1,310 results on '"P Kotze"'
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2. Frequency, kinetics and determinants of viable SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols from ambulatory COVID-19 patients infected with the Beta, Delta or Omicron variants.
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Jaumdally, S, Tomasicchio, M, Pooran, A, Esmail, A, Kotze, A, Meier, S, Wilson, L, Oelofse, S, van der Merwe, C, Roomaney, A, Davids, M, Suliman, T, Joseph, R, Perumal, T, Scott, A, Shaw, M, Preiser, W, Williamson, C, Goga, A, Mayne, E, Gray, G, Moore, P, Sigal, A, Metcalfe, J, Dheda, K, and Limberis, Jason
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Humans ,SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,Kinetics ,Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets - Abstract
Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol remains contentious. Importantly, whether cough or breath-generated bioaerosols can harbor viable and replicating virus remains largely unclarified. We performed size-fractionated aerosol sampling (Andersen cascade impactor) and evaluated viral culturability in human cell lines (infectiousness), viral genetics, and host immunity in ambulatory participants with COVID-19. Sixty-one percent (27/44) and 50% (22/44) of participants emitted variant-specific culture-positive aerosols 95%). There is considerable heterogeneity in potential infectiousness i.e., only 29% of participants were probably highly infectious (produced culture-positive aerosols
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- 2024
3. Towards an Emergent Curriculum for Climate Justice Adult Educators/Activists
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Walters, Shirley, von Kotze, Astrid, O'Neil, Joy K. P., Burt, Jane, February, Colette, and Clover, Darlene
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Ecoliteracy is essential for adult educators/activists en route to creating ecoliterate populations. Working cooperatively with other networks in the spirit of a 'solidarity economy', a group within the PIMA network has run a climate justice education programme through a series of webinars. We describe and analyse a case story of an emergent climate justice curriculum in action. We use an ecofeminist analysis to understand the relational entanglement of ecological breakdown, capitalism, colonialism, racism and patriarchy which in part undergird the breaching of planetary boundaries. We identify five inquiry-based themes which are suggestive as coordinates for orientating curricula for adult educators/activists learning climate justice. One of these is the importance of building ecoliterate alliances through collaborative action as we face the 'socio-ecological hurricane' which is bearing down.
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- 2022
4. Multi-level tuberculosis of the spine identified by 18 F-FDG-PET/CT and concomitant urogenital tuberculosis: a case report from the spinal TB X cohort
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Scherer, Julian, Mukasa, Sandra L., Wolmarans, Karen, Guler, Reto, Kotze, Tessa, Song, Taeksun, Dunn, Robert, Laubscher, Maritz, Pape, Hans-Christoph, Held, Michael, and Thienemann, Friedrich
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- 2024
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5. Applying Behaviour Analysis to Team-Building in Outdoor Learning
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Renee Owen, Simon Priest, and Andre Kotze
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This conceptual article examines the role of team-building in outdoor learning, reviews group development theory in relation to teamwork, and outlines the Behaviour Analysis model as a tool to facilitate team-building. Working with this foundation, the theory and model are combined with discussion about team, leader, and facilitator behaviours at each stage of group development. The applications are valid for all clientele in all outdoor settings. Several strong recommendations for practitioner behaviours and future research are presented.
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- 2024
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6. Immune correlates analysis of the Imbokodo (HVTN 705/HPX2008) efficacy trial of a mosaic HIV-1 vaccine regimen evaluated in Southern African people assigned female sex at birth: a two-phase case-control studyResearch in context
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Avi Kenny, Janine van Duijn, One Dintwe, Jack Heptinstall, Randy Burnham, Sheetal Sawant, Lu Zhang, Dieter Mielke, Sharon Khuzwayo, Faatima Laher Omar, Sherry Stanfield-Oakley, Taylor Keyes, Brooke Dunn, Derrick Goodman, Youyi Fong, David Benkeser, Rodger Zou, John Hural, Ollivier Hyrien, Michal Juraska, Alex Luedtke, Lars van der Laan, Elena E. Giorgi, Craig Magaret, Lindsay N. Carpp, Laura Pattacini, Tom van de Kerkhof, Bette Korber, Wouter Willems, Leigh H. Fisher, Hanneke Schuitemaker, Edith Swann, James G. Kublin, Maria G. Pau, Susan Buchbinder, Frank Tomaka, Steven Nijs, Ludo Lavreys, Huub C. Gelderblom, Lawrence Corey, Kathryn Mngadi, Glenda E. Gray, Erica Borducchi, Jenny Hendriks, Kelly E. Seaton, Susan Zolla-Pazner, Dan H. Barouch, Guido Ferrari, Stephen C. De Rosa, M Juliana McElrath, Erica Andersen-Nissen, Daniel J. Stieh, Georgia D. Tomaras, Peter B. Gilbert, Jon Allagappen, Jessica Andriesen, Alison Ayres, Saman Baral, Linda-Gail Bekker, Asiphe Besethi, Caroline Borremans, Esmee Braams, Caroline Brackett, William Brumskine, Roma Chilengi, Rachel Choi, Thozama Dubula, Jaiden Seongmi Dumas, Radhika Etikala, Zelda Euler, Sarah Everett, Nigel Garrett, Huub Gelderblom, Katherine Gill, Kevin Gillespie, Dimitri Goedhart, Erik Goosmann, Shannon Grant, Ellie Hands, Barton Haynes, Bronwill Herringer, Zaheer Hoosain, Mina Hosseinipour, Portia Hunidzarira, Julia Hutter, Mubiana Inambao, Craig Innes, William Kilembe, Philippus Kotze, Sheena Kotze, Fatima Laher, Imre Laszlo, Erica Lazarus, Hua-Xin Liao, Yong Lin, Helen Lu, Judith Lucas, Mookho Malahleha, Tara McNair, Peter Meerts, Zinhle Mgaga, Mahlodi Montlha, Boitumelo Mosito, Andrew Moultrie, Sarah Mudrak, Valérie Oriol-Mathieu, Marcella Sarzotti-Kelsoe, Matson Tso Mathebula, Mitch Matoga, Rachael McClennen, Pamela Mda, Vimla Naicker, Logashvari Naidoo, Cindy-Ann Okkers, Saleha Omarjee, Hella Pasmans, Tricia Philip, Abraham Pinter, Annah Pitsi, Ornelia Ramos, April Randhawa, Sanne Roels, Shamiska Rohith, Lucy Rutten, Jerald Sadoff, Gabriela Salinas, Yvonne Salzgeber, Lorenz Scheppler, Katharine Schwedhelm, Nicolette Schuller, Angelina Sharak, Carrie Sopher, Terence Tafatatha, Simbarashe G. Takuva, Chan Tang, An Vandebosch, Edna Viegas, Valentin Voillet, Frank Wegmann, Mo Weijtens, Stephany Wilcox, Anthony Williams, Chenchen Yu, Pei-Chun Yu, Olive Yuan, and Xuehan Zhang
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Ad26.Mos4.HIV vaccine regimen ,Binding antibodies ,Correlates of risk ,Correlates of protection ,IgG3 V1V2 antibodies ,Maximal signal diversity-weighted average ,Medicine ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
Summary: Background: The HVTN 705 Imbokodo trial of 2636 people without HIV and assigned female sex at birth, conducted in southern Africa, evaluated a heterologous HIV-1 vaccine regimen: mosaic adenovirus 26-based vaccine (Ad26.Mos4.HIV) at Months 0, 3, 6, 12 and alum-adjuvanted clade C gp140 at Months 6, 12. Per-protocol vaccine efficacy (VE) against HIV-1 diagnosis from seven to 24 months was 14.1% (95% CI: −22.0% to 39.5%). Immune correlates analysis was performed for markers selected based on prior evidence in efficacy trials and/or nonhuman primate models. Methods: Humoral and cellular immune response markers at Month 7 were evaluated as immune correlates of risk and of protection in a breakthrough case–control cohort (n = 52 cases, 246 non-cases). Primary markers were IgG binding to vaccine-strain gp140, IgG3 binding to diverse Env antigens (IgG3 Env breadth), IgG3 binding to diverse V1V2 antigens (IgG3 V1V2 breadth), antibody-dependent phagocytosis against the vaccine-strain gp140, Env-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, and multi-epitope functions. Findings: No immune markers were statistically significant correlates of risk. IgG3 V1V2 breadth trended toward an inverse association: hazard ratio 0.70 (95% CI: 0.36 to 1.35; p = 0.29) per 10-fold increase and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.21 to 1.24; p = 0.14) in a Cox model with all primary markers. The VE estimate was 11.8% (95% CI: −17.9% to 34.0%) at all IgG3 V1V2 breadth values below 667 weighted geometric mean net MFI; just above this value, the VE estimate sharply increased to 62.6% (95% CI: −17.9% to 89.6%), and further increased to 80.9% (95% CI: −17.9% to 99.5%) at 1471 MFI, the 95th percentile of the marker distribution. Mediation analysis yielded a VE of 35.7% (95% CI: 15.0% to 51.3%) attributable to the vaccine's impact on this marker. Interpretation: The trend in association of greater IgG3 V1V2 antibody breadth with lower likelihood of HIV acquisition is consistent with the identification of antibodies against V1V2 as immune correlates in three other HIV vaccine efficacy trials and suggests that a greater emphasis should be placed on studying this region in the HIV-1 envelope as a vaccine immunogen. Funding: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Janssen Vaccines & Prevention BV.
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- 2024
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7. Urbanisation generates multiple trait syndromes for terrestrial animal taxa worldwide.
