scholarly journals Usutu virus: A new threat?

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Clé ◽  
C. Beck ◽  
S. Salinas ◽  
S. Lecollinet ◽  
S. Gutierrez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Main Body ◽  
European Continent ◽  
Phylogenetic Relatedness ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Data Gaps

Abstract Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus that was first isolated in South Africa in 1959. This Flavivirus is maintained in the environment through a typical enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. USUV has spread to a large part of the European continent over the two decades mainly leading to substantial avian mortalities with a significant recrudescence of bird infections recorded throughout Europe within the few last years. USUV infection in humans is considered to be most often asymptomatic or to cause mild clinical signs. Nonetheless, a few cases of neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningoencephalitis have been reported. USUV and West Nile virus (WNV) share many features, like a close phylogenetic relatedness and a similar ecology, with co-circulation frequently observed in nature. However, USUV has been much less studied and in-depth comparisons of the biology of these viruses are yet rare. In this review, we discuss the main body of knowledge regarding USUV and compare it with the literature on WNV, addressing in particular virological and clinical aspects, and pointing data gaps.

Thinking about offender social reintegration: A case study of one NGO programme in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282096742
Author(s):  
Emmison Muleya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Crime Prevention ◽  
The Body ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Social Reintegration ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Former Offenders ◽  
Offender Reintegration

Successful social reintegration is critical if we are to reduce recidivism and crime in general. This voice of people article presents a background case for why effective offender reintegration services are key in South Africa, and the Eastern Cape in particular, through an example of the Offender Reintegration programme rendered by the National Institute of Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO). Apart from the paucity of literature on offender reintegration, very few voices from people working directly with these former offenders are ever heard. Therefore, this article seeks to address this gap by contributing to the body of knowledge on offender social reintegration.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2: is there neuroinvasion?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor McQuaid ◽  
Molly Brady ◽  
Rashid Deane
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus (CoV), is known to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, and a number of non-respiratory complications, particularly in older male patients with prior health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. These prior health conditions are associated with vascular dysfunction, and the CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications include multiorgan failure and neurological problems. While the main route of entry into the body is inhalation, this virus has been found in many tissues, including the choroid plexus and meningeal vessels, and in neurons and CSF. Main body We reviewed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, ACE2 distribution and beneficial effects, the CNS vascular barriers, possible mechanisms by which the virus enters the brain, outlined prior health conditions (obesity, hypertension and diabetes), neurological COVID-19 manifestation and the aging cerebrovascualture. The overall aim is to provide the general reader with a breadth of information on this type of virus and the wide distribution of its main receptor so as to better understand the significance of neurological complications, uniqueness of the brain, and the pre-existing medical conditions that affect brain. The main issue is that there is no sound evidence for large flux of SARS-CoV-2 into brain, at present, compared to its invasion of the inhalation pathways. Conclusions While SARS-CoV-2 is detected in brains from severely infected patients, it is unclear on how it gets there. There is no sound evidence of SARS-CoV-2 flux into brain to significantly contribute to the overall outcomes once the respiratory system is invaded by the virus. The consensus, based on the normal route of infection and presence of SARS-CoV-2 in severely infected patients, is that the olfactory mucosa is a possible route into brain. Studies are needed to demonstrate flux of SARS-CoV-2 into brain, and its replication in the parenchyma to demonstrate neuroinvasion. It is possible that the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are a consequence of mainly cardio-respiratory distress and multiorgan failure. Understanding potential SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion pathways could help to better define the non-respiratory neurological manifestation of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Thalamic abscess in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia successfully treated with an empiric antibiotic regime: case report and review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier A. Santander ◽  
Anwar Saab ◽  
Juan Manuel Revuelta-Barbero ◽  
Elena Múñez
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Complete Disappearance ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic ◽  
Dominant Disease ◽  
Antibiotic Regime ◽  
Stereotaxic Biopsy

Abstract Background Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare autosomal dominant disease associated with neurological complications, including cerebral abscesses (CA). They tend to be unique, supratentorial and lobar. While the surgical intervention is a rule of thumb when treating and diagnosing the etiology of these lesions, this is not always possible due to dangerous or inaccessible locations. We report the case of a patient solely treated with empiric antibiotics without stereotaxic intervention and satisfactory results. Case presentation We present the case of a 21-year-old patient with a right thalamic abscess due to HHT and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, previously embolized, treated solely with antibiotics. At first, we contemplated the possibility of a stereotaxic biopsy, but the high-risk location and the fact that our patient received a previous full course of antibiotic treatment (in another center), made us discard this intervention because of the low diagnostic yield. We started an empiric antibiotic regime. We followed up very closely the clinical and radiological evaluation the next weeks, adjusting our antibiotic treatment when necessary. The results were favorable from both the radiological and clinical aspects and 6 months after the diagnosis the images show its almost complete disappearance. Conclusion Carefully tailored antibiotic-only regime and vigilance of its adverse effects and close radiological following is a good treatment approach when surgery is not an option.

