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Human inborn errors of immunity (IEI) represent a diverse group of genetic disorders affecting the innate and/or adaptive immune system. Some IEI entities comprise defects in DNA repair factors, resulting in (severe) combined immunodeficiencies, bone marrow failure, predisposition to malignancies, and potentially resulting in radiosensitivity (RS). While other IEI subcategories such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and immune dysregulation disorders also associate with lymphoproliferative and malignant complications, the occurrence of RS phenotypes in the broader IEI population is not well characterized. Nonetheless, identifying RS in IEI patients through functional testing is crucial to reconsider radiation-related therapeutic protocols and to improve overall patient management. This study aimed to investigate chromosomal RS in a diverse cohort of 107 IEI patients using the G0 cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay. Our findings indicate significant variability in RS across specific genetic and phenotypical subgroups. Severe RS was detected in all ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) patients, a FANCI deficient and ERCC6L2 deficient patient, but not in any other IEI patient included in this cohort. Age emerged as an influencing factor for both spontaneous and radiation-induced MN yields, while the manifestation of additional clinical features, including infection susceptibility, immune dysregulation, or malignancies did not associate with increased MN levels. Our extensive analysis of RS in the IEI population underscores the clinical importance of RS assessment in AT patients and supports RS testing in all IEI patients suspected of having a DNA repair disorder associated with RS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic research and resultant checklists play a crucial role in underpinning all biodiversity research. Compiling an inventory of plants that occur in a region or country is a complicated task that can be subject to errors and incompleteness, which in turn can hinder other fields of botanical research. South Africa has put in place a rigorous and defensible method of compiling and updating a national checklist, which can serve as a guide to any country in the process of doing so. The process of creating the checklist and significance of this is presented, and the governance, including the choice of classification followed and use of common names, is discussed. Methods for compilation and dissemination of the checklist are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is an economically important crop plant across the globe as it is the primary source of sugar and biofuel. Its growth and development are greatly influenced by water availability; therefore, in periods of water scarcity, yields are severely compromised. Small Ubiquitin‐Like Modifier (SUMO) proteases play an important role in stress responses by regulating the SUMO‐related post‐translational modification of proteins.In an attempt to enhance drought tolerance in sugarcane, this crop was genetically transformed with a cysteine protease (OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT‐1; OTS1) from Arabidopsis thaliana using particle bombardment. Transgenic plants were analysed in terms of photosynthetic capacity, oxidative damage, antioxidant accumulation and the SUMO‐enrich protein profile was assessed.Sugarcane transformed with the AtOTS1 gene displayed enhanced drought tolerance and delayed leaf senescence under water deficit compared to the untransformed wild type (WT). The AtOTS1 transgenic plants maintained a high relative moisture content and higher photosynthesis rate when compared to the WT. In addition, when the transgene was expressed at high levels, the transformed plants were able to maintain higher stomatal conductance and chlorophyl content under moderate stress compared to the WT. Under severe water deficit stress, the transgenic plants accumulated less malondialdehyde and maintained membrane integrity. SUMOylation of total protein and protease activity was lower in the AtOTS1 transformed plants compared to the WT, with several SUMO‐enriched proteins exclusively expressed in the transgenics when exposed to water deficit stress.SUMOylation of proteins likely influenced various mechanisms contributing to enhanced drought tolerance in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two shrub-like Thesium species (subgenus Psilothesium) from the Limpopo and North West Provinces in South Africa are treated. Using morphological information from the literature, herbarium material (including types) and geographic information, specimens of the little-known T. celatum N.E.Br. and a new species, T. hispidifructum N.Lombard and M.M.leRoux sp. nov., are treated. A first comprehensive description of the Waterberg–Magaliesberg endemic, T. celatum, is provided along with diagnostic characters to distinguish it from its morphologically most similar-looking species, T. burchellii A.W.Hill. It has hitherto been classified as data deficient due to taxonomic reasons by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) but a status of Vulnerable