (347/454; 76.4%), and smear-positive (443/729; 60.8%), cavitary (253/680, 38.7%) disease. Eighty-two per cent of patients with HIV infection received antiretroviral therapy. Of 626 patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), 561 (89.6%) received a regimen consistent with national guidelines; the median length of treatment was 22 months (IQR 16-25). Among 400 patients with any DR-TB and a known outcome, 20.3% died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Pediatric DR-TB in these provinces is characterized by complex clinical features at diagnosis, with one in five children dying during treatment. History of previous treatment and contact with a TB patient indicate opportunities for earlier diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes.

Interferon beta but not glatiramer acetate therapy aggravates headaches in MS.

Type and frequency of headaches during immunomodulatory therapy in MS were determined in 167 consecutive patients. In a prospective group of 65 patients beginning interferon beta therapy, headache frequency and duration increased in 18% of all and in 35% of patients with pre-existing headache by more than 50% during the first 6 months. In two retrospective groups, increased headache frequency was reported by 34% of 53 patients on interferon beta, but by only 6% of 49 patients during at least 6 months of glatiramer acetate therapy.

Measurement of ataxic symptoms with a graphic tablet: standard values in controls and validity in Multiple Sclerosis patients.

Aim of our study was to find a specific measure for the intensity of upper limb tremor and other ataxic symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, and to establish standard values and test quality parameters. Three hundred and forty-two consecutive patients with different symptoms in the upper limbs (upper motor neuron symptoms, cerebellar upper limb ataxia, and/or sensory deficits in the upper limbs) and 140 healthy controls took part in the study. All patients and controls had to trace over a 25 cm high figure '8' on a graphic tablet, to tap with the stylus on the tablet and to perform the nine-hole-peg test (9HPT). Patients were additionally examined using clinical standard scales to classify motor dysfunctions of the upper limbs. One hundred and eighty-nine patients and 27 controls were tested twice to investigate the test reliability. Kinematic analysis of the tablet data was performed by kernel estimators, oscillatory activity by spectral analysis. Total power in the 2--10 Hz band was very specific for ataxia versus other motor symptoms. Tapping and 9HPT could well distinguish patients from controls, and patients with predominant motor neuron or cerebellar symptoms from patients with predominant sensory dysfunctions. Mean drawing error did not differ between motor and sensory dysfunctions. The test--retest reliability was similarly high for both spectral analysis and 9HPT.

Electrophysiological correlates of visual impairments after traumatic brain injury.

Our aims were to investigate: (i) the VEP correlates of functional visual impairments following traumatic brain injury (TBI), in particular of the reduced spatial form perception; and (ii) the VEP correlates of visual sustained arousal in TBI patients. We used two approaches: (i) the analysis of latency and amplitude of the peaks; and (ii) the study of the correlations among the latencies of the peaks as a label of temporal synchronization. Thirty-five severe TBI outcome inpatients and 35 matching controls were studied. Pattern-reversal VEPs were recorded at Oz-Fz and Cz-A1, first without counting, then with counting of the reversals. Seven peaks of the waveform at Oz and eight peaks at Cz were measured. We found several differences in amplitude and latency between patients and controls, and between nocount/count. The temporal binding of the peaks within each channel and between the two channels was calculated by correlation matrices, and tested by factor analysis. Results indicated that the synchronization of the peaks within each channel did not differ between patients and controls. The temporal covariation between peaks occurring at Oz and Cz, however, was highly significantly altered in patients. This suggests that visual impairments in TBI patients may be due to a deranged synchronization of the activity of different brain regions.

Detection, discrimination and sensation of visceral stimuli.

Afferent visceral signals serve mostly regulatory functions and produce vague, diffuse body sensations, which are not well reflected in experimental paradigms requiring distinct and localized 'visceral perceptions'. A series of studies is summarized which compared behavioral discrimination of gastrointestinal distension stimuli with subjective sensation ratings in relation to basic perceptual operations such as detection, localization, graduation, and identification. Results showed that detection of gastrointestinal stimuli is possible without the subject's awareness (discrimination without reportable sensation). This process does not depend on stimulus intensity at volumes below those sufficient for subjective sensation. The latter is necessary, however, for intensity discrimination (graduation). Contrary to exteroception (e.g. vision), conscious subjective sensation is also required for stimulus localization. These differences in processing could not be explained by simple differences in response criteria. An intensity-dependent two-process model of gastrointestinal interoception is derived which differs from standard models of somatosensory information processing.

