Alignment-Free Viral Sequence Classification at Scale.

Background: The rapid increase in nucleotide sequence data generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies demands efficient computational tools for sequence comparison. Alignment-based methods, such as BLAST, are increasingly overwhelmed by the scale of contemporary datasets due to their high computational demands for classification. This study evaluates alignment-free (AF) methods as scalable and rapid alternatives for viral sequence classification, focusing on identifying techniques that maintain high accuracy and efficiency when applied to extremely large datasets.

A 10-year audit of pregnancies affected by diabetic ketoacidosis at the Pretoria Academic Complex.

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy is associated with increased rates of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. DKA management guidelines are designed to ensure optimal management and minimize adverse outcomes.

Objective: To determine the level of adherence to DKA management guidelines at a tertiary center in Pretoria, South Africa and report on maternal and perinatal outcomes of the pregnancies complicated by DKA.

Risk Factors for Stroke in HIV-Positive and-Negative Patients in Pretoria, South Africa.

Objectives: Low- to middle-income countries experience a marked rise in cardiovascular diseases, and have the highest incidence of HIV infection. Stroke data in HIV-positive patients is still scarce. This study compares risk factors and types of stroke between HIV-positive and -negative patients in South Africa.

Inclusive HIV Prevention in South Africa: Reaching Foreign Migrant Adolescent Girls.

Within South Africa's HIV epidemic, foreign migrant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face unique challenges in an environment typified by xenophobia and structural inequity. The intersection of age, gender, and migrant-related factors creates threats that may exacerbate their HIV risk, including discrimination, limited social capital, and economic dependency. This paper explores HIV-related determinants of risk from the perspective of foreign migrant AGYW who participated in a Girls' Club project implemented by Community Media Trust.