Socioeconomic inequality in the outcomes of a psychological intervention for depression for South Africans with a co-occurring chronic disease: A decomposition analysis.

Task-shared psychological interventions are effective for reducing the severity of depression symptoms, but differences in treatment outcome by socioeconomic status is uncertain. This study examines socioeconomic inequalities (SEI) in depression outcomes among people with HIV and/or diabetes who participated in a cluster randomised controlled trial in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The trial took place at 24 primary care clinics randomised to deliver a task-shared psychological intervention or treatment as usual (TAU).

Serious mental health conditions and exposure to adulthood trauma in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review.

Background: There is a strong link between trauma exposure and serious mental health conditions (SMHCs), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The majority of research in the field has focused on childhood trauma as a risk factor for developing an SMHC and on samples from high-income countries. There is less research on having an SMHC as a risk factor for exposure to traumatic events, and particularly on populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Costs of home-delivered antiretroviral therapy refills for persons living with HIV: Evidence from a pilot randomized controlled trial in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is needed across the lifetime to maintain viral suppression for people living with HIV. In South Africa, obstacles to reliable access to ART persist and are magnified in rural areas, where HIV services are also typically costlier to deliver. A recent pilot randomized study (the Deliver Health Study) found that home-delivered ART refills, provided at a low user fee, effectively overcame logistical barriers to access and improved clinical outcomes in rural South Africa.

Statistical methods in the analysis of multicentre HIV randomized controlled trials in the African region: a scoping review.

Background: The majority of phase 3 clinical trials are implemented in multiple sites or centres, which inevitably leads to a correlation between observations from the same site or centre. This correlation must be carefully considered in both the design and the statistical analysis to ensure an accurate interpretation of the results and reduce the risk of biased results. This scoping review aims to provide a detailed statistical method used to analyze data collected from multicentre HIV randomized controlled trials in the African region.

Compounds Inhibit MtrCDE Efflux Pump Transport Protein for the Potential Management of Gonorrhoea Infection.

The progressive development of resistance in to almost all available antibiotics has made it crucial to develop novel approaches to tackling multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the primary causes of antibiotic resistance is the over-expression of the MtrCDE efflux pump protein, making this protein a vital target for fighting against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in . This study was aimed at evaluating the potential MtrCDE efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) and their stability in treating gonorrhoea infection.

Genomic Medicine in the Developing World: Cancer Spectrum, Cumulative Risk and Survival Outcomes for Lynch Syndrome Variant Heterozygotes with Germline Pathogenic Variants in the and Genes.

: Although genetic testing has improved our ability to diagnose Lynch syndrome (LS), there is still limited information on the extent of variations in the clinical and genetic landscape among LS variant heterozygotes (LSVH) in Africa. We sought to investigate the cancer spectrum, cumulative risk, and survival outcomes of LSVH with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in the and genes using a LS registry in South Africa over the last 30 years. : A retrospective study was conducted to retrieve demographic, clinical, and genetic data of all LSVH with P/LPVs in the and genes from our LS registry.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Study of Patients' Characteristics in Selected Healthcare Facilities.

This study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in selected rural healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records from 456 patients, covering the period from January 2018 to December 2020, revealed a statistically significant relationship between DR-TB types and age groups (Chi-square statistic: 30.74, -value: 0.

Evaluation of Metronidazole Resistance of Vaginal Swab Isolates from South African Women Treated for Bacterial Vaginosis.

: The high recurrence rate of bacterial vaginosis (BV) after antibiotic treatment is at least partially attributed to resistant bacteria. The CAPRISA 083 (CAP083) study investigated the influence of metronidazole (MTZ) treatment on the vaginal microbiome in 56 South African women diagnosed with BV. To explore the etiology of recurrent BV in this cohort, we retrospectively analyzed vaginal swabs collected in CAP083 before and after MTZ treatment.

Potential Interactions Between Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Herpes Simplex Virus Type II: Implications for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan African.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bears a disproportionate and overlapping burden of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and sexually transmitted viral infections. An estimated 232 million pre-school and school-aged children in SSA are vulnerable to STH infections. Together with this, SSA has a high prevalence of herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-2), the primary cause of genital herpes.

Effect of ketamine on anxiety: findings from the Ketamine for Adult Depression Study.

Background: Anxiety disorders and treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD) are often comorbid. Studies suggest ketamine has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

Aims: To investigate if subcutaneous racemic ketamine, delivered twice weekly for 4 weeks, reduces anxiety in people with TRD.

Molecular basis of human angiotensin-1 converting enzyme inhibition by a series of diprolyl-derived compounds.

Angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc-dependent carboxypeptidase of therapeutic interest for the treatment of hypertension, inflammation and fibrosis. It consists of two homologous N and C catalytic domains, nACE and cACE, respectively. Unfortunately, the current clinically available ACE inhibitors produce undesirable side effects due to the nonselective inhibition of these domains.

