Article
Environmental Sciences
Cecilia Y. Ojemaye, Chionyedua T. Onwordi, Daniela M. Pampanin, Magne O. Sydnes, Leslie Petrik
Summary: In 2017, multiple herbicides were detected in water samples, beach sediments, and marine biota collected at Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. The most predominant source for these herbicides in the bay was found to be the marine sewage outfall, which discharged chemically laden sewage into the bay. The study also identified atrazine and simazine in marine biota as indicative of the chemical signature of the sewage being released through the outfall.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elise Smith, Lindi Masson, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Edina Sinanovic
Summary: This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a new rapid point-of-care test (POC) called Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT) compared to other screening and diagnostic strategies for the management of STIs and BV in women in South Africa. The results suggest that screening with GIFT and treating positive cases according to syndromic management guidelines is the most cost-effective strategy.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ongeziwe Taku, Adrian Brink, Tracy L. Meiring, Keletso Phohlo, Charles B. Businge, Zizipho Z. A. Mbulawa, Anna-Lise Williamson
Summary: The study revealed a high prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with high-risk HPV among women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, with Trichomonas vaginalis having the highest prevalence. Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis were the most frequently detected pathobionts. HSV-2 and HIV infection were found to be independently associated with HR-HPV infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Muhammad Osman, Janette Verster, Johan J. Dempers, Karen Du Preez, Arne von Delft, Rory Dunbar, Alex Welte, Pren Naidoo, Anneke C. Hesseling
Summary: A study in South Africa found a high prevalence of TB in adult and child sudden unexpected deaths, with most cases remaining undiagnosed before death. Patient pathway analysis revealed missed opportunities for TB investigation and diagnosis in some adult sudden unexpected deaths.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Conrad Sparks, Adetunji Awe, Jade Maneveld
Summary: The study found that microplastics in mussels sold in Cape Town, South Africa were mainly composed of MP filaments and fragments, with blue/green and black/grey being the predominant colors. The main polymer type identified was filamentous PET. Retail mussels in Cape Town were observed to have lower concentrations of MPs compared to other investigations, suggesting a need for routine monitoring of seafood in the country.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rissa Niyobuhungiro, Catherina J. Schenck
Summary: Indiscriminate dumping in Fisantekraal poses a serious threat, with new dumpsites forming despite community efforts to clean up existing ones. Household and spaza shop owners are identified as the main dumpers. Collaboration between authorities and the community is recommended to explore solutions to indiscriminate dumping.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Virology
Susan Engelbrecht, Kayla Delaney, Bronwyn Kleinhans, Eduan Wilkinson, Houriiyah Tegally, Tania Stander, Gert van Zyl, Wolfgang Preiser, Tulio de Oliveira
Summary: Cape Town was the first city in South Africa to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through genomic surveillance, it was discovered that there were at least nine early introductions of different SARS-CoV-2 lineages into Cape Town, with a new mutation emerging in a cluster from the Netherlands. Molecular clock analysis suggested that this mutation occurred in mid-March 2020. Genomic surveillance was effectively used to investigate and track the spread of the virus in the early stages in Cape Town.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rushdi Ariefdien, Maya Pfaff, Adetunji Awe, Conrad Sparks
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and concentrations of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediment, and biota (mussels, whelks, and sea urchins) at three sites in Cape Town. The results showed higher concentrations of MPs in water and sediment during winter, and higher concentrations in biota during summer. The main extracted MPs were black polyester fibers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Willem Stassen, Craig Wylie, Therese Djarv, Lee A. Wallis
Summary: This study investigated OHCA cases in the Cape Town metropole, finding that most cases occurred in adult males at private residences. The rate of resuscitation attempts during EMS response was low, with a negligible rate of return of spontaneous circulation among patients.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Firoz Khan, Benedict Francis Higgins, Willan Adonis
Summary: This paper critically examines the assumption of neoliberalism in urban governance in Cape Town and highlights the importance of subjective agency in the city's urban development. It explores the historical contingencies and sheds light on the transformation and mutation of market-led urban regeneration in Cape Town.
Article
Transportation
Obiora A. Nnene, Mark H. P. Zuidgeest, Johan W. Joubert
Summary: To alleviate traffic congestion in Cape Town, the transport development authority has adopted a phased development approach for an integrated public transport network, with the proposed backbone being the MyCiTi BRT bus rapid transit service. However, the existing service has low ridership and high operating costs, which are not economically sustainable. This study proposes using a simulation-based optimization approach to improve the service by increasing ridership and reducing operational costs.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Zaida Orth, Brian van Wyk
Summary: This study conducted a photovoice research with adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in South Africa and identified six prominent mental wellness concepts and six mental wellness behaviors in their experiences and discussions. These concepts and behaviors are critical to improving health outcomes for ALHIV and should be targeted in the delivery of youth friendly services and integrated HIV care in public healthcare facilities in South Africa and the sub-Saharan African continent.