is suggested. Thesium hispidifructum is recognised for the first time here and is endemic to Blouberg and Mount Letsjume. It is morphologically most similar to T. disparile N.E.Br. Its name was chosen with reference to its hispidulous to hispid indumentum covering the entire plant including the outside of the flowers and fruit. A threat status of vulnerable is proposed. Treatments of both species include detailed morphological descriptions, information on their distribution and habitat, comparisons and an identification key with morphologically similar species and photo plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Legume Phylogeny Working Group's Taxonomy Working Group was tasked to create a community endorsed global legume checklist that will serve as a primary source of taxa for biodiversity data platforms and legume-related research. The checklist was published in June 2021, recognising 772 genera and 22,360 species. It is disseminated through the new Legume Data Portal as part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) hosted portal initiative. The process that was followed to publish and disseminate the checklist and its content is described here. The impact of the work by the Taxonomy Working Group are quantified by comparing the published checklist with the GBIF taxonomic backbone. A total of 44,157 names overlapped with the GBIF taxonomic backbone while 30,456 names were added, which enabled more accurate name matching of 61,235 legume occurrences. Continuous improvement to the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP): Fabaceae checklist will allow the GBIF taxonomic backbone and other checklist managers to converge to a consistent and comprehensive list of legume taxa globally over time. Measurement(s) Corrections and impact Technology Type(s) Data comparisons Factor Type(s) taxon name Sample Characteristic - Organism Fabaceae Sample Characteristic - Environment global [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the air dense medium fluidized bed (ADMFB) as a suitable dry beneficiation technique to upgrade +5.6 mm-13.2 mm South African coal. The separation efficiency of the ADMFB was assessed by determining the effect, if any, of particle size range, medium to coal feed ratios, and the addition of vibration on the separation ability of the bed. The coal was upgraded to varying degrees, depending on the parameters of the applied methods. For example, when considering the bottom bed layer (one quarter of the total bed height) as discard, the cumulative ash yield of the clean coal fraction ranged between 13.0% and 17.6% with a corresponding yield of 82.21%–83.93%, respectively. A variation in feed coal PSD did not significantly influence the response of the bed pertaining to its ability to beneficiate the coal. This was quantified by the similarity in percentage ash yield for the feed, top and bottom layers. In addition, it was established that by feeding a coal and magnetite (+300 µm) mixture, in various mass ratios, did not significantly influence the separation efficiency of the bed, nor did the application of external vibration to the bed aid in the beneficiation of the coal. Although these factors did not influence the performance of the ADMFB, it was found that the minimum fluidization velocity and bed stability were largely improved by the introduction of these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that contact sorption drying is a feasible technique to dewater fine (+0.15mm–0.5mm) and ultra-fine (−0.15 mm) coal. The aim of this article is to further investigate the drying mechanism involved. It could be shown that moisture transfer occurred primarily in the liquid phase, requiring direct contact between the coal and sorbent particles to facilitate the movement of the water. Moisture transfer was enhanced by operating with a higher sorbent to coal mass ratio. When drying smaller coal particle size ranges, the resistance to liquid transport decreased, leading to better desorption results. These improvements were mainly as a result of a greater contact area between the sorbent and coal particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces contact sorption with ceramic sorbents as a method to reduce the moisture content of coal fines produced by coal processing plants. The proposed method was tested on laboratory scale where ceramic spheres with diameters of 3 mm and 5 mm were combined with wet coal fines of size fractions between 0.25 mm and 2 mm. The coal had an initial moisture content of 0.25 g(Water)/g(Coal and water), and was dewatered using contact sorption to an average moisture content of 0.13 g(Water)/g(Coal and water) after 2.5 minutes and 0.05 g(Water)/g(Coal and water) after 10 minutes, respectively. This paper focuses on identifying the solid phase conditions essential to improving the contact sorption drying technology, proving that contact between the coal and sorbent material is the main driving force behind this technology. Increasing the sorbent to coal mass ratio and using smaller sorbents with a larger surface area resulted in improved contact and consequently improved moisture mass transfer. The final coal moisture content that could be