Population structure, resistome, and virulome of strains from milk of subclinical bovine mastitis in South Africa.

Introduction: are commonly found in intramammary infections associated with bovine subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle, yet their genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance dynamics remain poorly characterized, particularly in African settings.

Methods: This study presents a comparative genomic analysis of 17 isolates from South Africa, including five newly sequenced bovine mastitis strains and twelve porcine-derived genomes retrieved from GenBank. analysis using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), virulence genes, antibiotic resistance genes and plasmids replicon types were used to characterise these isolates.

Radiographers' awareness, understanding, and implementation of diagnostic reference levels in medical imaging: A scoping review.

Introduction: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are essential for optimising ionising radiation use in medical imaging and minimising patient exposure. Radiographers play a key role in implementing DRLs to ensure dose optimisation and high-quality imaging. However, gaps in awareness and understanding can hinder effective application.

Correction: African walnut () oil improves glucose uptake and metabolic activities in erythrocytes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Xanthones Against Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Research Trends During the Last Ten Years (2014-2024).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men worldwide and is ranked as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in men globally. : We aimed to identify the effectiveness of cytotoxic plant-derived xanthones against prostate cancer over the past ten years. : Searches were performed in Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed/Medline for ten years up to December 2024 using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Stimuli-Responsive, Cell-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems: Engineering Smart Cellular Vehicles for Precision Therapeutics.

Stimuli-responsive, cell-mediated drug delivery systems represent a dynamic interface between biological functionality and engineered control. Leveraging the inherent targeting properties of erythrocytes, immune cells, stem cells, and exosomes, these systems offer a promising strategy for precise therapeutic delivery. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the design principles and biological underpinnings of stimuli-responsive carriers that release payloads in response to endogenous triggers (e.

Putative SET domain-containing proteins play significant roles in regulating sporulation and pathogenicity in Phytophthora capsici.

Phytophthora capsici is a filamentous oomycete responsible for root rot, fruit rot, leaf blight, and other economically destructive diseases in multiple plant species, including pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), squash (Cucurbita pepo), eggplant (Solanum melongena), faba bean (Vicia faba), and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), among others. The pathogen causes significant yield losses in fruit and vegetable crops globally. Multiple molecular parameters, including effector proteins and epigenetic modulators, play vital roles in modulating the physio pathological development of P.

Accuracy of Bowel Ultrasound for Detecting Inflammatory Bowel Disease at a Tertiary Hospital in Central South Africa.

Background: To prevent complications, early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are crucial. The gold standard for diagnosis is colonoscopy with biopsy, which is invasive and costly. Bowel ultrasound (BUS) is a non-invasive and accurate diagnostic imaging tool.

The Influence of Halloysite Clay on the Properties of the Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)/Sawdust, PBS/Sugarcane Bagasse, and PBS/Sawdust/Sugarcane Bagasse Hybrid Composites.

In this study, the influences of natural fibres (sugarcane bagasse (SB) and sawdust (SD)) on the material properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) prepared through melt compounding were investigated. The study further evaluated the effects of incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HS) and expandable graphite (EG) on the properties of PBS/SD and PBS/SB binary and PBS/SB/SD hybrid composites. The morphological analysis indicated poor interfacial adhesion between PBS and the fibres.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of from healthy broiler chickens: A potential public health threat.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and toxin type of isolated from broiler chicken faeces and determine its antibiotic resistance (AR) profile. A total of 480 broiler chicken faeces were collected from four different chicken abattoirs in North West Province, South Africa. Faecal samples were pooled (5 per pool from the same farm), resulting in 96 pooled samples.

Antimicrobial, photodegradation and BioReRAM applications of multifaceted green zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using coffee leaves extract.

The comprehensive utilization of plant biomass is a cornerstone in the development of sustainable circular bioeconomy. Several studies explore the conversion of primary biomass polymers and macromolecules, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, into value-added chemical compounds, sustainable materials and biofuels. However, extractives warrant further investigations.

Correlation of cardiac risk factors with carotid and radial intima-media thickness measurements.

Aim: Early identification of patients at risk for future cardiovascular events is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and radial intima-media thickness (RIMT).

Methods: A prospective, descriptive, analytical study design was used.

Global prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of carbapenem-resistant reported from 2014 to 2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant (CRPA) represents a global threat, but the global distribution of carbapenem resistant bacteria remains a critical issue in public health.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the global pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of CRPA and their antibiotic resistance. The systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024579654).

Uncovering hidden threats: prevalence, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from Testudines and their aquatic habitats.

Background: The gut microbiota of Testudines is fundamental to their digestion and overall health, yet remains a poorly investigated area in their biology, particularly in wild freshwater turtle (terrapins) and tortoise populations within South Africa. This study investigated the occurrence, diversity, virulence genes and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from Testudine gut microbiota and sediments at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Methods And Results: Cloacal swab samples were collected from 36 wild Testudines and 20 sediment samples from temporary and permanent water bodies.

