A phylogenomic perspective on interspecific competition.

Evolutionary processes may have substantial impacts on community assembly, but evidence for phylogenetic relatedness as a determinant of interspecific interaction strength remains mixed. In this perspective, we consider a possible role for discordance between gene trees and species trees in the interpretation of phylogenetic signal in studies of community ecology. Modern genomic data show that the evolutionary histories of many taxa are better described by a patchwork of histories that vary along the genome rather than a single species tree.

Genomic, transcriptomic, and ecological diversity of Penicillium species in cheese rind microbiomes.

Although Penicillium molds can have significant impacts on agricultural, industrial, and biomedical systems, the ecological roles of Penicillium species in many microbiomes are not well characterized. Here we utilized a collection of 35 Penicillium strains isolated from cheese rinds to broadly investigate the genomic potential for secondary metabolism in cheese-associated Penicillium species, the impact of Penicillium on bacterial community assembly, and mechanisms of Penicillium-bacteria interactions. Using antiSMASH, we identified 1558 biosynthetic gene clusters, 406 of which were mapped to known pathways, including several mycotoxins and antimicrobial compounds.

Incorporating CNV analysis improves the yield of exome sequencing for rare monogenic disorders-an important consideration for resource-constrained settings.

Exome sequencing (ES) is a recommended first-tier diagnostic test for many rare monogenic diseases. It allows for the detection of both single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variants (CNVs) in coding exonic regions of the genome in a single test, and this dual analysis is a valuable approach, especially in limited resource settings. Single-nucleotide variants are well studied; however, the incorporation of copy number variant analysis tools into variant calling pipelines has not been implemented yet as a routine diagnostic test, and chromosomal microarray is still more widely used to detect copy number variants.

Research participants' perspectives regarding the feedback of secondary findings-A cohort from the DDD-Africa study, South Africa.

Genomic researchers face an ethical dilemma regarding feedback of individual results generated from genomic studies. In the African setting, genomic research is still not widely implemented and, coupled with this, the limited African-specific guidelines on how to feedback on individual research findings. A qualitative study was performed to assess participants' expectations and preferences regarding the feedback of secondary findings from genomic research.

Microbiome Assembly in Fermented Foods.

For thousands of years, humans have enjoyed the novel flavors, increased shelf-life, and nutritional benefits that microbes provide in fermented foods and beverages. Recent sequencing surveys of ferments have mapped patterns of microbial diversity across space, time, and production practices. But a mechanistic understanding of how fermented food microbiomes assemble has only recently begun to emerge.

Identifying the genetic causes of developmental disorders and intellectual disability in Africa: a systematic literature review.

Genetic variants cause a significant portion of developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID), but clinical and genetic heterogeneity makes identification challenging. Compounding the issue is a lack of ethnic diversity in studies into the genetic aetiology of DD/ID, with a dearth of data from Africa. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively describe the current knowledge from the African continent on this topic.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Evidence From a Research Perspective.

Male fertility potential can be influenced by a variety of conditions that frequently coincide. Spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to their limited antioxidant capacity and cell membrane rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The role of oxidative stress (OS) in the etiology of male infertility has been the primary focus of our Stellenbosch University Reproductive Research Group (SURRG) over the last 10 years.

Feeding practices in public hospitals' neonatal intensive care units: An exploration into the ways in which COVID-19 affected the best practice in Gauteng.

Background:  South Africa's healthcare system has a multitude of pre-existing challenges prior to the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ranging from reduced number of staff, lack of resources and units being at overcapacity both in the adult and paediatric populations. The neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) require a team approach to ensure best practice with vulnerable infants, but little is known about how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown restrictions impacted the feeding practices within the NICU.

Objectives:  This study aimed to explore the impact that COVID-19 had on the feeding practices within the NICU settings in public hospitals in Gauteng.

Relating rheological measurements to primary and secondary skin feeling when mineral-based and Fischer-Tropsch wax-based cosmetic emulsions and jellies are applied to the skin.

Rheology measurements were correlated to skin sensations occurring when cream and petroleum jelly cosmetic products containing different amounts of synthetic Fischer-Tropsch wax were applied to the skin. A panel of 15 people with a background in cosmetic product development were asked to rate skin feelings when a range of petroleum jelly and cream samples are applied to the skin. Primary skin feel, or the spreadability of a cosmetic product, was correlated to the product's flow onset and maximum viscosity as measured by a Anton Paar rheometer, whereas secondary skin feel or the sensation occurring at the end of application when the product was completely rubbed into the skin was correlated to the product's viscosity measured at high shear rates.

The benefits of Fischer-Tropsch waxes in synthetic petroleum jelly.

This article is an introduction and general discussion regarding the use of Fisher-Tropsch wax in petroleum jelly applications. Traditionally, petroleum jelly is prepared from a blend of microwax, paraffin wax and mineral oil that are all derived from crude oil. Sasol Wax has successfully prepared a petroleum jelly based on predominantly to fully synthetic Fisher-Tropsch wax.

Mivacurium for caesarean section in hypertensive parturients receiving magnesium sulphate therapy.

The interaction between mivacurium and magnesium sulphate was investigated in a group of parturients undergoing caesarean section under general anaesthesia. Thirty parturients were studied; 10 normotensive controls (group NT), 10 hypertensive controls (group HT) and 10 hypertensives who received magnesium sulphate (group HTM). At induction group HT received 30 microg/kg of alfentanil and group HTM 10 microg/kg of alfentanil and 30 or 60 mg/kg of magnesium sulphate.

