Decoding the blueprint of receptor binding by filoviruses through large-scale binding assays and machine learning.

Evidence suggests that bats are important hosts of filoviruses, yet the specific species involved remain largely unidentified. Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) is an essential entry receptor, with amino acid variations influencing viral susceptibility and species-specific tropism. Herein, we conducted combinatorial binding studies with seven filovirus glycoproteins (GPs) and NPC1 orthologs from 81 bat species.

Environmental controls on the conversion of nutrients to chlorophyll in lakes.

Anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus to lakes have increased worldwide, causing phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations to increase at many sites, with negative implications for biodiversity and human usage of lake resources. However, the conversion of nutrients to chlorophyll varies among lakes, hindering effective management actions to improve water quality. Here, using a rich global dataset, we explore how the relationship between chlorophyll-a (Chla) and nitrogen and phosphorus and inferred nutrient limitation is modified by climate, catchment, hydrology and lake characteristics.

Predicting Chlorophyll- Concentrations in the World's Largest Lakes Using Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks.

Accurate prediction of chlorophyll- (Chl-) concentrations, a key indicator of eutrophication, is essential for the sustainable management of lake ecosystems. This study evaluated the performance of Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) along with three neural network models (MLP-NN, LSTM, and GRU) and three traditional machine learning tools (RF, SVR, and GPR) for predicting time-series Chl- concentrations in large lakes. Monthly remote-sensed Chl- data derived from Aqua-MODIS spanning September 2002 to April 2024 were used.

A comprehensive review of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) removal from wastewater using low-cost adsorbents and possible revalorisation of spent adsorbents in blood fingerprint application.

An increasing amount of water pollution is being caused by an increase in industrial activity. Recently, a wide range of methods, including extraction, chemical coagulation, membrane separation, chemical precipitation, adsorption, and ion exchange, have been used to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The adsorption technique is believed to be the most highly effective method for eliminating heavy metals from wastewater among all of them.

Derivation and validation of a clinical predictive model for longer duration diarrhea among pediatric patients in Kenya using machine learning algorithms.

Background: Despite the adverse health outcomes associated with longer duration diarrhea (LDD), there are currently no clinical decision tools for timely identification and better management of children with increased risk. This study utilizes machine learning (ML) to derive and validate a predictive model for LDD among children presenting with diarrhea to health facilities.

Methods: LDD was defined as a diarrhea episode lasting ≥ 7 days.

Draft genome sequence of Kei apple, an underutilized African tree crop.

To address food and nutrition security in the face of burgeoning global populations and erratic climatic conditions there is a need to include nutrient dense, climatic resilient but neglected indigenous fruit trees in agrifood systems. Here we present the draft genome sequence of Kei Apple, Dovyalis afra, a neglected indigenous African fruit tree with untapped potential to contribute to nutrient security and improved livelihoods. Our long-read-based genome assembly comprises 440 Mbp sequence across 1190 contigs with a N50 and L50 of 13.

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.

95-95-95 HIV indicators among children younger than 15 years in South Africa: results from the 2017 national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour, and communication survey.

Background: Early detection and initiation of care is crucial to the survival and long-term well-being of children living with HIV (CLHIV). However, there remain challenges regarding early testing and linking of CLHIV for early treatment. This study examines the progress made towards achieving the 95-95-95 HIV indicators and associated factors among CLHIV < 15 years in South Africa.

Governance and resilience as entry points for transforming food systems in the countdown to 2030.

Due to complex interactions, changes in any one area of food systems are likely to impact-and possibly depend on-changes in other areas. Here we present the first annual monitoring update of the indicator framework proposed by the Food Systems Countdown Initiative, with new qualitative analysis elucidating interactions across indicators. Since 2000, we find that 20 of 42 indicators with time series have been trending in a desirable direction, indicating modest positive change.

Assessing the ecological and economic transformation pathways of plastic production system.

Plastic's incredible versatility drives its continuous production growth, contributing to 4.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With an unsustainable 4% annual production growth rate, plastics' environmental impact is significant.

Multidimensional perspectives of geo-epidemiology: from interdisciplinary learning and research to cost-benefit oriented decision-making.

Research typically promotes two types of outcomes (inventions and discoveries), which induce a virtuous cycle: something suspected or desired (not previously demonstrated) may become known or feasible once a new tool or procedure is invented and, later, the use of this invention may discover new knowledge. Research also promotes the opposite sequence-from new knowledge to new inventions. This bidirectional process is observed in geo-referenced epidemiology-a field that relates to but may also differ from spatial epidemiology.

South African Dietitians' Knowledge and Perceptions of Food-Drug Interactions and Factors Affecting It.

Background: Dietitians ensure that patients receive tailored medical nutrition therapy to integrate with pharmacotherapy safely. Dietitians require a pharmacological understanding to prevent detrimental food-drug interactions (FDIs). The study investigated dietitians' knowledge of FDIs and their information sourcing.

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.

Mapping evidence on the regulations affecting accessibility, availability and management of snake antivenom globally: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Snakebite envenomation has been declared a neglected tropical disease by the WHO since 2017. The disease is endemic in affected areas due to the lack of availability and access to antivenom, despite it being the standard treatment for snakebites. This challenge is perpetuated by the shortcomings of the regulatory systems and policies governing the management of antivenoms.

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.

Preliminary mechanistic insights into the detection of ethanol vapour using MnO NRs-CNPs-poly-4-(vinylpyridine) based solid-state sensor operating at room temperature.

Semiconductor metal oxide gas sensors are widely used to detect ethanol vapours, commonly used in industrial productions, road safety detection, and solvent production; however, they operate at extremely high temperatures. In this work, we present manganese dioxide nanorods (MnO NRs) prepared via hydrothermal synthetic route, carbon soot (CNPs) prepared via pyrolysis of lighthouse candle, and poly-4-vinylpyridine (P4VP) composite for the detection of ethanol vapour at room temperature. MnO, CNPs, P4VP, and MnO NRs-CNPs-P4VP composite were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.

South African single surgeon experience: Comparison of oncological outcomes, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus open perineal radical prostatectomy.

Background: Studies comparing oncological outcomes between robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) are often limited by bias because of their multi-institutional and multiple surgeon design. Studies from a single institution and single surgeon are uncommon.

Objective: To compare oncological outcomes between RARP and ORP at a single institution by a single surgeon.

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.

The power of caring touch: from survival to prosocial cooperation.

Cooperation is a pivotal biological phenomenon that occurs in diverse forms. In species that engage in helping, individuals vary in the time they spend together and the degree of their physical proximity, which affects the extent of physical touch between individuals. Here, we propose that touch activates a hormonal feedback loop that supports bond formation and maintenance in mating, parenting, and social contexts.

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.

A Highly Divergent Mitochondrial Genome in Extant Cape Buffalo From Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.

The reduced cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed researchers to generate nuclear and mitochondrial genome data to gain deeper insights into the phylogeography, evolutionary history and biology of non-model species. While the Cape buffalo () has been well-studied across its range with traditional genetic markers over the last 25 years, researchers are building on this knowledge by generating whole genome, population-level data sets to improve understanding of the genetic composition and evolutionary history of the species. Using publicly available NGS data, we assembled 40 Cape buffalo mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from four protected areas in South Africa, expanding the geographical range and almost doubling the number of mitogenomes available for this species.

Estimating the Early Transmission Inhibition of new treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Introduction: Most drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) occurs due to transmission of unsuspected or ineffectively treated DR-TB. The duration of treatment to stop person-to-person spread of DR-TB is uncertain. We evaluated the impact of novel regimens, including BPaL, on DR-TB transmission using the human-to-guinea pig (H-GP) transmission model.

Costs of Influenza Illness and Acute Respiratory Infections by Household Income Level: Catastrophic Health Expenditures and Implications for Health Equity.

Background: Seasonal influenza illness and acute respiratory infections can impose a substantial economic burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We assessed the cost of influenza illness and acute respiratory infections across household income strata.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a prior systematic review of costs of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in LMICs and contacted authors to obtain data on cost of illness (COI) for laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infection.

Superstable lipid vacuoles endow cartilage with its shape and biomechanics.

Conventionally, the size, shape, and biomechanics of cartilages are determined by their voluminous extracellular matrix. By contrast, we found that multiple murine cartilages consist of lipid-filled cells called lipochondrocytes. Despite resembling adipocytes, lipochondrocytes were molecularly distinct and produced lipids exclusively through de novo lipogenesis.

Pre-race medical clearance in 60,609 distance running race entrants: which entrants sought clearance, what physicians did, and what was the outcome? SAFER XXXVII.

Background: Medical clearance is often recommended for athletes prior to endurance exercise. The primary aim was to determine the percentage (%) of race entrants that sought medical clearance prior to participation in endurance running events, describe the diagnostic modalities used by doctors to assess entrants seeking medical clearance, and the clearance advice given. Secondary aims were to investigate the factors associated with seeking and outcome of clearance.