Optimising perioperative care for hip and knee arthroplasty in South Africa: a Delphi consensus study.

Background: A structured approach to perioperative patient management based on an enhanced recovery pathway protocol facilitates early recovery and reduces morbidity in high income countries. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the feasibility of implementing enhanced recovery pathways and its influence on patient outcomes is scarcely investigated. To inform similar practice in LMICs for total hip and knee arthroplasty, it is necessary to identify potential factors for inclusion in such a programme, appropriate for LMICs.

Risk for HIV-1 infection associated with a common CXCL12 (SDF1) polymorphism and CXCR4 variation in an African population.

CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), or stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), is the only known natural ligand for the HIV-1 coreceptor, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CXCL12 gene (SDF1-3'A) has been associated with disease progression to AIDS in some studies, but not others. Mutations in the CXCR4 gene are generally rare and have not been implicated in HIV-1/AIDS pathogenesis.

Immunophenotyping of macrophages in human pulmonary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

Classic studies of tuberculosis (TB) revealed morphologic evidence of considerable heterogeneity of macrophages (MØs), but the functional significance of this heterogeneity remains unknown. We have used newly available specific antibodies for selected membrane and secretory molecules to examine the phenotype of MØs in situ in a range of South African patients with TB, compared with sarcoidosis. Patients were human immunodeficiency virus-negative adults and children, and the examined biopsy specimens included lung and lymph nodes.

Effects of three penetration enhancers on transcorneal permeation of cyclosporine.

Purpose: To investigate the permeation of cyclosporin A (CsA) through fresh and frozen human corneas in the presence and absence of three penetration enhancers: benzalkonium chloride (BZCl), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and Cremophor-EL.

Methods: Human corneas, unsuitable for transplantation, were either freshly used for permeability experiments or snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -85 degrees C. CsA permeation through either fresh or thawed frozen corneal tissue was determined using a flow-through diffusion apparatus (20 degrees C for 24 hours).

Novel mutations identified using a comprehensive CCR5-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis assay.

Background: Most mutations detected for the gene for CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) are either relatively specific to different population groups or rarely observed in Africans.

Objectives: To develop a comprehensive mutation detection assay for the entire coding region of CCR5 and to identify novel mutations that may play a role in genetic susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, within the diverse South African population.

Design: The study cohort consisted of 103 HIV-seropositive patients and 146 HIV-seronegative controls of predominantly African descent.

Influence of apoptosis on the enhancement of radiotoxicity by ouabain.

Background: The Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain enhances the toxicity of irradiation and we have previously demonstrated that the drug suppresses repair capacity. The influence of ouabain on apoptosis is not known and is examined in this study.

Materials And Methods: Seven human cell lines of defined TP53 status were irradiated with 60Co-gamma irradiation in the presence and absence of 10(-7) M ouabain.