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Hahs, Amy, Fournier, Bertrand, Aronson, Myla, Nilon, Charles, Herrera-Montes, Adriana, Salisbury, Allyson, Threlfall, Caragh, Rega-Brodsky, Christine, Lepczyk, Christopher, La Sorte, Frank, MacGregor-Fors, Ian, Scott MacIvor, J, Jung, Kirsten, Piana, Max, Williams, Nicholas, Knapp, Sonja, Vergnes, Alan, Acevedo, Aldemar, Gainsbury, Alison, Rainho, Ana, Hamer, Andrew, Shwartz, Assaf, Voigt, Christian, Lewanzik, Daniel, Lowenstein, David, OBrien, David, Tommasi, Desiree, Pineda, Eduardo, Carpenter, Ela, Belskaya, Elena, Lövei, Gábor, Makinson, James, Coleman, Joanna, Sadler, Jon, Shroyer, Jordan, Shapiro, Julie, Baldock, Katherine, Ksiazek-Mikenas, Kelly, Matteson, Kevin, Barrett, Kyle, Siles, Lizette, Aguirre, Luis, Armesto, Luis, Zalewski, Marcin, Herrera-Montes, Maria, Obrist, Martin, Tonietto, Rebecca, Gagné, Sara, Hinners, Sarah, Latty, Tanya, Surasinghe, Thilina, Sattler, Thomas, Magura, Tibor, Ulrich, Werner, Elek, Zoltan, Castañeda-Oviedo, Jennifer, Torrado, Ricardo, Kotze, D, and Moretti, Marco
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Animals ,Bees ,Urbanization ,Syndrome ,Ecosystem ,Biodiversity ,Birds ,Chiroptera - Abstract
Cities can host significant biological diversity. Yet, urbanisation leads to the loss of habitats, species, and functional groups. Understanding how multiple taxa respond to urbanisation globally is essential to promote and conserve biodiversity in cities. Using a dataset encompassing six terrestrial faunal taxa (amphibians, bats, bees, birds, carabid beetles and reptiles) across 379 cities on 6 continents, we show that urbanisation produces taxon-specific changes in trait composition, with traits related to reproductive strategy showing the strongest response. Our findings suggest that urbanisation results in four trait syndromes (mobile generalists, site specialists, central place foragers, and mobile specialists), with resources associated with reproduction and diet likely driving patterns in traits associated with mobility and body size. Functional diversity measures showed varied responses, leading to shifts in trait space likely driven by critical resource distribution and abundance, and taxon-specific trait syndromes. Maximising opportunities to support taxa with different urban trait syndromes should be pivotal in conservation and management programmes within and among cities. This will reduce the likelihood of biotic homogenisation and helps ensure that urban environments have the capacity to respond to future challenges. These actions are critical to reframe the role of cities in global biodiversity loss.
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- 2023
8. Correction: Characterising illness stages and recovery trajectories of eating disorders in young people via remote measurement technology (STORY): a multi-centre prospective cohort study protocol
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Kuehne, Carina, Phillips, Matthew D., Moody, Sarah, Bryson, Callum, Campbell, Iain C., Conde, Pauline, Cummins, Nicholas, Desrivières, Sylvane, Dineley, Judith, Dobson, Richard, Douglas, Daire, Folarin, Amos, Gallop, Lucy, Hemmings, Amelia, İnce, Başak, Mason, Luke, Rashid, Zulqarnain, Bromell, Alice, Sims, Christopher, Allen, Karina, Bailie, Chantal, Bains, Parveen, Basher, Mike, Battisti, Francesca, Baudinet, Julian, Bristow, Katherine, Dawson, Nicola, Dodd, Lizzie, Frater, Victoria, Freudenthal, Robert, Gripton, Beth, Kan, Carol, Khor, Joel W. T., Kotze, Nicus, Laverack, Stuart, Martin, Lee, Maxwell, Sarah, McDonald, Sarah, McKnight, Delysia, McKay, Ruairidh, Merrin, Jessica, Nash, Mel, Nicholls, Dasha, Palmer, Shirlie, Pearce, Samantha, Roberts, Catherine, Serpell, Lucy, Severs, Emilia, Simic, Mima, Staton, Amelia, Westaway, Sian, Sharpe, Helen, and Schmidt, Ulrike
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- 2024
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9. Infliximab serum concentrations and disease activity in perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease: a cross-sectional study
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Miranda, E. F., Nones, R. B., Baraúna, F. B., de Nardi Marçal, G., Olandoski, M., de Moraes, T. P., and Kotze, P. G.
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- 2024
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10. Comparing gene expression profiles of adults with isolated spinal tuberculosis to disseminated spinal tuberculosis identified by 18FDG-PET/CT at time of diagnosis, 6- and 12-months follow-up: classifying clinical stages of spinal tuberculosis and monitoring treatment response (Spinal TB X cohort study)
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Scherer, Julian, Mukasa, Sandra L., Wolmarans, Karen, Guler, Reto, Kotze, Tessa, Song, Taeksun, Dunn, Robert, Laubscher, Maritz, Pape, Hans-Christoph, Held, Michael, and Thienemann, Friedrich
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- 2024
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11. Characterising illness stages and recovery trajectories of eating disorders in young people via remote measurement technology (STORY): a multi-centre prospective cohort study protocol
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Kuehne, Carina, Phillips, Matthew D., Moody, Sarah, Bryson, Callum, Campbell, Iain C., Conde, Pauline, Cummins, Nicholas, Desrivières, Sylvane, Dineley, Judith, Dobson, Richard, Douglas, Daire, Folarin, Amos, Gallop, Lucy, Hemmings, Amelia, İnce, Başak, Mason, Luke, Rashid, Zulqarnain, Bromell, Alice, Sims, Christopher, Allen, Karina, Bailie, Chantal, Bains, Parveen, Basher, Mike, Battisti, Francesca, Baudinet, Julian, Bristow, Katherine, Dawson, Nicola, Dodd, Lizzie, Frater, Victoria, Freudenthal, Robert, Gripton, Beth, Kan, Carol, Khor, Joel W. T., Kotze, Nicus, Laverack, Stuart, Martin, Lee, Maxwell, Sarah, McDonald, Sarah, McKnight, Delysia, McKay, Ruairidh, Merrin, Jessica, Nash, Mel, Nicholls, Dasha, Palmer, Shirlie, Pearce, Samantha, Roberts, Catherine, Serpell, Lucy, Severs, Emilia, Simic, Mima, Staton, Amelia, Westaway, Sian, Sharpe, Helen, and Schmidt, Ulrike
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- 2024
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12. Diversity of selected toll-like receptor genes in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and African leopards (Panthera pardus pardus)
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Meißner, René, Mokgokong, Prudent, Pretorius, Chantelle, Winter, Sven, Labuschagne, Kim, Kotze, Antoinette, Prost, Stefan, Horin, Petr, Dalton, Desire, and Burger, Pamela A.
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- 2024
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13. Comparing gene expression profiles of adults with isolated spinal tuberculosis to disseminated spinal tuberculosis identified by 18FDG-PET/CT at time of diagnosis, 6- and 12-months follow-up: classifying clinical stages of spinal tuberculosis and monitoring treatment response (Spinal TB X cohort study)
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Julian Scherer, Sandra L. Mukasa, Karen Wolmarans, Reto Guler, Tessa Kotze, Taeksun Song, Robert Dunn, Maritz Laubscher, Hans-Christoph Pape, Michael Held, and Friedrich Thienemann
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Tuberculosis ,Spondylodiscitis ,Spinal ,Extrapulmonary ,Musculoskeletal ,Pott`s disease ,Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,RC925-935 - Abstract
Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million cases annually. Focus has been on pulmonary TB, while extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has received little attention. Diagnosis of EPTB remains challenging due to the invasive procedures required for sample collection. Spinal TB (STB) accounts for 10% of EPTB and often leads to lifelong debilitating disease due to devastating spinal deformation and compression of neural structures. Little is known about the extent of disease, although both isolated STB and a disseminated form of STB have been described. In our Spinal TB X cohort study, we aim to describe the clinical phenotype of STB using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT, identify a specific gene expression profile for different stages of dissemination and compare findings to previously described gene expression signatures for latent and active pulmonary TB. Methods A single-centre, prospective cohort study will be established to describe the distributional pattern of STB detected by whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT and gene expression profile of patients with suspected STB on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at point of diagnosis, six months, and 12 months. Blood biobanking will be performed at these time points. Specimens for microbiology will be obtained from sputum/urine, from easily accessible sites of disease (e.g., lymph nodes, abscess) identified in the first 18FDG-PET/CT, from CT-guided biopsy and/or surgery. Clinical parameters and functional scores will be collected at every physical visit. Data will be entered into RedCap® database; data cleaning, validation and analysis will be performed by the study team. The University of Cape Town Ethics Committee approved the protocol (243/2022). Discussion The Spinal TB X cohort study is the first prospective cohort study using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT scans in patients with microbiologically confirmed spinal tuberculosis. Dual imaging techniques of the spine using 18FDG-PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging as well as tissue diagnosis (microbiology and histopathology) will allow us to develop a virtual biopsy model. If successful, a distinct gene-expression profile will aid in blood-based diagnosis (point of care testing) as well as treatment monitoring and would lead to earlier diagnosis of this devastating disease. Trial registration: The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05610098).
