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Food systems modelling to evaluate interventions for food and nutrition security in an African urban context
No full textIn the context of rapidly growing African cities, a thorough understanding of the complexities of urban food systems is essential for addressing the challenges of food insecurity and undernourishment for city dwellers. Particularly in South Africa, where pre-existing inequalities drive disparities in food access and diet-related health outcomes, a comprehensive perspective including the spatial distribution of malnutrition in urban environments is required to develop effective interventions. The present study examines the essential elements of an urban food system by employing a Bayesian network as a causal framework. By integrating survey data from households and food outlets with spatial information, a food systems model was created to test policy interventions. The study demonstrates the challenges of intervening in complex urban food systems, where dietary choices are shaped by various factors, often in a spatially heterogeneous manner. Interventions do not always benefit the targeted groups and are sometimes ineffective as result of system interactions. Our study shows that Bayesian network models provide a powerful tool to effectively analyse the complex interactions within such systems, thereby enabling the identification of optimal combinations of multifactor interventions. In our case study for Worcester, South Africa, the results reveal that the largest potential for improvement of food and nutrition security lies in the informal food sector, and support for affordable and local fresh produce is a viable measure for enhancing local nutrition, though the extent of impact varies across the cit
The association between interleukin-1 gene polymorphism and periodontitis in adults in Africa: A systematic review
No full textBackground: Periodontitis, a multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the periodontal tissue, is a global oral health concern. While bacterial infections initiate the problem, the body's inflammatory response impacts disease progression. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a group of molecules known as pro-inflammatory cytokines, has emerged as a critical factor in periodontitis development. The two main forms, IL-1α and IL-1β, contribute to inflammation, tissue breakdown, and bone loss. Research suggests that variations within the genes coding for IL-1 i.e. (polymorphisms) can influence an individual's susceptibility to periodontitis. This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize the best evidence for the association between IL-1 gene polymorphism and periodontitis in persons living in Africa. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of IL-1 gene polymorphism in patients with periodontitis in Africa; determine the distribution of IL-1 gene polymorphisms with regard to geographical location, and demographic profile (age, gender, and ethnicity) and determine the association of combined and specific IL-1 polymorphisms and periodontitis. Method And Analysis: A systematic review was performed using four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, EBSCO) were searched for English language case-control studies, reporting on the association between IL-1 and periodontitis in Africa, with no limit to the time until 2023. Covidence® software was used to manage title and abstract screening and full-text review by two reviewers independently, according to the eligibility of the studies, and the discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A random effects model for calculating the odds ratio was conducted using STATA 17 software, which was used for statistical analysis
Mapping human fatalities from megafauna to inform coexistence strategies
No full textHuman fatalities from human–wildlife conflict (HWC) represent a critical dimension of conservation, often triggering retaliatory actions and post-traumatic stress in affected communities. However, most studies focus on the economic implications of HWC, neglecting human fatalities which may have far-reaching long-term implications. This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of human fatalities caused by megafaunal species in Zimbabwe, using data collected from 2016 to 2022. Through spatial and statistical analyses based on the Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis and Mann–Kendall trend test, we assess fatalities caused by six megafaunal species: Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), African elephant (Loxodonta africana), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), African lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). The results of the study showed that crocodiles and elephants account for over 80% of human fatalities in Zimbabwe. These fatalities also significantly increased over the study period (p < 0.03). In contrast, fatalities involving lions, hyenas, hippos, and buffaloes showed no significant increase, indicating more stable but still concerning risks. Fatality hotspots were concentrated in Kariba, Binga and Hwange districts in northern and western Zimbabwe, highlighting areas needing urgent interventions. These insights have broader implications for HWC management across Africa, where megafaunal species frequently interact with human populations. By adopting data-driven, species-specific strategies, other countries facing similar conflicts can foster human–wildlife coexistence and improve conservation outcomes