achieved was independent of coal particle size. Current studies show a reliance on thermal drying technologies to dry the saturated sorbent material, whereas this paper proves that drying with high airflow at low temperatures is sufficient to regenerate the sorbent material. The loaded sorbent material could easily be separated from the dried coal product by dry screening, and could be dried and regenerated afterwards in an air-blown packed bed within 10 minutes. The re-use of sorbent material showed no decrease in its dewatering efficiency, and it was shown to be possible to re-use the sorbents for a large number of cycles. Contact sorption can prove to be a cost-effective and efficient drying method to dewater coal fines in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International studies reveal that students have more freedom, as well as unstructured and unsupervised time, which makes them susceptible to problematic internet use (PIU). Although students are a risk group for PIU, no evidence of local research on internet use among students could be identified. This article reports on a study on the nature and impact of internet use among students at a tertiary institution. A quantitative research approach was adopted and a survey with a group-administered questionnaire was conducted with 295 second-year students (between 18 and 25 years) registered for a module in a basic social science. Respondents were recruited through convenience sampling. The nature of internet use was explored with reference to internet platforms, reasons for internet use, devices for connecting to the internet, and the locations where respondents access the internet. The impact of internet use was explored through eight constructs adopted from two screening instruments in the public domain, i.e. the Internet-Related Addictive Behaviour Inventory and the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire. The research results were calculated by means of descriptive and association statistics, specifically the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and voluntary participation, were observed. The research results revealed that the respondents preferred email and chatting as internet platforms, while they used the internet mostly for extrinsic reasons, such as for assignments and socialising. Online activities occurred mostly on campus and at home during the early evenings via mobile phones or laptops. The respondents scored relatively low on the constructs measuring PIU. However, two constructs 'escape from problems' and 'loss of control' presented with markedly higher scores and could be flagged as potential risk areas. Furthermore, association statistics indicated a statistically significant difference of some constructs with regard to gender and the romantic relationship status of respondents, which could be considered in the provision of student support services. The development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions for the prevention, treatment and management of PIU are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy provides a universal method to classify biodiversity at different scales locally and globally. Currently, existing taxonomic treatments are scattered, limiting their accessibility and utility. The Convention on Biological Diversity has responded to this challenge by setting the goal of compiling a World Flora Online (Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Target 1, 2011-2020). This can be done by aggregating electronically available information provided by each country, region or specialist group. Developing a Flora or a high-level monographic product requires time and input from a large pool of taxonomic specialists. Completing a Flora may be difficult to accomplish for phytodiverse countries, such as South Africa, if the 2020 target is to be met. Fortunately, a large number of taxonomic contributions and many electronic tools exist that can enhance progress. Where these are available, efforts have to be made to access and digitise the literature. Here we describe a pragmatic approach to developing an online Flora, involving taking f loristic information from multiple, previously published sources, digitising the legacy literature where needed and aggregating the required information into a single portal. South Africa is committed to producing an online Flora (the e-Flora of South Africa) and contributing the information to the World Flora Online initiative following the aggregator portal approach, a method described here that might be useful for other countries with high phytodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good correlation exists between the amount of moisture adsorbed and the oxygen content of medium-rank B vitrinite-rich and medium-rank C inertinite-rich bituminous coal. Total mass moisture adsorbed per gram of coal determined from the modified BET model provides a better approximation than the BET model. The relationship between the modified BET moisture monolayer coverage and the area of surface oxygen groups suggests that moisture is adsorbed at these sites. Oxygen content is a good indicator of the amount of moisture adsorbed on bituminous coal. Open hysteresis