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- 2024
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14. Characterising illness stages and recovery trajectories of eating disorders in young people via remote measurement technology (STORY): a multi-centre prospective cohort study protocol
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Carina Kuehne, Matthew D. Phillips, Sarah Moody, Callum Bryson, Iain C. Campbell, Pauline Conde, Nicholas Cummins, Sylvane Desrivières, Judith Dineley, Richard Dobson, Daire Douglas, Amos Folarin, Lucy Gallop, Amelia Hemmings, Başak İnce, Luke Mason, Zulqarnain Rashid, Alice Bromell, Christopher Sims, Karina Allen, Chantal Bailie, Parveen Bains, Mike Basher, Francesca Battisti, Julian Baudinet, Katherine Bristow, Nicola Dawson, Lizzie Dodd, Victoria Frater, Robert Freudenthal, Beth Gripton, Carol Kan, Joel W. T. Khor, Nicus Kotze, Stuart Laverack, Lee Martin, Sarah Maxwell, Sarah McDonald, Delysia McKnight, Ruairidh McKay, Jessica Merrin, Mel Nash, Dasha Nicholls, Shirlie Palmer, Samantha Pearce, Catherine Roberts, Lucy Serpell, Emilia Severs, Mima Simic, Amelia Staton, Sian Westaway, Helen Sharpe, Ulrike Schmidt, and EDIFY consortium
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Eating disorders ,Recovery ,Progression ,Clinical staging ,Remote measurement technology ,Longitudinal monitoring ,Psychiatry ,RC435-571 - Abstract
Abstract Background Eating disorders (EDs) are serious, often chronic, conditions associated with pronounced morbidity, mortality, and dysfunction increasingly affecting young people worldwide. Illness progression, stages and recovery trajectories of EDs are still poorly characterised. The STORY study dynamically and longitudinally assesses young people with different EDs (restricting; bingeing/bulimic presentations) and illness durations (earlier; later stages) compared to healthy controls. Remote measurement technology (RMT) with active and passive sensing is used to advance understanding of the heterogeneity of earlier and more progressed clinical presentations and predictors of recovery or relapse. Methods STORY follows 720 young people aged 16–25 with EDs and 120 healthy controls for 12 months. Online self-report questionnaires regularly assess ED symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, quality of life, and socioeconomic environment. Additional ongoing monitoring using multi-parametric RMT via smartphones and wearable smart rings (‘Ōura ring’) unobtrusively measures individuals’ daily behaviour and physiology (e.g., Bluetooth connections, sleep, autonomic arousal). A subgroup of participants completes additional in-person cognitive and neuroimaging assessments at study-baseline and after 12 months. Discussion By leveraging these large-scale longitudinal data from participants across ED diagnoses and illness durations, the STORY study seeks to elucidate potential biopsychosocial predictors of outcome, their interplay with developmental and socioemotional changes, and barriers and facilitators of recovery. STORY holds the promise of providing actionable findings that can be translated into clinical practice by informing the development of both early intervention and personalised treatment that is tailored to illness stage and individual circumstances, ultimately disrupting the long-term burden of EDs on individuals and their families.
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- 2024
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15. Certolizumab Pegol in Crohn's Disease Management: A Multicentric Brazilian Observational Study
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Thaisa Kowalski Furlan, Marcello Imbrizi, Daniela Magro, Paula C. Senger de Castro, Rodrigo Bremer Nones, Eron Fabio Miranda, and Paulo G. Kotze
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inflammatory bowel disease ,Crohn's disease ,monoclonal antibodies ,certolizumab pegol ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
Introduction and Objectives Certolizumab Pegol (CZP) is an anti-TNF agent approved in Brazil for Crohn's disease (CD). There is a lack of data in Brazil and Latin America detailing real-world experiences with CZP. The primary objective was clinical remission in weeks 26 and 54. The secondary endpoints were clinical response in weeks 26 and 54, endoscopic remission, biological switch rates, rates of CD-related surgery, persistence with treatment over time, and adverse events. Remission and clinical response were defined as HBI ≤4 and ≥3 points reduction of HBI, respectively. Endoscopic remission was defined as the complete healing of the intestinal mucosa.
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- 2024
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16. Integrating molecular and radiological screening tools during community-based active case-finding for tuberculosis and COVID-19 in southern Africa
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Alex John Scott, Mohammed Limbada, Tahlia Perumal, Shameem Jaumdally, Andrea Kotze, Charnay van der Merwe, Maina Cheeba, Deborah Milimo, Keelin Murphy, Bram van Ginneken, Mariana de Kock, Robin Mark Warren, Phindile Gina, Jeremi Swanepoel, Louié Kühn, Suzette Oelofse, Anil Pooran, Aliasgar Esmail, Helen Ayles, and Keertan Dheda
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Tuberculosis ,COVID-19 ,Integration ,Community-based active case-finding ,Diagnostics ,Feasibility ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate diagnostic yield and feasibility of integrating testing for TB and COVID-19 using molecular and radiological screening tools during community-based active case-finding (ACF). Methods: Community-based participants with presumed TB and/or COVID-19 were recruited using a mobile clinic. Participants underwent simultaneous point-of-care (POC) testing for TB (sputum; Xpert Ultra) and COVID-19 (nasopharyngeal swabs; Xpert SARS-CoV-2). Sputum culture and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR served as reference standards. Participants underwent ultra-portable POC chest radiography with computer-aided detection (CAD). TB infectiousness was evaluated using smear microscopy, cough aerosol sampling studies (CASS), and chest radiographic cavity detection. Feasibility of POC testing was evaluated via user-appraisals. Results: Six hundred and one participants were enrolled, with 144/601 (24.0%) reporting symptoms suggestive of TB and/or COVID-19. 16/144 (11.1%) participants tested positive for TB, while 10/144 (6.9%) tested positive for COVID-19 (2/144 [1.4%] had concurrent TB/COVID-19). Seven (7/16 [43.8%]) individuals with TB were probably infectious. Test-specific sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were: Xpert Ultra 75.0% (42.8-94.5) and 96.9% (92.4-99.2); Xpert SARS-CoV-2 66.7% (22.3-95.7) and 97.1% (92.7-99.2). Area under the curve (AUC) for CAD4TB was 0.90 (0.82-0.97). User appraisals indicated POC Xpert to have ‘good’ user-friendliness. Conclusions: Integrating TB/COVID-19 screening during community-based ACF using POC molecular and radiological tools is feasible, has a high diagnostic yield, and can identity probably infectious persons.
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- 2024
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17. Broad-scale genetic assessment of Southern Ground-Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) to inform population management
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Lucy Kemp, Desiré L. Dalton, Monica Mwale, J. Paul Grobler, M. Thabang Madisha, Anna M. van Wyk, Prudent S. Mokgokong, Raymond Jansen, and Antoinette Kotze
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Ground-hornbill ,Bucorvus leadbeateri ,Microsatellites ,Mitochondria ,Population genetics ,Panmictic ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
The Southern Ground-hornbill (SGH) (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is considered an umbrella species for biodiversity conservation in savannah biomes since they require large territories and significant protection measures that help to conserve a wide range of biodiversity with similar savanna and grassland requirements. Declines of the species are attributed to low reproductive rates coupled with multiple anthropogenic threats, including secondary poisoning, and persecution. Little is known about connectivity and population structure of SGH populations in Africa, south of the equator. Knowledge of population differentiation is needed to ensure that targeted conservation management plans can be implemented to slow population declines and ensure survival of the species. To inform a long-term conservation strategy, we investigated the broad-scale population structure of Southern Ground-hornbill across their sub-equatorial range. Our study based on 16 microsatellite loci identified moderate variation (average of 5.889 alleles per locus and a mean observed heterozygosity of 0.546) similar to other long-lived avian species. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA sequences analysis identified low diversity (Hd = 0.3313, π = 0.0015). A Bayesian assignment approach, principal component analysis, analysis of molecular variance and phylogenetic analysis identified weak to moderate population structuring across long distances and mitochondrial data showed a shallow phylogeny. Restriction to long-distance dispersal was detected that could not be attributed to isolation by distance, suggesting that other factors, such as their dispersal biology, are shaping the observed genetic differentiation. Although our study does not support the designation of populations as independent conservation units, we advocate that population management should continue to follow the Precautionary Principle (mixing founders from the same range state, rather than allowing mixing of founders from the extremes of the range) until there is scientific certainty. Following further research, if no independent conservation units are detected, then the global captive population can contribute to reintroductions across the range. In the wild, populations at the edge of the species range may need additional management strategies and gene flow should be promoted between neighbouring populations.
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- 2024
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18. SKELETAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN BRAZILIAN MEN WITH CELIAC DISEASE AT DIAGNOSIS: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?
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Lorete Maria da Silva KOTZE, Thelma Larocca SKARE, Luiz Roberto KOTZE, and Renato NISIHARA
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Celiac disease ,bone ,males ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Low bone mass density (BMD) is an extraintestinal finding in celiac disease (CD). This may result in bone fractures leading to loss in quality of life. Objective: To assess BMD in male CD patients at diagnosis according to the patient’s age. Methods: Descriptive retrospective carried out during the period between 2013 and 2023 in a single office that studied dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) results in 28 male patients with a recent diagnosis of CD, divided into three groups: group 1 (age up to 18 years); group 2 (from 19 to 49 years of age) and group 3 (over 50 years of age). Were studied demographic and anthropometric parameters, time delay between symptoms onset and CD diagnosis and fracture occurrence. Results: Celiac patients studied had median age 36.0 years (IQR=16.5-50.7). Among them, 39.3% had osteopenia and 14.3% had osteoporosis. Only 36% of the sample had normal DXA values (group 1 with 37.5%; group 2 with 46% and group 3 with 14.2%). No pathological fracture was observed in this sample. CD diagnosis delay observed had median 1.0 year (IQR=1.0-4.7). When the number of individuals with normal and abnormal DXA results were compared, there was no difference in body mass index, time of diagnosis delay or Marsh classification (P=0.18). Conclusion: Male patients at the time of CD diagnosis showed a high prevalence of low BMD, which was particularly evident in individuals over 50 years of age.
