Theoretical impact of a bedside decision-making tool on antibiotic use for suspected neonatal healthcare-associated infection: an observational study.

Background And Objectives: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in hospitalised neonates. Diagnosing neonatal HAI is challenging owing to non-specific symptoms and lack of definitive diagnostic markers, contributing to high rates of inappropriate antibiotic use. This study evaluated the theoretical impact of implementing a bedside tool for decision-making on antibiotic length of therapy (LOT).

Optimising Instrumented Mouthguard Data Analysis: Video Synchronisation Using a Cross-correlation Approach.

Purpose: Head acceleration events (HAEs) are a growing concern in contact sports, prompting two rugby governing bodies to mandate instrumented mouthguards (iMGs). This has resulted in an influx of data imposing financial and time constraints. This study presents two computational methods that leverage a dataset of video-coded match events: cross-correlation synchronisation aligns iMG data to a video recording, by providing playback timestamps for each HAE, enabling analysts to locate them in video footage; and post-synchronisation event matching identifies the coded match event (e.

Advances in the awareness of tuberculosis-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Tuberculosis (TB) significantly increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), positioning TB-associated COPD (TB-COPD) as a distinct category within the spectrum of respiratory diseases prevalent, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This condition results from the body's immune response to TB, leading to prolonged inflammation and consequent persistent lung damage. Diagnostic approaches, particularly post-bronchodilator spirometry, are vital for identifying airflow obstruction and confirming TB-COPD.

Urinary incontinence (UI) in older women in low- and middle-income countries: a rapid review and case study from Burkina Faso.

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in older women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well understood. We conducted a rapid literature review to assess the burden of UI in this population and contextualize findings from a household survey of women aged 40 and older in Nouna, in northwestern Burkina Faso. The rapid review included 21 survey articles.

En bloc resection of large bladder tumor: is it feasible and reasonable?

Purpose Of Review: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) remains the basis of bladder tumor diagnosis and an effective means of treating nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). There are several limitations to this procedure: TURBT may cause free floating of malignant cells in the bladder and as a result re-implantation and early recurrence. Also, it does not allow the pathologist to define the correct spatial orientation of the specimen.

A randomized controlled, trial on effects of mobile phone text messaging in combination with motivational interviewing versus standard infant feeding counselling on breastfeeding and child health outcomes, among women living with HIV.

Background: Despite efforts to promote optimal breastfeeding practices, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is low in South Africa. We conducted a trial to determine whether text messaging plus motivational interviewing prolonged exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and improved child health outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a randomized parallel group-controlled trial between July 2022 and May 2024, at a secondary-level healthcare facility.

Strategies for strengthening cervical cancer screening programmes in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe: a qualitative study.

Background: Numerous studies have been conducted on barriers to cervical cancer screening in low resourced settings. Few have however explored the factors that motivate women to make the decision for screening. This study therefore aimed at identifying strategies that could strengthen the utilisation of screening services, with the goal of informing the development of context for enhancing cervical cancer programmes in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe.

Early onset neonatal bloodstream infections in South African hospitals.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Increasing antibiotic resistance in early onset (< 72 h of life) bloodstream infection (EO-BSI) pathogens in LMIC has reduced the effectiveness of the recommended empiric antibiotic regimen (ampicillin plus gentamicin).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed blood culture-confirmed EO-BSI episodes at nine neonatal units from three central and six peripheral hospitals in the Western Cape Province, South Africa between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.

Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries.

Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists.

Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries - the TISP dataset.

Science is integral to society because it can inform individual, government, corporate, and civil society decision-making on issues such as public health, new technologies or climate change. Yet, public distrust and populist sentiment challenge the relationship between science and society. To help researchers analyse the science-society nexus across different geographical and cultural contexts, we undertook a cross-sectional population survey resulting in a dataset of 71,922 participants in 68 countries.

The mRNA-1647 vaccine: A promising step toward the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection (CMV).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of congenital infections and significant health complications in immunocompromised individuals. With no licensed CMV vaccine available, the development of the mRNA-1647 offers promising advancements in CMV prevention. We have reviewed results from Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of the mRNA-1647 vaccine, demonstrating robust immune responses in both seronegative and seropositive participants.

Tracking acute flaccid paralysis in Niger: a half-decade epidemiological portrait (2016-2021).