"Men Take Care of Each Other": Evaluation of a Community-Based Model for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services Among Male Bar Patrons in Rural South Africa.

Low engagement with HIV services persists among young men with harmful alcohol use in South Africa. We previously piloted a rural community-based HIV service delivery model to engage this key population. In the initial study, male nurses visited alcohol-serving venues to provide HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services.

The relationship between immune markers and tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites in South African people with HIV.

HIV-1 remains a global challenge, especially in high-prevalence areas like South Africa. This study explores the relationship between inflammation and metabolism in people with HIV, focusing on immune markers and the tryptophan-kynurenine (Trp-Kyn) pathway. We examined immune markers (hsCRP, suPAR, IL-6, NGAL, and sCD163) and Trp-Kyn metabolites (QUIN, Trp, Kyn, Trp/Kyn ratio, and kynurenic acid) in n = 69 treatment-naive South African people with HIV.

Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers' Compensation Claim.

Purpose: Workers' compensation claims can negatively affect the wellbeing of injured workers. For some, these negative effects continue beyond finalisation of the workers' compensation claim. It is unclear what factors influence wellbeing following finalisation of a workers' compensation claim.

Baricitinib Treatment in RNU7-1-Associated Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome in a South African Child: A Case Report.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare monogenic type I interferonopathy. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition has emerged as a potential treatment for AGS. RNU7-1 is one of the most recently discovered genes for AGS, and the clinical effects of JAK inhibition in these patients have not been reported.

Well-being After Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: Injured workers can be disadvantaged after a workers' compensation claims ends. This study investigated the association of a range of variables with well-being in injured workers who had finalized a workers' compensation claim >3 months prior.

Methods: On-line, cross-sectional survey (n = 129, 55.

Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of the MATISSE (Maternal Immunization Study for Safety and Efficacy) Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine Trial.

Objective: To evaluate descriptive efficacy data, exploratory immunogenicity data, and safety follow-up through study completion from the global, phase 3 MATISSE (Maternal Immunization Study for Safety and Efficacy) maternal vaccination trial of bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein vaccine (RSVpreF).

Methods: MATISSE was a phase 3, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy pregnant participants aged 49 years or younger at 24-36 weeks of gestation were randomized (1:1) to receive a single RSVpreF 120 micrograms or placebo dose.

Preterm Birth Frequency and Associated Outcomes From the MATISSE (Maternal Immunization Study for Safety and Efficacy) Maternal Trial of the Bivalent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine.

Objective: To describe preterm birth frequency and newborn and infant outcomes overall and among preterm children in the MATISSE (Maternal Immunization Study for Safety and Efficacy) trial of maternal vaccination with bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVpreF) to protect infants against severe RSV-associated illness.

Methods: MATISSE was a global, phase 3, randomized, double-blind trial. Pregnant individuals received single injections of RSVpreF or placebo.

History of Multiple Allergies and Gradual Onset Running-Related Injuries in Distance Runners: SAFER XXXV.

Objective: To determine if any gradual onset running-related injury (GORRI) was associated with any allergies, multiple allergies (allergies to animals, plants, medication), and allergy medication use.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Setting: Two Oceans Marathons (56 km, 21.

Behavioural and social drivers of human papillomavirus vaccination in eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in South Africa. Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer, which can be prevented by HPV vaccination. However, there is wide variation in HPV vaccination coverage among the urban districts of South Africa; with the lowest coverage being 40% in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

Attitudes, Beliefs, and Predictors of Gestational Weight Gain and Postpartum Weight Retention in South Africa: A Mixed Methods Analysis.

Suboptimal gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with pregnancy complications and postpartum weight retention (PPWR). Little data exists about GWG and PPWR attitudes and beliefs in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform interventions. We examined GWG and PPWR attitudes, beliefs, and intentions among pregnant people, with and without HIV, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Exploring the potential of introducing an electronic death registration system in South Africa.

Background: Despite South Africa's well-established Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system (CRVS) and good completeness of death registration, challenges persist in terms of the quality of cause of death information and the delayed availability of mortality statistics. The introduction of an electronic medical certification of cause of death (eMCCD) system may offer opportunities to improve both the quality and timeliness of this information.

Methods: This study used an exploratory mixed methods design to investigate perceptions surrounding an electronic solution for registering deaths in South Africa.

Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Coinfection on Clinical Severity and Outcomes Among Children Hospitalized With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Soweto, South Africa.

Background: No data are available regarding the interplay and clinical manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) coinfection in African children. We compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between RSV-only, SARS-CoV-2-only and RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in hospitalized African children.

Methods: Prospective surveillance of children (0-59 months) hospitalized with severe LRTI was undertaken between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Isolation and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis in North West Cameroon: public health implications.

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a serious threat to veterinary and public health worldwide. We investigated mastitis milk samples for contamination with MRSA and also characterized the MRSA isolates by investigating antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors.

Result: We confirmed MRSA in 69 of 201 (34.