Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC-3) is a rare disorder characterized by chronic cholestasis usually progressing to end-stage liver disease (ESLD) within the first two decades of life. PFIC-3 is caused by pathogenic genetic variants of the ATP-binding cassette 4 (ABCB4) gene with variable inheritance; the most common is autosomal recessive. We present two cases of PFIC-3 with genetic testing confirming a novel genetic variant in ABCB4 with homozygous genotype c.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSupplementing livestock grazing communal rangelands with leaf-meals from Acacia trees, which are currently considered as problematic invasive alien plants globally, may be a sustainable way of exploiting their desirable nutritional and anthelmintic properties. The current study evaluated worm burdens and growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands supplemented with leaf-meals prepared from the invasive alien plant species; Acacia mearnsii or A. dealbata.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRangelands face threats from climate and land-use change, including inappropriate climate change mitigation initiatives such as tree planting in grassy ecosystems. The marginalization and impoverishment of rangeland communities and their indigenous knowledge systems, and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, are additional major challenges. To address these issues, we propose the wilder rangelands integrated framework, co-developed by South African and European scientists from diverse disciplines, as an opportunity to address the climate, livelihood, and biodiversity challenges in the world's rangelands.
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