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- 2024
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19. High Asymptomatic Carriage With the Omicron Variant in South Africa
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Garrett, Nigel, Tapley, Asa, Andriesen, Jessica, Seocharan, Ishen, Fisher, Leigh H, Bunts, Lisa, Espy, Nicole, Wallis, Carole L, Randhawa, April Kaur, Miner, Maurine D, Ketter, Nzeera, Yacovone, Margaret, Goga, Ameena, Huang, Yunda, Hural, John, Kotze, Philip, Bekker, Linda Gail, Gray, Glenda E, Corey, Lawrence, Ahmed, Khatija, Badal-Faesen, Sharlaa, Barnabas, Shaun, Brumskine, William, Comline, Kim, Diacon, Andreas, Dubula, Thozama, Gill, Katherine, Grobbelaar, Coert, Innes, Craig, Kassim, Sheetal, Kotze, Sheena, Lazarus, Erica, Lombaard, Johannes, Luabeya, Angelique, Maboa, Rebone Molobane, Mahoney, Scott, Mahkaza, Disebo, Malahleha, Moelo, Malan, Daniel, Mngadi, Kathryn, Naicker, Nivashnee, Naicker, Vimla, Naidoo, Logashvari, Nchabeleng, Maphoshane, Rassool, Mohammed, Spooner, Elizabeth, Tempelman, Hugo, Mgodi, Nyaradzo, Dadabhai, Sufia, Makhema, Joe, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet, Samandari, Taraz, Elyanu, Peter James, Chilengi, Roma, Chirenje, Zvavahera, McElrath, Julie, Cohen, Myron, Kublin, James, Gilbert, Peter, Peda, Melissa, Andersen-Nissen, Erica, Ferrari, Guido, Villaran, Manuel, Takalani, Azwidhwi, Gildea, Marianne, Nebergall, Michelle, Sopher, Carrie, Proulx-Burns, Lori, Govender, Dhevium, Sanders, Lisa, Hanke, Jen, Baepanye, Kagisho, Le Roux, Bert, Wilvich, Haven, Sripathy, Smitha, Margineantu, Daciana, Brown, Valerie, Linton, Kim, Howell, Haley, Noronha, Bianca, Nikles, Sarah, Toledano, Alicia, May, Jeanine, El-Khorazaty, Jill, Naidoo, Keshani, Khuto, Kentse, Mayat, Fatima, Fairall, Lara, and Sanne, Ian
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Medical Microbiology ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Pneumonia & Influenza ,Infectious Diseases ,Vaccine Related ,Lung ,Prevention ,Emerging Infectious Diseases ,Clinical Research ,Pneumonia ,Biodefense ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Infection ,Good Health and Well Being ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,SARS-CoV-2 ,South Africa ,Omicron variant ,asymptomatic carriage ,PWH ,Ubuntu Study Team ,Biological Sciences ,Medical and Health Sciences ,Microbiology ,Clinical sciences - Abstract
We report a 23% asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) Omicron carriage rate in participants being enrolled into a clinical trial in South Africa, 15-fold higher than in trials before Omicron. We also found lower CD4 + T-cell counts in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strongly correlated with increased odds of being SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive.
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- 2022
20. A Decade of Black-Hole X-ray Binary Transients
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Charles, Philip A, Buckley, David A H, Kotze, Enrico, Kotze, Marissa M, Thomas, Jessymol K, Gandhi, Poshak, Paice, John A, Lasota, Jean-Pierre, Matthews, James H, and Steiner, James F
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Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena - Abstract
The last decade has seen a significant gain in both space and ground-based monitoring capabilities, producing vastly better coverage of BH X-ray binaries during their (rare) transient events. This interval included two of the three brightest X-ray outbursts ever observed, namely V404 Cyg in 2015, and MAXI J1820+070 in 2018, as well as the outburst of Swift J1357.2-0933, the first such system to show variable period optical dipping. There are now superb multi-wavelength archives of these outbursts, both photometric and spectroscopic, that show substantial outflows in the form of jets and disc winds, and X-ray spectroscopy/timing that reveals how the inner accretion disc evolves. The ground-based AAVSO optical monitoring of the MAXI J1820+070 event was the most extensive ever obtained, revealing periodic variations that evolved as it approached its state transition. These modulations were of an amplitude never seen before, and suggested the development of an irradiation-driven disc warp that persisted through the transition. All these results have demonstrated the power of extensive multi-wavelength photometric and spectroscopic monitoring on all time-scales., Comment: 10 Pages, 20 Figures
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- 2022
21. Genetic diversity and origin of captive lion (Panthera leo) in South Africa: an assessment and comparison to wild populations
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Miller, Susan M., Kotze, Antoinette, Harper, Cindy K., Bishop, Jacqueline M., Williams, Vivienne L., Rossouw, Charné, Schoeman, Johanita, de Bruyn, Marli, Dalton, Desiré Lee, and Selier, S. A. Jeanetta
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- 2023
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22. Burnt out: A retrospective review of paediatric burns admissions at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital 2015–2020
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R. Mahlaule, N. Meghraj, L. Tshuta, A. Seedat, K. Mothoane, I. Kotze, G. Miller, T. Zama, J. Scribante, and N. Patel
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Burns ,Burns prevention ,Paediatric Burns ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid ,RC86-88.9 - Abstract
Background: Burn injuries in children in low- and middle-income countries are common, serious, and preventable. Despite the high burden of disease, there is a paucity of data on the profile of paediatric burns in South Africa. Such data are essential to local burn prevention strategies. Methods: A retrospective review of all recorded paediatric burns admissions to the paediatric burns unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital was performed from 1 January 2015 – 31 December 2020. Ethical approval was obtained. Data extracted anonymously included patient age, sex, mechanism of injury, injury severity, date of injury and residential location. Results: A total of 2980 admissions occurred during the study period. Infants ≤ 1 year accounted for 42.2 % (1259/2980), males 61.4 % (1689/2751), hot water burns 79.1 % (2357/2980), and major injury 40.1 % (1201/2980) of admissions. Most burn injuries occurred in winter (28.2 %, 842/2980), and most admitted patients lived in Soweto 45.5 % (1355/2980). Conclusions: Most burns admissions in the study period were characterised by male children less than one year of age, hot water burns, major burn injuries and admissions in the winter months. These results are similar to national and international data regarding age, sex, mechanism of injury and seasonality of paediatric burns. The results from the study have been utilised to inform Surgeons For Little Lives’ paediatric burns prevention campaigns in Soweto and Gauteng Province.
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- 2024
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23. Frequency, kinetics and determinants of viable SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols from ambulatory COVID-19 patients infected with the Beta, Delta or Omicron variants
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S. Jaumdally, M. Tomasicchio, A. Pooran, A. Esmail, A. Kotze, S. Meier, L. Wilson, S. Oelofse, C. van der Merwe, A. Roomaney, M. Davids, T. Suliman, R. Joseph, T. Perumal, A. Scott, M. Shaw, W. Preiser, C. Williamson, A. Goga, E. Mayne, G. Gray, P. Moore, A. Sigal, J. Limberis, J. Metcalfe, and K. Dheda
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Science - Abstract
Abstract Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol remains contentious. Importantly, whether cough or breath-generated bioaerosols can harbor viable and replicating virus remains largely unclarified. We performed size-fractionated aerosol sampling (Andersen cascade impactor) and evaluated viral culturability in human cell lines (infectiousness), viral genetics, and host immunity in ambulatory participants with COVID-19. Sixty-one percent (27/44) and 50% (22/44) of participants emitted variant-specific culture-positive aerosols 95%). There is considerable heterogeneity in potential infectiousness i.e., only 29% of participants were probably highly infectious (produced culture-positive aerosols
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- 2024
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24. Diversity of selected toll-like receptor genes in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and African leopards (Panthera pardus pardus)
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René Meißner, Prudent Mokgokong, Chantelle Pretorius, Sven Winter, Kim Labuschagne, Antoinette Kotze, Stefan Prost, Petr Horin, Desire Dalton, and Pamela A. Burger
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract The anthropogenic impact on wildlife is ever increasing. With shrinking habitats, wild populations are being pushed to co-exist in proximity to humans leading to an increased threat of infectious diseases. Therefore, understanding the immune system of a species is key to assess its resilience in a changing environment. The innate immune system (IIS) is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. High variability in IIS genes, like toll-like receptor (TLR) genes, appears to be associated with resistance to infectious diseases. However, few studies have investigated diversity in TLR genes in vulnerable species for conservation. Large predators are threatened globally including leopards and cheetahs, both listed as 'vulnerable' by IUCN. To examine IIS diversity in these sympatric species, we used next-generation-sequencing to compare selected TLR genes in African leopards and cheetahs. Despite differences, both species show some TLR haplotype similarity. Historic cheetahs from all subspecies exhibit greater genetic diversity than modern Southern African cheetahs. The diversity in investigated TLR genes is lower in modern Southern African cheetahs than in African leopards. Compared to historic cheetah data and other subspecies, a more recent population decline might explain the observed genetic impoverishment of TLR genes in modern Southern African cheetahs. However, this may not yet impact the health of this cheetah subspecies.
