High burden of abnormal cervical smears in South African primary health care: health programmes implications.

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among South African women and the load of abnormal cervical smears has clinical, programmatic and policy implications. This cross-sectional study of women who presented for cervical cancer screening aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears and associated factors in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Gauteng-the most densely populated province in South Africa. A questionnaire collected data on socio-demography, tobacco use, sexual behaviours, HIV status, past treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer screening in the past 10 years.

On some integral inequalities of Grüss type involving the generalized fractional Saigo -integral operator.

Using the generalized Saigo fractional integral operator, the authors of this study prove several novel fractional integral inequalities of the Grüss type. By fixing the values of functions, specific situations derived from previously established findings are shown. The ultimate purpose of this work is to investigate the Grüss-type integral inequalities with the Saigo -integral operator, a more generalized integral operator.

Soliton solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Jaulent-Miodek evolution equation via effective analytical techniques.

In this study, we investigate the [Formula: see text]-D Jaulent-Miodek (JM) equation, which is significant due to its energy-based Schrödinger potential and applications in fields such as optics, soliton theory, signal processing, geophysics, fluid dynamics, and plasma physics. Given its broad utility, a rigorous mathematical analysis of the JM equation is essential. The primary objective of this work is to derive exact soliton solutions using the Modified Sub-Equation (MSE) and Modified Auxiliary Equation (MAE) techniques.

Defining and responding to the contextual drivers for implementation of antimicrobial stewardship in 14 neonatal units in South Africa.

Background: Research on the contextual drivers of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme interventions in neonatal units is limited.

Methods: As part of a prospective mixed-methods multidisciplinary neonatal AMS (NeoAMS) interventional study in 14 South African hospitals, we applied a three-phased process to assess implementation barriers and contextual drivers experienced by participating health professionals. The study included: (Phase one; P1) a survey of pre-intervention barriers and enablers; (P2) written feedback during the study intervention phase; and (P3) semi-structured exit interviews.

Identifying targets for antibiotic stewardship interventions in pediatric patients in Punjab, Pakistan: point prevalence surveys using AWaRe guidance.

Introduction: Surveillance of antibiotic use is crucial for identifying targets for antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs), particularly in pediatric populations within countries like Pakistan, where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is escalating. This point prevalence survey (PPS) seeks to assess the patterns of antibiotic use in pediatric patients across Punjab, Pakistan, employing the WHO AWaRe classification to pinpoint targets for intervention and encourage rational antibiotic usage.

Methods: A PPS was conducted across 23 pediatric wards of 14 hospitals in the Punjab Province of Pakistan using the standardized Global-PPS methodology developed by the University of Antwerp.

Behind closed doors: Homeboundness and psychosocial outcomes. Evidence from a longitudinal study of middle-aged and older adults.

Objectives: To examine how homeboundness is associated with psychosocial outcomes in terms of life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: Longitudinal data were taken from the nationally representative sample German Ageing Survey (wave 1 to wave 4; n = 18,491 observations). This study included community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years and over in Germany.

Qualitative Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Antioxidant Potential Evaluation of South African Momordica Balsamina Linn Fruit Pulp.

Linn is a well-known African traditional herb due to its tremendous medicinal and nutritional properties. It is used worldwide for the treatment of different ailments and diseases. In the present study, the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of South African fruit pulp extracts was evaluated.

Antibiotic Residues in Animal Products from Some African Countries and Their Possible Impact on Human Health.

This review investigates the levels of antibiotic residues in animal products, types of antibiotics, and their possible impact on human health in Africa. The literature search involved the use of a systematic survey using data that were published from Africa from 2015 to 2024. The search terms used the Boolean operators with keywords such as antibiotics, antibiotic residues, antibiotics in animal products in Africa, and impact on human health.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Motivations, Expectations, and Systemic Factors Regarding Antimicrobial Use Amongst Community Members Seeking Care at the Primary Healthcare Level: A Scoping Review.

Background/objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and expectations of community members regarding antimicrobial use is essential for effective stewardship interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify key themes relating to the critical areas regarding antimicrobial use among community members in primary healthcare (PHC), with a particular focus on LMICs.

Insulin therapy adherence and its associated factors among diabetic patients in a Ghanaian primary care hospital.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem. Adherence to intensive insulin therapy is necessary to achieve better glycemic control in types 1 and 2 DM. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of adherence to insulin therapy, its predictors and to identify barriers to its adherence.

Fungal Biocontrol Agents in the Management of Postharvest Losses of Fresh Produce-A Comprehensive Review.

Postharvest decay of vegetables and fruits presents a significant threat confronting sustainable food production worldwide, and in the recent times, applying synthetic fungicides has become the most popular technique of managing postharvest losses. However, there are concerns and reported proofs of hazardous impacts on consumers' health and the environment, traceable to the application of chemical treatments as preservatives on fresh produce. Physical methods, on the other hand, cause damage to fresh produce, exposing it to even more infections.

Advancements in integral inequalities of Ostrowski type via modified Atangana-Baleanu fractional integral operator.

Convexity and fractional integral operators are closely related due to their fascinating properties in the mathematical sciences. In this article, we first establish an identity for the modified Atangana-Baleanu (MAB) fractional integral operators. Using this identity, we then apply Jensen integral inequality, Young's inequality, power-mean inequality, and Hölder inequality to prove several new generalizations of Ostrowski type inequality for the convexity of .

A Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) based framework and implementation tool for dietitians at South African central and tertiary public hospitals.

Background: Quality nutrition services are dependent upon the accessibility and availability of nutrition professionals. In this study, we used the World Health Organization's Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) methodology to develop a dietetic staffing norm framework and implementation tool for South African central and tertiary public hospitals.

Methods: We followed the eight step WISN methodology as a basis for this developmental study.

An audit of completeness of Road to Health Booklet at a community health centre in South Africa.

Background:  For continuity and quality of care, accurate record-keeping is crucial. Complete care is facilitated by completing a child's Road to Health Booklet (RTHB) as well as prompt interpretation and appropriate action. This could result in a decrease in child morbidity and mortality.

Empowering African Expertise: Enhancing Safety Data Integration and Signal Detection for COVID-19 Vaccines Through the African Union Smart Safety Surveillance Joint Signal Management Group.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated new vaccine development. Limited safety data necessitated robust global safety surveillance to accurately identify and promptly communicate potential safety issues. The African Union Smart Safety Surveillance (AU-3S) program established the Joint Signal Management (JSM) group to support identification of potential vaccine safety concerns in five pilot countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), accounting for approximately 35% of the African population.

Significant abundance of bacterial flagellin and expression of its surface localized receptor toll-like receptor 5 and cytokine interleukin-22 in South African infants with poor oral rotavirus vaccine take.

Bacterial flagellin, a potent intestinal innate immune activator, prevents murine rotavirus (RV) infection independent of adaptive immunity and interferons. The flagellin-induced immunity is mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR5) and Nod-like receptor C4 (NLRC4), which elicit the production of interleukins 22 (IL-22) and IL-18, respectively. Here, we assessed whether a high abundance of flagellin at the time of vaccination would negatively affect the oral RV vaccine take.

Self-reported meal planning practices among households in the Tshwane North area, Gauteng.

Background: Meal planning is crucial for households to improve food choices and promote healthier eating habits.

Aim: The study aims to assess meal planning practices in households in Tshwane area, Gauteng province.

Setting: The study was conducted in households, north of Tshwane, Gauteng province.

Interpersonal relations of pregnant women post-HIV diagnosis in Thembisile Hani, South Africa.

Background: HIV is a major public health issue in South Africa, with around 7.7 million people living with the virus by 2023, including 4.9 million women.

Understanding the scale and nature of avoidable healthcare-associated harm for prisoners in England: protocol for a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Around 1 in 20 patients experience avoidable healthcare-associated harm worldwide. Despite longstanding concerns, there is insufficient information available about the safety of healthcare for prisoners. To address this, this study will investigate the scale and nature of avoidable healthcare-associated harm for prisoners in England.

Camouflage Orthodontic Treatment of a Severe Class III Malocclusion.

Class III malocclusion remains the most challenging occlusal problem to treat due to the complexity of the interrelationships of the underlying skeletal and dental structures. Camouflage orthodontic treatment is a preferred alternative method used to manage mild to moderate Class III malocclusion in nongrowing patients. The aim of this article was to demonstrate a camouflage orthodontic treatment of a 22-year-old female patient diagnosed as having a severe skeletal Class III malocclusion characterized by a straight facial profile, reverse overjet, crowded maxillary incisors, retrognathic maxilla, prognathic mandible, and a hypodivergent facial pattern.

Application of the workload indicators of staffing need (WISN) to assess dietetic workforce needs in South African central and tertiary public hospitals.

South Africa faces both under- and over-nutrition, highlighting the need for prioritizing nutrition services. Registered dietitians are crucial for delivering appropriate and quality nutrition services. Consequently, this case study employs the World Health Organization evidence-based Workload Indicators of Staffing Need to ascertain the requisite dietetic workforce needed at central and tertiary public hospitals in South Africa.

Ergonomics and Occupational Health: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Botswana.

: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are, to this day, considered one of the major occupational health risks, especially among healthcare workers. Poor working conditions, such as awkward postures, are associated with the development of MSD. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses at a public tertiary hospital in Botswana relating to ergonomic principles.

Raising awareness and addressing inequities for people with Down syndrome in South Africa.

Globally, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) face profound inequities in social and health care access. These challenges are further compounded by racial disparities as well as a lack of awareness, research, and support, particularly in the Global South. This commentary discusses the multifaceted challenges and disparities encountered by people with DS in South Africa, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Creative Aging: Unraveling the Psychosocial Benefits of Art Among Germany's Oldest Old. Findings From the Nationally Representative Study "Old Age in Germany (D80+)".

Objective: There is a dearth of studies examining the link between artistic activity and psychosocial outcomes exclusively among the oldest old. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between artistic activity and psychosocial outcomes among individuals aged 80 years and over in Germany.

Methods/design: Data for this analysis were taken from the "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" study, a nationwide sample encompassing both community-dwelling individuals aged 80 and above, as well as those residing in care facilities.

On escape criterion of an orbit with s-convexity and illustrations of the behavior shifts in Mandelbrot and Julia set fractals.

Our study presents a novel orbit with s-convexity, for illustration of the behavior shift in the fractals. We provide a theorem to demonstrate the escape criterion for transcendental cosine functions of the type Tα,β(u) = cos(um)+αu + β, for [Formula: see text] and m ≥ 2. We also demonstrate the impact of the parameters on the formatted fractals with numerical examples and graphical illustrations using the MATHEMATICA software, algorithm, and colormap.