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The main function of prison-based education is to prepare the inmates for return to society. Many higher institutions of education that offer distance learning have opened their doors to accommodate prisoners who want to further their studies. Thus far, many prisoners have received bachelor's degrees from different higher institutions of education in various academic fields. Research was undertaken in an attempt to gain greater understanding of the reasons behind their outstanding or poor academic performance. Both the benefits and the difficulties experienced by prisoners as a result of their academic work were considered. The statistical documents obtained from the University of South Africa's Department of Information and Strategic Analysis indicated a high pass rate among incarcerated students. On the other hand, the number of those who show poor academic performance, although insignificantly low, cannot be ignored. It indicates a need for support measures such as catering for the diverse needs of incarcerated students. (Contains 4 tables and 1 note.)

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare type of autoimmune bullous skin disease causing inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Dysphagia in these patients is usually due to repetitive food bolus trauma of the fragile oesophagus leading to a stricture. Case presentation: Herein we describe a case of a benign oesophageal stricture in a man with EBA requiring multiple oesophageal dilatations to treat his dysphagia. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, EBA with an oesophageal stricture has not been previously reported in South Africa. This case highlights effective management of this complex condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogenized melt inclusions in olivine were studied in Archean komatiites from the Barberton Greenstone Belt, Weltevreden Formation in South Africa (3.3 Ga), Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Canada (2.72 Ga), and the Belingwe Greenstone Belt in Zimbabwe (2.69 Ga). Contamination of the komatiite melts with crustal material enriched in Rb, Cl, and H2O during the crystallization of olivine is demonstrated. Uncontaminated melts have mantle Rb/Nb ratios but are significantly enriched in Cl and H2O relative to K and Ce, respectively, exhibiting similar incompatibility during crystallization and partial mantle melting. These observations suggest the presence of a chlorine- and water-enriched mantle source before 3.3 Ga. The excess Cl and H2O contents in the komatiites are assumed to result from the interaction of partially molten mantle plumes with the mantle transition zone. The most likely source of Cl and H2O enriching the deep mantle is the oceanic lithosphere that endured a seafloor alteration. We conclude that the recycling of the altered oceanic lithosphere into the mantle, probably via subduction, began in the first billion years of the Earth's history. Delamination of the Archean crust could not cause transport of chlorine and water into the deep mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2070 unique, homogeneous photometric and polarization observations of the microquasar in a binary system with a black hole V404 Cyg/GS2023+338 obtained in 2015 with the MASTER global network of robotic telescopes (16 robotic telescopes located at eight points on the Earth in Russia, Spain, South Africa, and Argentina) are presented. MASTER was the first telescope network to obtain optical observations of the microquasar after its gamma-ray outburst in 2015. Observations were carried out from 18:34:09 UT on June 15, 2015 until December 2015 in four polarizations and in the four standard BV RI filters. The paper presents the results of these observations and a comparative analysis of optical and X-ray data. The observations confirm the previously discovered super-long delays of the optical radiation relative to the X-ray outbursts. Possible mechanisms causing the delay in the optical variations relative to the X-ray variations are discussed. Variability of the optical polarization discovered earlier is confirmed another similar episode reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main function of prison-based education is to prepare the inmates for return to society. Many higher institutions of education that offer distance learning have opened their doors to accommodate prisoners who want to further their studies. Thus far, many prisoners have received bachelor's degrees from different higher institutions of education in various academic fields. Research was undertaken in an attempt to gain greater understanding of the reasons behind their outstanding or poor academic performance. Both the benefits and the difficulties experienced by prisoners as a result of their academic work were considered. The statistical documents obtained from the University of South Africa's Department of Information and Strategic Analysis indicated a high pass rate among incarcerated students. On the other hand, the number of those who show poor academic performance, although insignificantly low, cannot be ignored. It indicates a need for support measures such as catering for the diverse needs of incarcerated students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn wound colonisation and infection is not only associated with delayed wound healing and scar formation, but may also lead to sepsisrelated mortality. A wide variety of microorganisms, like staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae-like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, are involved. Resistance is generally increasing, with reports of multidrug- and pan-resistant isolates. This study was conducted to determine the common aerobic bacterial isolates in our setting and describe their antimicrobial susceptibility. This retrospective, descriptive study was carried out on 243 patients, from whom 312 burn wound specimens were received by the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital microbiology laboratory of the National Health Laboratory Service, Mthatha. All samples were processed according to standard laboratory protocols; isolates were tabulated according to age and gender of the patients, and their percentage susceptibilities to relevant antibacterials were computed. A total of 229 patient specimens showed growth on culture. The total number of isolates was 629, out of which 269 were Gram-positive cocci and 360 were Gram-negative bacilli. The commonest organism was S. aureus (27.7%), followed by K. pneumoniae (13.4%), Proteus mirabilis (12.4%), Group D streptococcus (9.4%), P. aeruginosa (8.9%) and E. coli (6.2%). A generally high level of resistance was observed in many organisms. Methicillinresistant S. aureus accounted for 57.5% of the S. aureus. Resistance among the Gram-negative bacilli was, in general, least to imipenem, amikacin and ciprofloxacin. The common organisms causing burn wound infections in our setting include staphylococci, Klebsiella, Proteus and Pseudomonas and there is a high level of