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- 2024
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25. The MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey I. Survey Overview and Highlights
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Knowles, K., Cotton, W. D., Rudnick, L., Camilo, F., Goedhart, S., Deane, R., Ramatsoku, M., Bietenholz, M. F., Brüggen, M., Button, C., Chen, H., Chibueze, J. O., Clarke, T. E., de Gasperin, F., Ianjamasimanana, R., Józsa, G. I. G., Hilton, M., Kesebonye, K. C., Kolokythas, K., Kraan-Korteweg, R. C., Lawrie, G., Lochner, M., Loubser, S. I., Marchegiani, P., Mhlahlo, N., Moodley, K., Murphy, E., Namumba, B., Oozeer, N., Parekh, V., Pillay, D. S., Passmoor, S. S., Ramaila, A. J. T., Ranchod, S., Retana-Montenegro, E., Sebokolodi, L., Sikhosana, S. P., Smirnov, O., Thorat, K., Venturi, T., Abbott, T. D., Adam, R. M., Adams, G., Aldera, M. A., Bauermeister, E. F., Bennett, T. G. H., Bode, W. A., Botha, D. H., Botha, A. G., Brederode, L. R. S., Buchner, S., Burger, J. P., Cheetham, T., de Villiers, D. I. L., Dikgale-Mahlakoana, M. A., Toit, L. J. du, Esterhuyse, S. W. P., Fadana, G., Fanaroff, B. L., Fataar, S., Foley, A. R., Fourie, D. J., Frank, B. S., Gamatham, R. R. G., Gatsi, T. G., Geyer, M., Gouws, M., Gumede, S. C., Heywood, I., Hlakola, M. J., Hokwana, A., Hoosen, S. W., Horn, D. M., Horrell, J. M. G., Hugo, B. V., Isaacson, A. R., Jonas, J. L., Jordaan, J. D. B., Joubert, A. F., Julie, R. P. M., Kapp, F. B., Kasper, V. A., Kenyon, J. S., Kotzé, P. P. A., Kotze, A. G., Kriek, N., Kriel, H., Krishnan, V. K., Kusel, T. W., Legodi, L. S., Lehmensiek, R., Liebenberg, D., Lord, R. T., Lunsky, B. M., Madisa, K., Magnus, L. G., Main, J. P. L., Makhaba, A., Makhathini, S., Malan, J. A., Manley, J. R., Marais, S. J., Maree, M. D. J., Martens, A., Mauch, T., McAlpine, K., Merry, B. C., Millenaar, R. P., Mokone, O. J., Monama, T. E., Mphego, M. C., New, W. S., Ngcebetsha, B., Ngoasheng, K. J., Ockards, M. T., Otto, A. J., Patel, A. A., Peens-Hough, A., Perkins, S. J., Ramanujam, N. M., Ramudzuli, Z. R., Ratcliffe, S. M., Renil, R., Robyntjies, A., Rust, A. N., Salie, S., Sambu, N., Schollar, C. T. G., Schwardt, L. C., Schwartz, R. L., Serylak, M., Siebrits, R., Sirothia, S. K., Slabber, M., Sofeya, L., Taljaard, B., Tasse, C., Tiplady, A. J., Toruvanda, O., Twum, S. N., van Balla, T. J., van der Byl, A., van der Merwe, C., van Dyk, C. L., Van Tonder, V., Van Wyk, R., Venter, A. J., Venter, M., Welz, M. G., Williams, L. P., and Xaia, B.
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Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies ,Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics - Abstract
MeerKAT's large number of antennas, spanning 8 km with a densely packed 1 km core, create a powerful instrument for wide-area surveys, with high sensitivity over a wide range of angular scales. The MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey (MGCLS) is a programme of long-track MeerKAT L-band (900-1670 MHz) observations of 115 galaxy clusters, observed for $\sim$6-10 hours each in full polarisation. The first legacy product data release (DR1), made available with this paper, includes the MeerKAT visibilities, basic image cubes at $\sim$8" resolution, and enhanced spectral and polarisation image cubes at $\sim$8" and 15" resolutions. Typical sensitivities for the full-resolution MGCLS image products are $\sim$3-5 {\mu}Jy/beam. The basic cubes are full-field and span 4 deg^2. The enhanced products consist of the inner 1.44 deg^2 field of view, corrected for the primary beam. The survey is fully sensitive to structures up to $\sim$10' scales and the wide bandwidth allows spectral and Faraday rotation mapping. HI mapping at 209 kHz resolution can be done at $0
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- 2021
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26. Correction: Characterising illness stages and recovery trajectories of eating disorders in young people via remote measurement technology (STORY): a multi-centre prospective cohort study protocol
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Carina Kuehne, Matthew D. Phillips, Sarah Moody, Callum Bryson, Iain C. Campbell, Pauline Conde, Nicholas Cummins, Sylvane Desrivières, Judith Dineley, Richard Dobson, Daire Douglas, Amos Folarin, Lucy Gallop, Amelia Hemmings, Başak İnce, Luke Mason, Zulqarnain Rashid, Alice Bromell, Christopher Sims, Karina Allen, Chantal Bailie, Parveen Bains, Mike Basher, Francesca Battisti, Julian Baudinet, Katherine Bristow, Nicola Dawson, Lizzie Dodd, Victoria Frater, Robert Freudenthal, Beth Gripton, Carol Kan, Joel W. T. Khor, Nicus Kotze, Stuart Laverack, Lee Martin, Sarah Maxwell, Sarah McDonald, Delysia McKnight, Ruairidh McKay, Jessica Merrin, Mel Nash, Dasha Nicholls, Shirlie Palmer, Samantha Pearce, Catherine Roberts, Lucy Serpell, Emilia Severs, Mima Simic, Amelia Staton, Sian Westaway, Helen Sharpe, Ulrike Schmidt, and EDIFY consortium
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Psychiatry ,RC435-571 - Published
- 2024
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27. The pH-dependence of efflux ratios determined with bidirectional transport assays across cellular monolayers
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Soné Kotze, Kai-Uwe Goss, and Andrea Ebert
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Active transport ,Efflux ,P-glycoprotein ,Transporters ,MDCK assays ,Efflux ratio ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
MDCK/Caco-2 assays serve as essential in vitro tools for evaluating membrane permeability and active transport, especially mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Despite their utility, challenges remain in quantifying active transport and using the efflux ratio (ER) to determine intrinsic values for active efflux. Such an intrinsic value for P-gp facilitated efflux necessitates knowing whether this transporter transports the neutral or ionic species of a compound. Utilising MDCK-MDR1 assays, we investigate a method for determining transporter substrate fraction preference by studying ER pH-dependence for basic, acidic and non-dissociating compounds. These results are compared with model fits based on various assumptions of transporter species preference. As an unexpected consequence of these assays, we also give evidence for an additional influx transporter at the basolateral membrane, and further extend our model to incorporate this transport. The combined influences of paracellular transport, the previously unaccounted for basolateral influx transporter, as well as potential pH effects on the transporter impedes the extraction of intrinsic values for active transport from the ER. Furthermore, we determined that using inhibitor affects the measurement of paracellular transport. While clear indications of transporter species preference remain elusive, this study enhances understanding of the MDCK system.
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- 2024
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28. The Reduction Of Occupation Ratio Of The Supraspinatus Muscle Following A Simulated Acute Retracted Rotator Cuff Tear
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Nicolaas Leon Kotze, David Eoin O'Briain, and Petr Jemelik
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Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 ,Diseases of the musculoskeletal system ,RC925-935 - Published
- 2024
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29. Agent-based model predicts that layered structure and 3D movement work synergistically to reduce bacterial load in 3D in vitro models of tuberculosis granuloma.
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Alexa Petrucciani, Alexis Hoerter, Leigh Kotze, Nelita Du Plessis, and Elsje Pienaar
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Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health threat. Understanding the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions within TB granulomas will assist in identifying what leads to the successful elimination of infection. In vitro TB models provide a controllable environment to study these granuloma dynamics. Previously we developed a biomimetic 3D spheroid granuloma model that controls bacteria better than a traditional monolayer culture counterpart. We used agent-based simulations to predict the mechanistic reason for this difference. Our calibrated simulations were able to predict heterogeneous bacterial dynamics that are consistent with experimental data. In one group of simulations, spheroids are found to have higher macrophage activation than their traditional counterparts, leading to better bacterial control. This higher macrophage activation in the spheroids was not due to higher counts of activated T cells, instead fewer activated T cells were able to activate more macrophages due to the proximity of these cells to each other within the spheroid. In a second group of simulations, spheroids again have more macrophage activation but also more T cell activation, specifically CD8+ T cells. This higher level of CD8+ T cell activation is predicted to be due to the proximity of these cells to the cells that activate them. Multiple mechanisms of control were predicted. Simulations removing individual mechanisms show that one group of simulations has a CD4+ T cell dominant response, while the other has a mixed/CD8+ T cell dominant response. Lastly, we demonstrated that in spheroids the initial structure and movement rules work synergistically to reduce bacterial load. These findings provide valuable insights into how the structural complexity of in vitro models impacts immune responses. Moreover, our study has implications for engineering more physiologically relevant in vitro models and advancing our understanding of TB pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.
