Atividade física e comportamento sedentário: comparação entre alunos de ensino médio e universitários / Comparison of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in secondary and university students

Objetivo: comparar níveis de atividade física e comporta-mento sedentário entre estudantes de ensino médio e uni-versitários. Métodos: estudo transversal com 202 estudan-tes do ensino médio e 171 universitários. O Questionário Global de Atividade Física foi aplicado aos participantes. Porcentagens, os testes Qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney, e regressão linear foram utilizados para a análise dos dados. Resultados: cerca de 63% e 32% dos estudantes de ensino médio e universitários, respectivamente, relataram níveis altos de atividade física, enquanto 84,7% e 71,9% deles, res-pectivamente, atenderam às diretrizes para comportamento sedentário. A pontuação dos estudantes de ensino médio foi significativamente maior que a dos alunos universitários em atividade física vigorosa (p=0,004), moderada (p<0,001), e total (p<0,001). As diferenças encontradas foram maio-res entre mulheres. Conclusão: os alunos do ensino médio apresentaram maiores escores de atividade física e despen-deram menos tempo em comportamentos sedentários. (AU)

Concepts, spaces, and leisure practices from the perspective of youth

Abstract Aim: To investigate how the choices of young people for public or private spaces during their leisure practices, regardless of gender and age group, can be a starting point for the definition of agendas for the constitution of governmental public policies. Methods: The empirical task was accomplished through the application of electronic questionnaires to young university students from Portugal (20%), Brazil (70%), and South Africa (10%). The sample consisted of 705 randomly chosen young people, with an average age of 24 years. The data were analyzed using SPSS and content analysis. The analysis was divided into three categories: comprising the student's profile; referring to leisure and relating to the provision of leisure and space. Results: The youngest people choose the public spaces for their leisure practices and conceive leisure as a moment when they can do whatever they want, without obligations, followed by leisure as fun and free time. There is no difference between men and women in the concept of leisure. The main conclusions highlighted that leisure means to 'do what I want without any obligation to do so', followed by 'fun' and 'free time, and young people like to 'go out with friends, 'play sports' and 'do nothing'. The public space is the most used for leisure. Conclusion: The meaning of leisure is loaded with subjectivities, so we understand that the demands for political actions that enable the use of public spaces safely and with quality are the way to guarantee the rights of the population.

Knowledge of people in the East London District of South Africa about Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: an online survey

INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization declared Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 a pandemic after two months of its propagation in China. The lack of coordination among people about the new Coronavirus threat is evident mainly due to the dearth of knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of people in the East London district of South Africa about Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The study was anchored on a quantitative method approach and adopted a descriptive research design. The sample consisted of 160 adults. Using the virtual snowball sampling technique, people who were 18 years and above of age and can read English were selected for the online survey. The data were collected using a 3-point Likert scale questionnaire which was uploaded in Google Form. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The majority of the participants knew the myths and facts about the news. They were aware that wearing a face mask prevents Coronavirus transmission, drinking liquor and using hand dryers would not kill the virus. Some people were not sure whether eating garlic or rinsing the nose regularly with saline water would help to prevent from being affected by Coronavirus. The findings also showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) among different age groups of people on their knowledge about the Coronavirus. CONCLUSION: By comparing the overall findings with the facts issued by World Health Organization, people in the East London district of South Africa had sound knowledge about Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on its transmission and what preventive measures should be taken.

Morphology and morphometry of the hyoid bone in a black South African population / Morfología y morfometría del hueso hioides en una población sudafricana negra

SUMMARY: The hyoid is a unique, 'U' shaped bone, located on the anterior aspect of the neck, between the mandible and thyroid cartilage. This bone displays morphological and morphometric characteristics that can assist in determination of age, sex and race of an individual.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the morphology and morphometric parameters of the hyoid bone in a Black South African population of KwaZulu-Natal. The morphological and morphometric parameters of the 40 hyoid bones obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy, University of KwaZulu-Natal were classified in accordance with Deepak et al. (2013). In this s. tudy, 35 % of hyoid bones were 'U'- shaped and 65 % were 'V'- shaped in males, whereas in the female specimens, 70 % of hyoid bones were 'U'- shaped and 30 % 'V'- shaped. Furthermore, this study recorded a statistically significant relationship between the shape of the hyoid bone and sex. With regard to the morphometry, the width of the hyoid bone was greater in males than females however; the length of the hyoid bone was greater in females than males. In addition, this study concludes that these results may contribute to the existing knowledge on the morphology and morphometry of the hyoid bone and may assist forensic procedures.