resistance against commonly used antimicrobials. Regular surveillance of burn wound organisms and their antimicrobial resistance patterns will help in determining empirical antibiotic therapy for subsequent related septic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa has a very high HIV disease burden and proper patient adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is crucial in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. Factors influencing adherence include demographic and psychosocial factors, medication-related issues and other patient-related matters. This study was carried out in order to determine factors associated with poor compliance to anti-retroviral (ARV) medications in a rural setting. This interview-based descriptive and analytical study was carried out in a health centre where 168 patients who received ARVs were interviewed with pre-structured questionnaires, which covered various important compliance-related aspects. The results showed that 37.5% of the patients were non-adherent. Amongst men, poor adherence was seen in those who were single (48.9%), with tertiary education (60%), in those who consumed alcohol regularly (47.1%) and in those who were unemployed (56.1%). Higher rates of non-adherence in women was associated with being single (36.5%) and in those who used alcohol (60.7%). Medication-related adverse effects were reported in 47% of patients, notably, neuropathy, headache, nausea, loss of memory, diarrhoea and fatigue. Common reasons for missing doses were: being away from home (57.1%), simply forgot (41.3%), side effects (50.8%) and being too busy (49.2%). Poor adherence to ART is an important concern relating to HIV management in our setting and needs to be addressed with more patient-oriented interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory nutrient culture techniques were used to screen maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, including commercial cultivars as well as seed collected from traditional farmers located in various parts of the province KwaZulu-Natal, Republic of South Africa, for aluminum (Al) tolerance. Tolerance was assessed after 10 days’ growth in nutrient solutions on the basis of measurements involving Al-induced (0; 100 µM) changes in primary root growth and a loss of root apical dominance. Among the commercial cultivars Al tolerance decreased in the order Sc 602, Sr 52, Snk 2665, Kalahari Early Pearl, Ls 8501, Pan 6479, Zm 521, Sc 709. The commercial maize cultivars all had lower levels of Al tolerance to that observed in the better adapted seed collected from traditional sources (Khum, Mbon, Aj) which indicated that the fixation of important Al tolerance genes has occurred in some maize populations in response to external environmental conditions. Not all the seed from traditional sources proved to be Al tolerant (Mak, Emb, Msomi). Large intervarietal differences in root development (length and mass) were also identified. No meaningful relationships existed between Al tolerance and root development (size of root system) or between plant performance in solutions containing Al and leaf chemical contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to assess AIDS awareness and sexual behaviour in a rural South African community with a high HIV prevalence. One hundred clinic attenders underwent a structured interview using a standard questionnaire. Although the 64 female and 36 male patients, mean age 22 (range 13–45), had good knowledge of AIDS-related issues, only 50 perceived HIV/AIDS as a common problem. Of the 75 patients who were sexually active only 30 (40%) used condoms (men 16; 55% vs women 14; 30%, P = 0.033) despite being better informed about the protective effect of condoms (active 61; 81% vs abstinent 14; 56%, P = 0.011). More men than women admitted to multiple sexual partners (17; 47% vs 7; 11%, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, despite a high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS issues, self-perceived risk was low, condom use was infrequent and especially men continued to have multiple sexual partners. Awareness has yet to translate into reduction of risk behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Social wasp invasions can spread quickly and have serious impacts if they reach new regions with favourable climatic conditions. However, in areas less suitable to them, invasion patterns can show factors that may prevent their spread. We use nest records of the German wasp from the southern tip of South Africa, to map and analyse what habitats they seem to prefer. Factors investigated included temperature, rainfall, and moisture availability. We find that this invasive wasp prefers moister and cooler conditions, and because these habitats are patchy in the region they have invaded in South Africa, they can only spread slowly unassisted, and utmost between 50 and 200 km with the assistance of humans. This is the likely reason for the very slow invasion seen in South Africa. The spatial patterns we quantify here make it possible to use a remote-sensing approach to determine the suitability of an area for future invasions. Predicting the likelihood of invasions will greatly aid management actions. Public awareness around the potential accidental transport of the German wasp and similar species should also be undertaken. Investigating the distributions of invasive species in marginal habitats can give clues to the factors constraining invasive spread. Vespula germanica is the most widely distributed of all the invasive Vespids, which in the Southern Hemisphere typically have large extensive invasive populations. In contrast, the invasion into South Africa has been slow and is still confined to a small geographic area. Here we analyse the distribution of all recent nest records in South Africa (n = 405). The distance to main rivers, mean annual rainfall, summer normalised difference moisture index (NDMI) values, and mean annual temperatures (average, minimum, maximum, and summer maximum temperature) was measured for every nest. We find that value ranges of these variables are different between the value ranges recorded for nests, the general distribution area of the wasp, and the area of absence. Optimised Hot Spot Analysis was used to quantify spatial structure in the measured climatic variables. Generally, factors related to moisture stress set the environmental limits of V. germanica's landscape distribution. Due to the strong preference of nesting sites close to river courses, for higher rainfall conditions, medium to medium-high NDMI values, and lower mean annual temperatures, it is unlikely that V. germanica will be able to spread uniformly where it is currently found in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the activities of the South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES). It discusses various purposes of SAGES including to promote an interest in and the study of digestive diseases, to serve as the leading authority in Gastroenterology and to facilitate the inclusion of Previously Disadvantaged Groups (PDGs).

