Novel Versus Conventional Sequencing of β-Blockers, Sodium/Glucose Cotransportor 2 Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors, and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Stable Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (NovCon Sequencing Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Chronic heart failure has high morbidity and mortality, with approximately half of the patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis. Recent additions to the armamentarium of anti-heart failure therapies include angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). Both classes have demonstrated mortality and morbidity benefits.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of dolutegravir in children receiving rifampicin tuberculosis treatment in South Africa (ORCHID): a prospective cohort study.

Background: Data on the safety and pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir in children with HIV and tuberculosis are scarce. We aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily in children receiving rifampicin, and to predict exposures for once-daily dolutegravir with rifampicin.

Methods: ORCHID is an open-label, sequential, prospective cohort study in children (<18 years) weighing 20-35 kg initiated on a rifampicin-based tuberculosis regimen and dolutegravir in Durban, South Africa.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes on termination of pregnancy in eThekwini.

Background:  While the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act No. 92 was legalised in 1996 permitting termination of pregnancy (TOP) to be accessed at various public health facilities in South Africa, unsafe abortions continue to take place outside of legally designated facilities. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding TOP services at public primary healthcare (PHC) centres in the central business district (CBD) of the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Protocol for perfusing human axillary lymph nodes ex vivo to study structure and function in real time.

Lymph nodes regulate immunity and maintain fluid balance in health and disease. Here, we present a protocol that uses normothermic perfusion to sustain patient-derived lymph nodes ex vivo for up to 24 h to study their structure and function. We describe steps for setting up both thermoregulatory and perfusion circuits, cannulating human lymph nodes, and perfusion.

Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Clinical Relevance: Advancements in optometric education are essential for addressing the global burden of visual impairment by ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of delivering quality eye care services.

Background: The number of optometry schools in Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly increased since 2000, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of optometry in addressing the burden of vision impairment. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities within optometry education in the region.