Application of growth models to South African Boer goat castrates and does under feedlot conditions.

Mathematical models may aid researchers in describing biological processes, like growth, in animals. This study aimed to collect the body weight data of 18 Boer goat castrates and 20 Boer goat does, from birth until maturity, to model growth and determine growth trends. This is a novel investigation as sufficient information on an age-weight database for these two Boer goat sexes from birth to maturity, is lacking. Using age-weight data, four nonlinear models, namely the Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy growth models, were plotted and evaluated. The model parameters of each growth model were compared for differences between the two sexes. The statistical effectiveness of fit was determined for each model using AIC and RMSE, with R2 also being considered. All models except the Brody model, predicted significantly heavier mature weights for castrates. The Brody model was deemed unfit to describe Boer goat growth as the function severely over-predict weights from birth until maturity for both sexes. The Von Bertalanffy (R2 = 91.3) and Gompertz functions (R2 = 91.3) showed the best fit for Boer goat castrates, while the Gompertz model (R2 = 95.1) showed the best fit for Boer goat does. The Gompertz function is the preferred model to depict Boer goat growth overall, as it accurately characterized growth of both sexes. According to the Gompertz model the age at which the inflection point of the growth curve was reached, did not differ significantly between castrates and does (141.80 days versus 136.31 days). There was also no significant difference in maturation rate between the two sexes.

Wool production and quality traits of pure- and crossbred Merino-type sheep.

Very little information is available on the quality of wool produced by terminal crosses out of wool producing dam lines. This study was therefore undertaken to elucidate the wool quality traits of four crossbred lines relative to Merinos and Dohne Merinos, which served as dam lines. Each dam line was mated to rams of their own breed as well as to Dormer or Ile de France rams to create four crossbred lines, namely, Dohne x Dormer, Dohne x Ile de France, Merino x Dormer, and Merino x Ile de France, in addition to the purebred Dohne Merino and Merino lines. Four rams and four ewes from each of these lines were reared up to one year of age under optimal growth conditions and shorn at the end of that time. Fleeces were weighed and samples collected for analysis. Neither sex nor genotype influenced clean fleece weight or clean yield percentage, but fibre diameter differed between genotypes. Purebred Merino had the finest wool (18.26 µm) and the Merino x Dormer cross the coarsest (26.01 µm). However, all lines still produced wool that could be used in manufacturing clothing, while fleeces showed good uniformity. The two purebred lines had the highest comfort factor (> 98%). The crossbred lines produced a similar quantity of wool as the purebreds, although of poorer quality. All genotypes except Merino x Dormer appear to produce wool that could be processed into garments, although the crossbred wool would only be suitable for outerwear.

Determining and predicting feed intake in crossbred sheep from weaning until maturity.

Access to simple, accurate feed intake models would facilitate decision-making in feedlots as feed costs are a major part of operational expenditure. This study aimed to develop genotype-specific feed intake models for South African feedlot lambs. Four ram and four ewe lambs each of eight genotypes were raised under ideal growth conditions from weaning until 1 year of age. Feed intake and growth were monitored throughout this period. The intake data were then used to fit various models to predict daily feed intake, intake as percentage of body weight, cumulative intake and feed conversion ratio. No satisfactory univariate models could be found for the prediction of daily or percentage intake, but a good fit was found for cumulative intake data (R2 >0.80, P <0.01). The slope parameters of these linear models show a strong correlation (72%) with feed conversion and can therefore also serve as proxies for feed conversion. A model was also developed that can predict feed conversion ratio with a moderate accuracy (R2 =0.5, P <0.05) at a given body weight. The cumulative intake model was deemed accurate and simple enough for practical use.

Modelling and predicting fat deposition rates in various South African sheep crosses using ultrasound technology.