loops indicate that moisture is retained on medium-rank C inertinite-rich bituminous coals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Rhynchosia totta complex is one of three taxonomically complicated African groups in the genus Rhynchosia. Numerous southern African species and infraspecific taxa (at least 19 names, 17 species and 2 varieties) have been described by various authors in the past, but were later reduced into synonymy with R. totta. Currently, only the typical variety is recognised in Southern Africa. Objectives: To investigate and update the circumscription of the taxa within the R. totta complex in southern Africa and to update their synonymies and distribution ranges. Methods: Specimens of R. totta at GRA, JRAU, K, NH and PRE were studied and compared, and measurements of characters recorded. Populations were also observed during field studies. Results: The examination of numerous specimens, as well as field investigations, has prompted the recognition of four varieties (one described here as new: R. totta var. longicalyx) and a new species (R. pedunculata) in southern Africa. Conclusions: A great variation in leaf structure and vestiture occurs within the R. totta complex, with the extreme forms easily recognisable. However, the total number of varieties are limited to four [R. totta vars. totta, longicalyx, rigidula and venulosa] and a new species described to accommodate specimens with a distinctly prostrate habit and upwardly directed leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oberholzeria etendekaensis, a succulent biennial or short-lived perennial shrublet is described as a new species, and a new monotypic genus. Discovered in 2012, it is a rare species known only from a single locality in the Kaokoveld Centre of Plant Endemism, north-western Namibia. Phylogenetic analyses of molecular sequence data from the plastid matK gene resolves Oberholzeria as the sister group to the Genisteae clade while data from the nuclear rDNA ITS region showed that it is sister to a clade comprising both the Crotalarieae and Genisteae clades. Morphological characters diagnostic of the new genus include: 1) succulent stems with woody remains; 2) pinnately trifoliolate, fleshy leaves; 3) monadelphous stamens in a sheath that is fused above; 4) dimorphic anthers with five long, basifixed anthers alternating with five short, dorsifixed anthers, and 5) pendent, membranous, one-seeded, laterally flattened, slightly inflated but indehiscent fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Declining levels of physical activity at workplaces, during leisure time and when travelling, accompanied by increasing exposure to the mass media, are major determinants of the global obesity epidemic. This study aimed to assess physical activity, the body mass index (BMI) and energy intake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected and HIV-infected black women in Mangaung. Method: A random sample of 500 black women was selected in Mangaung. Physical activity levels, dietary intake and BMI were determined in younger and older women, aged 25-34 and 35-44 years, respectively. Results: Of the 488 women who qualified for participation, 61% of the younger women and 38% of the older women were HIV-infected. Low physical activity levels were reported in most women, and more than 50% were overweight or obese. The BMI of HIV-infected younger women with low physical activity levels (24.9 kg/m²) was significantly lower than that of the HIV-uninfected younger women (27.2 kg/m²) (p-value 0.02). The energy intake of older HIV-infected women with low physical activity levels was significantly lower (10 090 kJ) than that of the older HIV-infected women in the normal to high physical activity category (14 519 kJ) (p-value 0.03). Conclusion: A more active lifestyle and energy-reduced diet that focuses on food quality could partially address BMI parameters in HIV-uninfected women. Safeguarding a lean BMI in HIV-infected women, by increasing physical activity levels while maintaining current energy intake, with an emphasis on healthy eating practices, could support quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluidized bed drying is currently receiving much attention as a dewatering option after the beneficiation of fine coal. Apart from concerns about safety and combustion, the operating costs can be high if very high gas or air temperatures are used. The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of moisture from fine coal by using air at a lower temperature (25°C − 40°C) within a controlled environment by lowering the relative humidity of air. It was firstly proven that fluidization has a major advantage over normal static beds when allowed to reach equilibrium. Hereafter, several parameters that influence the dewatering rate and final moisture content were tested, from which it was concluded that the relative humidity of air acts as the largest driving force for dewatering. It was, therefore, shown that this is a viable technology for the dewatering of fine coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crotalaria is a large genus of 702 species with its centre of diversity in tropical Africa and Madagascar and secondary