High burden of abnormal cervical smears in South African primary health care: health programmes implications.

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among South African women and the load of abnormal cervical smears has clinical, programmatic and policy implications. This cross-sectional study of women who presented for cervical cancer screening aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears and associated factors in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Gauteng-the most densely populated province in South Africa. A questionnaire collected data on socio-demography, tobacco use, sexual behaviours, HIV status, past treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer screening in the past 10 years.

Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Mapping provider and consumer voices using the AACTT framework: a focus group study of advance care planning.

Background: The provision of healthcare is complex. When evidence-practice gaps are identified, interventions to improve practice across multi-level systems are required. These interventions often consist of multiple interacting components and behaviours.

Dynamic Light Scattering Analysis of Lipid Nanoparticles: Effect of Salts on the Diffusion Interaction Parameter and Hydrodynamic Radius at Infinite Dilution.

The rise in the popularity of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based formulations necessitates the need for screening tools to quickly predict their colloidal stability in the presence of common excipients. Protein chemists have employed the diffusion interaction parameter () determined using dynamic light scattering as an indicator of formulation stability, yet this approach has not been applied to particulate systems. Herein, measurements of LNPs revealed behavior dissimilar to that of proteins.

Association of The rs1024611 Polymorphism with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in A Population of Indian Women: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine conditions that significantly impact the life quality of reproductive-aged women. In the Indian population, its prevalence varies from 3.7 to 22.