Comment on Ambra et al. Could Selenium Supplementation Prevent COVID-19? A Comprehensive Review of Available Studies. 2023, , 4130.

The authors of this Comment are longstanding selenium investigators with a total of 200 or more published articles on selenium; the corresponding author (Margaret P [...

A decade long overview of damage control laparotomy for abdominal gunshot wounds.

Purpose: Over the last three decades, damage control laparotomy (DCL) has become important in the management of abdominal gunshot wounds (GSW). This paper reviews the experience of a single institution over a decade with the use of DCL for GSW of the abdomen.

Methods: Longitudinal data (2013-2022) was collected from the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry database to identify all patients with an abdominal GSW over the study period.

Point of care ultrasound and sub-xiphoid window reduce uncertainty in the management of potential dual-cavity injuries in patients with torso stab wounds.

Introduction: This paper reviews our experiences with the management of patients with torso stab wounds and potential injuries in both the chest and abdomen over the last decade. The aim of the project is to clarify our approach and provide an evidence base for clinical algorithms. We hypothesize that there is room for our clinical algorithms to be further refined in order to address the diverse, life threatening injuries that can result from stab wounds to the torso.

AAST grade of liver injury is not the single most important consideration in decision making for liver trauma.

Background: The liver is one of the most injured organs in both blunt and penetrating trauma. The aim of this study was to identify whether the AAST liver injury grade is predictive of need for intervention, risk of complications and mortality in our patient population, and whether this differs between blunt and penetrating-trauma mechanisms.

Methods: Retrospective review of all liver injuries from a single high-volume metropolitan trauma centre in South Africa from December 2012 to January 2022.

The need for One Health systems-thinking approaches to understand multiscale dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Although the effects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are most obvious at clinical treatment failure, AMR evolution, transmission, and dispersal happen largely in environmental settings, for example within farms, waterways, livestock, and wildlife. We argue that systems-thinking, One Health approaches are crucial for tackling AMR, by understanding and predicting how anthropogenic activities interact within environmental subsystems, to drive AMR emergence and transmission. Innovative computational methods integrating big data streams (eg, from clinical, agricultural, and environmental monitoring) will accelerate our understanding of AMR, supporting decision making.

Management of thoracoabdominal gunshot wounds - Experience from a major trauma centre in South Africa.

Introduction: The management of thoracoabdominal (TA) gunshot wounds (GSW) remains challenging. This study reviewed our experience with treating such injuries over a decade.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma centre in South Africa over a ten-year period from December 2012 to January 2022.

In-Hospital Mortality Following Traumatic Injury in South Africa.

Unlabelled: Trauma is a leading cause of death worldwide and in South Africa. We aimed to quantify the in-hospital trauma mortality rate in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Background: The in-hospital trauma mortality rate in South Africa remains unknown, and it is unclear whether deficits in hospital care are contributing to the high level of trauma-related mortality.

Five historical innovations that have shaped modern orthopaedic surgery.

Throughout history, many innovations have contributed to the development of modern orthopaedic surgery, improving patient outcomes and expanding the range of treatment options available to patients. This article explores five key historical innovations that have shaped modern orthopaedic surgery: X-ray imaging, bone cement, the Thomas splint, the Pneumatic tourniquet and robotic-assisted surgery. We will review the development, impact and significance of each innovation, highlighting their contributions to the field of orthopaedic surgery and their ongoing relevance in contemporary and perioperative practice.

An overview of bone cement: Perioperative considerations, complications, outcomes and future implications.

Polymethyl methacrylate is commonly known as bone cement and is widely used for implant fixation in various orthopaedic arthroplasty and trauma surgery. The first bone cement use in orthopaedics is widely accredited to the famous English surgeon, John Charnley, who in 1958, used it for total hip arthroplasty. Since then, there have been many developments in cementing techniques in arthroplasty surgery.

Enhanced accumulation of phenolics in pea ( L.) seeds upon foliar application of selenate or zinc oxide.

Background: Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential antioxidant enzyme cofactors. Foliar Se/Zn application is a highly effective method of plant biofortification. However, little is known about the effect of such applications on the concentration of trace elements and phytochemicals with pro-oxidant or antioxidant activity in pea ( L.

High-grade renal trauma in children and adolescents can be successfully managed non-operatively.