Method and apparatus for pressure-controlled distension of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Despite the relevance of visceral perception in the lower gastrointestinal tract to clinical research, especially for diagnosis of functional diseases or neurological derangements of the bowel, precise techniques to evaluate these perceptual processes and mechanical properties of the bowel wall were lacking until recently. Such techniques must include the application of well-defined stimuli and the recording of physiological reactions. A probe was developed which causes minimal discomfort to the subject and is therefore suitable for psychophysical examinations. It can be easily modified for different applications. Stimuli are applied by inflating a balloon, which distends the colon or rectum wall. Prestretching of the balloon material before mounting it on the probe results in monotonic and flat pressure characteristics. Balloon volume is nearly independent from external pressure, within 5% under physiological conditions. Dynamic performance of the balloon is sufficient for studies on the influence of stimulus shape. A microcomputer-controlled pump-system presents precise stimuli within a wide range of volume and inflation rate. A stepping motor is the heart of this system and allows to define exact values for volume and pumping rate without the use of complicated controlling elements. Menu-driven programs allow complex stimulus shapes and sequences. The method and apparatus described above have been successfully used in clinical and basic psychophysiological studies.

Colonic sensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome and normal subjects according to their hemispheric preference and cognitive style.

According to our earlier results, non-painful, weak afferent visceral signals may exert a steady influence on brain processes, including cognitive functions. In the present series colonic impulses of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subjects served as a model of chronic impact from the gut. Hemispheric preference, as well as cognitive style of information processing served as indicators of covert changes in brain functions. In twenty-one IBS patients and in ten control subjects of both sexes, the thresholds of minimal colonic distension sensitivity has been measured following the determination of hemispheric preference and of advantage in verbal or spatial information processing of the subjects. In IBS patients distension thresholds proved to be higher in verbals than in spatials, whereas in healthy controls the relationship of colonic thresholds and verbal versus spatial advantage was reversed. Among the normal controls with left hemisphere preference a significantly higher distension threshold has been observed than in those with right hemisphere preference, whereas in the IBS group such threshold-differences were not observable.

[Burnout among psychiatric nurses in a private, psychiatric hospital]. / Beroepsmatheidervaring by psigiatriese verpleegkundiges in 'n privaat psigiatriese hospitaal.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe aspects which cause and promote burnout amongst psychiatric nurses. Participants were purposively selected and individual focus interviews were recorded on tape. Certain themes were identified during data analysis and based on that the following conclusion were reached: an external locus of control leads to feelings of "stuckness"; high personal standards lead to psychiatric nurses making themselves available in the work environment with subsequent negative effects on themselves; psychiatric nurses take too much responsibility and become indifferent or overly involved (co-dependent) due to vague boundaries leading to feelings of fatigue, apathy and loss of motivation; lack of support and a need of recognition in the work environment lead to emotional fatigue; a too heavy workload, staff shortage and an uncertainty regarding role description in the work environment leads to feelings of fatigue, negativity, "stuckness", anger and apathy.

