Influence of tibial plateau angle in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle on patellar ligament strain: an ex vivo study.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the patellar ligament strain with varying degrees of tibial plateau angles (TPAs) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle during the stance phase.

Methods: 12 pelvic cadaver limbs were secured to a custom-built jig to mimic a loadbearing stance after which an axial load of 120 N was applied. Patellar ligament strain, change in strain, and percent change in strain were calculated on pre-TPLO (intact and transected CrCL) and post-TPLO tibial TPAs of -5°, 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°.

Polymyositis in Kooiker dogs is associated with a 39 kb deletion upstream of the canine IL21/IL2 locus.

Recently we characterized polymyositis in the Dutch Kooiker dog. The familial occurrence of the disease were suggestive of an inherited cause. Here we report the results of our molecular genetic investigation.

A knowledge, attitude and practices assessment of control measures for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis towards a more effective approach to national control programs in South Africa.

Bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis are zoonotic diseases with economic and public health importance across the world, especially in developing countries where the diseases are endemic. The diseases are classified as neglected diseases in developing nations with poor resources despite good control measures in some developed countries. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) of stakeholders towards control measures for bovine brucellosis (BR) and bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at a livestock-wildlife interface.

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.

The risk status, signatures of adaptation, and environmental suitability of village-based indigenous chickens from certain regions of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.

Indigenous chickens are an important Farm Animal Genetic Resource (FAnGR) in South Africa as they alleviate poverty and are a source of protein. Climate change and market demand for high-performing exotic breeds threaten and undermine locally adapted village chickens. The current study explored the risk status and signatures of adaptation of village-based indigenous chickens from two provinces and mapped their environmental suitability across the country.

Extraction potential of Trifolium repens and Medicago sativa for metals in landfill soil: Their metabolomic responses.

Landfilling is common in developing countries since it is the easiest and cheapest way of waste disposal, however, it leads to serious environmental problems such as soil, water, and air pollution. A landfill has a life span of fifteen years after which it is closed leaving the site unusable, as a result, effective methods are needed for restoring and reclaiming the closed landfill site for future use. Phytoremediation has emerged as a viable and environmentally friendly method, which uses green plants to remove pollutants from soil, air, and water.

Influence of ultrasonication during soaking on water absorption and Softness characteristics in the cooking process of cowpea.

Owing to the long duration of cooking legumes, which limits their consumption and utilization, soaking has been used to reduce cooking time, save energy consumption, and diminish their hardness. However, limited studies have reported the influence of cooking and soaking treatment along with ultrasonication on hydration, hardness, and cooking time reduction of legumes. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of cooking and soaking treatments on Dr.

Understanding the genetics of sex determination in insects and its relevance to genetic pest management.

Sex determination pathways regulate male and female-specific development and differentiation and offer potential targets for genetic pest management methods. Insect sex determination pathways are comprised of primary signals, relay genes and terminal genes. Primary signals of coleopteran, dipteran, hymenopteran and lepidopteran species are highly diverse and regulate the sex-specific splicing of relay genes based on the primary signal dosage, amino acid composition or the interaction with paternally inherited genes.

Real world experience with [Tc]Tc-HYNIC-iPSMA SPECT prostate cancer detection: interim results from the global NOBLE registry.

Purpose: [Tc]Tc-HYNIC-iPSMA is a novel technetium-99m-labelled small molecule inhibitor of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for detecting prostate cancer (PC). The objective of this registry was to collect and evaluate [Tc]Tc-HYNIC-iPSMA patient data and images to establish the safety and tolerability, and clinical utility of this agent in imaging at different stages of PC.

Methods: Patients 18 to 80 years old with primary staging and metastatic PC were eligible.

Formulation and optimisation of bedaquiline nanoemulsions for the potential treatment of multi drug resistant tuberculosis in paediatrics using quality by design.

Bedaquiline is a drug used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB in adults and children that is currently only commercially available in tablet form. The present study was aimed at preparing nanoemulsion (NE) of BDQ using natural vegetable oils to deliver BDQ. The optimisation of surfactant mixtures was undertaken using Design of Experiments (DoE), specifically an optimal mixture design.

Validation of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-R) in rural contexts in South Africa.

Resilience is central to young children's healthy and happy development. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-R) has been widely used in several countries. However, its construct validity among young children in rural South Africa has not been examined.

Environmental Conditions Modulate Warming Effects on Plant Litter Decomposition Globally.

Empirical studies worldwide show that warming has variable effects on plant litter decomposition, leaving the overall impact of climate change on decomposition uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of 109 experimental warming studies across seven continents, using natural and standardised plant material, to assess the overarching effect of warming on litter decomposition and identify potential moderating factors. We determined that at least 5.

Experiences with healthcare for unilateral vocal fold paralysis: A qualitative study of the patient's perspective.

Objective: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) frequently causes severe dysphonia, which necessitates multidisciplinary treatment. Literature on outcomes of interventions has primarily focused on vocal fold motility or instrumental vocal outcomes, but the perspectives of patients about the treatment process have not yet been investigated. The purpose of the study was therefore to explore patient experiences with healthcare for UVFP.

Technical and financial evaluation of an emerging thermochemical technology for sustainable management of municipal wastewater sludge.

The management of municipal wastewater sludge is a significant challenge for wastewater management, particularly the need to manage and dispose of the sludge in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The emergence of stricter regulations regarding landfill disposal of wastewater sludge necessitates the need for alternative options for municipal wastewater sludge management, with thermochemical technologies potentially contributing towards achieving carbon neutrality goals and fostering sustainable development. This study sought to address these challenges through a technical and financial evaluation of a pilot-scale emerging thermochemical technology, the enhanced hydrothermal polymerization to provide adequate understanding of the technology's feasibility regarding its application for municipal wastewater sludge volarization into a multi-use hydrochar.

Antarctic Expeditions: A Systematic Review of the Physiological, Nutritional, Body Composition and Psychological Responses to Treks Across the Continental Ice.

Background: Antarctic expeditions, although supported by scientific knowledge, face various challenges, with little research conducted to explore the physical demands that explorers experience.

Objective: To summarise physiological, psychological, body composition and nutritional changes faced during trek expeditions in the Antarctic's continental portion.

Design: Systematic review.

Water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient concentration of selected fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.) genotypes for sustainable diets.

Changing climates threaten crop growth and fodder yields in dryland farming. This study assessed two radish genotypes (LINE 2, ENDURANCE) under three water regimes (W1 = well-watered, W2 = moderate stress, W3 = severe stress) and two leaf harvesting options over two seasons (2021/22 and 2022/23). Key findings revealed that water regime significantly (P < 0.

Prevalence of microvascular complications and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic abnormality affecting 537 million people worldwide. Poor glycemic control, longer duration, and poor medication adherence increased the risk of DM complications. Comprehensive evidence on the pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients in Ethiopia is not available.

Development of a molecular genetics and cell biology toolbox for the filamentous fungus Diplodia sapinea.

Diplodia sapinea (Fr.) Fuckel is a widespread fungal pathogen affecting conifers worldwide. Infections can lead to severe symptoms, such as shoot blight, canker, tree death, or blue stain in harvested wood, especially in Pinus species.

Selection signatures associated with adaptation in South African Drakensberger, Nguni, and Tuli beef breeds.

In the present study 1,709 cattle, including 1,118 Drakensberger (DRB), 377 Nguni (NGI), and 214 Tuli (TUL), were genotyped using the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler™ 150 K bovine SNP panel. A genomic data set of 122,632 quality-filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to identify selection signatures within breeds based on conserved runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) estimated with the detectRUNS R package. The mean number of ROH per animal varied across breeds ranging from 36.

Knee pain and function in retired male intercounty GAA players: an exploratory study.

Background: Knee injuries are common among elite intercounty Gaelic games players (collectively GAA players).

Aims: The primary aim was to examine knee pain, function, and quality of life in retired elite male GAA players. Secondary objectives were to (i) report the incidence of previous knee surgery and total knee replacement, (ii) assess medication usage, and (iii) investigate any associations between a history of knee injury and/or knee surgery and knee pain, function, and quality of life among retired elite male GAA players.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Tick Species Infesting Cattle in South Africa.

Ticks are a significant threat to livestock globally, with certain species displaying distinct host preferences at various developmental stages. Accurate species-level identification is essential for studying tick populations, implementing control strategies, and understanding disease dynamics. This study evaluated ticks infesting cattle across six provinces in South Africa using morphological and molecular methods.

Evolving Landscape of Sickle Cell Anemia Management in Africa: A Critical Review.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent inherited blood disorder, particularly affecting populations in Africa. This review examined the disease's burden, its diverse clinical presentations, and the challenges associated with its management in African settings. Africa bears a significant burden of SCD, with prevalence varying across countries and age groups.

A Systematic Review: Assessment of the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Nutritional Factors of as a Feed Additive for Ruminants.

is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant's feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources.

Exploring the Effects of Zingerone on Differentiation and Signalling Pathways in Bone Cell Lines.

Objective: Ensuring adequate bone health is crucial for preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and fractures. Zingerone, a phytonutrient isolated from cooked ginger, has gained attention for its potential benefits in bone health. This study evaluated the osteoprotective potential of zingerone and its effects on differentiation and signalling pathways using SAOS-2 osteosarcoma and RAW264.