Background: This paper reviews our experience with management of renal injuries in children and adolescents with a focus on the outcome of non-operative management (NOM).

Methods: Retrospective review of the clinical characteristics, injury grade (I-III, low grade and IV and V high grade), management and outcomes of children ≤ 18 years old with renal trauma presenting to a major trauma centre in South Africa between December 2012 and October 2020.

Results: Sixty-one children with a renal injury were identified with a median age of 13 (range 0-18) years.

Foliar Selenate and Zinc Oxide Separately Applied to Two Pea Varieties: Effects on Growth Parameters and Accumulation of Minerals and Macronutrients in Seeds under Field Conditions.

Though selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) constitute essential nutrients for human health, their deficiencies affect up to 15% and 17% of the global population, respectively. Agronomic biofortification of staple crops with Se/Zn may alleviate these challenges. Pea ( L.

Effects of Platinum Nanoparticles on Rice Seedlings ( L.): Size-dependent Accumulation, Transformation, and Ionomic Influence.

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are increasing in the environment largely due to their wide use and application in automobile and medical industries. The mechanism of uptake behavior of different-sized PtNPs and their association with PtNPs-induced phytotoxicity to plants remains unclear. The present study investigated PtNP uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity simultaneously to further understand the accumulation and transformation dynamics.

Serum lactate level is an independent predictor of mortality in cardiac stab wounds - A South African experience.

Introduction: Despite dramatic advances in the care of trauma patients over the last fifty years, cardiac stab wounds (CSW) remain highly lethal, and the specific relationship between serum lactate level and mortality is unknown.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who presented with intraoperatively confirmed CSW from January 2008 to January 2020 at a major trauma centre in South Africa. Admission serum lactate level and patients' clinical outcomes were reviewed.

Selenium in selected samples of infant formulas and milk commercialized in Belgium and Brazil: Total content, speciation and estimated intake.

Total selenium (Se) and Se species concentrations were determined in 50 infant formulas and milk samples commercialized in Brazil and Belgium. Infant formula categories were starter, follow-up, specialized and plant-based (soy and rice), while milk samples included whole, skimmed, semi-skimmed and plant-based products. Total Se content was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), after microwave digestion.

The neglected epidemic of trauma from interpersonal violence against the elderly in South Africa.

Background: Geriatric injuries comprise a significant burden in the developed world but much less are known in the developing world setting. This study aims to review our experience of geriatric injuries with a focus on interpersonal violence (IPV) managed at a major trauma centre in South Africa.

Methods: This was a retrospective study on all patients who were aged > 65 years admitted to our trauma centre from January 2013 to December 2020, based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Separate foliar sodium selenate and zinc oxide application enhances Se but not Zn accumulation in pea ( L.) seeds.

Up to 15% and 17% of the world population is selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) deficient, respectively. Pea ( L.) is an important staple legume with a high potential for Se and Zn biofortification in seeds.

Assessment of selenium and zinc enriched sludge and duckweed as slow-release micronutrient biofertilizers for Phaseolus vulgaris growth.

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients that are often lacking in the diet of humans and animals. Application of mineral Se and Zn fertilizers into soils may lead to a waste of Se and Zn due to the fast leaching and low utilization by plants. Slow-release Se and Zn biofertilizer may therefore be beneficial.

Penetrating buttock trauma is morbid but rarely fatal - A South African experience.

Background: Penetrating injuries to the buttock are relatively rare but are associated with significant morbidity. This study aimed to review our experience in managing penetrating trauma to the buttocks to contextualize the injury, document the most common associated injuries, and generate an algorithm to assist with the management of these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma center in South Africa over 8 years (January 2012 to January 2020).

Managing the acutely threatened airway following head and neck trauma - Requiem for cricothyroidotomy?

Introduction: Trauma to the head and neck results in acute facial trauma and swelling, which may occlude the airway and result in fatal hypoxia. The management is the establishment of a definitive airway. This paper reviews our experience with this clinical scenario.

Separate Effects of Foliar Applied Selenate and Zinc Oxide on the Accumulation of Macrominerals, Macronutrients and Bioactive Compounds in Two Pea ( L.) Seed Varieties.

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are important cofactors for antioxidant enzymes. Foliar Se/Zn application is a highly efficient strategy of plant biofortification. However, its effects on the accumulation of macrominerals, macronutrients and bioactive compounds in the pea plant (Pisum sativum L.