RESUMEN: El hioides es un hueso singular en forma de "U", ubicado en la region del cuello anterior, entre la mandíbula y el cartílago tiroides, que presenta características morfológicas y morfométricas que pueden ayudar a determinar la edad, el sexo y la raza de un individuo. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la morfología y los parámetros morfométricos del hueso hioides en una población sudafricana negra de KwaZulu-Natal. Los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos de los 40 huesos hioides obtenidos del Departamento de Anatomía Clínica de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal se clasificaron de acuerdo con Deepak et al. En este análisis, en los hombres el 35 % (7/20) de los huesos hioides tenían forma de 'U' y el 65 % (13/20) tenían forma de 'V', mientras que en las mujeres, el 70 % (14/20) de los los huesos hioides tenían forma de 'U' y un 30 % (6/20) de 'V'. Además, se registró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la forma del hueso hioides y el sexo. En cuanto a la morfometría, el ancho del hueso hioides fue mayor en los hombres que en las mujeres; la longitud del hueso hioides fue mayor en mujeres que en hombres. Además, el estudio concluye que estos resultados pueden contribuir al conocimiento existente sobre la morfología y morfometría del hueso hioides y pueden ayudar a los procedimientos forenses.

Distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in BRICS countries with a high tuberculosis burden: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death worldwide caused by a single infectious disease agent. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) account for more than half of the world's TB cases. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the only vaccine available despite its variable efficacy. Promising antigen-based vaccines have been proposed as prophylactic and/or immunotherapeutic approaches to boost BCG vaccination. Relevant antigens must interact with the range of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules present in target populations; yet this information is currently not available. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published during 2013-2020 to measure the allelic frequencies of HLA-DRB1 in the BRICS. RESULTS: In total, 67 articles involving 3,207,861 healthy individuals were included in the meta-analysis. HLA-DRB1 alleles *03, *04, *07, *11, *13, and *15 were consistently identified at high frequencies across the BRICS, with a combined estimated frequency varying from 52% to 80%. HLA-DRB1 alleles *01, *08, *09, *10, *12, and *14 were found to be relevant in only one or two BRICS populations. CONCLUSIONS: By combining these alleles, it is possible to ensure at least 80% coverage throughout the BRICS populations.

Medidas de contenção de tipo lockdown para prevenção e controle da COVID-19: estudo ecológico descritivo, com dados da África do Sul, Alemanha, Brasil, Espanha, Estados Unidos, Itália e Nova Zelândia, fevereiro a agosto de 2020 / Medidas de contención tipo lockdown para prevención y control del COVID-19: estudio ecológico descriptivo con datos de febrero a agosto de 2020 en Sudáfrica, Alemania, Brasil, España, Estados Unidos, Italia y Nueva Zelanda / Lockdown-type containment measures for COVID-19 prevention and control: a descriptive ecological study with data from South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Spain, United States, Italy and New Zealand, February - August 2020

Objetivo: Descrever as medidas de contenção de tipo lockdown e a incidência da COVID-19 em sete países: África do Sul, Alemanha, Brasil, Espanha, Estados Unidos, Itália e Nova Zelândia. Métodos: Estudo ecológico descritivo, com dados da incidência diária dos casos confirmados de COVID-19 entre 22 de fevereiro e 31 de agosto de 2020, e informações sobre medidas de lockdown implementadas pelo governo de cada país. Resultados: Os países que implementaram lockdown tiveram diminuição da incidência diária de COVID-19 (casos por milhão de habitantes) no período de três semanas, a contar do início da medida: África do Sul (3,7 a 1,7), Alemanha (37,5 a 33,7), Espanha (176,3 a 82,0), Itália (92,0 a 52,1) e Nova Zelândia (7,5 a 1,7). O Brasil e os Estados Unidos, que não implementaram lockdown, não apresentaram uma diminuição considerável. Conclusão: Após a implementação de lockdown, houve uma diminuição considerável do número de casos confirmados.

