82984 research outputs found
Sort by
Leptospiral infection in domestic mares in North Queensland
No full textDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT :
The data that supports the findings of this study are available in the supplementary material of this article.DATA S1. Supporting information.Leptospira species are found worldwide, favouring tropical regions, and infect a wide range of animal species. Although renal persistence in infected individuals and excretion in urine is thought to be the primary mechanism of disease transmission, recent reports have suggested that persistence in the reproductive tract may be a feature in certain species, including the horse. The aim of this study was to investigate leptospiral infection, particularly within the reproductive tract, in healthy, non-breeding mares. Serum and endometrial swab samples were collected from 50 mares from the James Cook University Teaching Animal Herd, as well as, where possible, free-catch urine (n = 19). Sera were screened for antibodies to 24 Leptospira serovars, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Endometrial and urine samples underwent real-time PCR testing, targeting the leptospiral rrs gene. Overall, the seroprevalence of leptospirosis was 48% (95% CI: 34%–62%), with serovars Arborea, Bratislava and Australis detected most frequently. PCR positive results were obtained from 1 of 50 (2%) endometrial swabs and 2 of 19 (11%) urine samples. This is the first report of serovar Bratislava in horses in Australia.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/175108132025-11-29hj2024Production Animal StudiesSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-15:Life on lan
A climate-based metapopulation malaria model with human travel and treatment
No full textDATA AVAILABILITY :
The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.A climate-based metapopulation malaria model is formulated by incorporating human travel between zones with varying climatic factors, effective and counterfeit drug treatments, and time-periodic parameters for the mosquito population to understand the effect of human travel on malaria transmission. We study the existence, uniqueness, and stability of positive periodic solutions in the model and carry out numerical simulations for three climatic zones of Ghana. The study shows that the climate effects introduce fluctuations in the solutions, while human travel between zones affects the disease prevalence in each zone and the local transmission dynamics of malaria. We observed different outcomes depending on various restrictions imposed on human travels. The study also suggests that it is essential to ban the sale, importation or manufacture of counterfeit drugs and punish the offenders to ensure the effective use of high-quality drugs in the population.https://link.springer.com/journal/133702025-12-06hj2024Mathematics and Applied MathematicsSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-13:Climate actio
A programme theory for a transition programme for novice nurses in emergency departments : a realist review
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT :
The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available in supplementary materials.SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 1 : Data extraction form.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 2 : Summary of demographic characteristics of the included studies (n = 11).
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 3 : Program theory elements and supportive theories.AIMS :
To develop a programme theory for a transition programme for novice nurses working in emergency departments.
DESIGN :
A realist review was conducted, guided by the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis–Evolving Standards publication standards.
DATA SOURCES : PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Wiley Online Library.
REVIEW METHODS :
A realist review methodology was used to consider the contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of transition programmes implemented in emergency departments. The Population, Concept, Context framework was used to develop a search strategy. Four reviewers independently screened the records using Rayyan. Conflicting decisions were evaluated against the inclusion and exclusion criteria to reach a consensus. The data were extracted literatim to a Google form and exported in an Excel spreadsheet. The frequencies for categorical data were calculated, and the textual data were thematically analysed. The theories supporting the programme theory were identified using a Behaviour of Interest, Health context, Exclusions and Models or Theories (BeHeMoth) search.
RESULTS :
Eleven reports of the 1275 records met the inclusion criteria. Three contextual factors influencing the transition programme, namely, the characteristics of the novice nurse, interpersonal relationships, and the emergency department, were identified. Mechanisms were classified as resources, including programme champions, learning and teaching activities, and responses to the programme. The primary outcomes included novice nurses and emergency departments. Secondary outcomes included the establishment of educational support structures. The final programme theory was developed based on the review results and supporting theories.
CONCLUSION :
Novice nurses with specific characteristics will most likely become proficient in a well-equipped and well-maintained emergency department when sufficient support is offered while maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. A transition programme that is provided by experts and codesigned is one way of supporting novice nurses.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/nedthj2024Nursing ScienceSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-04:Quality Educatio
EANM/SNMMI guideline/procedure standard for [18F]FDG hybrid PET use in infection and inflammation in adults v2.0
Full text linkDATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: Data are available upon request.Please read abstract in article.https://www.springer.com/journal/259Nuclear MedicineSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-beingSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur
Extrusion pre-treatment of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) lignocellulosic sidestream to produce cellulose fibres
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT :
The data that support the findings of this study are available from
the corresponding author upon reasonable request.BACKGROUND : Various agricultural sidestreams have been demonstrated as feedstock to produce cellulose. To the best of our
knowledge, there is no research work on the potential of agricultural sidestream from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), a
neglected and underutilised crop to produce cellulose fibres. Conventional methods to produce cellulose consume large
amounts of chemicals (NaOH) and produce a high amount of effluent waste. Herein, we investigated extrusion pre-treatment
without and with an alkali followed by bleaching as an alternative method to conventional alkaline pre-treatment followed
by bleaching to produce cellulose fibres from cowpea sidestream.
