Status of prevention of neural tube defects post-folic acid fortification of cereal grains in South Africa.

Objective: Neural tube defects (NTD) are serious, life-threatening birth defects. Staple food fortification with folic acid (vitamin B) is a proven, effective intervention to reduce NTD birth prevalence. Mandatory food fortification with folic acid was implemented in South Africa (SA) in 2003.

An innovative chalcogenide transfer agent for improved aqueous quantum dot synthesis.

An innovative approach to chalcogenide precursor synthesis and their subsequent use for the production of CdX (X = S, Se, Te) quantum dots (QDs) in water under scalable and intensified continuous flow conditions is introduced. Herein, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) is identified as a novel, efficient and water-soluble vehicle for chalcogenide transfer to form CdX QDs under aqueous conditions. A comprehensive exploration of critical process parameters, including pH, chalcogen excess, and residence time, utilizing a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach is reported.

An ancient role for CYP73 monooxygenases in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and embryophyte development.

The phenylpropanoid pathway is one of the plant metabolic pathways most prominently linked to the transition to terrestrial life, but its evolution and early functions remain elusive. Here, we show that activity of the t-cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H), the first plant-specific step in the pathway, emerged concomitantly with the CYP73 gene family in a common ancestor of embryophytes. Through structural studies, we identify conserved CYP73 residues, including a crucial arginine, that have supported C4H activity since the early stages of its evolution.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of hepatic cystic Echinococcus in a high HIV prevalence population: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful, minimally invasive intervention in managing complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). This study aims to assess the use of ERCP in a South African HCE cohort with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection.

Methods: An analysis was performed of patients with HCE who were assessed for surgery and underwent ERCP at a tertiary hospital in South Africa between 2011 and 2023.

Point-of-care C-reactive protein and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in unselected antiretroviral therapy initiators: a prospective, cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study.

Background: Tuberculosis, a major cause of death in people living with HIV, remains challenging to diagnose. Diagnostic accuracy data are scarce for promising triage and confirmatory tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP), sputum and urine Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra), and urine Determine TB LAM Ag (a lateral flow lipoarabinomannan [LF-LAM] test), without symptom selection. We evaluated novel triage and confirmatory tests in ambulatory people with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Clinical description and outcome of overall varicella-zoster virus-related organ dysfunctions admitted in intensive care units: the VAZOREA cohort study.

Background: Due to aging population and increasing part of immunocompromised patients, a raise in life-threatening organ damage related to VZV can be expected. Two retrospective studies were already conducted on VZV in ICU but focused on specific organ injury. Patients with high-risk of VZV disease still must be identified.

Efficacy and safety of one anastomosis gastric bypass versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at 5 years (YOMEGA): a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised extension study.

Background: The multicentre randomised trial YOMEGA (NCT02139813) comparing the one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) confirmed the non-inferiority of OAGB on weight loss outcomes at 24 months. We aimed to report weight loss, metabolic, and safety outcomes at 5 years.

Methods: YOMEGA is a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised trial conducted at nine centres in France.

Acute Effects of a Warm-Up Intervention on Pain, Productivity, Physical Capacities and Psychological Perceptions Among Vineyard Workers: a Cluster Randomized Trial.

Purpose: Agriculture is one of the sectors that are the most concerned by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Workplace physical activity programs are one of the most promising solutions to prevent adverse consequences of MSDs such as pain or impairment in physical capacities. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to investigate the acute effect of a warm-up session on pain, work performance, physical capacities and psychosocial perceptions among vineyard workers; (2) to determine the most beneficial warm-up modality for vineyard workers.

High resolution imaging and five-year tuberculosis contact outcomes.

Background: The evolution of tuberculosis (TB) disease during the clinical latency period remains incompletely understood.

Methods: 250 HIV-uninfected, adult household contacts of rifampicin-resistant TB with a negative symptom screen underwent baseline F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission and computed tomography (PET/CT), repeated in 112 after 5-15 months. Following South African and WHO guidelines, participants did not receive preventive therapy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in a resourcelimited setting: a retrospective comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy before and after the introduction of Sentimag at an academic breast unit.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed for staging and prognostication of breast cancer (BC) in cases with a clinically and radiologically negative axilla. Using blue dye and a radioactive colloid injection is considered the gold standard for SLNB. This study aims to evaluate the SLNB outcomes before and after the introduction of Sentimag at an academic breast unit.

Point-of-care C-reactive protein and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in unselected antiretroviral therapy initiators: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a major cause of death in people living with HIV (PLHIV), remains challenging to diagnose. Diagnostic accuracy data are lacking for promising triage tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and confirmatory tests, such as sputum and urine Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra), and urine LAM, without prior symptom selection.

Methods: 897 PLHIV initiating antiretroviral therapy were consecutively recruited in settings with high TB incidence, irrespective of symptoms.

(Honeybush) Induces Uncoupling Protein 1 and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Expression in Obese Diabetic Female db/db Mice.