Objetivo: Describir las medidas de contención tipo lockdown y la incidencia de COVID-19 en los países de Sudáfrica, Alemania, Brasil, España, Estados Unidos, Italia y Nueva Zelanda. Métodos: Estudio ecológico descriptivo con datos de la incidencia diaria de los casos confirmados de COVID-19, del 22 de febrero al 31 de agosto de 2020 e informaciones sobre medidas de contención lockdown implementadas por los gobiernos de cada uno de los países. Resultados: Los países que implementaron lockdown, desde el inicio de su implementación hasta tres semanas después, tuvieron una disminución en la incidencia diaria (casos por millón de habitantes): Sudáfrica (3,7 a 1,7), Alemania (37,5 a 33,7), España (176,3 a 82,0), Italia (92,0 a 52,1) y Nueva Zelanda (7,5 a 1,7). Brasil y Estados Unidos, que no implementaron lockdown, no tuvieron una disminución considerable Conclusión: Luego de la implementación del lockdown, hubo una disminución considerable en el número de casos confirmados.

Objective: To describe lockdown-type containment measures and COVID-19 incidence in South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Spain, United States, Italy and New Zealand. Methods: This is a descriptive ecological study with data on daily incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases from February 22 to August 31 2020, as well as information on lockdown measures implemented by the governments of each country. Results: Daily COVID-19 incidence (cases per 1 million inhabitants) decreased within three weeks after lockdown started in the countries that implemented it: South Africa (3.7 to 1.7), Germany (37.5 to 33.7) Spain (176.3 to 82.0), Italy (92.0 to 52.1) and New Zealand (7.5 to 1.7). As for Brazil and the United States, which did not implement lockdown, there was no considerable decrease. Conclusion: After lockdown implementation, there was a considerable decrease in the number of confirmed cases.

Factors Influencing Physical Activity Participation among Secondary School Learners in Hlanganani Rural Area of Limpopo Province, South Africa

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the factors that influence physical activity (PA) participation among secondary school learners in the Hlanganani rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative approach was used to examine factors that influence PA involvement among 151 students (mean age: 18.14 ± 1.81 years) attending three rural public secondary schools in the Hlanganani rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa, who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires. Results: Overall, the results indicated that preferring to do other things with their time, exercise is too hard, unsafe environment, and the lack of facilities and time to exercise were cited as major factors that deterred the students from participating in PA. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide practical implications for promoting students' participation in PA in rural schools. It is recommended that schools should be provided with sport facilities that are proximal and safe for students. Additionally, PA programmes should be promoted through campaigns that would motivate more students to participate in view of its potential health benefits.

Variations in the configuration of the celiac trunk among South Africans: clinical relevance / Variaciones en la configuración del tronco celíaco en sudafricanos: relevancia clínica

SUMMARY: The celiac trunk is the first major unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta found at the twelfth vertebral level (T12). It gives off branches supplying the spleen, liver and the stomach. However, the branching patterns of the celiac trunk tend to vary by population throughout the world. We sought to investigate the branching patterns of the celiac trunk in a South African Caucasian sample. The celiac trunk was assessed by visual observation in 66 dissected bodies comprised of both males (n= 30) and females (n=36). These samples were obtained at the School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The celiac trunk arose directly from the abdominal aorta in all cases, with none connected to the superior mesenteric artery. We observed celiac trunk trifurcation in 84.84 % of the sample, although a celiac trunk with four branches was observed in 10.61 %. Bifurcation into the common hepatic and splenic arteries forming a hepatosplenic trunk (2 females) or into the left gastric artery and splenic artery forming a splenogastric trunk (1 male) was also observed. The results are largely comparable with other studies in Caucasians, showing a high rate of celiac trunk trifurcation (above 75 %). Our sample exhibited fewer variations than reported in previous studies worldwide. Therefore, a larger study with more samples may be required in the future to ascertain all the existing celiac trunk branching patterns in the South African Caucasian population.

