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Long intergenic non-coding RNAs and BRCA1 in breast cancer pathogenesis : neighboring companions or nemeses?
Full text linkBreast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women, primarily due to its complex molecular landscape and heterogeneous nature. The tendency of breast cancer patients to develop metastases poses significant challenges in clinical management. Notably, mutations in the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) significantly elevate breast cancer risk. The current research endeavors employ diverse molecular approaches, including RNA, DNA, and protein studies, to explore avenues for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Recent attention has shifted towards long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in the multifaceted progression of breast cancer. Among these, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs), a specific class of lncRNAs, play critical roles in regulating various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, epigenetic modulation, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Their distinctive expression patterns in cellular and tissue contexts underscore their importance in breast cancer development and progression. Harnessing lincRNAs’ sensitivity and precision as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic markers holds significant promise for the clinical management of breast cancer. However, the potential of lincRNAs remains relatively underexplored, particularly in the context of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer and other clinicopathological parameters such as receptor status and patient survival. Consequently, there is an urgent need for comprehensive investigations into novel diagnostic and prognostic breast cancer biomarkers. This review examines the roles of lincRNAs associated with BRCA1 in the landscape of breast cancer, highlighting the potential avenues for future research and clinical applications.The National Research Foundation, the University of Pretoria and the South African Medical Research Council under a Self-Initiated Research Grant.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ncrnahj2024Medical OncologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Enhanced photodegradation of tetracycline by novel porous g-C3N4 nanosheets under visible light irradiation
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.Please read abstract in the article.The National Research Fund (NRF) of South Africa; a NRF Thuthuka Grant and Rand Water Chair in Water Utilisation.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/jphotochemhj2024Chemical EngineeringSDG-06:Clean water and sanitationSDG-07:Affordable and clean energySDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur
A highly sensitive RP HPLC-PDA analytical method for detection and quantification of a newly synthesized (E-2-((E)-4-(5-ethoxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-yl)but-3-en-2-ylidene)) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide in nanosuspension
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The 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.Analytical methods development and validation are vital for the precise detection, quantification, and characterization of novel therapeutic compounds, especially those with poor aqueous solubility, such as pyrazolone derivatives. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive, accurate, and efficient RP HPLC-PDA method for the detection and quantification of novel (E-2-((E)-4-(5-ethoxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-yl)but-3-en-2-ylidene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide in nanosuspension. The method was optimized for high sensitivity and specificity using a Shim-pack GIST C18 (5 µm, 150 × 4.6 mm) column, with an isocratic mobile phase of ACN and 0.1% TFA in water (75:25 v/v). It employed a 0.5 mL/min flow rate, a 20 µL injection volume, and detected the compound at 333 nm. The method showed excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9994) over a concentration range of 2.5–50 µg/mL, with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility, in compliance with ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. The LOD and LOQ were 2.43 and 7.38 µg/mL, respectively. Recovery rates ranged from 110% to 112%, with RSD below 2%. The validated RP HPLC-PDA method was effectively applied to detect, characterize, and quantify the novel compound in its nanosuspension form. This method offers a reliable analytical tool for the quality control of this novel compound, both in raw material and finished product forms, as well as for impurity profiling, drug release, and stability testing, which will, in turn, facilitate new drug development.https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25731815hj2024PhysiologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Mineral resource exploitation and landownership rights : understanding the ‘doctrine of custodianship’ in minerals and mining legislation in South Africa