Producers require an accurate predictive tool that can determine the optimal point of slaughter based on fat depth. The modelling of fat deposition with a simple mathematical model could supply in this need. Dohne Merino and Merino ewes were crossed with Dorper, Dormer and Ile de France rams or rams of their own breeds to create two purebred (Dohne Merino and Merino) and six crossbred groups (Dohne x Dorper, Dohne x Dormer, Dohne x Ile de France, Merino x Dorper, Merino x Dormer and Merino x Ile de France) of offspring. Fat deposition of four lambs of each sex per genotypic group was monitored from 80 to 360 days using ultrasound, and the data subsequently fitted to various equations and evaluated for goodness of fit. A linear fitting of fat depth to age (R2 > 0.77) and live weight (R2 > 0.56) were deemed to provide the best fit. The slope parameters of the equations indicated that ewes deposited fat faster than rams and that Dorper crosses had the highest fat deposition rate. An attempt was also made to model loin muscle growth, but the model fit was judged to be unsatisfactory. The predictive models developed here are deemed suitable for inclusion in feedlot management systems to aid in the production of optimally classified lamb carcasses.

The effect of different dietary flavourants and salt levels on feed intake of juvenile ostriches.

Yearly the ostrich industry loses up to 40% of newly-hatched chicks, partly due to insufficient feed intake. This study was conducted to determine whether the inclusion of various feed flavourants would improve feed intake in ostrich chicks (Trial 1). Ninety-six dayold ostrich chicks were raised in groups of 12 at a Western Cape research farm until 28 days of age. These chicks were provided with free-choice access to a variety of flavoured diets, namely sweet, sour, bitter, salt or an unflavoured control diet. Chicks were found to prefer salty feed, as the salt-flavoured diet had the highest daily feed intake (34% of total) throughout the trial. Subsequently Trial 2 was conducted to determine the preferred level of dietary salt (Experiment 1) as well as the influence dietary salt had on various production parameters (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, three groups of seven chicks each were offered ad libitum access to diets containing 4 g/kg, 14 g/kg, 24 g/kg, and 34 g/kg of salt respectively. Experiment 1 found that chicks preferred the diet containing 14 g salt/kg (36.4% of total daily feed consumed). For Experiment 2, 56 birds were divided into eight groups of seven. Conversely to the current conventional inclusion of 4 g salt/kg, Experiment 2 showed that chicks reared on a diet containing 14 g salt/kg had a 41.7% higher average daily gain than the group consuming 4 g salt/kg. It can therefore be concluded that ostriches prefer diets with a higher dietary salt level than current conventional diets provide (14 g/kg vs 4 g/kg).

Raman and fluorescence micro-spectroscopy applied for the monitoring of sunitinib-loaded porous silicon nanocontainers in cardiac cells.

Nanomaterials are a central pillar in modern medicine. They are thought to optimize drug delivery, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and reduce side-effects. To foster this technology, analytical methods are needed to validate not only the localization and distribution of these nanomaterials, but also their compatibility with cells, drugs, and drug release. In the present work, we assessed nanoparticles based on porous silicon (pSiNPs) loaded with the clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib for their effectiveness of drug delivery, release, and toxicity in colon cancer cells (HCT 116 cells) and cardiac myoblast cells (H9c2) using Raman micro-spectroscopy, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, along with biological methods for toxicological effects. We produced pSiNPs with a size of about 100 nm by grinding mesoporous silicon layers. pSiNPs allowed an effective loading of sunitinib due to their high porosity. Photoluminescence properties of the nanoparticles within the visible spectrum allowed the visualization of their uptake in cardiac cells. Raman micro-spectroscopy allowed not only the detection of the uptake and distribution of pSiNPs within the cells via a characteristic silicon Raman band at about 518-520 cm-1, but also the localization of the drug based on its characteristic molecular fingerprints. Cytotoxicity studies by Western blot analyses of apoptotic marker proteins such as caspase-3, and the detection of apoptosis by subG1-positive cell fractions in HCT 116 and MTT analyses in H9c2 cells, suggest a sustained release of sunitinib from pSiNPs and delayed cytotoxicity of sunitinib in HCT 116 cells. The analyses in cardiac cells revealed that pSiNPs are well tolerated and that they may even protect from toxic effects in these cells to some extent. Analyses of the integrity of mitochondrial networks as an early indicator for apoptotic cellular effects seem to validate these observations. Our study suggests pSiNPs-based nanocontainers for efficient and safe drug delivery and Raman micro-spectroscopy as a reliable method for their detection and monitoring. Thus, the herein presented nanocontainers and analytical methods have the potential to allow an efficient advancement of nanoparticles for targeted and sustained intracellular drug release that is of need, e.g., in chronic diseases and for the prevention of cardiac toxicity.