RESUMEN: El tronco celíaco es la primera rama principal de la parte abdominal de la aorta en el nivel de la duodécima vértebra torácica (T12), con ramas que irrigan el bazo, el hígado y el estómago. Sin embargo a nivel mundial, las ramificaciones del tronco celíaco tienden a variar según la población. En este estudio se investigaron los patrones de ramificación del tronco celíaco en una muestra caucásica sudafricana. El tronco celíaco se analizó mediante observación visual en 66 cuerpos disecados compuestos por hombres (n = 30) y mujeres (n = 36). Estas muestras se obtuvieron en la Facultad de Ciencias Anatómicas de la Universidad de Witwatersrand, Johannesburgo. El tronco celíaco surgió directamente de la parte abdominal de la aorta en todos los casos, sin que ninguno estuviera unido a la arteria mesentérica superior. Se observó trifurcación del tronco celíaco en el 84,84 % de la muestra, aunque en el 10,61 % se observó un tronco celíaco con cuatro ramas. También se observó bifurcación en las arterias hepática y esplénica común formando un tronco hepatoesplénico (2 mujeres) o en la arteria gástrica izquierda y la arteria esplénica formando un tronco esplenogástrico (1 hombre). Los resultados son comparables con otros estudios en caucásicos que muestran una alta tasa de trifurcación del tronco celíaco (mayor al 75%). Nuestra muestra presentó menos variaciones que las reportadas en estudios previos. Por lo tanto, es posible que se requieran estudios más amplios con más muestras en el futuro, para determinar todos los patrones de ramificación del tronco celíaco en la población caucásica sudafricana.

Trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the World, between 2019 - 2020 / Tendência das taxas de letalidade de covid-19 no mundo, entre 2019-2020

INTRODUCTION: CoV infections can potentially cause from a simple cold to a severe respiratory syndrome, such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The COVID-19 created a new reality for global healthcare modelsOBJETIVE: To evaluate trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the WorldMETHODS: We conducted a population-based time-series study using public and official data of cases and deaths from COVID-19 in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and Russian, between December, 2019 and August, 2020. Data were based on reports from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. COVID-19 was defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (U07.1). A Prais-Winsten regression model was performed and the Daily Percentage Change (DPC) calculated determine rates as increasing, decreasing or flatRESULTS: During the study period, trends in case-fatality rates in the world were flat (DPC = 0.3; CI 95% [-0.2: 0.7]; p = 0.225). In Africa, Morocco had decreasing trends (DPC = -1.1; CI 95% [-1.5: -0.7]; p < 0.001), whereas it were increasing in South Africa (p < 0.05) and flat in Nigeria (p > 0.05). In the Americas, Argentina showed a decreasing trend in case-fatality rates (DPC = -0.6; CI 95% [-1.1: -0.2]; p = 0.005), the U.S. had flat trends (p > 0.05) and all other American countries had increasing trends (p < 0.05). In Asia, Iran had decreasing trends (DPC = -1.5; CI 95% [-2.6 : -0.2]; p = 0.019); China and Saudi Arabia showed increasing trends (p < 0.05), while in India, Japan and South Korea they were flat (p > 0.05). European countries had mostly increasing trends (p < 0.05): Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Russia; France and Switzerland had flat trends (p > 0.05). Finally, in Oceania, trends in case-fatality rates were flat in Australia (p > 0.05) and increasing in New Zealand (p < 0.05CONCLUSION: Trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the World were flat between December, 31 and August, 31. Argentina, Iran and Morocco were the only countries with decreasing trends. On the other hand, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Russian and New Zealand had increasing trends in case-fatality rate. All the other countries analyzed had flat trends. Based on case-fatality rate data, our study supports that COVID-19 pandemic is still in progress worldwide