radiations in other parts of the world. The current infrageneric classification system is based on morphological and morphomet-ric studies of the African taxa only and is here re-evaluated using a phylogenetic approach. DNA sequences derived from the nuclear ITS and the plastid matK, psbA-trnH and rbcLa markers were analyzed using parsimony and model-based (Bayesian) approaches. The resultant molecular phylogeny allowed for a new interpretation of diagnostically important morphological characters, including specialisations of the calyx, keel, standard petal and style, which are variously convergent in several unrelated infrageneric groups. Of particular interest is the congruence between the new phylogeny and the distribution of stand-ard petal callosity types. A sectional classification system for the entire genus is proposed for the first time. The new system that is formalised here comprises eleven sections: Amphitrichae, Calycinae, Crotalaria, Geniculatae, Glaucae, Grandiflorae, Hedriocarpae, Incanae, Schizostigma, Borealigeniculatae and Stipulosae. Sectional limits of the Geniculatae, Calycinae and Crotalaria are modified. The subsections Stipulosae, Glaucae and Incanae are raised to sectional level, while some groups previously recognized as subsections are abandoned due to non-monophyly (subsections Chrysocalycinae, Hedriocarpae, Macrostachyae and Tetralobocalyx). Two new sections are recognized, Amphitrichae and Borealigeniculatae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives There is only limited information on the antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance genes of Ureaplasma parvum in South Africa. This study was designed to detect and characterize resistance genes in U. parvum. Methods Fifteen U. parvum isolates were investigated employing the broth microdilution method (tetracycline, doxycycline, ofloxacin, erythromycin, azithromycin and josamycin). Gene analyses were performed on target regions of: tet(M); gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE; erm(A), erm(B), erm(C) and erm(E); msr(A), msr(B), msr(C) and msr(D); 23S rRNA operons; and L4 and L22 ribosomal proteins. Results Seven of the U. parvum isolates were fully susceptible to the antibiotics tested. Five strains exhibited resistance to tetracycline (MICs 16–256 mg/L), one strain was resistant to ofloxacin (MIC 128 mg/L) and four strains were resistant to macrolides (MICs 128 mg/L); two strains showed dual resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin. The five tetracycline-resistant strains were found to have mosaic tet(M) genes, with one strain containing different specific regions to those previously described. Mutations in the L22 ribosomal protein were seen in three strains that were resistant to erythromycin (two strains) and erythromycin + azithromycin (one strain). For a further strain that was resistant to erythromycin and azithromycin, possible mechanisms of resistance remained elusive. Conclusions This is the first report of quinolone, erythromycin and azithromycin resistance development in U. parvum from South Africa. A point mutation in parC (Pro-57 → Leu) and two novel mutations in parE (Ile-73 → Thr and a methionine insertion at codon 86) were found in an ofloxacin-resistant strain. The study reinforces the adaptability of U. parvum to develop resistance and acquire, modify and maintain transposon-located resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to describe the nutritional status and determine the impact of current nutrition intervention strategies on weight changes in adult HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Design: A descriptive, prospective trial was performed. Setting: The investigation was conducted at ARV roll-out centres in Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman, Prieska and Springbok in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Subjects: Adult HIV-infected patients receiving ARV therapy were included in the study. Outcome measures: Each participants's body mass index (BMI) was determined before and after a four-month intervention period of nutritional supplementation with an instant, enriched maize product. Results: Data from 98 patients (mean age 39.7 years; standard deviation 8.9 years) were assessed. Prior to intervention, the median BMI was 20 kg/m2 (range 12.6-29.7 kg/m2); the patients from Kuruman had a greater incidence of underweight compared to the other towns, with a median BMI of 17.9 kg/m2. Of the 87 patients assessed during the final week, 49.4% experienced weight gain and 40.2% lost weight. Eighteen (20.7%) patients gained more than 5% of their baseline weight, which was significant. Only eight (9.2%) patients lost more than 5% of their baseline weight. Twenty-two patients who presented with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 at baseline had a median weight gain of 1.13 kg during the intervention period, while the group with a BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 presented with no change in median weight. Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation, provided according to provincial policy and combined with ARVs, nutritionally benefitted about half of the patients in the ARV programme in the Northern Cape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the occurrence of four urethral pathogens in urine specimens from symptomatic men using transcription mediated amplification (TMA) assay. Urethral swab and urine specimens from 300 men presenting to a family practitioner were Gram stained and tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vagina/is and Mycoplasma genitalium using three TMA assays respectively. Except for T. vaginalis, the other recognized pathogens viz. N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected in significantly larger numbers of patients with urethral discharge than in those with burning on micturition (BOM). The overall prevalences were 16.7% for N. gonorrhoeae, 12.3% C. trachomatis, 8.0% T. vagina/is and 17.3% M. genitalium. With regard to microscopic evidence of urethritis, significant associations were found for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, but not for M. genitalium and T. vaginalis. This study demonstrated that in symptomatic men attending family practice, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis are also important aetiological agents of urethritis and hence treatment strategies be they syndromic management or laboratory directed should cover for these causative agents. The microscopic diagnosis of urethritis may not be important for treatment strategies. The current syndromic treatment guidelines for developing countries including South Africa need modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to assess the risk of being infected with a known sexually transmitted pathogen at the time of presentation for termination of pregnancy. Endocervical and vaginal swabs were collected for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Single infections were found in 21.5% of the women, with C. trachomatis being the commonest (10.0%). Mixed infections were found in nine women, with trichomoniasis and chlamydial infections in six. During speculum examination, vaginal discharge was observed in 73% of the women. The commonest organism detected in patients with vaginal discharge was C. trachomatis (11.6%), while T. vaginalis (11.1%) was the most common in women without visible vaginal discharge. No significant differences were found when comparing symptomatic and non-symptomatic women. This study strongly recommends that women presenting for termination of pregnancy be screened for STIs and receive relevant sexual health education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nodulated lupins ( Lupinus angustifolius cv. Wonga) were hydroponically grown under conditions of low phosphate (LP) or adequate phosphate (HP) to assess the effect of phospho enolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC)-derived organic acids on nitrogen assimilation in LP nodules. • LP conditions are linked to altered organic acid metabolism, by the engagement of PEP metabolism via PEPC. In LP nodules, the enhanced organic acid synthesis may reduce the available organic carbon for nitrogen assimilation. The diversion of carbon between the organic acid- and amino acid pools was assessed through key nodular enzymes and 14CO2 metabolism. • Under LP conditions, increased rates of organic acid synthesis via PEPC and malate dehydrogenase (MDH), coincided with reduced nitrogen assimilation via aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), aspartate synthetase (AS) and glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activities. There was a preferential metabolism of nodular 14CO2 into organic acids and particularly into malate. High malate levels were associated with reduced N2 fixation and synthesis of amino acids. • These results indicate that phosphorus deficiency can enhance malate synthesis in nodules, but that excessive malate accumulation may inhibit N2 fixation and nitrogen assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Here, nodulated lupins ( Lupinus angustifolius (cv Wonga)) were hydroponically grown at low phosphate (LP) or adequate phosphate (HP). • Routes of pyruvate synthesis were assessed in phosphorus (P)-starved roots and nodules, because P-starvation can enhance metabolism of phospho enolpyruvate (PEP) via the nonadenylate-requiring PEP carboxylase (PEPc) route. Since nodules and roots may not experience the same degree of P stress, it was postulated that decreases in metabolic inorganic phosphorus (Pi) of either organ, should favour more pyruvate being synthesized from PEPc-derived malate. • Compared with HP roots, the LP roots had a 50% decline in Pi concentrations and 55% higher ADP : ATP ratios. However, LP nodules maintained constant Pi levels and unchanged ADP : ATP ratios, relative to HP nodules. The LP roots had greater PEP metabolism via PEPc and synthesized more pyruvate from PEPc-derived malate. In nodules, P supply did not influence PEPc activities or levels of malate-derived pyruvate. • These results indicate that nodules were more efficient than roots in maintaining optimal metabolic Pi and adenylate levels during LP supply. This caused an increase in PEPc-derived pyruvate synthesis in LP roots, but not in LP nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness regarding