Pulp histology after Er:YAG laser cavity preparation in subhuman primates--a pilot study.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to make a direct comparison of the pulpal effects of laser and turbine preparations in subhuman primates. One female baboon (Papio Ursinus ursinus), weighing 15 kg, was used. General anaesthesia was administered (ketamine 100 mg/ml/kg body weight) and maintained with acepromazine (10 mg/ml/kg body weight).

Pulp capping with a modified bioglass formula (#A68-modified).

Purpose: To evaluate a modified Bioglass (Formula #68 (MBF68) when used as a pulp capping agent.

Materials And Methods: After exposure, the pulps were contaminated with saliva for 60s, rinsed, dried and treated with Consepsis, acting as a hemostatic and bactericidal agent. After drying the Consepsis, the MFB68, having been pre-mixed in sterile saline, was carefully deposited over the pulp exposure, covered with polycarboxylate cement and restored with the ProBond bonding resin system.

Significance of pulpal pressure during clinical bonding procedures.

Purpose: To determine whether pulpal pressure in vital teeth plays a significant role in dentin bonding procedures.

Materials And Methods: Half the teeth in three baboons received root canal treatment thus eliminating pulpal pressure. All teeth were then prepared on the buccal surface with a diamond wheel to create flat surfaces into dentin, measuring at least 4 mm in diameter.

Adherence of "stuck" restorations to demineralized dentin following use of experimental primers.

Purpose: This in vivo study histopathologically evaluated the biocompatibility of four self-conditioning dentinal primer formulas in four bonding systems and evaluated the pulpal responses of the self-conditioning dentinal bonding systems for Class V tooth preparations in primates.

Material And Methods: The basic formula consisted of proprietary carboxylic diacid monomer, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate phosphoric acid ester, acetone, and ethanol that was used alone or mixed with other commercial priming agents. After application of primers, Prisma Universal Bond 3 was selected to restore the cavity preparations.

Repairing fractured porcelain: how surface preparation affects shear force resistance.

This article reports on a study of the shear bond strength of porcelain repaired with any of several currently available dentin bonding systems and composite resin. The authors describe the benefits of the use of silane and the decrease in shear bond strength values after thermocycling. The results should be helpful to any practitioner confronted with a restoration that is a candidate for intraoral repair of fractured porcelain.

Replacing amalgam fillings with composite inlays--a case report.

The latest revival of the old amalgam controversy is causing dentists to be inundated with requests from patients to replace their amalgam fillings with more "acceptable" filling materials. A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia has been monitored since 1981. All his amalgam fillings were replaced by baked composite inlays.

Comparative study of the retentive strengths of dowels of three different diameters in combination with one or two different-sized threaded pins.

Vented parallel-sided, serrated posts cemented into matching precision channels provide excellent retentive strength; however, they do not offer significant resistance to rotational forces. This article explores the effectiveness of using supplementary pins to compensate for this deficiency. A standardized method was used to place combinations of parallel-sided posts and screw-type pins in prepared root canals of extracted human teeth.

Thiamine deficiency-induced gestational polyneuropathy and encephalopathy. A case report.

A 22-year-old multigravida presented with polyneuropathy and encephalopathy at 18 weeks' pregnancy. After excluding other applicable conditions, the diagnosis of a hyperemesis-induced thiamine deficiency was made. With the necessary vitamin supplementation the patient gradually recovered over a period of 4 months and was delivered of a normal infant at term.

Youssef's syndrome: a case report.

Youssef's syndrome, or menouria following a vesicouterine fistula, has been reported rarely. This case differs from the previously reported cases in that the menouria was caused by a double vesicocervical fistula and that, in contrast to the generally preferred transabdominal approach, a transvaginal approach was used for successful surgical repair of the fistulas.

[Interval Falope ring sterilization in the Cape Province: experience with 9175 cases over 4 years].

During a 4-year period 9175 women were sterilized under local anaesthesia by the laparoscopic Falope ring method. These procedures were performed in smaller towns in the Cape Province. The method used, its cost-effectiveness, and its acceptability to patients are described in detail.

Complications in 8509 laparoscopic Falope ring sterilizations performed under local anaesthesia.

During the 3-year period 1 January 1980-31 December 1982, 8509 laparoscopic Falope ring sterilizations were performed under local anaesthesia in rural areas of the Cape Province by the Sterilization Service of Tygerberg Hospital. Despite the fact that 476 of the patients had undergone previous lower abdominal surgery, major complications (anaphylactic shock after injection of lignocaine and inadvertent perforation of the bladder by the trocar) occurred in only 2 cases. It was not possible to complete the sterilization under local anaesthesia in 98 cases, resulting in a technical failure rate of 1.

[Metastatic calcifications as demonstrated by technetium-99m-pyrophosphate bone scanning. Case reports].

Two cases of chronic renal failure showing very interesting technetium-99m-pyrophosphate bone scans are presented. In both cases striking uptake of activity was shown in the left ventricle of the heart, the mucosa of the stomach and in both lungs. This picture was attributed to metastatic calcification in these organs.

[Assessing the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy by means of the Dornfest method as a screening test].

In a study to assess the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy, as determined by the Dornfest method of urine examination, results proved to be positive in 7% of patients. Of these patients 28% developed acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy. The Dornfest method can be used successfully as a screening test for asymptomatic bacteriuria at antenatal visits and the necessary treatment can be instituted, lowering the incidence of acute pyelonephritis, a condition which remains the most frequent cause for admission to hospital of a pregnant patient.