Evaluating the effects of high-oil rapeseed cake or natural additives on methane emissions and performance of dairy cows.

We evaluated the potential of feeding high-oil rapeseed cake or natural additives as rumen modifiers on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, nutrient utilization, performance, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy cows. Eight Nordic Red dairy cows averaging (mean ± SD) 81 ± 21 d in milk and 41.0 ± 1.9 kg of milk yield at the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments comprised grass silage-based diets (45:55 forage to concentrate ratio on dry matter basis) including (1) control containing 19.3% rapeseed meal (CON), (2) CON with full replacement of rapeseed meal with rapeseed cake (RSC), (3) supplementation of CON with 50 g/d of yeast hydrolysate product plus coniferous resin acid-based compound (YHR), and (4) supplementation of CON with 20 g/d of combination of garlic-citrus extract and essential oils in a pellet (GCE). Apparent total-tract digestibility was measured using total collection of feces, and CH4 emissions were measured in respiratory chambers on 4 consecutive days. Data collected during d 17 and 21 in each period were used for ANOVA analysis using a mixed model. Treatments did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), whereas feeding RSC increased crude protein and ether extract digestibility compared with the other diets. Emissions of CH4 per day, per kilogram of DMI, and per kilogram of energy-corrected milk, and gross energy intake were lower for RSC compared with other diets. We found no effect of YHR on daily CH4 emissions, whereas CH4 yield (g of CH4/kg of DMI or as percentage of gross energy intake) decreased with GCE compared with CON. Treatments did not influence energy balance. Further, RSC reduced the proportion of N intake excreted in feces, and YHR improved N balance compared with CON diet. Feeding RSC resulted in greatest yields of milk and energy-corrected milk, and feed efficiency. Relative to the CON diet, RSC decreased saturated FA by 10% in milk fat by increasing cis-monounsaturated FA but also increased the proportion of trans FA. Proportion of odd- and branched-chain FA increased with GCE and YHR compared with CON. We conclude that replacing rapeseed meal by rapeseed cake decreased CH4 emissions, whereas YHR or GCE had no effect on CH4 emissions in this study.

Precision finishing of South African lambs in feedlots: a review.

In the intensification of sheep production systems, feedlot finishing plays a fundamental role in preparing lambs for slaughter, as well as relieving the grazing pressure on pasture. The profit margins in feedlot operations are often narrow and require the economics of scale to generate a sufficient income. In order to minimise expenses, intensive management and precision rearing of lambs to an ideal slaughter weight is needed to obtain premium carcass prices. The South African sheep industry is made up of wool, dual-purpose as well as meat type breeds, which also vary in terms of maturity. In order to implement precision finishing of South African lamb, a complete understanding of the growth, intake and fat deposition trends of growing lambs of different breed types is needed. This review outlines feedlot lamb production within the Southern African context for the major commercial breeds, while also providing insight in the considerations necessary to develop a decision support system for lamb rearing. Integrating such a decision support system into a lamb feedlot operation can then be used for precision finishing of lambs by predicting the optimal length of the feeding period and ideal slaughter weights of lambs.

Superdiversity, population health and health care: opportunities and challenges in a changing world.