implementation and impact of a take-home nutrition supplementation programme, the Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) Scheme, that targets malnourished pre-school children and pregnant and lactating women in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.Methodology: In assessing implementation of the PEM Scheme, a cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken over a 6-month period in the six regions of the Northern Cape Province. Interviews were conducted with programme managers and health personnel at clinics who were responsible for implementing the PEM Scheme. In assessing the impact of the PEM Scheme on growth, a retrospective review was done of the clinic records (including anthropometric data) of children enrolled in the PEM Scheme over a 1-year period.Results: About 76% of the budget allocated to the PEM Scheme had been utilised over the 1-year period. The budget for the following financial year was based solely on food supplements purchased in the previous year. Coverage of malnourished pre-school children and eligible pregnant and lactating women for enrolment was estimated to be 50% and 60%, respectively. Eighty-five per cent of health facilities in the province participated in the PEM Scheme. Some of the main problems identified included: lack of training, inappropriate targeting of certain groups, incorrect application especially of discharge criteria for pregnant and lactating women, inadequate assessment for nutrition-related disease, inadequate nutrition counselling and no standardised monitoring. Of the 319 children enrolled over a year, the mean age was 16.2 (standard deviation 16.2) months, 41% had been low-birth-weight and 18% had been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Ten per cent of the children with a weight-for-age Z-score of <-2 moved into the normal Z-score range after being on the PEM Scheme for a mean duration of 8 months. There was an overall improvement in the weight-for-age Z-scores of 25% of the sample, with a significant difference between the mean weight-for-age Z-scores at enrolment and follow-up This was mainly related to significant improvement in the mean weight-for-age Z-scores of children <2 years.Conclusions: Numerous problems with the PEM Scheme have been identified which could have limited its impact. Recommendations are proposed for improving the effectiveness and impact of the PEM Scheme in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric techniques were employed to identify 83 compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, 2-methylalkanes, carboxylic acids, 1-alkyl formates and alken-1-yl formates, benzoic acid, and cholesterol, in the preorbital secretion of the male suni, Neotragus moschatus. Dimethyl disulfide derivatization and lithium aluminum hydride reduction were used to determine the position of double bonds and to confirm the identity of the functional groups in some of the constituents of the secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 42 compounds identified in the pale yellow preorbital secretions of the bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, and the blesbok, D. d. phillipsi, include acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, ( E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, saturated and unsaturated long-chain carboxylic acids, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, saturated and unsaturated, unbranched, long-chain alcohols and aldehydes, 2-heptanone, pentane, heptane, pepiritone, dimethylsulfone, isopropyl tetradecanoate, isopropyl hexadecanoate, hexadecyl acetate, δ-lactones, cholesterol, α-tocopherol, and squalene. Some qualitative and quantitative differences were found between the secretions of males and females of both subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the nine compounds identified in the interdigital secretion of the bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, in a previous study, 76 compounds belonging to different compound types, were identified in the interdigital secretions of the bontebok and the blesbok, D. d. phillipsi. These compounds include alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, terpenoids, γ-lactones, an isopropyl ester, long-chain hydroxyesters, 2-substituted pyridines, phenols, steroids, and dimethylsulfone. No qualitative differences were found between secretions from the two sexes or from animals from different habitats. Although no attempt was made to correlate territorial behavior or other behavioral phenomena with the qualitative composition of interdigital secretions from individual animals, available information seems to indicate that quantitative differences probably do not have a major semiochemical function. Only two species of bacteria, Bacillus brevis and Planococcus citreus, were found in the interdigital pouches of male and female members of the two subspecies, regardless of the habitat of the animals. B. brevis synthesized, among other unidentified constituents, ( Z)-3-penten-2-ol, 2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, ( Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, and isopropyl hexadecanoate in vitro, while P. citreus produced, among