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- 2024
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30. Long‐distance swimming by African lions in Uganda
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A. Braczkowski, L. Ochse, B. Atukwatse, O. Cornille, C. O'Bryan, P. Lindsey, R. Kotze, L. Gibson, and D. Biggs
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African lionUganda ,Albertine rift ,carnivore ,felid ,Panthera leo ,Queen Elizabeth National Park ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
Abstract Earth's most imperiled and iconic wildlife are facing tough decisions under increasing human pressure and limited resources. Swimming across rivers and water bodies filled with high densities of predators may be one such example. In African lions Panthera leo, previous water crossings (recorded in the peer‐reviewed and gray literature, on film, and found using Google Search, and YouTube) have recorded distances ranging from 1 km across Uganda's Kazinga channel located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park six times, and recorded this behavior on film on February 1st 2024. We speculate that three factors could be driving these lions to take long‐distance swims with a high density of crocodiles and hippos Hippopotamus amphibius, namely (1) the lack of lionesses in this ecosystem, (2) intraspecific fights over territory with other male coalitions, and (3) the only other land connection giving lions access to the peninsula is a small road bridge with a strong human presence.
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- 2024
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31. WARNING TO DELAY IN DIAGNOSING MICROSCOPIC COLITIS IN OLDER ADULTS. A SERIES OF CASES
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Lorete Maria da Silva KOTZE, Luiz Roberto KOTZE, Raquel Canzi Almada de SOUZA, Paulo Gustavo KOTZE, and Renato NISIHARA
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Microscopic colitis ,chronic diarrhea ,diagnosis, treatment ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing non-bloody diarrhea, and several cases are undiagnosed as a hidden cause of chronic diarrhea. Objective: We aimed to report the symptoms, delay diagnosis and the treatment of MC in a case series. Methods: All patients were treated at a Gastroenterology reference office from May 2022 to June 2023. Personal history including preexisting disorders, use of medications and smoking habits were collected. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the correct diagnosis was informed. All patients consented to use budesonide MMX (Corament®) off label. Results: During the study period, six Caucasoid patients were diagnosed with MC, five females and one male, between the ages of 65 and 74. All patients had comorbities and were taking multiple prescription drugs. Laboratory findings showed negative serology for celiac disease for all patients, normal levels of albumin and vitamin B12. The delay between the symptoms and the MC diagnosis varied from 2 months to 6 years. All patients had a previous diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. All patients were in complete clinical remission during the treatment and referred no side effects of the drug. Conclusion: Older females using high-risk medications are suggestive of MC. Preventing delay in the diagnosis of MC is crucial to improvement in patients´ quality of life. Budesonide MMX appears to be effective, safe and well-tolerated.
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- 2024
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32. The Responsiveness of Teacher Education Managers at an ODeL College to Resilience and the Well-Being of Staff Working from Home during COVID-19
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van Wyk, Micheal M., Kotze, Christy J., Tshabalala, Samson L., and Mukhati, Fulufhelo
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The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased anxiety and stress among teacher education managers and has given rise to the question of whether they have the competencies to execute their operational responsibilities productively. The theories of resilience and transformational leadership underpin this study in which teacher education managers' resilience and their responsiveness to the well-being of staff executing their operational practices in an open distance e-learning context were explored. A qualitative approach was adopted and virtual video conferencing interviews with teacher education managers were used to explore how they mitigated their strategic and operational roles and their managerial functions to ensure the well-being and organisational performance of staff working from home. Results revealed the experiences of distance managers to have been positive in that they implemented organisational strategies to mitigate the challenges faced to ensure wellness and performance among staff working from a distance. Further research applying a mixed-method design should be undertaken to determine how resilient managers and staff working from home are. That may yield different results.
- Published
- 2021
33. High Levels of Pretreatment HIV-1 Drug Resistance Mutations Among South African Women Who Acquired HIV During a Prospective Study
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Beesham, Ivana, Parikh, Urvi M, Mellors, John W, Davey, Dvora L Joseph, Heffron, Renee, Palanee-Phillips, Thesla, Bosman, Shannon L, Beksinska, Mags, Smit, Jennifer, Ahmed, Khatija, Makkan, Heeran, Selepe, Pearl, Louw, Cheryl, Kotze, Philip, Hofmeyr, G Justus, Singata‐Madliki, Mandisa, Rees, Helen, Baeten, Jared M, and Wallis, Carole
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Medical Microbiology ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Clinical Sciences ,Antimicrobial Resistance ,Clinical Research ,HIV/AIDS ,Infectious Diseases ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Genetics ,Development of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,6.1 Pharmaceuticals ,5.1 Pharmaceuticals ,Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,Infection ,Good Health and Well Being ,Adult ,Anti-HIV Agents ,Drug Resistance ,Viral ,Female ,Genotype ,HIV Infections ,HIV Seropositivity ,HIV-1 ,Humans ,Mutation ,Prospective Studies ,Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors ,South Africa ,Young Adult ,antiretroviral resistance ,women ,pretreatment resistance ,Public Health and Health Services ,Virology ,Clinical sciences ,Epidemiology ,Public health - Abstract
BackgroundPretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) undermines individual treatment success and threatens the achievement of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. In many African countries, limited data are available on PDR as detection of recent HIV infection is uncommon and access to resistance testing is limited. We describe the prevalence of PDR among South African women with recent HIV infection from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.MethodsHIV-uninfected, sexually active women, aged 18-35 years, and seeking contraception were enrolled in the ECHO Trial at sites in South Africa, from 2015 to 2018. HIV testing was done at trial entry and repeated quarterly. We tested stored plasma samples collected at HIV diagnosis from women who seroconverted during follow-up and had a viral load >1000 copies/mL for antiretroviral resistant mutations using a validated laboratory-developed population genotyping assay, which sequences the full protease and reverse transcriptase regions. Mutation profiles were determined using the Stanford Drug Resistance Database.ResultsWe sequenced 275 samples. The median age was 23 years, and majority (98.9%, n = 272) were infected with HIV-1 subtype C. The prevalence of surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs) was 13.5% (n = 37). Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations were found in 12.4% of women (n = 34). Few women had NRTI (1.8%, n = 5) and protease inhibitor (1.1%, n = 3) mutations. Five women had multiple NRTI and NNRTI SDRMs.ConclusionsThe high levels of PDR, particularly to NNRTIs, strongly support the recent change to the South African national HIV treatment guidelines to transition to a first-line drug regimen that excludes NNRTIs.
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- 2022
34. Brief Report: Quantifiable Plasma Tenofovir Among South African Women Using Daily Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis During the ECHO Trial
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Beesham, Ivana, Mansoor, Leila E, Davey, Dvora L Joseph, Palanee-Phillips, Thesla, Smit, Jenni, Ahmed, Khatija, Selepe, Pearl, Louw, Cheryl, Singata-Madliki, Mandisa, Kotze, Philip, Heffron, Renee, Parikh, Urvi M, Wiesner, Lubbe, Rees, Helen, Baeten, Jared M, and Beksinska, Mags
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Public Health ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Clinical Sciences ,Health Sciences ,Clinical Research ,Prevention ,Sexually Transmitted Infections ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Infectious Diseases ,HIV/AIDS ,Contraception/Reproduction ,Infection ,Good Health and Well Being ,Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ,Adolescent ,Adult ,Anti-HIV Agents ,Female ,HIV Infections ,Humans ,Medication Adherence ,Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ,South Africa ,Tenofovir ,Young Adult ,HIV prevention ,women ,plasma tenofovir ,oral PrEP ,clinical trials ,Africa ,Public Health and Health Services ,Virology ,Clinical sciences ,Epidemiology ,Public health - Abstract
BackgroundHIV endpoint-driven clinical trials provide oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as HIV prevention standard of care. We evaluated quantifiable plasma tenofovir among South African women who used oral PrEP during the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.MethodsECHO, a randomized trial conducted in 4 African countries between 2015 and 2018, assessed HIV incidence among HIV-uninfected women, aged 16-35 years, randomized to 1 of 3 contraceptives. Oral PrEP was offered onsite as part of the HIV prevention package at the South African trial sites. We measured tenofovir in plasma samples collected at the final trial visit among women reporting ongoing PrEP use. We used bivariate and multivariate logistical regression to assess demographic and sexual risk factors associated with plasma tenofovir quantification.ResultsOf 260 women included, 52% were ≤24 years and 22% had Chlamydia trachomatis at enrollment. At PrEP initiation, 68% reported inconsistent/nonuse of condoms. The median duration of PrEP use was 90 days (IQR: 83-104). Tenofovir was quantified in 36% (n = 94) of samples. Women >24 years had twice the odds of having tenofovir quantified vs younger women (OR = 2.12; 95% confidence interval = 1.27 to 3.56). Women who reported inconsistent/nonuse of condoms had lower odds of tenofovir quantification (age-adjusted OR = 0.47; 95% confidence interval = 0.26 to 0.83).ConclusionsOver a third of women initiating PrEP and reporting ongoing use at the final trial visit had evidence of recent drug exposure. Clinical trials may serve as an entry point for PrEP initiation among women at substantial risk for HIV infection with referral to local facilities for ongoing access at trial end.Clinical trial numberNCT02550067.
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- 2022
35. MICROSCOPIC COLITIS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR GASTROENTEROLOGISTS, ENDOSCOPISTS, AND PATHOLOGISTS
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Lorete Maria da Silva KOTZE, Paulo Gustavo KOTZE, Luiz Roberto KOTZE, and Renato NISIHARA
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Microscopic colitis ,diagnosis ,pathology ,colonoscopy ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
ABSTRACT Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by non-bloody diarrhea that can range from mild to severe. It is difficult to attribute up to 10-20% of chronic diarrhea to microscopic colitis. The three determinants factors of the diagnosis are characteristic clinical symptoms, normal endoscopic picture of the colon, and pathognomonic histological picture. This manuscript aimed to update considerations and recommendations for professionals involved (gastroenterologist, endoscopists and pathologist) in the diagnosis of MC. In addition, a short recommendation about treatment.