Reports the complication of hyponatraemia in a patient in Mseleni Hospital in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Influence of urinary sodium loss and water overload from intravenous dextrose on complicated hyponatraemia; Causes of severe hyponatraemia; Difficulties and pitfalls in the management of severe complicated malaria in rural district hospitals.

Pregnancy in kidney and liver transplant recipients presents unique challenges and risks for both maternal and fetal health. This article examines the management of pregnancy in kidney and liver transplant recipients, focusing on pre-pregnancy counselling, trimester-specific care, the teratogenic effects of immunosuppressive drugs, and the role of the multidisciplinary team. While South African (SA) data on this topic are limited, the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International has provided valuable insights. Despite the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, the overall risk of graft loss during pregnancy is low. Graft survival rates are comparable between pregnant and non- pregnant transplant recipients, except for pregnancies occurring within 1 year of transplantation. By addressing the complexities of managing pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants, this article underscores the importance of tailored care and the involvement of various medical specialists. It also explores the safety of and potential complications associated with specific immunosuppressive therapies during pregnancy. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding and optimise the management of these high-risk pregnancies in SA.

Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has scarcely been reported on in patients of black African descent. Similarly, few studies have focused on the relationship between AIH and Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Aim We aim to describe the presenting features of AIH from a single referral centre in a Sub-Sahara African setting. We also compare the presenting features of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review. Patients were included if they fulfilled criteria for the International AIH Group simplified score for probable or definite AIH, were 18 years or older at inclusion, and attended the adult Gastroenterology clinic at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) for the period 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2020 on at least 2 occasions. Results Forty cases were included, of which 33 (82.5%) were female and 33 (82.5%) were black African. Median age at diagnosis was 26 years. A diagnosis of a coexistent autoimmune disease was made in 22.5% of patients, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common (12.5%). Sixteen patients were HIV-infected, all of whom were female (p =0.03), with a significantly older age of disease onset as compared to their HIV-uninfected counterparts (median age 38 vs 17.5 years, p <0.001). Conclusion AIH is a disease most commonly affecting young females. Female sex and older age of onset is associated with AIH in HIV-infected individuals.

Background: In South Africa, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in frequency. The purpose of the study was to document our experience with the surgical management of patients with IBD and describe the cohort undergoing surgical management of IBD in a KwaZulu-Natal province tertiary state sector hospital., Methods: Retrospective analysis of a database of patients undergoing surgery for IBD. Demographics, site and disease duration, surgical indications, management and outcome were analysed., Results: Of 397 patients with IBD, 136 had Crohn's disease (CD) (African 13, Indian 78, Coloured 10 and White 35) and 261 had ulcerative colitis (UC) (African 67, Indian 158, Coloured 9 and White 27). Eighty-six of 136 patients with CD required surgical referral. Ileo-colonic CD was most common and non-stricturing/non-penetrating disease behaviour predominated. Seventy-four patients with CD underwent 76 abdominal surgical procedures with in-hospital mortality of 3.5% and a morbidity of 20.9%. Twenty patients required anorectal fistula procedures. Recurrence occurred in nine patients (10.5%) and malignant transformation was seen in three patients (2.2%). One hundred and sixty-three of the 261 patients with UC had pancolitis. Failed medical management was the most common indication for surgical referral. Fiftyone patients with UC had surgery, (age 44.5 [IQR 27-56] years). Forty-five patients underwent 63 abdominal surgical procedures with an overall mortality of 17.7% and a morbidity of 39.2%. Colorectal cancer was seen in 10 patients (3.8%). Laparoscopic procedures were undertaken in eight CD patients (10.8%) and 29 UC patients (39%). The median hospital stay was 7 days for both open and laparoscopic resection., Conclusion: IBD is not uncommon in African patients, with UC being more frequent than CD. Postoperative mortality and potential for malignant transformation are higher for UC., (Copyright© Authors.)

Three hundred and seventy-three tuberculosis patients in a rural African setting were treated with a 6-month twice-weekly chemotherapy course. The recurrence rate for those with caseating pulmonary tuberculosis was 7.3% overall. In the second stage of the study, a modified form of supervised ambulatory therapy was used and compliance rates and recurrence rates assessed; 84.8% achieved 90% or more compliance and the recurrence rate was 8.7%.

The Durban Indian community has been described as an acculturating or a deculturating community. The processes of acculturation and deculturation are seen to lead to a transitional state of values and norms which causes psychological stresses within the community. Deviation from accepted cultural norms and concomitant interpersonal disputes were major precipitating factors in parasuicidal acts in 54 of a sample of 100 patients, reflecting the stresses of the transitional state of the community. Culturally deviant precipitating factors in the parasuicidal act were more common in females, in the younger age group, in patients of the Christian religion, and in upper- and middle-class patients.