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções por CoV podem causar desde um simples resfriado até uma síndrome respiratória grave, como a Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave e a Síndrome Respiratória do Oriente Médio (MERS-CoV). O COVID-19 impôs uma nova realidade em termos de modelos globais de saúdeOBJETIVO: Avaliar as tendências das taxas de letalidade do COVID-19 no mundoMÉTODO: Estudo de séries temporais de base populacional usando dados públicos e oficiais de casos e mortes por COVID-19 na Argentina, Austrália, Brasil, Chile, China, Colômbia, França, Alemanha, Índia, Irã, Itália, Japão, México, Marrocos, Nova Zelândia, Nigéria, Peru, Arábia Saudita, África do Sul, Coreia do Sul, Espanha, Suíça, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos (EUA) e Rússia, entre 31 dezembro de 2019 e 31 agosto de 2020. Os dados foram baseados nos relatórios do Centro Europeu de Prevenção e Controle de Doenças. COVID-19 foi definido pela Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª revisão (U07.1). Para análise estatística, foi realizado o modelo de regressão de Prais-Winsten, a partir do qual foi possível calcular a variação percentual de mudança diária (DPC) das taxas, classificadas como crescentes, decrescentes ou estacionáriasRESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, as taxas de letalidade no mundo permaneceram estacionárias (DPC = 0,3; IC 95% [-0,2: 0,7]; p = 0,225). Na África, Marrocos teve tendência decrescente (DPC = -1,1; IC 95% [-1,5: -0,7]; p <0,001), enquanto na África do Sul houve tendência crescente (p < 0,05) e estacionária na Nigéria (p > 0,05). Em relação às Américas, a Argentina revelou tendência decrescente nas taxas de letalidade (DPC = -0,6; IC 95% [-1,1: -0,2]; p = 0,005), os EUA demonstraram tendência estacionária (p > 0,05) e todos os outros países americanos demonstraram tendências crescentes (p < 0,05). Na Ásia, o Irã apresentou tendência decrescente (DPC = -1,5; IC 95% [-2,6: -0,2]; p = 0,019); China e Arábia Saudita apresentaram tendências crescentes (p <0,05), enquanto Índia, Japão e Coreia do Sul mantiveram tendência estacionária (p > 0,05). A maioria dos países europeus apresentaram tendências crescentes (p <0,05): Alemanha, Itália, Espanha, Reino Unido e Rússia; França e Suíça demonstraram tendências estacionárias (p > 0,05). Por fim, na Oceania, a tendência nas taxas de letalidade na Austrália foi estacionária (p > 0,05) e aumentou na Nova Zelândia (p < 0,05CONCLUSÃO: A tendência nas taxas de letalidade por COVID-19 no mundo permaneceu estacionária entre 31 de dezembro de 2019 e 31 de agosto de 2020. Argentina, Irã e Marrocos foram os únicos países com tendências decrescentes. Por outro lado, África do Sul, Brasil, Canadá, Chile, Colômbia, México, Peru, China, Arábia Saudita, Alemanha, Espanha, Reino Unido, Rússia e Nova Zelândia apresentaram tendências crescentes de letalidade. Todos os outros países analisados demonstraram tendências estacionárias. De acordo com dados de letalidade, nosso estudo confirma que a pandemia de COVID-19 ainda está em fase de progressão em todo o mundo

Hearing function of gold miners with and without a history of tuberculosis treatment: a retrospective data review / Função auditiva de garimpeiros com e sem história de tratamento de tuberculose: uma revisão retrospectiva dos dados

Abstract Introduction: South Africa has a high prevalence of co-existing tuberculosis and HIV. As ototoxicity linked to the treatments for these conditions occurs with concomitant exposure to other ear toxins such as hazardous noise exposure, it is important to investigate the combination impact of these toxins. Limited published evidence exists on the co-occurrence of these conditions within this population. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the hearing function of gold miners with (treatment group) and without (non-treatment group) the history of tuberculosis treatment, in order to determine which group had increased risk of noise induced hearing loss. Furthermore, possible influence of age and HIV in these two groups was examined. Methods: A retrospective record review of 102 miners' audiological records, divided into two groups, was conducted, with data analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Findings suggest that gold miners with a history of tuberculosis treatment have worse hearing thresholds in the high frequencies when compared to those without this history; with evidence of a noise induced hearing loss notch at 6000 Hz in both groups. Pearson's correlations showed values between 0 and 0.3 (0 and −0.3) which are indicative of a weak positive (negative) correlation between HIV and hearing loss, as well as between hearing loss and age in this population. Conclusions: Current findings highlight the importance of strategic hearing conservation programs, including ototoxicity monitoring, and the possible use of oto-protective/chemo-protective agents in this population.

Resumo Introdução: A África do Sul apresenta uma alta prevalência de coinfecção de tuberculose e HIV. Como a ototoxicidade associada aos tratamentos para essas condições é observada na exposição concomitante a outros agentes ototóxicos, como a exposição a ruídos perigosos, é importante investigar o impacto da combinação desses agentes. São poucas as evidências publicadas sobre a co-ocorrência dessas condições nessa população. Objetivo: Comparar a função auditiva de garimpeiros com (grupo tratamento) e sem (grupo sem tratamento) história de tratamento de tuberculose, a fim de determinar que grupo apresentava maior risco de perda auditiva induzida por ruído. Além disso, avaliou-se a possível influência da idade e do HIV nesses dois grupos. Método: Os registros audiológicos de 102 garimpeiros, divididos em dois grupos, foram revisados de forma retrospectiva; os dados foram qualitativa e quantitativamente analisados. Resultados: Os achados indicam os garimpeiros com histórico de tratamento de tuberculose apresentam piores limiares auditivos nas altas frequências quando comparados àqueles sem esse histórico; em ambos os grupos, observou-se perda auditiva induzida por ruído com entalhe audiométrico a 6.000 Hz. As correlações de Pearson mostraram valores entre 0 e 0,3 (0 e -0,3), que são indicativos de uma fraca correlação positiva (negativa) entre o HIV e a perda auditiva, bem como entre a perda auditiva e a idade nessa população. Conclusões: Os resultados atuais destacam a importância de programas estratégicos de conservação auditiva, inclusive monitoramento de ototoxicidade, e o possível uso de agentes oto-/quimioprotetores nessa população.

Mapping the tuberculosis scientific landscape among BRICS countries: a bibliometric and network analysis

BACKGROUND The five BRICS (Brazil, Russian, Indian, China, and South Africa) countries bear 49% of the world's tuberculosis (TB) burden and they are committed to ending tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to map the scientific landscape related to TB research in BRICS countries. METHODS Were combined bibliometrics and social network analysis techniques to map the scientific publications related to TB produced by the BRICS. Was made a descriptive statistical data covering the full period of analysis (1993-2016) and the research networks were made for 2007-2016 (8,366 records). The bubble charts were generated by VantagePoint and the networks by the Gephi 0.9.1 software (Gephi Consortium 2010) from co-occurrence matrices produced in VantagePoint. The Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm provided the networks' layout. FINDINGS During the period 1993-2016, there were 38,315 peer-reviewed, among them, there were 11,018 (28.7%) articles related by one or more authors in a BRICS: India 38.7%; China 23.8%; South Africa 21.1%; Brazil 13.0%; and Russia 4.5% (The total was greater than 100% because our criterion was all papers with at least one author in a BRICS). Among the BRICS, there was greater interaction between India and South Africa and organisations in India and China had the highest productivity; however, South African organisations had more interaction with countries outside the BRICS. Publications by and about BRICS generally covered all research areas, especially those in India and China covered all research areas, although Brazil and South Africa prioritised infectious diseases, microbiology, and the respiratory system. MAIN CONCLUSIONS An overview of BRICS scientific publications and interactions highlighted the necessity to develop a BRICS TB research plan to increase efforts and funding to ensure that basic science research successfully translates into products and policies to help end the TB epidemic.

Prevalence and molecular analysis of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the extra-hospital environment in Mthatha, South Africa

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence of Acinetobacter baumannii outside hospitals remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistance (MDR) A. baumannii in the extra-hospital environment in Mthatha, South Africa and to investigate the frequency of carbapenemase-encoding genes. Material and Methods: From August 2016 to July 2017 a total of 598 abattoir samples and 689 aquatic samples were collected and analyzed presumptively by cultural methods for the presence of A. baumannii using CHROMagar™ Acinetobacter medium. Species identification was performed by autoSCAN-4 (Dade Behring Inc., IL) and confirmed by the detection of their intrinsic blaOXA-51 gene. Confirmed MDR A. baumannii isolates were screened for the presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes, ISAba1 insertion sequence and integrase intI1. Results: In total, 248 (19.3%) Acinetobacter species were isolated. Acinetobacter. baumannii was detected in 183 (73.8%) of which 85 (46.4%) and 98 (53.6%) were recovered from abattoir and aquatic respectively. MDR A. baumannii was detected in 56.5% (48/85) abattoir isolates and 53.1% (52/98) aquatic isolates. Isolates showed high resistance to antimicrobials most frequently used to treat Acinetobacter infections such as piperacillin/tazobactam; abattoir (98% of isolates resistant), aquatic (94% of isolates resistant), ceftazidime (84%, 83%), ciprofloxacin (71%, 70%), amikacin (41%, 42%), imipenem (75%, 73%), and meropenem (74%, 71%). All the isolates were susceptible to tigecycline and colistin. All the isolates carried blaOXA-51-like. The blaOXA-23 was detected in 32 (66.7%) abattoir isolates and 11 (21.2%) aquatic isolates. The blaOXA-58-like was positive in 7 (14.6%) and 4 (7.7%) abattoir and aquatic isolates, respectively. Both groups of isolates lacked blaOXA-24-like, blaIMP-type, blaVIM-type, blaNDM-1, blaSIM, blaAmpC, ISAba1 and inI1. Isolates showed high level of Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) ranging from 0.20-0.52. Conclusion: Extra-hospital sources such as abattoir and aquatic environments may be a vehicle of spread of MDR A. baumannii strains in the community and hospital settings.

Morbilidad materna extrema y mortalidad en un hospital regional de Sudáfrica / Extreme maternal morbidity and mortality in a regional hospital in South Africa

Introducción La vigilancia de la morbilidad materna severa y la mortalidad contribuye a evaluar el estado de la salud materna en los diferentes países. Objetivo Caracterizar la morbilidad materna extrema y la mortalidad materna en un hospital regional de Sudáfrica. Método Estudio descriptivo transversal en el Hospital Tshilidzini de Sudáfrica durante 3 años con un universo de 145 casos de morbilidad y 21 muertes maternas que también constituyó la muestra de manera intencional. Los datos se recolectaron mediante un formulario y se calcularon indicadores de salud materna empleando medidas descriptivas y pruebas inferenciales para el análisis estadístico. Resultados Hubo mayor morbilidad en adolescentes (30,3%) y mortalidad en añosas (28,6%), sin diferencias en cuanto al lugar de procedencia; la eclampsia (35,9%), preeclampsia severa (23,4%) y la hemorragia postparto (19,3%) fueron las causas principales de morbilidad; así, la hemorragia postparto (42,9%) y las infecciones severas (28,6%) de mortalidad, y el shock hipovolémico (23,8%), síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (19%) y coagulación intravascular diseminada (14,3%) las causas finales más frecuentes. La razón de morbilidad materna extrema y resultado materno adverso fue 8,4 y 9,6 por cada 1000 nacidos vivos respectivamente; la razón de mortalidad materna 121,1 por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos, la razón morbilidad / mortalidad 6,9:1 y el índice de mortalidad 12,7%. Conclusiones La preeclamsia-eclampsia, hemorragia obstétrica e infecciones severas constituyeron las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad, todas mayormente prevenibles y que llevan a indicadores desfavorables de salud materna.