others, the γ-lactones dodecan-4-olide and ( Z)-6-dodecen-4-olide, which is one of the major constituents of the interdigital secretions of both subspecies. Some components of the interdigital secretions are not present in the interdigital glandular tissue, and the possibility is discused that these compounds could be produced by microbiological activity in the interdigital pouch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ketones 3-pentanone, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, 5-methyl-3-hexanone, 4-methyl-3-hexanone, and the esters ethyl propanoate, 2-methylpropyl acetate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, and 2-methylpropyl propanoate were identified as the only volatile organic constituents of the preorbital secretion of the klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus. These compounds are considerably more volatile than those found in the preorbital secretions of other antelopes belonging to the tribe Antelopini. More than 50% of the preorbital secretion consists of proteinaceous material, which probably acts as a controlled-release substance in retarding the evaporation of the volatile constituents of the secretion from territorial marks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the effect of cell rheology on the deformation and displacement of the neutrophils inside the capillaries. Numerical simulations were performed in two dimensions with a volume of fluid approach to follow the neutrophil deformation. Each simulation started with an initially circular cell positioned at the centre of a numerical rheometer stable under the Stokes flow states. Results show that the larger the capillary number is the larger the cell's elongation.

Self-injection of a solution intended for topical use containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for rejuvenation and filling of the periorbital hollows, are becoming increasingly popular due to their good results and rarity of adverse effects. We present an unusual case of periorbital cellulitis following self-injection of a topical solution that is not a dermal filler but a cosmetic, intended for external use only, containing, among other components, HA and vitamin B5. [Extracted from the article]

The forensic application of mtDNA typing requires large databases which are regionally well defined. To further this aim, we have typed mtDNA in a sample of 111 French and 106 Sicilians. The French were typed for both hypervariable segments (HVR1 and HVR2) of the mtDNA control region, whereas the Sicilians were only typed for HVR1, but in addition for the coding region RFLP markers for mtDNA groups H, I, J, K, L, M, T, U, V and X. In both samples, the predominant sequence type by far was the Cambridge reference sequence. Comparing HVR1 sequences, we found that the French sample was twice as diverse as the Sicilian sample as measured by sequence matches. A further set of sequence match comparisons including the French, Sicilian, and the published British mtDNA samples, demonstrate that sequence matching probabilities within samples differ by less than a factor of 2 from the matching probabilities between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biannual Council meetings are held with the aim of developing a World Flora Online (WFO) in response to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (2011-2020). Objectives: To report on the sixth WFO Council meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 2016. Method: A WFO Council meeting (preceded by Taxonomic and Technical Working Group meetings) was hosted by the South African National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. Results: Significant progress with the development of the WFO portal was made. Conclusion: The WFO portal will be launched at the International Botanical Congress in China in 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thesium L. is the largest genus in the family Santalaceae (sandalwood family). The last taxonomic revision of the southern African species dates back to 1925. An urgent revision of the genus is required as indicated in a recent national biosystematics research strategy for South Africa. Objectives To revise the Thesium confine species complex ( Thesium durum, T. confine and Thesium spartioides ) and to update the typification, nomenclature, descriptions and distribution ranges. Method Morphological characters were studied using own field collections as well as herbarium specimens from K, NU, PRE and PRU and images on Global Plants (JSTOR). Distribution ranges of the studied species were updated. Results An examination of morphological characters revealed great similarity between T. spartioides and T. confine. Both species have an herbaceous habit, decumbent growth form, terminal (or less frequently axillary) inflorescences and a sympatric northern distribution in South Africa. Thesium durum differs from T. spartioides and T. confine in having a shrubby habit, erect growth form and axillary inflorescences and occurs in the southern part of South Africa. Conclusion Thesium spartioides is synonymised under T. confine , and T. durum is retained as a separate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]