Recounting the Empowerment of Women in Rural Areas of KwaZulu-Natal from Information and Knowledge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era

Libri ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenrose Jiyane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Critical Resource

Abstract The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) marks the new, advanced era of development in humankind, and globally countries are in the process of ensuring their citizenry’s readiness. In South Africa, various governmental departments, organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are making efforts, through their plans, talks and actions, to attain this status for all her people, particularly women in rural areas. However, the development of women in the rural areas for empowerment remains a concern in developing countries. Consequently, there is a dire need to ensure the developmental status for women in rural areas in the advent of the 4IR, and this paper seeks to demonstrate that information and knowledge may be instrumental in empowering women in rural areas to strive in the 4IR. Accordingly, information and knowledge are a critical resource contributing to the empowerment of women in rural areas for their development. An exploratory question is raised to determine whether South Africa is ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. The outcome of this paper will contribute to the body of knowledge advocating the importance of information and knowledge in the empowerment of women in rural areas. Significantly, it will generate insights for policymakers on the important role of information and knowledge for women’s development.

scholarly journals The gut microbiome: a key player in the complexity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Boddy ◽  
Ilaria Giovannelli ◽  
Matilde Sassani ◽  
Johnathan Cooper-Knock ◽  
Michael P. Snyder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Phenotypic Variability ◽  
Personalised Medicine ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Environmental Component ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Background Much progress has been made in mapping genetic abnormalities linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the majority of cases still present with no known underlying cause. Furthermore, even in families with a shared genetic abnormality there is significant phenotypic variability, suggesting that non-genetic elements may modify pathogenesis. Identification of such disease-modifiers is important as they might represent new therapeutic targets. A growing body of research has begun to shed light on the role played by the gut microbiome in health and disease with a number of studies linking abnormalities to ALS. Main body The microbiome refers to the genes belonging to the myriad different microorganisms that live within and upon us, collectively known as the microbiota. Most of these microbes are found in the intestines, where they play important roles in digestion and the generation of key metabolites including neurotransmitters. The gut microbiota is an important aspect of the environment in which our bodies operate and inter-individual differences may be key to explaining the different disease outcomes seen in ALS. Work has begun to investigate animal models of the disease, and the gut microbiomes of people living with ALS, revealing changes in the microbial communities of these groups. The current body of knowledge will be summarised in this review. Advances in microbiome sequencing methods will be highlighted, as their improved resolution now enables researchers to further explore differences at a functional level. Proposed mechanisms connecting the gut microbiome to neurodegeneration will also be considered, including direct effects via metabolites released into the host circulation and indirect effects on bioavailability of nutrients and even medications. Conclusion Profiling of the gut microbiome has the potential to add an environmental component to rapidly advancing studies of ALS genetics and move research a step further towards personalised medicine for this disease. Moreover, should compelling evidence of upstream neurotoxicity or neuroprotection initiated by gut microbiota emerge, modification of the microbiome will represent a potential new avenue for disease modifying therapies. For an intractable condition with few current therapeutic options, further research into the ALS microbiome is of crucial importance.

scholarly journals Portland Cement Use in Dental Root Perforations: A Long Term Followup

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Álvaro Henrique Borges ◽  
Matheus Coelho Bandeca ◽  
Mateus Rodrigues Tonetto ◽  
Luis Augusto Faitaroni ◽  
Elibel Reginna de Siqueira Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Portland Cement ◽  
Calcium Hydroxide ◽  
Root Canal ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Iatrogenic Perforation ◽  
Root Canals ◽  
First Case ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Root canal and furcal perforations are causes of endodontic therapy failure and different materials that stimulate tissue mineralization have been proposed for perforation treatment. In the first case, a patient presented tooth 46 with unsatisfactory endodontic treatment and a periapical radiographic lesion. A radiolucent area compatible with a perforating internal resorption cavity was found in the mesial root. The granulation tissue was removed, and root canals were prepared. The intracanal medication was composed of calcium hydroxide and the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 11-year followup showed radiographic repair of the tissue adjacent to the perforation and absence of clinical signs and symptoms or periapical lesion. In the second case, a patient presented with edema on the buccal surface of tooth 46. The examination showed a radiolucent area in the furcation region compatible with an iatrogenic perforation cavity. The mesial root canals were calcified, and only the distal root canal was prepared. The cavity was filled with a calcium hydroxide-based paste and the distal root canal was obturated. In sequence, the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 9-year followup showed the tooth in masticatory function with radiographic and clinical aspects compatible with normality.

scholarly journals Ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis of Dorper sheep in South Africa : a study on its aetiology and clinical features