RESULTS : Cellulose extracted by extrusion without and with mild alkali followed by bleaching consumed about 20 times less
NaOH compared to the conventional method and produced less effluent waste. Extrusion with mild alkali followed by bleaching
resulted in higher cellulose yield, purity, and crystallinity compared to extrusion without an alkali followed by bleaching. However,
the conventional method resulted in higher cellulose yield, purity and crystallinity compared to extrusion pre-treatment
followed by bleaching. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that micro-sized cellulose fibres with an average diameter of 10–
15 ∼mwere extracted using both methods. Notably, cellulose fibres extracted using extrusion pre-treatment were shorter than
those extracted using the conventional method.
CONCLUSION : Extrusion pre-treatment is a promising continuous alternative to alkaline pre-treatment to produce micro-sized
cellulose fibres from low-value, underutilised cowpea lignocellulosic sidestream, for potential use as a filler in composite plastics.European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme,
National Research Foundation of South Africa,
DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security.http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/jsfaam2024Consumer and Food SciencesSDG-02:Zero Hunge
Experimental investigation into heat transfer and flow characteristics of magnetic hybrid nanofluid (Fe3O4/TiO2) in turbulent region
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY :
Upon request, the data can be provided. approach, necessitating further research for comprehensive understanding and optimization in diverse practical applications.Please read abstract in the article.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/apthermenghj2024Mechanical and Aeronautical EngineeringSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur
Micro-fragmented adipose tissue has no advantage over platelet-rich plasma and Bone Marrow aspirate injections for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkBACKGROUND : Micro-fragmented adipose tissue has been proposed for intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis. There are little data comparing the outcomes of treatment between micro-fragmented adipose tissue and other biological treatments.
PURPOSE : To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing micro-fragmented aspirated fat injections to other ortho-biologics, hyaluronic acid, and corticosteroid injections for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
STUDY DESIGN : Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.
METHODS : A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify pertinent publications in the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, including all level 1 to 3 studies from 2000 to 2023. Validated knee scores (visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee) were included as outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of the body of evidence and the modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess study quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using χ2 and I2 statistics.
RESULTS : Five studies were included in the analysis. One study had a high risk of bias; 4 studies had some risk of bias. The overall study quality was fair, and the certainty of evidence was low. The pooled estimate for VAS scores did not demonstrate significant differences at 3, 6, and 12 months. The pooled estimate for the KOOS Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life subscales did not demonstrate significant differences at 3, 6, and 12 months.
CONCLUSION : The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences for both the clinical outcomes and pain scores between micro-fragmented adipose tissue and other ortho-biologics for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, modest study quality, some risk of bias, and low certainty of evidence reduce external validity, and these results must be viewed with some caution.https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ajshj2024AnatomyOrthopaedic SurgerySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Vaccine stock-outs : a preventable health facility obstacle contributing to missed vaccinations in South African children
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY :
Data will be made available on request.In 2019 the National Department of Health (NDoH) conducted a national immunisation coverage survey of caregivers of children aged 24–35 months in all 52 districts of South Africa, and reported a national fully immunised under one year-old coverage of 83.9 %, and 76.8 % coverage for all vaccines scheduled up to 18 months of age. This retrospective, descriptive study was a secondary data analysis of 3576 validated Microsoft Excel® records containing the reasons for missed vaccinations collected by field workers during the 2019 national survey. The reason “vaccine out of stock” had been captured by field workers from children's vaccination cards, while other reasons given by caregivers had been captured either as pre-defined codes or free text. Free text reasons were analysed and additional codes created, and all reasons were categorised. In total, 3576 caregivers gave 8116 reasons for 8056 doses that had been missed by their children. Reasons related to health facility obstacles (HFOs) (67.9 %; 2429/3576) and personal obstacles (34.6 %; 1237/3576) constituted the major categories of reasons for missed vaccinations. Of all vaccines missed because of HFO-related reasons, 57.8 % (1403/2429) were missed because of vaccine stock-outs, affecting 39.2 % (1403/3576) of children. Other important HFOs included lack of access to vaccination services (24.5 %; 595/2429); and information about missed vaccinations and the need to return for catch-up not being shared with caregivers (17.1 %; 416/2429). These results were stratified by district and shared with the NDoH, who have initiated several projects in collaboration with other stakeholders, focusing mainly on building capacity for effective vaccine management to prevent vaccine stock-outs, and ensuring that all children are able to access vaccination services. The results of this study can be used as a baseline against which the success of future interventions emanating from these projects can be measured.The National Research Foundation of South Africa.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/vaccinehj2024Paediatrics and Child HealthSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Magnetite geochemistry as a proxy for metallogenic processes : a study on sulfide-mineralized mafic-ultramafic intrusions peripheral to the Kunene Complex in Angola and Namibia
Full text linkSUPPLEMENTARY FILE 1. Analytical techniques and settings.
SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 2. EPMA data (as wt%) for the analyzed oxides. Abbreviations: Mt = magnetite; Cr-Mt = chromium magnetite; Ferritchr = ferritchromite; Cr-Sp = Cr-spinel; Sp = spinel. According to the Cr content, the Fe-oxides are classified as magnetite (Cr2O3: 0–6 wt%), Cr-magnetite (Cr2O3: 6–13 wt%), ferritchromite (Cr2O3 >13 wt%, e.g., Hodel et al. 2020).
SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 3. Analytical results of the reference materials used to monitor the quality of the data. SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 4. Summary of LA-ICP-MS results (in ppm) for magnetite (Mt), Cr-magnetite (Cr-Mt) and ferritchromite (Ferritchrom). 0.5 wt%, Cu > 0.3 wt%, and Zn > 0.3 wt%, likely affected by sulfide contamination, are in italics, and were not considered in the discussion. Chondrite REE normalization values after Boynton (1985).Trace element concentrations in magnetite are dictated by the petrogenetic environment and by the physico-chemical conditions
during magmatic, hydrothermal, or sedimentary processes. This makes magnetite chemistry a useful tool in the exploration
of ore-forming processes. We describe magnetite compositions from Ni-Cu-(PGE)-sulfide mineralized rocks from seven
mafic–ultramafic intrusions peripheral to the Mesoproterozoic AMCG (anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite) suite of
the Kunene Complex of Angola and Namibia to investigate metallogenic processes through the geochemical characterization
of Fe-oxides, which were analyzed in-situ via Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), and Laser Ablation-Inductively
Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). We identified magmatic magnetite, segregated from both a silicate
liquid and an immiscible sulfide liquid. Elements like Cr, Co and V suggest that the sulfide-related magnetite segregated
from a relatively primitive Fe-rich monosulfide solid solution (MSS). Secondary Cr-rich magnetite appears in intrusions
with abundant chromite or Cr-spinel. Two types of hydrothermal magnetite were identified, related to the pervasive replacement
of sulfides and a late-stage, low-T fluid circulation event. Magnetite replacing sulfides is associated with serpentinized
ultramafic rocks and is preferentially observed in the intrusions with the highest base and precious metal tenors. The high
concentration of Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, As and Sb in these grains is corroborated by the identification of micron-size PGE mineral
inclusions. We infer that serpentinization during hydrothermal fluid circulation was accompanied by desulphurization of
sulfides with metal remobilization and reconcentration to generate magnetite carrying Pd microinclusions. We suggest that
the highly serpentinized ultramafic rocks in the Kunene Complex region may become a possible target for economic Ni-
Cu-(PGE) mineralization.Open access funding provided by University of Pretoria.http://link.springer.com/journal/126am2024GeologySDG-15:Life on lan
Dietary intake and growth of HIV exposed and unexposed 6-12 months old infants in South Africa
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT :
Data that support the findings of this study are available on
request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly
available due to privacy or ethical restrictions. The data supporting
the findings will be made accessible upon request fromthe primary
investigator of the Siyakhula study (Ute Feucht) following an embargo
period to allow for the conclusion of the research and
publication of findings.Factors affecting the growth of HIV‐exposed‐uninfected (HEU) children are
multi‐factorial, with limited information available on the dietary intake from
6 months. This study compared the dietary intake, micronutrient composition of
breastmilk, and growth of HEU and HIV‐unexposed‐uninfected (HUU) infants aged
6 and 12 months in an urban setting. A repeated cross‐sectional study used structured
questionnaires to collect socio‐demographic, dietary intake, food group data,
and anthropometric measurements in the Siyakhula study. The HEU (48%) and HUU
(52%) infants were included (total n = 181). At 6 months, HEU infants had lower
weight‐for‐age z‐scores (WAZ) (−0.6 ± 1.1 vs. 0.1 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), length‐for‐age
z‐scores (−0.8 ± 1.4 vs. −0.1 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), and mid‐upper‐arm circumference‐forage
z‐scores (MUACAZ) (0.5 ± 1.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9; p < 0.001) than HUU infants. At
12 months, HEU infants had lower WAZ, MUACAZ, and weight‐for‐length z‐scores
compared to HUU infants (p < 0.05). Stunting was found at 6 (15%) and 12 (12%)
months in HEU infants. The micronutrient composition of breastmilk fed to both
groups was similar. Breastfeeding rates were lower in HEU than in HUU infants at
6 (49% vs. 64%; p = 0.005) and 12 (24% vs. 46%; p = 0.002) months. Less than 3% of
HEU and HUU infants achieved minimal dietary diversity scores at 12 months.
Dietary intake of fat was similar in all breastfed infants, but iron and vitamin B12
were higher in non‐breastfed HEU infants at 12 months. HEU infants had lower breastfeeding rates than HUU infants. A lack of dietary diversity was found in all
infants. Nutrition education and counselling in the complementary feeding phase are
essential for optimal growth.University of Pretoria, the Department of Research and Innovation UCDP;
National Research Foundation;
Collaborative Initiative for Paediatrics HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) of the International AIDS Society grant.https://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/mcnam2024Consumer and Food SciencesHuman NutritionPaediatrics and Child HealthSDG-02:Zero HungerSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein