Publications by authors named "Viljoen A"

Article Synopsis
  • South Africa is home to various Bulbine species, which are traditionally used by indigenous groups for treating skin conditions, leading to interest in their potential for cosmetic products, but scientific validation is needed for their effectiveness in wound healing.
  • This study aims to investigate the wound-healing properties of five specific Bulbine species through both laboratory (in vitro) and living organism (in vivo) models.
  • The research identifies 11 major compounds in the Bulbine species and assesses their potential for promoting cell migration and wound closure, revealing varying chemical profiles among the species.
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Objective: We aim to explore the concept of distance and journey to goal, and consideration of these 2 elements a priori when choosing LLT.

Methods: Modelling of expected % LDL-C reductions was carried out on a range of hypothetical patients' baseline LDL-C values prior to any LLT being commenced. Therapies were then added in a stepwise manner based on the pathway demonstrated in current national guidance and compared with goal achievement on a novel LLT optimization pathway implemented in Morecambe Bay NHS Trust.

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Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is one of the most damaging plant diseases known.

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Article Synopsis
  • Lobostemon fruticosus is a traditional medicinal shrub from South Africa, known for treating skin issues like wounds, burns, and eczema, with reported anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  • The study aimed to scientifically validate the wound healing abilities of L. fruticosus through experiments on both human cell lines and zebrafish larvae.
  • The extract contained several compounds, including potential toxins at low levels, and showed promising results in enhancing cell migration in the scratch assay, indicating its potential for wound healing.
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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The use of medicinal plants for central nervous system (CNS)-related ailments, such as epilepsy and anxiety, is prevalent in South Africa. Plants from the Lamiaceae family are commonly used for their therapeutic benefits. Leonotis leonurus (L.

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The lycophyte Phylloglossum drummondii is the sole inhabitant of its genus in the Huperzioideae group and one of a small minority of plants which perform uridine to cytidine RNA editing. We assembled the P. drummondii chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes and used RNA sequence data to build a comprehensive profile of organellar RNA editing events.

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Article Synopsis
  • Type IVa pili (T4aP) are essential surface filaments in bacteria, playing key roles in motility, adhesion, DNA uptake, biofilm formation, and virulence.
  • The major pilin subunit, PilA, is unusually large at 208 residues, which contributes to its structural stability and functionality compared to typical T4aP pilins.
  • Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that the larger C-terminal domain of PilA enhances intersubunit interactions, leading to increased bending stiffness and better motility across various surfaces.
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Objective: Novel lipid-lowering therapies are being introduced. Few studies exist of the real-world effectiveness of adenosine-tri-phosphate citrate lyase inhibition with bempedoic acid.

Methods: This study audited bempedoic acid therapy in 216 consecutive patients from three hospital centres - a university hospital ( = 77) and two district general hospitals ( = 106 and 33).

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  • SGLT2 inhibitors are effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), providing not only glucose control but also protective benefits against cardiovascular and kidney complications.
  • These medications have proven to be cost-effective and can lead to significant economic savings due to lower rates of serious health events compared to other treatments.
  • Despite their benefits, there is some hesitancy among healthcare providers in prescribing SGLT2is, prompted by confusion regarding their use and outdated perceptions about their safety; updated guidelines aim to clarify their advantages and recommended application in T2DM management.
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Background: Effective health care relies on person-centeredness and teamwork, which are known to improve outcomes. These two concepts have been defined individually, but we could not find a definition of the combined concept. A preliminary definition was developed through a concept analysis; however, consensus on the concept has not been reached.

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Obesity is the fifth leading risk factor for global deaths with numbers continuing to increase worldwide. In the last 20 years, the emergence of pharmacological treatments for obesity based on gastrointestinal hormones has transformed the therapeutic landscape. The successful development of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, followed by the synergistic combined effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonists achieved remarkable weight loss and glycemic control in those with the diseases of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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Background: Babesia canis is a clinically relevant vector-borne pathogen in dogs, and its presence is expanding. The efficacy of Simparica Trio (Zoetis) in the prevention of B. canis transmission was evaluated at the minimum recommended label dose of 1.

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Aims And Objectives: To establish consensus on items to be included in an instrument to measure person-centred teamwork in a hospital setting. The objective was to identify the items through a methodological literature review. Refine the items and obtain consensus on the items.

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Article Synopsis
  • Mechanobiology studies how cells detect and react to mechanical signals, influencing their functions and roles in health and disease.
  • Thacker and team demonstrate that the tuberculosis bacteria leverages the mechanical properties of cord-like structures to enhance its ability to infect hosts.
  • This interaction affects the immune response and the effectiveness of antibiotics, which has implications for treatment approaches.
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Background: Diabetes care has traditionally not included nutrition therapy using carbohydrate restriction, nor has carbohydrate restriction been taught to registered dietitians (RDs) to support patients living with diabetes choosing this dietary approach. We aimed to describe the experiences and views of RDs caring for patients using therapeutic carbohydrate-restricted diets (TCR), particularly metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Subjects/methods: A qualitative study design using free-text responses from an online needs assessment survey was employed.

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The efficacy of Felpreva® (Vetoquinol), a new spot-on application containing the novel acaricide and insecticide tigolaner in combination with emodepside and praziquantel, was evaluated in cats artificially infested with ear mites (). A total of three pivotal dose confirmation studies were conducted, two of them designed as non-interference studies. Cats were artificially infested with mites and randomly allocated into groups of 8 cats based on pre-treatment mite counts.

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Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by the soil-borne pathogen f. sp. (Foc), is a major constraint to banana production worldwide (Viljoen .

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Introduction: The marula fruit is an important indigenous African fruit since various commercial products are produced from the pulp and the seed oil. The increased demand requires methods for authentication, quality control and determination of geographical origin.

Objective: The study aimed to establish a fast and reliable method for characterisation and authentication of marula seed oil.

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Type IV pili (T4P) are ubiquitous bacterial cell surface filaments important for surface motility, adhesion to biotic and abiotic surfaces, DNA uptake, biofilm formation, and virulence. T4P are built from thousands of copies of the major pilin subunit and tipped by a complex composed of minor pilins and in some systems also the PilY1 adhesin. While the major pilins of structurally characterized T4P have lengths of up to 161 residues, the major pilin PilA of is unusually large with 208 residues.

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Five studies (two dose determination, two dose confirmation, and one speed of flea kill study) were conducted to assess the immediate (therapeutic) efficacy and long-term persistent (preventive) efficacy of a single spot-on application containing the novel acaricide and insecticide tigolaner in combination with emodepside and praziquantel (Felpreva®, Vetoquinol S.A. Lure, France) applied to cats artificially infested with .

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Fusarium wilt disease of banana, caused by the notorious soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4), is extremely difficult to manage.

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