Genetic variant detection in a South African haemophilia B population.

Background: Haemophilia B is characterised by a deficiency of factor IX (FIX) protein due to genetic variants in the FIX gene (F9). Genetic testing may have a vital role in effectively managing haemophilia B. However, in many developing countries, comprehensive genetic variant detection is unavailable.

Forensic autopsy-confirmed thrombosis-related deaths: the danger in the bones.

Thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening condition related to roughly a quarter of all deaths globally. Many of these deaths occur inside healthcare facilities due to possibly preventable causes. Therefore, understanding the etiological factors involved in excessive thrombosis may significantly contribute to the successful identification, management and education of people who have an increased risk of thrombosis.

Post-mortem evidence of a diverse distribution pattern of atherosclerosis in the South African population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of mortality worldwide. The disease profile of CVD varies considerably between different demographic groups and socioeconomic status. Atherosclerosis remains a major risk factor for CVD, and thus, believed to be a good indicator of the CVD profile in a population, yet little is known on its prevalence in sub-Saharan African populations.

HLA major allele group frequencies in a diverse population of the Free State Province, South Africa.

Background: Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA) play a vital role in disease pathogenesis and transplant rejection. HLA-typing is a useful tool in predicting disease progression and to identify potential organ donors. Due to human migration and known ethnic variation, frequent targeted HLA sequencing of specific populations is crucial to increase their representation in global reference panels.

Molecular suitability of the chacma baboon in human-targeted Von Willebrand factor directed studies.

Background: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) has a central role in primary haemostasis and is a popular pharmaceutical target in the prevention and treatment of disorders such as acute coronary syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We have evaluated numerous possible treatments targeting VWF in the chacma baboon. Unfortunately, no data exist regarding the molecular similarity of the chacma baboon and human VWF protein, resulting in limited translatability of results.

Lifestyle Change Alone Sufficient to Lower Cholesterol in Male Patient With Moderately Elevated Cholesterol: A Case Report.

. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of deaths. Elevated cholesterol levels to above the normal reference range is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of Commercially Available Blood Collection Tubes Containing Sodium Citrate and Hirudin in Platelet Aggregation Testing.

BACKGROUND Platelet reactivity assessment is an important tool in both the causal determination of bleeding diathesis as well as in the evaluation of the efficacy of anti-platelet therapy in patients at risk of thrombosis. Sodium citrate is the most widely used anticoagulant for hemostasis investigations. However, some doubt exists over the suitability of sodium citrate in platelet function testing.

Comparison of common platelet receptors between the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) and human for use in pre-clinical human-targeted anti-platelet studies.

Anti-platelet agents play a central part in the treatment and prevention of acute thrombotic events. Discriminating animal models are needed for the development of novel agents. The chacma baboon has been extensively used as a model to evaluate anti-platelet agents.

The Cape Chacma baboon is not suitable for evaluating human targeted anti-GPVI agents.

An effective and safe anti-platelet drug is central to the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) is currently regarded as a potential target for novel anti-platelet agents due to its collagen-binding potential. Development of anti-thrombotics is associated with testing in animals.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids cause apoptosis in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis biofilms.

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have antifungal properties, but the mode by which they induce their action is not always clear. The aim of the study was to investigate apoptosis as a mode of action of antifungal PUFAs (stearidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid) which are inhibitory towards biofilm formation of C. albicans and C.

Tirofiban versus abciximab: tirofiban is administered at suboptimal dosages when evaluated in an arterial thrombosis model in non-human primates.

To prevent thrombosis in high-risk acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for re-vascularisation, concomitant administration of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, such as abciximab, tirofiban or eptifibatide, is recommended. Abciximab and eptifibatide are mostly preferred over tirofiban, which is less effective in preventing ischaemic events. We compared the efficacy and bleeding potential of escalating doses of tirofiban and abciximab in non-human primates.