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- 2023
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36. The 1.28 GHz MeerKAT Galactic Center Mosaic
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Heywood, I., Rammala, I., Camilo, F., Cotton, W. D., Yusef-Zadeh, F., Abbott, T. D., Adam, R. M., Adams, G., Aldera, M. A., Asad, K. M. B., Bauermeister, E. F., Bennett, T. G. H., Bester, H. L., Bode, W. A., Botha, D. H., Botha, A. G., Brederode, L. R. S., Buchner, S., Burger, J. P., Cheetham, T., de Villiers, D. I. L., Dikgale-Mahlakoana, M. A., Toit, L. J. du, Esterhuyse, S. W. P., Fanaroff, B. L., February, S., Fourie, D. J., Frank, B. S., Gamatham, R. R. G., Geyer, M., Goedhart, S., Gouws, M., Gumede, S. C., Hlakola, M. J., Hokwana, A., Hoosen, S. W., Horrell, J. M. G., Hugo, B., Isaacson, A. I., Józsa, G. I. G., Jonas, J. L., Joubert, A. F., Julie, R. P. M., Kapp, F. B., Kenyon, J. S., Kotzé, P. P. A., Kriek, N., Kriel, H., Krishnan, V. K., Lehmensiek, R., Liebenberg, D., Lord, R. T., Lunsky, B. M., Madisa, K., Magnus, L. G., Mahgoub, O., Makhaba, A., Makhathini, S., Malan, J. A., Manley, J. R., Marais, S. J., Martens, A., Mauch, T., Merry, B. C., Millenaar, R. P., Mnyandu, N., Mokone, O. J., Monama, T. E., Mphego, M. C., New, W. S., Ngcebetsha, B., Ngoasheng, K. J., Ockards, M. T., Oozeer, N., Otto, A. J., Passmoor, S. S., Patel, A. A., Peens-Hough, A., Perkins, S. J., Ramaila, A. J. T., Ramanujam, N. M. R., Ramudzuli, Z. R., Ratcliffe, S. M., Robyntjies, A., Salie, S., Sambu, N., Schollar, C. T. G., Schwardt, L. C., Schwartz, R. L., Serylak, M., Siebrits, R., Sirothia, S. K., Slabber, M., Smirnov, O. M., Sofeya, L., Taljaard, B., Tasse, C., Tiplady, A. J., Toruvanda, O., Twum, S. N., van Balla, T. J., van der Byl, A., van der Merwe, C., Van Tonder, V., Van Wyk, R., Venter, A. J., Venter, M., Wallace, B. H., Welz, M. G., Williams, L. P., and Xaia, B.
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Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies - Abstract
The inner $\sim$200 pc region of the Galaxy contains a 4 million M$_{\odot}$ supermassive black hole (SMBH), significant quantities of molecular gas, and star formation and cosmic ray energy densities that are roughly two orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding levels in the Galactic disk. At a distance of only 8.2 kpc, the region presents astronomers with a unique opportunity to study a diverse range of energetic astrophysical phenomena, from stellar objects in extreme environments, to the SMBH and star-formation driven feedback processes that are known to influence the evolution of galaxies as a whole. We present a new survey of the Galactic center conducted with the South African MeerKAT radio telescope. Radio imaging offers a view that is unaffected by the large quantities of dust that obscure the region at other wavelengths, and a scene of striking complexity is revealed. We produce total intensity and spectral index mosaics of the region from 20 pointings (144 hours on-target in total), covering 6.5 square degrees with an angular resolution of 4$"$,at a central frequency of 1.28 GHz. Many new features are revealed for the first time due to a combination of MeerKAT's high sensitivity, exceptional $u,v$-plane coverage, and geographical vantage point. We highlight some initial survey results, including new supernova remnant candidates, many new non-thermal filament complexes, and enhanced views of the Radio Arc Bubble, Sgr A and Sgr B regions. This project is a SARAO public legacy survey, and the image products are made available with this article., Comment: 29 pages, 15 figures, 3 tables, accepted for publication in the The Astrophysical Journal. Replacement arXiv version with higher quality figures
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- 2022
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37. Risk Factors Associated with HIV Acquisition in Males Participating in HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trials in South Africa
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Malahleha, Mookho, Laher, Fatima, Dilraj, Athmanundh, Smith, Philip, Gray, Glenda E., Grove, Doug, Odhiambo, Jackline A., Andrasik, Michele P., Grunenberg, Nicole A., Moodie, Zoe, Huang, Yunda, Borate, Bhavesh R., Gillespie, Kevin M., Allen, Mary, Atujuna, Millicent, Singh, Nishanta, Kalonji, Dishiki, Meintjes, Graeme, Kotze, Phillip, Bekker, Linda-Gail, and Janes, Holly
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- 2023
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38. Genetic Programming to Optimize 3D Trajectories
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André Kotze, Moritz Jan Hildemann, Vítor Santos, and Carlos Granell
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genetic programming ,evolutionary algorithms ,trajectory optimization ,path planning ,3D routing ,Geography (General) ,G1-922 - Abstract
Trajectory optimization is a method of finding the optimal route connecting a start and end point. The suitability of a trajectory depends on not intersecting any obstacles, as well as predefined performance metrics. In the context of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the goal is to minimize the route cost, in terms of energy or time, while avoiding restricted flight zones. Artificial intelligence techniques, including evolutionary computation, have been applied to trajectory optimization with varying degrees of success. This work explores the use of genetic programming (GP) for 3D trajectory optimization by developing a novel GP algorithm to optimize trajectories in a 3D space by encoding 3D geographic trajectories as function trees. The effects of parameterization are also explored and discussed, demonstrating the advantages and drawbacks of custom parameter settings along with additional evolutionary computational techniques. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which outperforms existing methods in terms of speed, automaticity, and robustness, highlighting the potential for GP-based algorithms to be applied to other complex optimization problems in science and engineering.
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- 2024
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39. Upgrading therapeutic ambitions and treatment outcomes
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Kotze, Paulo Gustavo and Vermeire, Severine
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- 2024
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40. Relational and Decision-Making Skills Development in South African Accounting Students
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Kotze, Ruhan and Miller, Taryn
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Employers of accounting graduates have criticised graduates' ability to work well with others and think critically. This study investigates aspirant Chartered Accountants in South Africa ('aspirant CA(SA)s') perceptions of the extent to which universities should and are developing relational and decision-making (RDM) skills in accounting students. Questionnaire data from 44 aspirant CA(SA)s, employed at three offices of a large audit firm in South Africa, were obtained. The majority of participants perceive that virtually all RDM skills are developed to an intermediate or advanced level during the academic programme. However, participants also perceive that the academic programme should develop all RDM skills to a greater extent; in particular, skills relating to managing others, teamwork, relationship-building, professional scepticism, emotional intelligence and leadership, to maximise performance during the training programme. Academics may benefit from this study's findings of perceived RDM skills deficits, and suggestions for their development, which includes collaborating with training offices.
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- 2023
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41. Large optical modulations during 2018 outburst of MAXI J1820+070 reveal evolution of warped accretion disc through X-ray state change
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Thomas, Jessymol K., Charles, Philip A., Buckley, David A. H., Kotze, Marissa M., Lasota, Jean-Pierre, Potter, Stephen B., Steiner, James F., and Paice, John A.
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Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena - Abstract
The black-hole X-ray transient MAXI J1820+07 (=ASSASN-18ey) discovered in March 2018 was one of the optically brightest ever seen, which has resulted in very detailed optical outburst light-curves being obtained. We combine them here with X-ray and radio light-curves to show the major geometric changes the source undergoes. We present a detailed temporal analysis that reveals the presence of remarkably high amplitude (>0.5 mag) modulations, which evolve from the superhump (16.87 h) period towards the presumed orbital (16.45 h) period. These modulations appear ~87d after the outburst began, and follow the Swift/BAT hard X-ray light-curve, which peaks 4 days before the radio flare and jet ejection, when the source undergoes a rapid hard to soft state transition. The optical modulation then moves closer to the orbital period, with a light curve peak that drifts slowly in orbital phase from ~0.8 to ~0.3 during the soft state. We propose that the unprecedentedly large amplitude modulation requires a warp in the disc in order to provide a large enough radiating area, and for the warp to be irradiation-driven. Its sudden turn-on implies a change in the inner disc geometry that raises the hard X-ray emitting component to a height where it can illuminate the warped outer disc regions., Comment: Accepted to MNRAS
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- 2021
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42. Machine Vision for Device Tracking in a Smart Manufacturing Environment Based on Augmented Reality
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Kukuni, Tshepo Godfrey, Kotze, Ben, and Hurst, William
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- 2023
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43. Correction: Maternity protection entitlements for non-standard workers in low-and-middle-income countries and potential implications for breastfeeding practices: a scoping review of research since 2000
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Pereira-Kotze, Catherine, Feeley, Alison, Doherty, Tanya, and Faber, Mieke
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- 2023
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44. Development of the global inflammatory bowel disease visualization of epidemiology studies in the 21st century (GIVES-21)
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Mak, Joyce W. Y., Sun, Yang, Limsrivilai, Julajak, Abdullah, Murdani, Kaibullayeva, Jamilya, Balderramo, Domingo, Vergara, Beatriz Iade, Paudel, Mukesh Sharma, Banerjee, Rupa, Hilmi, Ida, Ali, Raja Affendi Raja, Wei, Shu Chen, Ng, Ka Kei, Altuwaijri, Mansour, Kelly, Paul, Yamamoto-Furusho, Jesus K., Kotze, Paulo Gustavo, Ahuja, Vineet, Chong, Vui Heng, Dao, Hang Viet, Abbey, Yvonne, Ching, Jessica Y. L., Ho, Agnes, Chan, Alicia K. W., Bernstein, Charles N., Gearry, Richard B., Abreu, Maria, Rubin, David T., Dotan, Iris, Hracs, Lindsay, Kaplan, Gilaad G., and Ng, Siew C.