Background: Recently, a total of 74 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks were detected in 39 countries, with 672 confirmed Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases identified in 27 countries. Despite progress, Niger experienced cVDPV outbreaks in 2018, highlighting the importance of maintaining AFP surveillance as a tool for polio eradication. This analysis aims to comprehensively assess AFP surveillance trends, patterns, and challenges in Niger, offering insights for public health initiatives in conflict-affected contexts.

Psychopathology trajectories and relapse in first episode schizophrenia with assured long-acting injectable adherence over 24 months.

Background: Relapse following a first episode of schizophrenia (FES) is common and often results in serious adverse psychosocial consequences. Treatment non-adherence is a key risk factor for relapse, but why relapse occurs despite antipsychotic treatment adherence remains unclear. This study examined the differences in FES psychopathology trajectories over 24-months with assured long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAIA) treatment, to control for treatment adherence between those who relapsed and those who did not and what moderates these group differences.

Promoting playfulness through a play-based occupational therapy intervention: A study protocol.

Background: Play is integral to optimal childhood development. Occupational therapists often use play to improve play skills. However, when it comes to learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Africa, there is limited research regarding play-based interventions that address the underlying motivators of play, namely, social play and playfulness.

Enhanced pathogen identification among patients with clinically suspected meningitis.

Background: Delayed or incorrect treatment of meningitis may result in adverse patient outcomes. However, laboratory testing in resource-limited settings is often limited to conventional diagnostic methods. We explored the utility of syndromic molecular assays for diagnosis.

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Long-Acting Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Monoclonal Antibody VRC07523LS in Newborn Infants Exposed to HIV-1.

Background: Vertical HIV-1 transmission despite antiretroviral therapy may be mitigated by use of long-acting, broadly neutralizing, monoclonal antibodies (bNAb) such as VRC07523LS. The present study was designed to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of VRC07523LS.

Methods: VRC07523LS, 80 mg/dose, was administered subcutaneously after birth to non-breastfed (Cohort 1; N=11, enrolled in USA) and breastfed (Cohort 2; N=11, enrolled in South Africa and Zimbabwe) infants exposed to HIV-1.

Predictive modelling and identification of critical variables of mortality risk in COVID-19 patients.

South Africa was the most affected country in Africa by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where over 4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 102,000 deaths have been recorded since 2019. Aside from clinical methods, artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions such as machine learning (ML) models have been employed in treating COVID-19 cases. However, limited application of AI for COVID-19 in Africa has been reported in the literature.

Patients with a transabdominal cerclage due to recurrent mid-trimester losses are not at higher risk of foetal growth restriction: a retrospective study.

Foetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with neonatal morbidity, suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes and chronic diseases. Successful pregnancies of women with recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy losses may still be at risk of FGR and small for gestational age (SGA) outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether patients with recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy losses who undergo transabdominal cerclage (TAC) are at an increased risk of FGR.

A novel tool for assessing pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries: a pilot study.

Background: Globally, most children seek emergency care at general rather than specialized pediatric emergency departments. There remains significant variation in the provision of pediatric emergency care, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The objective of this study is to pilot a self-assessment tool to evaluate pediatric emergency care capabilities in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) hospitals on the African Continent.

Strong Association Between HIV Incidence and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Zambia and South Africa: Prospective Data From the HPTN 071 (PopART) Trial.

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is an important cofactor for HIV acquisition and transmission. Associations between the infections are reexamined in longitudinal data from an HIV prevention trial.

Methods: The HPTN 071 (PopART) trial evaluated a combination prevention intervention in 21 urban communities in Zambia and South Africa.

Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide with over 90% of reported cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) is a key contributor to TB mortality and infection transmission.

Objectives: We performed a scoping review to map available evidence on interventions to reduce PTLFU in adults with pulmonary TB, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and develop a conceptual framework to guide intervention implementation.

Cervical dysplasia in women with HIV in the modern treat-all era: Elevated risk remains despite long-term ART and normal CD4 count.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of ART duration and CD4 count on risk for high grade cervical dysplasia in women with HIV (WWH) compared to women without HIV in the treat-all era with integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs).

Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study in Botswana.

Methods: From February 2021 to August 2022, baseline HPV self-sampling was offered to women with and without HIV.

Return to work of major trauma survivors from a private level 1 trauma centre in South Africa.

Purpose: Trauma is known as a leading cause of mortality and injury related disability globally. In South Africa (SA) the socioeconomic burden of trauma is magnified as the working age is most affected. The aim of this study was to describe the proportion of major trauma survivors who returned to work (RTW) during a 6-month period post hospital discharge and to identify the factors associated with the RTW outcome.