OBJECTIVES: Ethno-national approaches to research public health and migrant outcomes have dominated for decades but lack efficacy in a globalised world and in view of the intractable nature of health outcome inequalities for migrant and minority groups. This article highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with a superdiversity perspective in public health research. SUPERDIVERSITY AND ETHNO-NATIONAL APPROACHES: Migration patterns have changed with more people arriving from more places and the diversification of diversity meaning that the ethno-national categories utilised in public health research have reduced explanatory potential. THE EXAMPLE OF MATERNAL AND PERINATAL MORTALITY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: Adjusting UK perinatal mortality rates by five ethnic groups based on assumptions of relationships between high levels of risk and ethnic groups masks the scale of inequality faced by groups wherein mortality rates are increasing and highlights some of the difficulties associated with using ethno-national classifications. A SUPERDIVERSITY PERSPECTIVE: A superdiversity approach moves beyond ethno-nationalism to socially locate groups focussing on commonalities and differences across spaces and characteristics and employing intracategorical or anticategorical approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Superdiversity brings new levels of demographic complexity and fluidity. Greater reflexivity is needed in diversity research with justification of classifications used for analysis necessary when research questions are developed.

Profile of cabanossi made with exotic meats and olive oil.

The effect of olive oil inclusion on the chemical and sensory characteristics in cabanossi made with ostrich and warthog meat was investigated. Ostrich meat from soybean oilcake (SBOC) and cottonseed oilcake dietary inclusion levels (CSOC), and olive oil were included at three levels (0%, 1% and 2%) resulting in six treatments. The fat content in the cabanossi increased with increasing levels of oil inclusion but were all <10%, which allows it to be classified as a low fat meat product. Total monounsaturated fatty acids in the cabanossi increased whilst total saturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased as olive oil increased. The SBOC cabanossi had a lower fat and higher crude protein content. The inclusion of olive oil at 2% resulted in a cabanossi with increased tenderness, juiciness and cured red meat colour, all factors that appeal to the consumer, while the overall flavour descriptors were not adversely affected by the inclusion of olive oil.

Correction: Yes and Lyn play a role in nuclear translocation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

In Figure 4C, it was identified that the Histone H3 and α-Tubulin purification control blots for YES and LYN overexpressing cells were duplicated. The original Histone H3 control blot was found and confirmed the published results, however, the α-Tubulin control blot was not found. This error was determined to not impact the scientific findings of this figure. The authors regret this error.

Perceived barriers and facilitators in the assessment of occupational diseases.

BACKGROUND: Information is collected worldwide on the diagnosis and assessment of occupational diseases (ODs) by occupational physicians (OPs). However, information on perceived facilitators and barriers to assessment is scarce. AIMS: To evaluate the perceived barriers and facilitators in the assessment of ODs by OPs. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study, using interviews and focus groups. We held 12 interviews and two focus groups with Dutch OPs, to identify barriers and facilitators in the assessment of ODs. RESULTS: Case definition, exposure assessment, attribution to work, guidelines and decision tools, external expertise, individual motivation and consequences were identified as themes. Barriers and facilitators were mainly reported regarding assessing work attribution, e.g. how to assess multifactorial causes or the need for training, and individual motivation such as the perceived lack of usefulness or the need for monitoring suspected OD cases. Within the theme of consequences, only barriers to the assessment of ODs were reported, including the liability of employers. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived facilitators in the assessment of ODs were practical assessment tools, multifaceted education, ability to assess work exposures and professional independence. Perceived barriers were lack of usefulness, lack of urgency, complexity of assessment and concerns about liability issues.

Ectopic expression of S28A-mutated Histone H3 modulates longevity, stress resistance and cardiac function in Drosophila.

Histone H3 serine 28 (H3S28) phosphorylation and de-repression of polycomb repressive complex (PRC)-mediated gene regulation is linked to stress conditions in mitotic and post-mitotic cells. To better understand the role of H3S28 phosphorylation in vivo, we studied a Drosophila strain with ectopic expression of constitutively-activated H3S28A, which prevents PRC2 binding at H3S28, thus mimicking H3S28 phosphorylation. H3S28A mutants showed prolonged life span and improved resistance against starvation and paraquat-induced oxidative stress. Morphological and functional analysis of heart tubes revealed smaller luminal areas and thicker walls accompanied by moderately improved cardiac function after acute stress induction. Whole-exome deep gene-sequencing from isolated heart tubes revealed phenotype-corresponding changes in longevity-promoting and myotropic genes. We also found changes in genes controlling mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. Analysis of mitochondrial respiration from whole flies revealed improved efficacy of ATP production with reduced electron transport-chain activity. Finally, we analyzed posttranslational modification of H3S28 in an experimental heart failure model and observed increased H3S28 phosphorylation levels in HF hearts. Our data establish a critical role of H3S28 phosphorylation in vivo for life span, stress resistance, cardiac and mitochondrial function in Drosophila. These findings may pave the way for H3S28 phosphorylation as a putative target to treat stress-related disorders such as heart failure.

