Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis technique failure in adult patients treated at a tertiary hospital in central South Africa: a retrospective analytical study.

Background: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the kidney replacement therapy (KRT) modalities used in patients with kidney failure. It is the preferred modality in most resource-limited settings as it is more accessible and cost-effective. CAPD technique failure remains a challenge and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

Colonisation with multidrug-resistant organisms among dialysis patients at Universitas Academic Hospital.

Background: While most infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) affect colonised people, there is limited evidence on MDRO colonisation in South African dialysis patients.

Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of MDRO colonisation among dialysis patients, the resistance patterns of each MDRO and the risk factors for colonisation.

Method: Rectal and nasal swabs were collected from dialysis patients who consented to participate in a 5-month study to identify selected MDROs (April 2021 - August 2021).

A Qualitative Exploration of Postoperative Bariatric Patients' Psychosocial Support for Long-Term Weight Loss and Psychological Wellbeing.

Background: There is a paucity of research exploring postoperative psychosocial interventions for bariatric surgery patients exceeding 2 years, and therefore, an interdisciplinary postoperative approach is warranted. This qualitative study explored the psychosocial support that bariatric surgery patients feel they need to sustain long-term weight loss and their psychological wellbeing.

Methods: Fifteen postoperative patients participated in recorded semi-structured online interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Predicting strength outcomes for upper limb nerve transfer surgery in tetraplegia.

We report a retrospective study of 112 nerve transfers in 39 participants to investigate predictors of strength outcomes after nerve transfer surgery for upper limb reanimation in tetraplegia. We measured clinical and pre- and intraoperative neurophysiological assessment variables and compared them with strength outcomes 2 years after nerve transfer surgery. We found statistically significant improvement in Medical Research Council strength grades after nerve transfer surgery with lower cervical spine injuries (between one and two grades), lower donor nerve stimulation thresholds (half of a grade), greater motor evoked potential activity in recipient nerves (half of a grade) and greater muscle responses to intraoperative stimulation of donor (half of a grade) and recipient nerves (half of a grade).

Improving hand function after spinal cord injury.

Nerve transfer surgery has expanded reconstructive options for restoring upper extremity function following spinal cord injury. By adding new motor donors to the pool already available through tendon transfers, the effectiveness of treatment should improve. Planning which procedures and in which order to perform, along with their details must be delineated.

Transfer of the supinator nerve to the posterior interosseous nerve for hand opening in tetraplegia through an anterior approach.

We report a retrospective series of 44 transfers in 26 patients in whom a functioning supinator nerve was transferred to a paralyzed posterior interosseous nerve through a single, anterior approach to re-animate hand opening in mid-cervical tetraplegia. Eighteen patients underwent concurrent nerve or tendon transfers to re-animate grasp and/or pinch through the same anterior incision. We evaluated the strength of the innervated muscle at mean follow-up of 24 months (range 12-27).

Reliability of three radiographic classification systems for knee osteoarthritis among observers of different experience levels.

Objective: To assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability of three commonly referenced radiographic classification systems for knee osteoarthritis in a cohort of arthroplasty candidates.

Materials And Methods: Pre-operative radiographs of 112 patients who subsequently underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were evaluated by four independent observers of varying experience. Each x-ray was de-identified, randomised, and classified according to the International Knee Documentation Committee, Kellgren-Lawrence, and Ahlbäck classifications.

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to support psychological well-being in post-operative bariatric patients: A systematic review of evidence.

Background: Bariatric surgery is considered an effective obesity management intervention for individuals with a BMI greater than 40, or 35 with co-morbidities. However, research documents that psychological difficulties prevalent amongst individuals seeking surgery may persist post-operatively. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence to show which psychosocial interventions support psychological well-being post-operatively.

Volar Scaphoid Plating for Nonunion: A Multicenter Case Series Study.

 The volar scaphoid plate from Medartis (Medartis AG, Austrasse, Basel, Switzerland) is a variable angle titanium locking plate, preformed for the volar aspect of the scaphoid. It does not have compressive capability, and may act as a bridging device. It may provide an advantage over a compression screw where the pathoanatomy is less favorable to such a device with increased rotational stability.

Expanding traditional tendon-based techniques with nerve transfers for the restoration of upper limb function in tetraplegia: a prospective case series.

Background: Loss of upper extremity function after cervical spinal cord injury greatly affects independence, including social, vocational, and community engagement. Nerve transfer surgery offers an exciting new option for the reanimation of upper limb function in tetraplegia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of nerve transfer surgery used for the reanimation of upper limb function in tetraplegia.

Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in early life on the cumulative prevalence of allergic disease to 11 years.

Background: In a two-centre randomized placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) (6 × 10 colony-forming units [cfu]) or Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (HN019) (9 × 10 cfu) taken daily from 35-week gestation to 6 months' post-partum in mothers while breastfeeding and from birth to age 2 years in infants, we showed that HN001 significantly protected against eczema development at 2, 4 and 6 years and atopic sensitization at 6 years. There was no effect of HN019. We report here the findings for 11 year outcomes.