Exotic and indigenous problem plants species used, by the Bapedi, to treat sexually transmitted infections in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The ethnic usage of exotics and indigenous problem plants is a highly debated topic, as legislative requirements over-shadow their potential medicinal value, particularly to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited information exists regarding their medicinal value among the Bapedi. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the importance of exotics and indigenous problem plants in the treatment of STIs, a major global primary health care challenge. METHODS: A field observation and semi-structured questionnaire focussing on species diversity, types of STIs treated and medicinal preparation as well as application was used to collect data from 34 traditional healers. RESULTS: Seven exotics and three indigenous problem species were identified. These species were used to treat four STIs; with Catharanthus roseus illustrating its dominance in the treatment of gonorrhoea. Some medicinal species used by Bapedi traditional healers have been validated through scientific research or through their extensive use by various cultures in South Africa and other parts of Africa. To the best of our knowledge Alternanthera pungens, Caesalpinia decapetala, Cinnamomum verum, and Citrullus lanatus are reported for the first time in the treatment of the investigated STIs. CONCLUSIONS: Exotic and indigenous problem species constitute an important component of the STIs treatment protocol. Their utilization by Bapedi cautions against the narrow-minded approach of indiscriminate eradication, as these species can play a significant role in the primary health care needs of socio-economic vulnerable people.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Bapedi healers to treat diabetes mellitus in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bapedi phytomedicine employ a range of plant species to treat diabetes mellitus (DM). Existing literature partially support the use of certain species for this purpose. AIM OF THE STUDY: To report on Bapedi medicinal plants employed to treat DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to conduct a survey on medicinal plants used by Bapedi traditional healers in their DM management protocol. Fifty-two traditional healers from 16 municipalities, covering three districts, were interviewed during the first half of 2011. RESULTS: A total of 24 plant species belonging to 20 families, mostly from the Asteraceae (13%), Cucurbitaceae and Sapotaceae (8%), were used to treat diabetes mellitus. Plant parts mostly preferred were roots and leaves. A decoction of these is most commonly used to make extracts, which are then taken orally for a period of one week. Mimusops zeyheri (29%), Helichrysum caespititium (25%), Plumeria obtusa (21%), Aloe marlothii subsp. marlothii, Hypoxis iridifolia and Moringa oleifera (17% each), were repeatedly mentioned by the traditional healers as most used for the management of diabetes mellitus in the study area. Plumeria obtusa and Momordica balsamina are exclusively used to treat diabetes mellitus, and only in the Sekhukhune District. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Bapedi traditional healers do have a basic understanding of the causes and remedial action required in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The potential of a phyllosilicate (Palabora vermiculite) as buffer in dairy cattle diets.

Four rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used to determine the ability of vermiculite to alter rumen fermentation, rumen fluid dilution rate, milk production, and nutrient utilization in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment. Treatments consisted of 1) basal diet (70% concentrate:30% Eragrostis curvula hay), 2) basal + .6% NaHCO3 + 1.8% vermiculite, 3) basal + 1.2% NaHCO3, and 4) basal + 3.6% vermiculite. Feed intake and milk production were not affected, but the NaHCO3 treatments tended to increase milk fat production. The 1.2% NaHCO3 treatment increased rumen pH and fluid dilution rate, decreased molar percent propionate, and increased acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen NH3 N was not affected. Milk yield (kg/d) and milk fat (%) for the treatments were 1) 19.3, 3.33; 2) 19.4, 3.59; 3) 19.8, 3.62; and 4) 18.7, 3.32. Rumen fluid pH, dilution rate (%/h), and acetate:propionate ratio were 1) 5.75, 10.9, 2.08; 2) 5.89, 11.5, 2.16; 3) 5.95, 12.1, 2.38; and 4) 5.80, 11.6 and 1.82. Treatments had little effect on nutrient digestibilities and serum mineral concentrations. Vermiculite did not show any promise as a buffer but NaHCO3 proved to be an effective buffer in diets based on Eragrostis hay and 70% concentrate diets.

[Pain in multiple sclerosis--a still underestimated problem. The 1 year prevalence of pain syndromes, significance and quality of care of multiple sclerosis inpatients]. / Schmerzen bei Multipler Sklerose-ein immer noch unterschätztes Problem. Einjahresprävalenz von Schmerzsyndromen, ihr Stellenwert und die Versorgungsqualität bei stationär behandelten MS-Patienten.