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- 2023
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45. Interchange of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales across the South Atlantic Ocean
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Ramos, Eric Angel, Cheeseman, Ted, Marcondes, Milton Cesar C., Olio, Marilia, Vogel, Alexander, Elwen, Simon, de Melo, Thais H. M., Facchola, Cecília, Cipolotti, Sérgio, Southerland, Ken, Findlay, Ken, Seyboth, Elisa, McCue, Steven A., Kotze, Pieter G. H., and Seakamela, S. Mduduzi
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- 2023
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46. Maternity protection entitlements for non-standard workers in low-and-middle-income countries and potential implications for breastfeeding practices: a scoping review of research since 2000
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Pereira-Kotze, Catherine, Feeley, Alison, Doherty, Tanya, and Faber, Mieke
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- 2023
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47. Children’s narrative identity formation: Towards a childist narrative theology of praxis
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Jozine G. Botha, Hannelie Yates, and Manitza Kotze
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adultism ,childism ,children ,narrative identity formation ,pastoral care ,praxis ,The Bible ,BS1-2970 ,Practical Theology ,BV1-5099 - Abstract
This article explores children’s narrative identity formation and the impact of adult–child relationships on shaping a child’s narrative. The formation of identity in all children is vulnerable to a culture of ‘adultism’, wherein the authority wielded by adults can potentially subject children to abuse and neglect. Consequently, adultism has the aptitude to hinder the constructive development of a life-affirming identity in children. The primary objective of this article is to develop a childist narrative theology of praxis methodology, aimed at raising consciousness and educating adults on both life-denying and life-giving ways of engaging in the process of children’s narrative identity formation. To achieve this goal, the methodology is developed by adapting Denise Ackermann’s ‘feminist theology of praxis’ to focus specifically on children. The application of feminist theory principles is deemed relevant to the social standing of children as it aligns with the broader goal of liberating oppressed groups, whether women or children. Additionally, John Wall’s work is employed to elucidate the terms ‘childist’ and ‘childism’ as interpretive frameworks. Positioned within the scientific domain of Practical Theology, this study seeks to transform conditions that impede human flourishing into opportunities for positive change. The research objectives determine that a literature review will be suitable to gather essential information for the formulation of a childist narrative theology of praxis. This review, characterised as explorative and descriptive, is conducted within the field of Practical Theology. Contribution: The significance of this study is underscored by its exploration and description of the pastoral functions of consciousness, awareness-raising, and education concerning adult–child relations. By scrutinising these pastoral functions, the emphasis is placed on the proactive, preventive, and universal aspects of pastoral care in the context of children, thereby contributing valuable insights to the discourse.
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- 2024
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48. HOSPITALIZATION, USE OF BIOLOGICS AND SURGERY RATES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: A SINGLE-CENTRE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS IN A TERTIARY UNIT FROM LATIN AMERICA
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Patrícia ZACHARIAS, Daniéla Oliveira MAGRO, Milena PERUSSOLO, Fernanda da Silva Barbosa BARAÚNA, and Paulo Gustavo KOTZE
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Inflammatory bowel disease ,ulcerative colitis ,Crohn’s disease ,health systems ,socioeconomic inequality ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have rising incidence and prevalence rates globally. In IBD, there are scarce studies comparing differences between patients according to socioeconomic status. Our aim was to comparatively evaluate hospitalizations, use of biologics and rates of surgery in patients with IBD between public and private healthcare systems. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study in patients with IBD from a tertiary referral unit from Latin America, between 2015 and 2021. CD and UC patients were classified into two subgroups: public and private systems. Demographic characteristics, hospitalizations, need for surgery and biologics were compared. Results: A total of 500 patients were included, 322 with CD and 178 with UC. CD-related hospitalizations were frequently observed in both healthcare systems (76.28% in private and 67.46% in public). More than half of the patients had been submitted to one or more CD-related abdominal surgery, with no significant difference between the subgroups. Although there was no difference in the rates of use of biological therapy in CD subgroups, infliximab was more used in the public setting (57.69% vs 43.97%). There was no difference in UC-related hospitalizations between the subgroups (public 30.69% and private 37.66%) as well as the rates of colectomy (public: 16.83%, private: 19.48%). Biologics were prescribed almost twice as often in private as compared to public (45.45 vs 22.77%). Conclusion: There were no differences in the rates of hospitalization and abdominal surgery between the systems. In patients with UC, there was greater use of biological therapy in the private healthcare setting.
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- 2024
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49. BODY FAT COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN SKINFOLDS AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY
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Isadora Sayuri Macedo TUMA, Maria Paula Carlin CAMBI, Thyago Proença de MORAES, Daniéla Oliveira MAGRO, and Paulo Gustavo KOTZE
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Inflammatory bowel diseases ,nutritional assessment ,body fat percentage ,ultrasonics ,anthropometry ,Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,RC799-869 - Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with important changes in nutritional status. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare body fat composition between two anthropometric methods: skinfolds and ultrasonography, in patients with IBD. Methods: Single-center cross-sectional study with IBD patients in remission or active disease. For the agreement analysis between the body fat assessment methods, the Bland Altman method was used. Results: A total of 101 patients with IBD were included, 75 with Crohn’s disease and 26 with ulcerative colitis. Approximately 56% of the patients with Crohn’s disease and 65.4% of those with ulcerative colitis had a body fat composition above normal levels, with no significant difference between the diseases (P=0.63). The Bland-Altman concordance analysis showed that the methods for assessing the percentage of fat by the adipometer and ultrasound were not in full agreement (P=0.001), despite both presented good correlation (CC 0.961; P=0.000). Conclusion: The analysis of body fat percentage in patients with IBD was different between the skinfolds and ultrasound. Both methods can be used to assess the of body fat percentage of patients with IBD. However, monitoring of body fat sequentially and longitudinally should always be performed using the same method throughout the disease course. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to precisely define the role of these two methods of measuring body composition in patients with IBD.
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- 2024
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50. Urbanisation generates multiple trait syndromes for terrestrial animal taxa worldwide
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Amy K. Hahs, Bertrand Fournier, Myla F. J. Aronson, Charles H. Nilon, Adriana Herrera-Montes, Allyson B. Salisbury, Caragh G. Threlfall, Christine C. Rega-Brodsky, Christopher A. Lepczyk, Frank A. La Sorte, Ian MacGregor-Fors, J. Scott MacIvor, Kirsten Jung, Max R. Piana, Nicholas S. G. Williams, Sonja Knapp, Alan Vergnes, Aldemar A. Acevedo, Alison M. Gainsbury, Ana Rainho, Andrew J. Hamer, Assaf Shwartz, Christian C. Voigt, Daniel Lewanzik, David M. Lowenstein, David O’Brien, Desiree Tommasi, Eduardo Pineda, Ela Sita Carpenter, Elena Belskaya, Gábor L. Lövei, James C. Makinson, Joanna L. Coleman, Jon P. Sadler, Jordan Shroyer, Julie Teresa Shapiro, Katherine C. R. Baldock, Kelly Ksiazek-Mikenas, Kevin C. Matteson, Kyle Barrett, Lizette Siles, Luis F. Aguirre, Luis Orlando Armesto, Marcin Zalewski, Maria Isabel Herrera-Montes, Martin K. Obrist, Rebecca K. Tonietto, Sara A. Gagné, Sarah J. Hinners, Tanya Latty, Thilina D. Surasinghe, Thomas Sattler, Tibor Magura, Werner Ulrich, Zoltan Elek, Jennifer Castañeda-Oviedo, Ricardo Torrado, D. Johan Kotze, and Marco Moretti
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Science - Abstract
Abstract Cities can host significant biological diversity. Yet, urbanisation leads to the loss of habitats, species, and functional groups. Understanding how multiple taxa respond to urbanisation globally is essential to promote and conserve biodiversity in cities. Using a dataset encompassing six terrestrial faunal taxa (amphibians, bats, bees, birds, carabid beetles and reptiles) across 379 cities on 6 continents, we show that urbanisation produces taxon-specific changes in trait composition, with traits related to reproductive strategy showing the strongest response. Our findings suggest that urbanisation results in four trait syndromes (mobile generalists, site specialists, central place foragers, and mobile specialists), with resources associated with reproduction and diet likely driving patterns in traits associated with mobility and body size. Functional diversity measures showed varied responses, leading to shifts in trait space likely driven by critical resource distribution and abundance, and taxon-specific trait syndromes. Maximising opportunities to support taxa with different urban trait syndromes should be pivotal in conservation and management programmes within and among cities. This will reduce the likelihood of biotic homogenisation and helps ensure that urban environments have the capacity to respond to future challenges. These actions are critical to reframe the role of cities in global biodiversity loss.
- Published
- 2023
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