[Effectiveness of School-based Interventions for the Prevention and/or Reduction of Psychosocial Problems among Children and Adolescents: A Review of Reviews]. / Wirksamkeit von schulbasierten Interventionen zur Prävention und/oder Reduktion psychosozialer Probleme bei Kindern und Jugendlichen: Ein Review von Reviews.

Objective: To summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of school-based interventions for the maintenance of mental health and the prevention of psychosocial problems among pupils. Methods: A systematic literature search of reviews published between 2007 and 2015 was carried out. Databases searched included Medline, PsycINFO, Campbell Library, Cochrane Library, NICE, ERIC, and Web of Science. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment (using AMSTAR criteria) were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Results: 6 reviews covering 331 primary studies were included in this review of reviews. Findings of three reviews with a focus on the maintenance and/or promotion of mental health and general well-being suggested that interventions aimed at changes in the social and the school environment were more effective than those that only targeted individual behavior change among pupils. Interventions for the reduction of mobbing/bullying were most effective if they comprised organizational changes at schools, such as playground and schoolyard supervision, and disciplinary measures. One review suggested strong evidence for the effectiveness of classroom management to reduce violent behavior among pupils. Conclusions: Participation in interventions promoting changes in the school environment, in addition to individual behavior change, appears to be associated with improved mental health among pupils and reductions in mobbing/bullying and violent behavior at schools.

[Characteristics, advantages, and limits of matrix tests]. / Eigenschaften, Leistungen und Grenzen von Matrixtests.

BACKGROUND: Deterioration of communication abilities due to hearing problems is particularly relevant in listening situations with noise. Therefore, speech intelligibility tests in noise are required for audiological diagnostics and evaluation of hearing rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the characteristics of matrix tests assessing the 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. What are their advantages and limitations? METHODS: Matrix tests are based on a matrix of 50 words (10 five-word sentences with same grammatical structure). In the standard setting, 20 sentences are presented using an adaptive procedure estimating the individual 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. At present, matrix tests in 17 different languages are available. RESULTS: A high international comparability of matrix tests exists. The German language matrix test (OLSA, male speaker) has a reference 50 % speech recognition threshold of -7.1 (± 1.1) dB SNR. CONCLUSION: Before using a matrix test for the first time, the test person has to become familiar with the basic speech material using two training lists. Hereafter, matrix tests produce constant results even if repeated many times. Matrix tests are suitable for users of hearing aids and cochlear implants, particularly for assessment of benefit during the fitting process. Matrix tests can be performed in closed form and consequently with non-native listeners, even if the experimenter does not speak the test person's native language. Short versions of matrix tests are available for listeners with a shorter memory span, e.g., children.

Improving the assessment of occupational diseases by occupational physicians.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of occupational diseases is limited by a lack of insight into occupational exposure to risk. We developed a six-step approach to improve the diagnosis and reporting of occupational diseases and the selection of subsequent preventive actions by occupational physicians (OPs). AIMS: To evaluate the effect of the six-step approach on the transparency and quality of assessing occupational diseases and the usability of the six-step approach according to OPs and their satisfaction with it. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial. OPs in the control group used the standard information available. OPs in the intervention group used the six-step approach and accompanying educational materials. The actions and decisions of OPs in both groups were analysed using 17 performance indicators. To address the second issue, OPs used the six-step approach over 6 weeks and rated its usability and their satisfaction in relation to several aspects. RESULTS: The average score of the OPs in the intervention group (n = 110) was statistically significantly higher (11/17 performance indicators, 62% of the maximum score) than that of the OPs in the control group (n = 120, 5/17 performance indicators, 30% of the maximum score, P < 0.001). The usability aspects of the six-step approach had mean scores of 7 and 8. Mean satisfaction with the six-step approach was 8. CONCLUSIONS: The six-step approach resulted in better evidence-based and transparent decision-making about occupational diseases by OPs. Usability and satisfaction were rated as satisfactory by the OPs.

kW-class direct diode laser for sheet metal cutting based on DWDM of pump modules by use of ultra-steep dielectric filters.

