Early onset neonatal bloodstream infections in South African hospitals.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Increasing antibiotic resistance in early onset (< 72 h of life) bloodstream infection (EO-BSI) pathogens in LMIC has reduced the effectiveness of the recommended empiric antibiotic regimen (ampicillin plus gentamicin).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed blood culture-confirmed EO-BSI episodes at nine neonatal units from three central and six peripheral hospitals in the Western Cape Province, South Africa between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.

Weak latitudinal trends in reproductive traits of Afromontane forest trees.

Background And Aims: Is the increase in species diversity patterns towards lower latitudes linked to reproductive traits? Plant reproductive organs influence reproductive isolation and hence species divergence. Abiotic differences between temperate and tropical regions can also directly impact on plant reproductive traits. Here we provide a novel overview of southern hemisphere, Afromontane forest tree taxonomical patterns and ask whether reproductive traits relate to latitude, while accounting for environmental (tree height) and evolutionary (biogeographical affinity) selective forces.

Pharmacological Management of Nightmares Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a chronic and disabling condition. Post-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) form a core component of PTSD and are highly prevalent in this patient population. Nightmares in PTSD have been associated with significant distress, functional impairment, poor health outcomes, and decreased quality of life.

Clozapine-Associated Leukopenia and Agranulocytosis in Western Cape, South Africa: A 3-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Clozapine may cause life-threatening hematological side effects (HSEs). Hematological side effect incidence data from Sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Furthermore, clozapine reduces cellular immunity, and it is unknown whether clozapine is a risk factor for tuberculosis or whether HIV is a risk factor for developing HSEs.

Central-line-associated bloodstream infections in a resource-limited South African neonatal intensive care unit.

Background: The rate of central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in South African (SA) public sector neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is unknown. Tygerberg Children's Hospital (TCH), Cape Town, introduced a neonatal CLABSI surveillance and prevention programme in August 2012.

Objectives: To describe CLABSI events and identify risk factors for development of CLABSI in a resource-limited NICU.

Weeds or useful medicinal plants in the rural home garden?

Background: Traditional medicines remain an important health-care service among African indigenous cultures. In South Africa, medicinal plant use (bark, roots, bulbs, and herbs) threatens biodiversity and the sustainability of this informal industry. Several realities have stimulated experimental and adaptive management research into cultivation of key high-demand medicinal plant species in and around the home gardens of poor rural communities for domestic use and for trade: declining supplies, localized extinctions, increasing market prices, and economic opportunities for commercializing traditional medicinal products.