Full text linkLegislation and policy frameworks on mineral resource exploitation and landownership rights in South Africa were heavily influenced by the Roman-Dutch law. These legal frameworks changed from 1795 with the annexation of the Cape by the British, and the discoveries of Gold and diamonds in the 19th century in South Africa. Expectedly, scholars have documented the evolution and development of mineral resources and landownership rights in South Africa. However, while there is interesting scholarship on mineral resource exploitation and landownership rights in South Africa, this scholarship fail to see mineral legislation from the perspective of eminent domain. Thus, this paper contextualized the doctrine of ‘custodianship’ as embedded in the Mineral and Petroleum Development Act of 2004 (MPRDA) within the conceptual framework of eminent domain. The paper uses discourse analysis to analyze historical and legal documents and academic literature. The analysis revealed that the doctrine of ‘custodianship’ as used in MPRDA connotes eminent domain. This is because the doctrine implies that nation's mineral resources are res publicae (belong to all South Africans, and the state is the custodian thereof). Looking at the notion of ‘custodianship’ in this way would open a new discussion on mineral resource discourse in post-apartheid South Africa.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/exishj2024SociologySDG-16:Peace,justice and strong institution
Exploring the challenges arising from soil management in no-till conservation agriculture
No full textThere are many situations in the world that are not suitable for the implementation of no-till-based “conservation agriculture” (CA). These are mainly in marginal rainfed cropping areas in the hot, dry mid-latitudes. It is not possible to maintain the required levels of organic matter in the soil in these areas. Under no-till applied plant nutrients accumulate in the upper few centimeters of the soil, where they cannot really be exploited by plant roots. Liming to ameliorate acid soil conditions is ineffective, because the impact of the lime is confined to the upper few centimeters of the soil. Serious soil compaction, largely by means of wheel traffic, occurs close to the soil surface under no-till. Because roots are confined to soil above the compacted layer, they cannot exploit water stored in the soil below the compacted layer. This leads to poor yields due to drought stress. Compacted soil layers due to no-till predispose crop roots to infection by root rot diseases. It is essential to do a thorough evaluation of the land suitability of an area for no-till based CA before a decision is taken to implement it or not.https://www.sciencedirect.com/bookseries/advances-in-agronomy2026-01-21hj2024Plant Production and Soil ScienceSDG-02:Zero HungerSDG-15:Life on lan
Illness is more prevalent than injury in trail runners participating in a mountainous ultra trail race
Full text linkDATA SHARING STATEMENTS: The data obtained in this study is available on reasonable request due to privacy and ethical restrictions.OBJECTIVES : Trail running is a popular off-road sport involving running in natural environments over various terrains, often in remote locations. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of injuries and illnesses, i.e. medical encounters, on race day among trail runners in a high-altitude ultra trail race.
METHODS : This descriptive cross-sectional study on an ultra trail race (38 km, 65 km and 100 km) in South Africa, included participants 18 years or older. Of the 331 race participants, 285(86.1%) consented to participate in the study. Data collection included demographic details, injuries (body region, specific body area, tissue type, pathology) and illnesses (organ system, symptom cluster, etiology). Risk factor analysis includes sex, age, weight, height, race distance, illness and injury history, training and running experience. Frequency (n, %), prevalence (%) and odds ratios (OR; 95%CI) are reported.
RESULTS : Eighty-nine (31.2%) individuals reported 131 medical encounters [49 injuries (37.4%); 82 illnesses (62.6%)]. Injuries were sustained by 14.7% of athletes, and 22.5% reported illnesses. For injuries, the lower limb was mainly involved (n = 41; 83.7%). Most injuries affected the foot (n = 18; 36.7%), ankle (n = 10; 20.4%) and knee (n = 7; 14.3%). Tissue types mainly involved skin (n = 21; 42.8%), ligament (n = 7; 14.3%) and muscle (n = 7; 14.3%). Multiple (n = 45; 54.9%) and gastrointestinal (n = 17; 20.7%) organ systems were mainly involved in illnesses. Only 100 km runners reported dehydration (n = 28; 31.5%), and one in every six of these runners (n = 5; 17.9%) did not finish. Runners reporting fatigue (n = 21; 23.6%) had a high (n = 8; 38.1%) did not finish rate. Two in every five participants (n = 36; 40.4%) with a medical encounter, did not finish. No medical encounter-associated risk factors were identified.