We evaluated the 1-year prevalence of pain syndromes and quality of care among 157 consecutive multiple sclerosis (MS) inpatients (90 f, 67 m) aged 19-85 years, with extended disability status scores of 1.0-8.5 and clinically definite MS. In a standardized questionnaire, only severe pain (pain intensity on visual analog scale of at least 4/10) was documented and classified which had occurred more often than three times or lasted longer than 1 week within the last year. Of 157 patients, 61% reported 176 pain syndromes: most frequent were headaches (40%), dysesthetic limb pain (19%), back pain (17%), and painful spasms (11%). Twelve percent of the pain syndromes were classified as worst symptom of MS, and in 68% insufficient care by the physicians consulted was reported. This was even true for the most frequent pain, migraine, in which clear treatment recommendations exist. There is thus an urgent need for physicians to keep this problem in mind when treating MS patients.

Effect of protein source on ruminal fermentation and passage of amino acids to the small intestine of lactating cows.

Four lactating Holstein cows, fitted with T-type cannulas in the proximal duodenum, were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of protein supplement on production, ruminal digestion, and profile and the quantity of AA available for absorption. Supplemental protein sources were blood meal, corn gluten meal, blood meal plus corn gluten meal, and sunflower meal, which constituted 8, 10.5, 9.3, and 13% of dietary DM, respectively. The DMI and milk production were not influenced by treatment. Ruminal NH3 concentration increased with the sunflower meal diet, and molar percentage of propionate decreased with the blood meal diet. Duodenal flow of NAN was unaffected by protein source, but dietary N flow decreased, and bacterial N flow increased, when cows were fed the sunflower meal diet. Bacterial N flows were 46.0, 45.3, 46.4, and 65.8% of NAN for the respective diets. The AA profiles of isolated ruminal bacteria differed among dietary treatments but were not correlated with the respective supplementary protein sources. The essential AA profiles of duodenal digesta and duodenal flow of individual AA closely reflected AA differences in protein sources, suggesting that the composition of RUP profoundly affected the composition of protein entering the intestine when supplemental protein provided 35% of total CP intake.

Effect of yeast culture supplement on production, rumen fermentation, and duodenal nitrogen flow in dairy cows.

Six lactating Holstein cows fitted with rumen and T-type duodenal cannulas were used in a crossover design to examine effects of yeast culture supplement on production parameters, rumen fermentation, and flow of N to the duodenum. Treatments were control and control plus 10 g/d of yeast culture. Dry matter intake was greater, and milk production tended to be higher, for cows supplemented with yeast culture, but milk composition was not affected. Rumen pH was not affected by yeast culture, but peak lactic acid concentration decreased from 1.93 to 1.73 mM. Rumen fluid acetate:propionate ratio, dilution rate (percentage per hour), and ammonia N concentration (milligrams per deciliter) were 2.28, .12, and 10.7 and 2.04, .13, and 9.6 for control cows and for cows supplemented with yeast culture, respectively. Although numbers of fiber-digesting bacteria were not affected by yeast culture, DM disappearance of wheat straw tended to be higher at 12 and 24 h, and CP and ADF digestibilities were greater. Duodenal NAN flow tended to be higher in cows supplemented with yeast culture because of higher bacterial N flow. Duodenal AA profile and flow of Met were significantly affected by yeast culture supplementation. The results suggest that yeast culture may alter the AA profile of bacterial protein.

Orocaecal transit-time by the H2 method: effects of definitions of caecal entry and test meal.

The study compares common variants of the hydrogen breath test to measure oroceacal transit time under different conditions. Definition of caecal entry point rather than procedural parameters were found to be a main variable influencing the test results. Visual assessment still seemed to be the most reliable and valid technique. To overcome its subjectivity and evaluator-dependency, a comprehensive set of rules simulating implicit criteria of expert physicians was defined and compared with commonly used caecal entry assessment rules. Results indicated that: 1) using visual assessment, experts produce highly consistent CE points; 2) caecal entries by the new rule set correlate highly with them, while previously published caecal entry detection methods were poorly correlated with visual assessment; 3) using a semiliquid test meal reduced reliability of all methods, but the new method remained superior; 4) earlier caecal entry detection methods failed completely when early peaks or baseline fluctuations were present; 5) detection of H2 non-producers and of bacterial overgrowth was much more difficult with classical caecal entry definitions than with the new rule-set.