A direct diode laser was built with > 800 W output power at 940 nm to 980 nm. The radiation is coupled into a 100 µm fiber and the NA ex fiber is 0.17. The laser system is based on pump modules that are wavelength stabilized by VBGs. Dense and coarse wavelength multiplexing are realized with commercially available ultra-steep dielectric filters. The electro-optical efficiency is above 30%. Based on a detailed analysis of losses, an improved e-o-efficiency in the range of 40% to 45% is expected in the near future. System performance and reliability were demonstrated with sheet metal cutting tests on stainless steel with a thickness of 4.2 mm.

[Effectiveness of School-based Interventions to Prevent and/or Reduce Substance Use among Primary and Secondary School Pupils: A Review of Reviews]. / Wie wirksam sind schulbasierte Interventionen zur Prävention und/oder Reduktion von Substanzkonsum bei Schülern/-innen in Grund- und Sekundarschulen? Eine systematische Übersicht vorhandener Reviews.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide a current overview of the effectiveness of school-based interventions on prevention and/or reduction of substance use among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Campbell Collaboration, NICE and ERIC. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2007 and 2013 were included in the analysis. 2 reviewers assessed the quality of the identified review articles and extracted the data. RESULTS: 14 review articles of moderate to good quality fulfilled the a-priori defined inclusion criteria. Capacity-promoting interventions, e. g., those focusing on strengthening self-confidence and peer resistance, show promising evidence of effectiveness. Multi-component and multi-level interventions are more suitable for the prevention of alcohol and cannabis consumption. Findings on the prevention of tobacco consumption are inconsistent. The effectiveness of knowledge-based interventions is limited. The long-term effectiveness of smoke-free competitions cannot be conclusively evaluated as the findings are discrepant. CONCLUSIONS: School-based interventions should include capacity-promoting components and should address further levels beyond the individual, for example, organisational changes of the school setting. Further research is needed, in particular on the effectiveness of multi-component and multi-level interventions for the prevention of tobacco consumption.

[Reaching Target Groups--Shaping Accessibility. Results of a Survey Among Experts on Recommendations for Science and Practice]. / Zielgruppen erreichen--Zugangswege gestalten. Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Expertinnen und Experten zu Empfehlungen für Wissenschaft und Praxis.

In an online survey, in which 18 experts participated, recommendations for research and practice to improve access to target groups were discussed. The recommendations were developed within the context of the KNP project. For the implementation of the recommendations, not only is an increased cooperation between science and practice particularly important, but also materials and training as well as standardization of methods. Furthermore, financial resources, especially for conducting evaluation studies are needed.

Potential for beneficial application of sulfate reducing bacteria in sulfate containing domestic wastewater treatment.

The activity of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is often considered as a problem due to H2S formation and potential related odour and corrosion of materials. However, when controlled well, these bacteria can be effectively used in a positive manner for the treatment of wastewater. The main advantages of using SRB in wastewater treatment are: (1) minimal sludge production, (2) reduction of potential pathogens presence, (3) removal of heavy metals and (4) as pre-treatment of anaerobic digestion. These advantages are accessory to efficient and stable COD removal by SRB. Though only a few studies have been conducted on SRB treatment of domestic wastewater, the many studies performed on industrial wastewater provide information on the potential of SRB in domestic wastewater treatment. A key-parameter analyses literature study comprising pH, organic substrates, sulfate, salt, temperature and oxygen revealed that the conditions are well suited for the application of SRB in domestic wastewater treatment. Since the application of SRB in WWTP has environmental benefits its application is worth considering for wastewater treatment, when sulfate is present in the influent.