Detection of Acute and Early HIV-1 Infections in an HIV Hyper-Endemic Area with Limited Resources.

Background: Two thirds of the world's new HIV infections are in sub-Saharan Africa. Acute HIV infection (AHI) is the time of virus acquisition until the appearance of HIV antibodies. Early HIV infection, which includes AHI, is the interval between virus acquisition and establishment of viral load set-point.

A radiological evaluation of alveolar bone regeneration between the left and right mandibles and maxillae of the Chacma baboon.

There is a lack of information in comparing the healing rate between the left and right sides of the maxilla and mandible. Osteogenesis of alveolar bone was evaluated with digital radiology by comparing differences in bone density (BD) at different time points within the left and right maxilla and mandible. Alveolar bone defects were created in five healthy Chacma baboons.

A cross-sectional study on the relationship of age, gestational age and HIV infection to bacterial vaginosis and genital mycoplasma infection.

Objectives: Pregnant women are especially at risk of developing complications when infected with reproductive tract infections (RTIs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women and investigate the associations between BV, genital mycoplasmas, HIV infection, age and gestational age.

Design: Cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components.

Prevalence of dental disorders in an abattoir population of horses in South Africa by oral examination of intact and bisected heads.

Dental care is an integral part of equine veterinary practice. The objectives of this cross sectional study were to describe the prevalence of dental disorders in an abattoir population of horses, and to compare oral examination of intact and bisected heads. Heads from 40 horses, 19 males and 21 females, were examined and divided into immature, adult or older horses based on dental age.

A comparison of mandibular and maxillary alveolar osteogenesis over six weeks: a radiological examination.

Introduction: Insufficient information exists on comparing radiological differences in bone density of the regeneration rate in the alveolar bone of the maxilla and mandible following the creation of similar defects in both.

Methods: Alveolar bone defects were created from five healthy Chacma baboons. Standardized x-ray images were acquired over time and the densities of the selected defect areas were measured pre-operatively, directly post-operatively and at three- and six weeks post-operatively.

Patterns of adherence to scheduling and dietary instructions among patients on antiretroviral therapy in Pretoria, South Africa.

Background: Adherence in antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the extent to which the HIV-infected person's behavior corresponds to the prescribed medical advice in terms of using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Adherence includes acts such as following instructions regarding dietary or fluid restrictions and taking medications at the prescribed time. This study aimed to determine the extent to which persons on ART followed the scheduling and dietary instructions of their ARV drugs.

Ozone treatment of alveolar bone in the cape chacma baboon does not enhance healing following trauma.

In the international literature, the role of Ozone (O3) in the advancement in alveolar bone healing in the absence of bone pathology was not tested before. The purpose of this study was to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration after a bone defect was created and treated with a single topical administration of O3. Alveolar bone defects were created on five healthy chacma baboons.

Cytomegalovirus viral load kinetics in patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to a medical intensive care unit: a case for pre-emptive therapy.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with severe diseases in immunosuppressed patients; however, there is a lack of data for pre-emptive therapy in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Method: This was a retrospective study, which enrolled patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS (CD4<200 cells/μl), who had detectable CMV viral load (VL) during their stay in an adult medical intensive care unit between 2009-2012.

Results: After screening 82 patients' records, 41 patients met the enrolment criteria.

Determination of the accuracy of juxtacapsular dissection of the breast. What is left behind?

Background: Resectional breast surgery has become less extensive. Dissection on plane of the superficial fascia covering the breast (juxtacapsular) is used during various procedures for retention of the appearance of the breast. The accuracy of this method and its ability to remove all glandular breast tissue has never been tested.

HBV/HIV co-infection: the dynamics of HBV in South African patients with AIDS.

Objective: As sub-Saharan Africa is highly endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, and their co-infection requires special management, we aimed to assess the serological and molecular characteristics of HBV in patients with AIDS.

Design: This was a cross-sectional, case control study, which enrolled 200 patients with AIDS and 200 HIV-negative controls. HBV serology was done in all participants and HCV serology in participants with a hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) only serological pattern.

Predictors of risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies among women in an urban and a rural area of South Africa.

The study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of being at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) among women of child-bearing age in an urban and rural location in South Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey of 1018 women aged 18-44 years in one urban (n=606) and one rural (n=412) site. The women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.

Which personal quality of life domains affect the happiness of older South Africans?

Objective: To ascertain which quality of life domains affect the happiness of older South Africans.

Method: Seven hundred and ten respondents, aged between 50 years and 93 years, participated in the study. Seven single items assessed satisfaction with: oneself, family life, friendship, one's time to do things, neighbours, social life and health.