CONCLUSIONS : Illnesses were more common than injuries during the mountainous ultra trail race. Sustaining a medical encounter increased the chance of not completing the race. Further research on the epidemiology of race day medical encounters in trail running is required.https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/ipsm20hj2024Sports MedicineSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Para athlete concussion care following the Amsterdam 2022 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport : an urgent need for inclusivity within concussion research
Full text linkNo abstract available.https://bjsm.bmj.comhj2024Sports MedicineSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Editorial : Special issue on advanced nonstationary signal processing algorithms and techniques for machinery fault diagnosis and prognosis
No full textNo abstract available.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/ymssp2025-07-31hj2024Mechanical and Aeronautical EngineeringSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur
DORA : 48-week weight and metabolic changes in Black women with HIV, in a phase IIIb switch study from dolutegravir- or efavirenz- to doravirine-based first-line antiretroviral therapy
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The 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. Requests for access to the DORA study data should be sent to [email protected]. De-identified participant data and a data dictionary can be made available and shared under a data transfer agreement.OBJECTIVES :
Treatment-related weight gain and metabolic complications with antiretroviral integrase-based regimens, especially among Black women, suggest the need for alternative options.
METHODS :
We conducted a 48-week, open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase IIIb switch study to evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy of switching from stable efavirenz- or dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy to doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in Black women.
RESULTS :
The 101 participants enrolled (median age 35 years; interquartile range 31–40) were on efavirenz (n = 46; mean duration on therapy 1.7 years) or dolutegravir-based (n = 55; mean duration 1.5 years) antiretrovirals at screening. Retention at 48 weeks was 92/101 participants, and viral suppression was >90% throughout the study, with a single case of doravirine resistance (106 M, V108I and H221Y mutations). The mean weight percentage change at week 48 was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–6.5; p < 0.001), and the adjusted mean change was 2.7 kg (95% CI 1.50–3.98; p < 0.001); for efavirenz, the percentage change was 5.0% (95% CI 2.9–7.1; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 3.5 kg (95% CI 1.93–5.13); for dolutegravir, the percentage change was 4.5% (95% CI 1.8–7.3; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 2.1 kg (95% CI 0.26–3.90). Statistically significant decreases in lipid panel percent mean to week 48 included: total cholesterol −8.4% (95% CI −11.3 to −5.5; p < 0.001), triglycerides −10.4% (95% CI −16.4 to −4.4; p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein −14.8% (95% CI −18.5 to −11.2%; p < 0.001), with minor differences when disaggregating the mean percent change in lipids between previous efavirenz/dolutegravir regimens. Adverse events due to doravirine were few and mild.
CONCLUSIONS :
Our findings suggest that a switch to doravirine from efavirenz or dolutegravir is safe and effective in Black women, with significant improvement in lipid profiles, but does not arrest progressive weight gain.MSD Sharp and Dohme.http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/hivhj2024School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
Postpartum women's experiences of postnatal care in Sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT :
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.BACKGROUND :
Postnatal care (PNC) is a critical service for the health and well-being of new mothers and newborns. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), most efforts to improve maternal and child health have been directed toward enhancing skilled birth attendance and urgent obstetric and neonatal care. This is despite the fact that more than half of maternal deaths globally occur in the postnatal period, with 65% of these occurring in the first week following birth. One of the health system factors influencing PNC utilization is the women's previous PNC experience at healthcare facilities. The aim of this review was to gain a better understanding of women's experiences of PNC in SSA.
METHODS :
This study followed a qualitative evidence synthesis design. The phenomenon of interest was postpartum women's experiences of PNC in SSA. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Science Direct, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2013 and 2023. To assess the quality of the included studies, we used an appraisal tool developed by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre. Two authors independently extracted relevant data from the included studies. Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis framework was used to synthesize the data.
RESULTS :
Eight articles were used in this review. Seven articles reported on qualitative studies, and one reported on a mixed-method study. All the included studies fully or partially met the 12 quality assessment criteria. Synthesis of the data resulted in the development of five analytical themes. The five themes were the adequacy of physical examination and communication of the findings, adequacy of PNC information, the quality of interactions with healthcare workers (HCWs), the availability of resources and adequacy of HCWs, and denial of care. The overall confidence in the review's findings was either moderate or high.
CONCLUSION :
Based on our findings, we recommend that countries in the region address staff shortages, implement task shifting, electronic medicine stock management systems, optimal supply chain policies, and train HCWs on PNC and interpersonal communication skills.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1523536xhj2024School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein