Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg-1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg-1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg-1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals' average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers' daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg-1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg-1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg-1 in steers' diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of pigs fed diets containing amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake as replacement to soybean meal.

This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5 kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. The pigs were fed the experimental diets ad-lib once in the morning, allowing a 10% of feed refusal, and had free access to water. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the 56-day trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5 days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for 12 h, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Data on the effects of treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics were analysed using a two-way ANOVA in randomised blocks and were compared using Student's t-LSD. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 150 g/kg, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 150 g/kg, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 150 g/kg, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 150 g/kg inclusion level.

Major Streptomyces species associated with fissure scab of potato in South Africa including description of Streptomyces solaniscabiei sp. nov.

Streptomyces species are the causal agents of several scab diseases on potato tubers. A new type of scab symptom, caused by Streptomyces species, was observed in South Africa from 2010 onwards. The disease was initially thought to be caused by a single Streptomyces species, however, subsequent isolations from similar symptoms on other potato tubers revealed diversity of the Streptomyces isolates. The objective of this study was to characterise these isolates in order to determine what are the major species involved in the disease. This was done by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA as well as five housekeeping genes, investigation of growth on different culture media, standard phenotypic tests and scanning electron microscopy of culture morphology. The presence of the pathogenicity island (PAI) present in plant pathogenic Streptomyces species was also investigated. The genomes of eight isolates, selected from the three main clades identified, were sequenced and annotated to further clarify species boundaries. Three isolates of each of the three main clades were also inoculated onto susceptible potato cultivars in order to establish the pathogenicity of the species. The results of the phylogenetic and genome analyses revealed that there are three main species involved, namely, Streptomyces werraensis, Streptomyces pseudogriseolus and a novel Streptomyces species that is described here as Streptomyces solaniscabiei sp. nov., with strain FS70T (= PPPPB BD 2226T = LMG 32103T) as the type strain. The glasshouse trial results showed that all three of the Streptomyces species are capable of producing fissure scab symptoms. None of the Streptomyces isolates from fissure scab contained the full PAI and the mechanism of disease initiation still needs to be determined. Genomic comparisons also indicated that S. gancidicus Suzuki 1957 (Approved Lists 1980) is a later heterotypic synonym of S. pseudogriseolus Okami and Umezawa 1955 (Approved Lists 1980).

Evaluating an antimicrobial stewardship programme implemented in an intensive care unit of a large academic hospital, using the RE-AIM framework.

BACKGROUND: The threat of antimicrobial resistance driven by inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobials is a global issue of great concern. Evidence-based approaches to optimising antimicrobial prescribing to improve patient care while reducing the rate of antimicrobial resistance continue to be implemented worldwide. However, the successes or failures of implementation of such approaches are seldom evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of an implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in reducing the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a large academic hospital using the RE-AIM framework. METHODS: A descriptive quasi-experimental study was conducted with adult patients who had been admitted to the ICU of an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were extracted from patients' records using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of four RE-AIM dimensions (reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation) and the overall impact of the implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme were calculated. RESULTS: From the 59 participant records, 21 patients (35.6%) developed hospital-acquired infections and all were prescribed antimicrobials during their stay in the ICU. Twenty-seven pathogens (bacterial species) were isolated from samples acquired from the patients, including Staphylococcus aureus (n=6; 22.2%), Escherichia coli (n=4; 14.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=4; 14.8%) and Streptococcus pnuemoniae (n=3; 11.11%), as well as 10 other bacterial species (37.0%) including Corynebacterium species, Enterococcus faecium, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, Clostridium difficile and Salmonella species. Of the 27 pathogens isolated, 19 (70.4 %) were resistant to the prescribed antimicrobials. The overall impact of the ASP implemented in the studied facility was 67.2%. CONCLUSIONS: An ASP requires both thorough implementation and leadership support to have an impact in the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. Lack of leadership support poses a significant challenge to sustainability. There is an urgent need for behavioural change in hospital leadership.

A model to enhance job satisfaction for radiographers in the public healthcare system in Gauteng province, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization seeks to address the maldistribution of healthcare professionals which results in inequitable services to underserved communities (World Health Organization (WHO), 2015). In South Africa, the underserved areas are the public sector hospitals and the rural areas. Radiographers, like other healthcare professionals, are also unequally distributed between the public and private sector hospitals, and between the rural and urban areas. Since one of the perceived factors for maldistribution is job satisfaction, it is essential to explore factors that contribute to job satisfaction/dissatisfaction amongst radiographers to develop a model to attract and retain radiographers in the public sector. METHODS: The study used exploratory sequential mixed methods approach to explore job satisfaction amongst radiographers, employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province, South Africa. In phase one of the study (qualitative), individual and focus group interviews were used to collect data, and in phase two (quantitative), a self-developed questionnaire was used. The data collected was analyzed in sequential order, where thematic analysis was performed for phase one of the study, and SPSS version 23 was used in phase two. RESULTS: In phase one, five themes emerged, namely the influence of government policies on job satisfaction, lack of career pathing, poor remuneration, working conditions, and the role of the human resources department. In phase two, the Pearson's correlation test was performed which showed that there was a significant correlation of intent to leave, p = .005 with the following factors: government policy on Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) and Performance Management Development System (PMDS), working conditions, supervision, equipment and infrastructure, and poor remuneration. CONCLUSION: Government policies, working conditions, and poor remuneration play a significant role in job satisfaction amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The proposed model could enhance job satisfaction for radiographers employed by the public sector hospitals and ultimately increase attraction and retention rates of radiographers for this sector.

Effect of replacing soybean meal with marula nut meal on rumen dry matter and crude protein degradability.

In situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in ruminant diets composed of graded inclusion levels of marula nut meal (MNM) as a protein source to replace soybean meal were evaluated. The five diets denoted as diet 1 (0.0 g kg-1 MNM: control), diet 2 (45.5 g kg-1 MNM), diet 3 (91.7 g kg-1 MNM), diet 4 (138.4 g kg-1 MNM), and diet 5 (185.9 g kg-1 MNM) were tested. Three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each diet for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h in polyester bags. The soluble fractions of DM and CP increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of MNM (138.4-185.9 g kg-1 MNM). However, the insoluble but degradable fractions of DM and CP increased (P < 0.05) with decreasing levels of MNM (45.5-0.0 g kg-1 and 91.7-0.0 g kg-1 MNM, respectively). While the degradation rate of fraction and the effective degradability of DM increased (P < 0.05) with decreasing levels of MNM (91.7-0.0 g kg-1), those of CP increased with increasing levels of MNM (138.4-185.9 g kg-1 MNM) in the diet. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of MNM up to 91.7 g kg-1 in ruminant diets can provide undegradable protein to be absorbed in the small intestines and used for metabolic function, while an inclusion of up to 185.9 g kg-1 can be degraded in the rumen for microbial protein synthesis.

Dietary enzyme addition on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed diets containing avocado oil cake silage.

Avocado oil cake (AOC) was mixed with dried grape pomace and sugarcane molasses and ensiled for 90 days. A total mixed ration containing 5% AOC silage was formulated and top dressed with Axtra® XB enzyme at 0, 2.5 and 5%. The experimental diets were fed to 24 (8 pigs/diet) Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) cross pigs (± 22-kg live weight). Growth performance data was recorded for 60 days, after which the pigs were adapted to chromic oxide mixed diet for 3 days, whereby faeces were collected for 5 days after to determine nutrient digestion. Following nutrient digestion, pigs were fasted for 12 h, weighed and slaughtered. Carcass samples were collected and analysed for meat quality. Dietary addition of enzyme increased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility, but did not affected (P > 0.05) feed conversion ratio and average daily gain. Carcass characteristics were not affected (P > 0.05); however, small and large intestine weight and length were increased (P < 0.05) with enzyme inclusion in feed. Dietary treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) the colour and cooking quality of the meat. Enzyme addition was worth in the growth performance and nutrient digestion but did not affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality of pigs.

Structuring improved work environments for newly-qualified radiographers.

INTRODUCTION: Newly-qualified radiographers often struggle with workplace integration. Frequently, their workplace environments stifle professional growth, leaving them frustrated and anxious. This results in poor workplace performance and possibly even attrition, hence the need to strategically structure their workplace environments for easier transition. In South Africa, no published studies exist detailing the workplace transition process for new radiographers, and the environmental requirements. This paper investigates the needs of this group, to provide information on how to create improved working environments which will encourage retention of newly-qualified radiographers. METHODS: Criterion sampling was used to select five hospitals, and total sampling to select all newly-qualified radiographers at the selected hospitals. After obtaining ethical approval and participant consent, seven newly-graduated radiographers were interviewed utilising a phenomenological approach. One-on-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was performed on the resultant dataset to identify themes. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: interpersonal relations, support from fellow newly-qualified peers, departmental policies, and learning. Positive interpersonal relations were an essential component of the work environment; fellow newly-qualified radiographers at the same institution resulted in increased support; departmental policies needed to cater to the needs of new employees, and the environment must facilitate learning. CONCLUSION: While a positive workplace environment is desirable for all radiographers, newly-qualified graduates have specific needs which require attention. Management has a crucial role to play in ensuring that such an environment is created to encourage new radiographer retention.

Nutrient evaluation and ruminal degradation of dry matter and protein from amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes as dietary supplements for ruminants.

Inadequate availability of feed ingredients significantly contributes to reduced animal production. Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients for potential use in feed ration is key. Triplicate samples of oil extraction by-products viz.: amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes were analysed for proximate, mineral and amino acids content. To determine the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) from the oilcakes, polyester bags were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each oilcake in the ventral rumen of each of the three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, or 48 h. Amarula oilcake (AOC) had higher (P < 0.05) CP, ether extract and essential amino acid content than macadamia (MOC) and baobab (BOC) oilcakes. Fibre fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC than in AOC. While calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) concentrations were high (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC, phosphorus (P) concentration was high (P < 0.05) in AOC. The effective degradability of DM and water-soluble, rapidly degradable fractions of DM and CP were high (P < 0.05) in AOC. Insoluble but degradable fraction of CP was high (P < 0.00) in BOC and effective degradation of CP was high (P < 0.05) in AOC and BOC. The AOC with its high CP, EE and essential AA can be used as both protein and energy source for ruminants. Seemingly, MOC and BOC can be used as supplements for fibre as well as Ca and K in ruminant diets. Hence, these non-conventional oilcakes have the potential to partially replace conventional oilcakes in ruminant diets. Evaluation of growth performance, nitrogen digestion and carcass characteristics in ruminants fed diets containing the AOC, BOC and MOC are recommended.

Children's palliative care now! Highlights from the second ICPCN conference on children's palliative care, 18-21 May 2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The International Children's Palliative Care Network held its second international conference on children's palliative care in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from the 18th-21st May 2016. The theme of the conference was 'Children's Palliative Care…. Now!' emphasising the need for palliative care for children now, as the future will be too late for many of them. Six pre-conference workshops were held, addressing issues connected to pain assessment and management, adolescent palliative care, ethics and decision-making, developing programmes, the basics of children's palliative care, and hidden aspects of children's palliative care. The conference brought together 410 participants from 40 countries. Plenary, concurrent, and poster presentations covered issues around the status of children's palliative care, genetics, perinatal and neonatal palliative care, the impact of children's palliative care and the experiences of parents and volunteers, palliative care as a human right, education in children's palliative care, managing complex pain in children, spiritual care and when to initiate palliative care. The 'Big Debate' explored issues around decision-making and end of life care in children, and gave participants the opportunity to explore a sensitive and thought provoking topic. At the end of the conference, delegates were urged to sign the Commitment of Buenos Aires which called for governments to implement the WHA resolution and ensure access to palliative care for neonates, children and their families, and also commits us as palliative care providers to share all that we can and collaborate with each other to achieve the global vision of palliative care for all children who need it. The conference highlighted the ongoing issues in children's palliative care and participants were continually challenged to ensure that children can access palliative care NOW.

Transforming children's palliative care-from ideas to action: highlights from the first ICPCN conference on children's palliative care.

The International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) held its first international conference on children's palliative care, in conjunction with Tata Memorial Centre, in Mumbai, India, from 10-12 February 2014. The theme of the conference, Transforming children's palliative care-from ideas to action, reflected the vision of the ICPCN to live in a world where every child who needs it, can access palliative care, regardless of where they live. Key to this is action, to develop service provision and advocate for children's palliative care. Three pre-conference workshops were held on 9 February, aimed at doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers, and focused around the principles of children's palliative care, and in particular pain and symptom management. The conference brought together 235 participants representing 38 countries. Key themes identified throughout the conference included: the need for advocacy and leadership; for education and research, with great strides having been taken in the development of an evidence base for children's palliative care, along with the provision of education; the importance of communication and attention to spirituality in children, and issues around clinical care, in particular for neonates. Delegates were continually challenged to transform children's palliative care in their parts of the world and the conference culminated in the signing of the ICPCN Mumbai Declaration. The Declaration calls upon governments around the world to improve access to quality children's palliative care services and made a call on the Belgian government not to pass a bill allowing children to be euthanised in that country. The conference highlighted many of the ongoing developments in children's palliative care around the world, and as she closed the conference, Joan Marston (ICPCN CEO) challenged participants to take positive action and be the champions that the children need, thus transforming children's palliative care.