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kira DiClemente-Bosco, Alison Z. Weber, Abigail Harrison, Nokwazi Tsawe, Zanele Rini, Kirsty Brittain, Christopher J. Colvin, Landon Myer, Jennifer A. Pellowski
Summary: This study examines the behaviors and adherence to treatment of peripartum women living with HIV using women's empowerment theory. The findings suggest that resources, agency, and achievements are key factors influencing adherence to treatment. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving adherence should focus on enabling resources, enhancing women's agency, and emphasizing the achievable goals associated with high levels of adherence.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiao-Qing Lin, Li Lv, Yan Chen, He-Dan Chen, Mei-Xian Zhang, Tao-Hsin Tung, Jian-Sheng Zhu
Summary: The South African population has shown a positive change in adopting health behaviors such as mask-wearing, hand washing, and reducing socialization in response to the Omicron variant epidemic. The level of concern and knowledge about the Omicron virus significantly influenced these health behavior changes. Priority should be given to populations with chronic diseases, those who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, and other populations with low rates of health behavior change.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nothabo Elizabeth Ndebele, Stefan Grab, Herbert Hove
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of wet seasons in Cape Town, including the frequency of wet-dry days, duration of wet-dry spells, and season length. The analysis of rainfall data from four weather stations reveals a decline in wet days since the 1950s and an increase in dry spells longer than 5 days. The study also identifies a recent decrease in the average wet season length since the 1940s, attributed to late onsets and early terminations of the wet season. Solar cycles and oscillations in climate indices are found to contribute to interannual variability in wet season characteristics.
CLIMATE OF THE PAST
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Catherine Mathews, Carl Lombard, Moira Kalichman, Sarah Dewing, Ellen Banas, Sekelwa Dumile, Amanda Mdlikiva, Thembinkosi Mdlikiva, Karen Ann Jennings, Johann Daniels, Marcel Berteler, Seth C. Kalichman
Summary: The study found that enhanced partner notification communication skills counselling and provider-assisted referral can increase the number of partners notified by individuals diagnosed with STIs, but this behavior change did not lead to a reduction in repeat STI diagnoses.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selamawit Woldesenbet, Tendesayi Kufa-Chakezha, Carl Lombard, Samuel Manda, Mireille Cheyip, Kassahun Ayalew, Brian Chirombo, Peter Barron, Karidia Diallo, Bharat Parekh, Adrian Puren
Summary: The study in South Africa estimated a 1.5% annual HIV incidence among pregnant women, with factors such as being single or cohabiting, and being in an age-disparate relationship among young women, associated with higher odds of recent infection. Despite the lower incidence compared to previous studies, efforts are needed to meet UNAIDS targets and prevent new infections among vulnerable groups.
Article
Pediatrics
Lizelle Van Wyk, Johan Smith, John Lawrenson, Carl J. Lombard, Willem-Pieter de Boode
Summary: The study found that bioreactance (BR) has limited ability to track changes in cardiac output (CO) in preterm neonates. The trending data obtained from BR did not align well with CO data measured by echocardiography, indicating caution should be exercised when using BR as a trend monitor for clinical decisions in neonatology.
Article
Substance Abuse
Kathryn M. Chu, Jenna-Lee Marco, Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi, Riaan Duvenage, Mukhethwa Londani, Carl Lombard, Charles D. H. Parry
Summary: The study found that trauma volume significantly decreased during periods of complete alcohol prohibition in South Africa during the COVID-19 lockdown, increased when alcohol sales were partially reinstated, and decreased again with complete ban. When alcohol sales were partially allowed again, trauma volume increased to pre-COVID-19 levels.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Renee El-Krab, Seth Kalichman, Darshini Govindasamy, Ellen Banas, Moira Kalichman, Catherine Mathews
Summary: The study found that psychological well-being and concerns about COVID-19 are important predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviors among people living with HIV, supporting the need to incorporate interventions to foster psychological well-being into existing clinical services for this population.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward Nicol, Trisha Ramraj, Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, Wisdom Basera, Ngcwalisa Jama, Carl Lombard, Tracy McClinton-Appollis, Darshini Govindasamy, Desiree Pass, Noluntu Funani, Sarah Aheron, Ariana Paredes-Vincent, Jennifer Drummond, Mireille Cheyip, Sibongile Dladla, Jason Bedford, Cathy Mathews
Summary: This study aims to identify effective and feasible models of care for improving PrEP uptake, continuation, and adherence among high-risk AGYW and ABYM in South Africa. The study will be conducted in 22 service delivery points and will involve 600 participants. The findings will contribute to optimizing PrEP implementation and operational strategies to achieve better access and uptake among AGYW and ABYM.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kim Jonas, Carl Lombard, Witness Chirinda, Darshini Govindasamy, Tracy McClinton Appollis, Caroline Kuo, Glenda Gray, Roxanne Beauclair, Mireille Cheyip, Catherine Mathews
Summary: This study investigated the association between young women's participation in a combination HIV-prevention intervention and their access to and use of condoms and other contraceptives. The findings suggest that participating in such interventions may lead to increased access and use of condoms and other methods of contraception among adolescent women. However, no associations were observed in the age group 20-24.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duduzile F. Nsibande, Selamawit A. Woldesenbet, Adrian Puren, Peter Barron, Vincent Maduna, Carl Lombard, Mireille Cheyip, Mary Mogashoa, Yogan Pillay, Vuyolwethu Magasana, Trisha Ramraj, Tendesayi Kufa, Gurpreet Kindra, Ameena Goga, Witness Chirinda
Summary: Monitoring HIV prevalence using antenatal HIV sentinel surveillance is important for efficient epidemic tracking. This study assessed the quality of HIV rapid testing practices in antenatal care clinics in South Africa and found sub-optimal implementation. It recommends expanding support for Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement to all testing sites.
Article
Family Studies
Ashleigh LoVette, Abigail Harrison, Catherine Mathews, Kim Jonas, Don Operario, Caroline Kuo
Summary: This study explores the lived experiences of resilience among South African girls and young women facing adversity. Quantitative analysis indicates age differences in resilience, while qualitative interviews provide insights into the perception of resilience among different age groups. This has significant implications for future resilience research and policy development.
VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Luke David Hunter, Anton Frans Doubell, Alfonso Jan Kemp Pecoraro, Mark Monaghan, Guy Lloyd, Carl Lombard, Philipus George Herbst
Summary: This study evaluated a novel screening criteria for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and compared it with the current World Heart Federation (WHF) criteria. The results showed that the new criteria had significantly improved specificity and equal sensitivity compared to the current criteria. This holds promise for developing a two-step RHD screening algorithm in endemic regions.
Article
Oncology
Judy Schoeman, Ilde-Marie Kellerman, Paul C. Rogers, Elena J. Ladas, Carl J. Lombard, Ronelle Uys, Mariana Kruger
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of vitamin and iron deficiencies among pediatric cancer patients in South Africa. The research found that nearly half of the patients had iron deficiency, while a third had deficiencies in Vitamins A, D, or folate. Associations were observed between moderate acute malnutrition and low levels of Vitamins A, B12, and folate, as well as between Vitamin D deficiency and wasting. The study highlights the need for micronutrient assessment at diagnosis to ensure optimal nutritional support.
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward Nicol, Wisdom Basera, Carl Lombard, Kim Jonas, Trisha Ramraj, Darshini Govindasamy, Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, Tracy McClinton-Appollis, Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu, Nuha Naqvi, Jason Bedford, Jennifer Drummond, Mireille Cheyip, Sibongile Dladla, Desiree Pass, Noluntu Funani, Cathy Mathews
Summary: This study aims to describe the current approaches for engaging adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 15-34 years in the treatment continuum in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in order to generate knowledge that can guide efforts to improve linkage to, and retention in, HIV care among these populations.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eileen Vuong, Sian Megan Hemmings, Shibe Mhlongo, Esnat Chirwa, Carl Lombard, Nasheeta Peer, Naeemah Abrahams, Soraya Seedat
Summary: This study investigated the association of ADIPOQ gene SNPs with PTSS severity in female rape survivors, and found that the selected SNPs were not significantly associated with changes in PTSS severity over a 6-month period, suggesting limited clinical utility as risk biomarkers for rape-related PTSD. Further research on possible gene-gene and gene-environment interactions is recommended.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTRAUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Zoe Duby, Wilme Verwoerd, Katja Isaksen, Kim Jonas, Kealeboga Maruping, Janan Dietrich, Ashleigh Lovette, Caroline Kuo, Catherine Mathews
Summary: Parent-adolescent sexuality communication is a key component for adolescents' protective behaviors. However, there are various barriers to this communication, including inability or unwillingness to discuss sex, a generation gap, cultural guidelines, and mothers' discomfort and lack of knowledge and support. Adolescent girls expressed a desire for more open communication and support from parents.
SAHARA J-JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HIV-AIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shameemah Abrahams, Hayley C. Miller, Carl Lombard, Francois H. van der Westhuizen, Soraya Bardien
Summary: The study suggests that paraquat-induced mitochondrial dysfunction can be improved by pre-treatment with curcumin, but post-treatment with curcumin is ineffective. This indicates that curcumin may be most beneficial as a pre-treatment before toxin exposure.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2021)