Effect of early probiotic supplementation on childhood cognition, behaviour and mood a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Aim: To determine whether probiotic supplementation in early life improves neurocognitive outcomes assessed at 11 years of age.

Methods: A total of 474 children who were born March 2004-Aug 2005 participated in a two-centre randomised placebo-controlled trial of infants at risk of developing allergic disease. Pregnant women were randomised to take Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain HN001, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in breast cancer patients: The prevalence thereof and its effect on breast cancer characteristics at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital Breast Clinic, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.

Background: Since the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, improved immune functioning and prolonged survival of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients has been accompanied by an increased incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC). Breast cancer is the most prevalent NADC among HIV-positive women. However, data regarding the interaction between these two diagnoses remain limited.

Efficacy of seawater for washing oiled birds during an oil spill response.

Aquatic pollution events can be detrimental to the survival of wildlife, particularly birds. To decontaminate affected birds, large quantities of fresh water are required. A recent study using seabird feathers, demonstrated that seawater wash/rinse can effectively remove oil from feathers.

Activation of the protein C pathway and endothelial glycocalyx shedding is associated with coagulopathy in an ovine model of trauma and hemorrhage.

Introduction: Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) is an endogenous coagulopathy that develops following tissue injury and shock. The pathogenesis of ATC remains poorly understood, with platelet dysfunction, activation of the protein C pathway, and endothelial glycocalyx shedding all hypothesized to contribute to onset. The primary aim of this study was to develop an ovine model of traumatic coagulopathy, with a secondary aim of assessing proposed pathophysiological mechanisms within this model.

Rehabilitation of Supinator Nerve to Posterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer in Individuals With Tetraplegia.

Despite being a routine part of the early surgical management of brachial plexus injury, nerve transfers have only recently been used as a reconstructive option for those with tetraplegia. Subsequently, there is limited published literature on the rehabilitation theories and techniques for optimizing outcomes in this population. This article seeks to address this void by presenting our centers' working model for rehabilitation after nerve transfers for individuals with tetraplegia.

Review of Upper Extremity Nerve Transfer in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective:  Several nerve transfers have now been successfully performed for upper limb reanimation in tetraplegia. This study was performed to review the use of nerve transfers for upper limb reanimation in tetraplegia.

Methods:  Medline and Embase (1950 to February 11, 2015) were searched using a search strategy designed to include any studies that reported cases of nerve transfer in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Ventral dermatitis in rowi (Apteryx rowi) due to cutaneous larval migrans.

The rowi is a critically endangered species of kiwi. Young birds on a crèche island showed loss of feathers from the ventral abdomen and a scurfy dermatitis of the abdominal skin and vent margin. Histology of skin biopsies identified cutaneous larval migrans, which was shown by molecular sequencing to be possibly from a species of Trichostrongylus as a cause of ventral dermatitis and occasional ulcerative vent dermatitis.

Experimental Animal Models of Traumatic Coagulopathy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Perturbations in coagulation function are common following trauma and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Traditionally considered an iatrogenic process, it is now recognized that an acute coagulation dysfunction develops prior to medical intervention. The mechanisms underlying the development of this acute traumatic coagulopathy remain poorly understood.

Upper limb reinnervation in C6 tetraplegia using a triple nerve transfer: case report.

Restoration of elbow extension, grasp, key pinch, and release are major goals in low-level tetraplegia. Traditionally, these functions are achieved using tendon transfers. In this case these goals were achieved using nerve transfers.

Accuracy of surgical wound drainage measurements: an analysis and comparison.

Background: Surgical drain tube readings can influence the clinical management of the post-operative patient. The accuracy of these readings has not been documented in the current literature and this experimental study aims to address this paucity.

Methods: Aliquots (10, 25, 40 and 90 mL) of black tea solution prepared to mimic haemoserous fluid were injected into UnoVac, RedoVac and Jackson-Pratt drain tubes.

Evolutionary history of African mongoose rabies.

Two biotypes or variants of rabies virus (RABV) occur in southern Africa. These variants are respectively adapted to hosts belonging to the Canidae family (the canid variant) and hosts belonging to the Herpestidae family (the mongoose variant). Due to the distinct host adaptation and differences in epidemiology and pathogenesis, it has been hypothesized that the two variants were introduced into Africa at different times.

Medical management of opioid dependence in South Africa.

Medical practitioners in South Africa are increasingly confronted with requests to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Many do not possess the required knowledge and skills to deal with these patients effectively. This overview of the medical treatment of opioid dependence was compiled by an elected working group of doctors working in the field of substance dependence.

The use of mitomycin C as an adjunctive treatment for equine ocular squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of topical mitomycin C application as an alternative adjunctive therapy to CO2 laser ablation in the treatment of equine ocular squamous cell carcinoma.

Design: A retrospective clinical study of eight client owned horses in which 10 affected eyes were treated for ocular squamous cell carcinoma over a 17 month period. (March 2003 to August 2004).