Cellulose Nanofibril-Based Biodegradable Polymers from Maize Husk: A Review of Extraction, Properties, and Applications.

The environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has driven a global shift toward sustainable alternatives like biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polycaprolactone (PCL). Yet, these bioplastics often face limitations in mechanical and thermal properties, hindering broader use. Reinforcement with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) has shown promise, yet most research focuses on conventional sources like wood pulp and cotton, neglecting agricultural residues.

African walnut () oil improves glucose uptake and metabolic activities in erythrocytes.

Background: African walnut () oil (AWO) has been employed in the management of glucose dysmetabolic-mediated ailments, with emerging evidence suggesting that its modulatory effects on erythrocyte glucose dysmetabolism may mitigate dysfunctions implicated in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases.

Objective: The present study investigated the effect of AWO on glucose uptake and its effect on glucose metabolism, purinergic and antioxidant activities and surface morphology in isolated rats' erythrocytes .

Methods: Isolated erythrocytes were incubated with AWO (30-240 μg/mL) and glucose (11.

Clinical Indication-Based Pediatric Diagnostic Reference Level Values for Abdominal Computed Tomography: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aims: Computed tomography (CT) poses a concern in pediatric patients because of their higher sensitivity to radiation. At the time of the study, nephroblastoma was the most prevalent clinical indication for abdominal CT examinations in pediatric patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish pediatric typical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for contrast-enhanced abdominal CT examinations of pediatric patients presenting with nephroblastoma.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and landscape in coastal Zhejiang using multiple methods.

The coastal counties of Zhejiang Province, China, are important for economic development, marine economy, and nature conservation. This study aimed to support sustainable land-use policies through the planning and management of 35 counties, using official land-use data from 1990 to 2020. Spatial analysis methods included transition matrix, land-use intensity, landscape-pattern indices, centroid shift, and standard deviation ellipses.

Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities of Moldenke.

Moldenke is widely used in Angola, on the African continent, and beyond for the treatment of many health conditions such as hypertension, enteritis, colds, gastrointestinal disturbances, stomachaches, jaundice, coughs, fevers, nausea, bronchial inflammation, conjunctivitis, malaria, and venereal diseases. However, there is limited literature about the active compounds linked with the reported biological activities. This study aims to assess the chemical profiles, antioxidant properties, and the cytotoxicity effects of the roots, stem bark, and leaves of .

Tea Consumption and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Pharmacological Review of Black, White, Green, Oolong, and Pu-erh Teas.

Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases whose physiological complications are linked with a higher risk of mortality amongst the adult age group of people living globally. This review article documents updated pharmacological evidence and insights into the antidiabetic mechanisms of green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas via reported experimental and clinical models toward encouraging their use as a complementary nutraceutical in managing the biochemical alterations found in the onset and progression of diabetes. Peer-reviewed articles published in "PubMed", "Google Scholar", and "ScienceDirect" from 2010 and beyond that reported the antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and digestive enzyme inhibitory effects of the selected tea types were identified.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Determinants of Isolates from Raw Milk of Dairy Cows with Subclinical Mastitis.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is a stealthy but devastating challenge in the dairy industry, leading to economic losses and hindering efforts to achieve milk self-sufficiency. This study investigated the prevalence of SCM, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles of . A total of 174 milk samples were analyzed using the California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell counts (SCCs), bacteriological culture, MALDI-TOF MS, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Pulmonary embolism diagnosis with D-dimer levels and computed tomography.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE), a common heart and blood vessel disease, causes complications such as haemodynamic instability and cardiovascular mortality. Timely diagnosis and treatment are imperative for managing this potentially life-threatening condition.

Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between an elevated D-dimer level and a positive computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), which could confirm PE in patients with chest pain and suspected PE.

Molecular detection of Coxiella species from Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi infesting sheep in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Coxiella species are emerging infectious bacteria of different animal hosts in South Africa, but knowledge regarding their occurrence and prevalence is limited. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine both the presence of non-pathogenic Coxiella spp. as well as its pathogenic relative Coxiella burnetti from ticks infesting sheep from small communal Matlwang village of Potchefstroom in South Africa.

Hair salons as a promising space to provide HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for young women in Lesotho: a citizen scientist mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women in southern Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. There is a need for more accessible and de-medicalized community spaces to offer HIV/SRH services for this key population. We aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of offering HIV/SRH services at hair salons in Lesotho.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Fresh Vegetables in Free State Province, South Africa.

The important role of antibiotics cannot be overestimated, as human health relies heavily on them for the treatment of infectious diseases. In this study, the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of pathogens isolated from spinach () and cabbage () collected from Free State Province were investigated. A total of 38 isolates representing 10 species, (5.

Insight into the emotional well-being of South African diagnostic radiography students during workplace learning.

Introduction: Workplace learning is a significant component of radiography education. While studies about the structure, characteristics and coping mechanisms of workplace learning exist, diagnostic radiography students' emotional well-being during workplace learning remains unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated South African diagnostic radiography students' emotional well-being during workplace learning.