Previously, we reported that a crude polyphenol-enriched fraction of (CPEF), a plant consumed as the herbal tea, commonly known as honeybush, reduced lipid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and inhibited body weight gain in obese, diabetic female leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. In the current study, the mechanisms underlying decreased body weight gain in db/db mice were further elucidated using western blot analysis and in silico approaches. CPEF induced uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1, 3.

Localization Techniques for Non-Palpable Breast Lesions: Current Status, Knowledge Gaps, and Rationale for the MELODY Study (EUBREAST-4/iBRA-NET, NCT 05559411).

Background: Surgical excision of a non-palpable breast lesion requires a localization step. Among available techniques, wire-guided localization (WGL) is most commonly used. Other techniques (radioactive, magnetic, radar or radiofrequency-based, and intraoperative ultrasound) have been developed in the last two decades with the aim of improving outcomes and logistics.

The Risk of Orofacial Cleft Lip/Palate Due to Maternal Ambient Air Pollution Exposure: A Call for Further Research in South Africa.

Background: Despite being underreported, orofacial cleft lip/palate (CLP) remains in the top five of South Africa's most common congenital disorders. Maternal air pollution exposure has been associated with CLP in neonates. South Africa has high air pollution levels due to domestic burning practices, coal-fired power plants, mining, industry, and traffic pollution, among other sources.

Grapevine leaf MALDI-MS imaging reveals the localisation of a putatively identified sucrose metabolite associated to development.

Despite well-established pathways and metabolites involved in grapevine- interaction, information on the molecules involved in the first moments of pathogen contact with the leaf surface and their specific location is still missing. To understand and localise these molecules, we analysed grapevine leaf discs infected with with MSI. Plant material preparation was optimised, and different matrices and solvents were tested.

Use of antibiotics in pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a frequent and serious condition. However, there is no consensus on the use of antibiotics. The objective of our study was to describe the treatment of this condition and to identify the surgical and medical management parameters to propose an effective and consensual postoperative antibiotic therapy protocol.

Epitope-focused immunogen design based on the ebolavirus glycoprotein HR2-MPER region.

The three human pathogenic ebolaviruses: Zaire (EBOV), Bundibugyo (BDBV), and Sudan (SUDV) virus, cause severe disease with high fatality rates. Epitopes of ebolavirus glycoprotein (GP) recognized by antibodies with binding breadth for all three ebolaviruses are of major interest for rational vaccine design. In particular, the heptad repeat 2 -membrane-proximal external region (HR2-MPER) epitope is relatively conserved between EBOV, BDBV, and SUDV GP and targeted by human broadly-neutralizing antibodies.

Characterization of the Halochromic Gloeocapsin Pigment, a Cyanobacterial Biosignature for Paleobiology and Astrobiology.

Ultraviolet (UV)-screening compounds represent a substantial asset for the survival of cyanobacteria in extreme environments exposed to high doses of UV radiations on modern and early Earth. Among these molecules, the halochromic pigment gloeocapsin remains poorly characterized and studied. In this study, we identified a gloeocapsin-producing cultivable cyanobacteria: the strain ULC007.

Ligamentoplasty with interposition of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the treatment of unicondylar osteochondral defects: a cadaveric feasibility study.

Background: Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are common and complex. However, the treatment of osteochondral defects of the head of the proximal phalanx has rarely been described. Herein, we propose a new technique for the management of unicondylar defects of the proximal phalanx that can restore joint amplitudes and provide PIP stability.

Dysphagia, Dysphonia, and Dysarthria Outcomes Among Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 Across Ireland.

Objective: To investigate the presence, degree, predictors, and trajectory of dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 across the Republic of Ireland (ROI) during the first wave of the pandemic.

Study Design: Prospective observational cohort study.

Methods: Adults with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted into 14 participating acute hospitals across ROI and referred to speech and language therapy between March 1st and June 30th 2020 were recruited.

Identification of novel salivary candidate protein biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnosis: A preliminary biomarker discovery study.

Background: There is an urgent need for new, accurate, rapid, and affordable tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tests. The aim of the present study was to use mass spectrometry to identify new preliminary candidate TB diagnostic protein biomarkers in saliva obtained from individuals with TB, and patients with other respiratory diseases (ORD).

Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 22 individuals who self-presented with symptoms suggestive of TB as part of a larger TB biomarker project.

Association of dexmedetomidine with recovery room and hospital discharge times: A retrospective cohort analysis.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a useful anesthetic adjunct, increasingly popular during pediatric surgery and procedural sedation. Its half-life of 2-3 hours might prolong recovery and discharge times when compared with an un-supplemented propofol anesthetic. This may create an additional burden in a busy post-anesthetic care unit (PACU).

Facial analysis technology for the detection of Down syndrome in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal anomalies affecting the world's population, with an estimated frequency of 1 in 700 live births. Despite its relatively high prevalence, diagnostic rates based on clinical features have remained under 70% for most of the developed world and even lower in countries with limited resources. While genetic and cytogenetic confirmation greatly increases the diagnostic rate, such resources are often non-existent in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.