2005 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kidanemariam ◽  
J. Gouws ◽  
M. Van Vuuren ◽  
B. Gummow
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Regular Feature ◽  
Clinically Normal ◽  
Large Colony ◽  
Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽  
Dorper Sheep ◽  
Arcanobacterium Pyogenes ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Ovine ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis in sheep of the Dorper breed has been observed in South Africa since 1979. Its aetiology has not been conclusively resolved, and there is some discrepancy in descriptions of its clinical features. In order to identify the pathogenic microorganism / s that contribute to the occurrence of the disease, the microflora in the genital tracts of both clinically healthy and affected sheep were isolated and compared. Bacteriological examination of materials from affected and unaffected sheep resulted in the isolation of Arcanobacterium pyogenes from 44.2 % and 17.2 % of them respectively. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.01). Seventy-four per cent of the isolates originated from severe clinical cases. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 49.3 % of 116 clinically normal sheep and 78.2%of 104 affected sheep. There were significant differences in their rates of isolation in clinical groups (P < 0.05). Of all the mycoplasma isolates, Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides large colony variant (MmmLC) was isolated from 61.5 % of clinically diseased sheep while 6.0 % of the isolates were from apparently healthy animals (P < 0.05). The study threw light on the prevalence of mycoplasmas in the genital tract of apparently healthy sheep and, at the same time the identity of the mycoplasma pathogen associated with ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis was revealed. The findings of this investigation therefore confirmed the involvement of mycoplasma, particularly that of MmmLC large colony, in the disease in Dorper sheep in South Africa, and it was concluded that this microorganism is an important pathogen of balanitis and vulvitis in them. The study furthermore demonstrated a probable synergism between A. pyogenes and MmmLC. Finding these 2 organisms together occurred 53.4 times more frequently in the affected sheep than in the unaffected, which emphasises the probable multifactorial nature of the disease. The association between age and the presence of clinical signs was statistically significant. It was found that young sheep were more likely to have lesions than adult sheep. Clinical observations showed that the typical ulceration appears to be confined to the glans penis and lips of the vulva; no ulceration was observed on the shaft of the penis and prepuce or vaginal vestibule. In uncomplicated cases inflammation of the prepuce and vaginal vestibule is not a regular feature of the disease. Therefore the names ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis most accurately describe the nature of the disease in South Africa.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and Zika virus

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-238
Author(s):  
T. V. Startseva ◽  
N. N. Kanshina ◽  
M. V. Tretyakova ◽  
V. O. Bitsadze ◽  
J. Kh. Khizroeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nonhuman Primate ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Asymptomatic Carrier ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Urban Cycle

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) in the genus Flavivirus and the Flaviviridae family. In 1947 and 1948 ZIKV was first isolated from a nonhuman primate as well as from mosquitoes in Africa, respectively. For half a century, ZIKV infections in human were sporadic prior to 2015–2016 pandemic spreading. Transmission of ZIKV from mother to fetus can occur in any trimester of pregnancy, even if mother was an asymptomatic carrier. The clinical signs of ZIKV infection are nonspecific and can be misdiagnosed as some other infectious diseases, especially those caused by arboviruses such as Dengue and Chikungunya. ZIKV infection was solely associated with mild illness prior to the large French Polynesian and Brazil outbreaks, when severe neurological complications, Guillain–Barre syndrome and dramatically increased rate of severe congenital malformations (including microcephaly) were reported. The adaptation of ZIKV to an urban cycle in endemic areas suggests that the incidence of ZIKV infections may be underestimated. The pandemic of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) demonstrates that lessons from ZIKV pandemic propagation has not been learned properly.

scholarly journals RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IN-STORE PROMOTIONS AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN SHOPPING MALLS IN SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinessa Naidoo ◽  
◽  
Nkhumeleni Mathivha
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Price Discounts ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
The Social ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
Spss Software

Promotions of products and services close to the point of purchase is a reality to many companies. These promotions include the demonstration of products, price discounts and free samples. This paper sets out to determine the influence of in-store promotions on consumer behaviour. The study sampled 200 middle-of-the-month and month-end shoppers in four of the largest shopping malls in Polokwane, South Africa among. The paper was designed along quantitative method dicta and the primary data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Data were analysed via IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and presented in graphs and tables for easy interpretation. The results and knowledge gained from this study add to the existing body of knowledge in the discipline, and it might assist shop managers in finding the most suitable methods for in-store promotions. All ethical requirements were considered during the course of the study. The outcome of the study indicated a statistically significant relationship between consumer behaviour and in-store coupon offers. However, the association analysis results for the enjoyment of in-store promotions, in-store free samples, in-store buy-one-get-one-free offers, and in-store price discounts, failed to provide any evidence of association with consumer behaviour.

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