Overcoming curcumin's limitations: synthetic derivatives in diabetes and cancer management
No full textNon-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and cancer, are chronic medical conditions characterised by their persistent nature and gradual progression. They pose a significant challenge to global public health due to their widespread impact and increasing prevalence worldwide. According to the 2021 International Diabetes Federation atlas reports, 10.5% of adults worldwide currently live with diabetes, a figure projected to reach 783 million by 2045. Furthermore, cancer is one of the world's top causes of death, as reported by the WHO. Although synthetic drugs are widely used to manage these diseases, they often come with adverse side effects such as suppression of blood cell production, inflammation of mucous membranes, hair loss, and nausea. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, has attracted interest due to its therapeutic potential in treating both diabetes and cancer, largely owing to its favourable safety profile, as evidenced by preclinical and clinical data. Nevertheless, poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and low stability in living systems have limited its clinical application. To address these limitations, recent research has focused on developing synthetic curcumin derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic properties. This review examines the antidiabetic and anticancer potentials of these derivatives, emphasising research data from both in vivo and in vitro studies. The paper also highlights how structural modifications significantly enhance their biological activity and provides a comparative mechanistic discussion linking diabetes and cancer at the molecular level, and translational gaps that define future research directions. This dual perspective in mechanisms distinguishes the present review from earlier works that examined curcumin's therapeutic potential in isolation within diabetes or cancer frameworks
Stakeholders’ perspectives on attrition in the dental therapy profession in South Africa
No full textBackground: Dental therapists play a critical role in addressing oral health needs, especially in underserved areas. However, the South African health system faces workforce shortages and challenges retaining mid-level oral health professionals. Understanding attrition from the perspective of stakeholders involved in training, policy and regulation is key to addressing systemic barriers and improving retention. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders on the factors contributing to attrition among dental therapists in South Africa, focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic influences as guided by Herzberg's two-factor theory. Methods: Through a qualitative exploratory study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders to explore their perspectives on dental therapists’ attrition. They were recruited using snowball sampling. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded in NVivo 12. A team of researchers applied thematic analysis to agree on themes and sub-themes, guided by Hertzberg's ideas of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Findings: Thirteen stakeholders participated in the study. Both extrinsic (policy implementation gaps, inadequate remuneration, limited recruitment opportunities and lack of professional identity) and intrinsic (limited career growth and unclear career pathways) factors were identified as key contributors to attrition. Despite the recognition of their essential role in primary healthcare (PHC), systemic challenges undermined professional satisfaction and retention. Conclusion: The study fulfils its aim by providing a nuanced understanding of attrition from the perspective of stakeholders. Addressing both systemic (extrinsic) and motivational (intrinsic) factors is critical to strengthening workforce sustainability. Policy reforms, structured career pathways and enhanced professional recognition are necessary to retain dental therapists and ensure their integration into South Africa's PHC vision
Exposure profiles to Benzophenones and their impacts on thyroid hormones in pregnant women
No full textPurpose: Benzophenones are ubiquitous compounds widely used in various industrial and consumer products including sunscreens, plastics, and personal care items. Their presence as emerging pollutants has raised concerns due to their potential adverse health effects, particularly as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to identify exposure profiles to Benzophenones in pregnant women living in Algiers and to explore associations between urinary levels of these compounds and disruptions of thyroid hormones levels during pregnancy. Methods: This study was carried out on 384 pregnant women. After gathering necessary information using a questionnaire, blood and urine samples were collected. Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, and FT4) were measured by electrochemiluminescence while Benzophenones (BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3) were detected by LC-MS/MS. Results: BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3 were detected in 91.9%, 56.5%, and 88.3% of the analyzed samples, respectively. Mean concentrations were 2.250, 0.178, and 2.067 µg/g creatinine for BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3, respectively. Significant negative associations were found between plasma levels of FT3 and urinary concentrations of both BP-1 (β = -0.101) and BP-3 (β = -0.110). Moreover, significant positive associations were recorded between urinary concentrations of both BP-1 and BP-3 and the application of makeup. Conclusion: In conclusion, exposure of pregnant women to Benzophenones may affect levels of thyroid hormones resulting in possible adverse health effects on the mother and the development of the child. Therefore, preventive measures limiting exposure to these EDCs are recommended
Impact of intercropping on agronomic and metabolic responses of Medicago sativa and Hordeum marinum under nutrient deficiency and drought stress
No full textBackground: Intercropping has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance crop performance and resilience under conditions of abiotic stress. Medicago sativa and Hordeum marinum constitute a potentially complementary forage system for semi-arid regions, yet their integrated physiological and metabolic responses to combined water and nutrient limitations remain poorly characterized. This study evaluated whether intercropping could improve productivity, nutrient acquisition, and biochemical stress adaptation under drought and reduced fertilization
Assessing CO2 storage potential in a structurally complex depletedgas reservoir, offshore South Africa
No full textAs global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions intensify, carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as a key strategy for reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuel use. However, geological storage of CO₂ in structurally complex and heterogeneous reservoirs presents a range of issues due to the geological intricacies, with implications for storage capacity estimation, CO₂ injection, migration, and even long-term containment, which pose environmental risks. Therefore, this study assesses the CO₂ storage potential of the depleted F-O Gas Field in the Bredasdorp Basin, offshore South Africa, using a robust modelling approach based on the analysis of a suite of exploration and production datasets from the field. A high degree of structural compartmentalisation with a fault-bounded anticlinal trap characterises the field. The Valanginian-age marine sandstone reservoirs exhibit low to moderate porosity and permeability. In total, a CO₂ storage capacity of 185.3 Mt was determined for the F-O gas field, which reduces to 37.1–74.1 Mt after accounting for reservoir heterogeneity and sweep efficiency. This reduction reflects the impact of the field's complex structural architecture, variable facies distribution, and petrophysical variability, which collectively limit the effective pore volume accessible for CO2 storage. By rigorously integrating the structural architecture of the field, sedimentary processes, facies distribution, and petrophysical variability of the candidate reservoir, this study provides critical insights and strategies into the feasibility of CCS in structurally complex depleted gas fields. Significantly, these findings contribute to ongoing national CCS assessments and support South Africa's long-term decarbonisation agenda
Small supernumerary marker Chromosome (sSMC) 15 in male primary infertility: a case study
No full textThis case report describes a 39-year-old phenotypically normal male patient of a married couple with primary infertility presenting as candidates for assisted reproductive techniques. The medical history of the couple is unremarkable, with both partners phenotypically normal. Semen analysis revealed oligoasthenzoospermia (OAT), 15% sperm DNA fragmentation and 4% aneuploidies in the sperm nuclei. Genetic analysis showed no Y chromosome of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene mutations. Karyotype analysis in the male partner revealed a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 15, specifically inverted and duplicated (inv dup(15)) corresponding to the 15q11.2 region but lacking the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome critical region (PWACR). Further investigations revealed that 35% of the patient’s spermatozoa carried the sSMC(15). This case study highlights the potential association between the presence of an inv dup(15) sSMC, without the involvement of the PWACR, and male infertility. sSMC(15) may disrupt spermatogenesis and contribute to oligoasthenozoospermia in males with primary infertility. Further research into the association of mechanism mechanisms of male infertility related to the 15q11.2 region is warranted
Designing a universal electronic health record system: creating a reliable national health database for AI and its application in healthcare in South Africa
No full textDigital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries worldwide, and healthcare is no exception. The application of AI in medicine dates back to the 1950s, with several pilot initiatives reportedly conducted in Africa during the early 1980s. AI refers to a computer system’s ability to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence. These tasks include learning, decision-making, visual perception and speech recognition. Fig. 1 illustrates the
different levels and categories of AI. To effectively leverage AI and emerging technologies in healthcare, AI models require access to training datasets in which outcome variables (e.g. disease onset) are clearly defined. Establishing a centralised technological infrastructure, specifically a universal electronic health record (UEHR) system, for all South Africans is therefore a critical first step. Such a platform would enable the collection and integration of high-quality health data, supporting national healthcare planning and ultimately improving health outcomes