ABSTRACT Introduction Surveillance of severe maternal morbidity and mortality helps to assess the state of maternal health in different countries. Objective To characterize extreme maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in a regional hospital in South Africa. Method Cross-sectional descriptive study at Tshilidzini Hospital in South Africa for 3 years with a universe of 145 cases of morbidity and 21 maternal deaths that also intentionally constituted the sample. Data were collected using a form and maternal health indicators were calculated using descriptive measures and inferential tests for statistical analysis. Results There was greater morbidity in adolescents (30,3%) and mortality in elderly women (28,6%), without differences in the place of origin; eclampsia (35,9%), severe preeclampsia (23,4%) and postpartum hemorrhage (19,3%) were the main causes of morbidity; thus, postpartum hemorrhage (42,9%) and severe infections (28,6%) of mortality, and hypovolemic shock (23,8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (19%) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (14,3%) the most frequent final causes. Extreme maternal morbidity ratio and adverse maternal outcome was 8,4 and 9,6 per 1000 live births respectively; the maternal mortality ratio 121,1 per 100,000 live births, the morbidity / mortality ratio 6,9: 1 and the mortality index 12,7%. Conclusions The preeclampsia-eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage and severe infections were the main causes of morbidity and mortality, all mostly preventable and leading to unfavorable indicators of maternal health.

Morphometry and morphology of the acetabulum within the black African population of South Africa / Morfometría y morfología del acetábulo dentro de la población africana negra de Sudáfrica

The acetabulum is the large cup-shaped cavity on the lateral surface of the hip bone, which articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint. The morphometry and morphology of the acetabulum is important in the diagnosis and treatment of hip joint injuries and disease. Population specific differences exist regarding the acetabulum, therefore, this study aimed to document the morphometry and morphology of the acetabulum within a Black African population in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. A total of 100 dry hip bones (R= 44; L= 56) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville and NRMSOM campuses) were examined for this study. The hip bones, with documented sex, were all from the Black African population. A sliding digital caliper was used to measure the acetabular diameter, depth and acetabular notch width. The morphology of the acetabular margin was document in accordance with Govsa et al. (2005). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24 software. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The means and standard deviations of the morphometric measurements for the entire population were as follows: (a) acetabular diameter of 54.84 ± 4.18 mm, (b) acetabular depth of 31.30 ± 3.18 mm and (c) acetabular notch width of 21.72 ± 2.98 mm. The observed shapes of the acetabular margin that were angular (41 %), curved (22 %), irregular (23 %) and straight (14 %). Knowledge of the anatomy of the acetabulum is useful to surgeons, prosthetists, anthropologists and forensic anthropology experts. The morphometry and morphology of the Black African population group of KwaZulu-Natal presented with differences when compared to other population groups studied in literature.

El acetábulo es una cavidad grande, en forma de copa, ubicada en la superficie lateral del hueso coxal, que se articula con la cabeza del fémur para formar la articulación coxofemoral. La morfometría y morfología del acetábulo son importantes en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las lesiones y enfermedades de las articulaciones de la cadera. Existen diferencias específicas de la población con respecto al acetábulo, por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar la morfometría y la morfología del acetábulo en una población Africana negra, perteneciente a Kwa-Zulu Natal, Sudáfrica. Para este estudio se examinaron un total de 100 huesos coxales secos (Right = 44; Left = 56) de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal (campus de Westville y NRMSOM). Los huesos coxales, con sexo documentado, eran todos de población africana negra. Se utilizó un calibrador digital deslizante para medir el diámetro acetabular, la profundidad y el ancho de la incisura acetabular. La morfología del margen acetabular anterior se documentó de acuerdo con Govsa et al. (2005). El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el software SPSS versión 24. Un valor de p inferior a 0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. Las medias y desviaciones estándar de las medidas morfométricas para toda la población fueron las siguientes: (a) diámetro acetabular de 54,84 ± 4.18 mm, (b) profundidad acetabular de 31,30 ± 3,18 mm y (c) ancho de la incisura acetabular de 21,72 ± 2,98 mm. Las formas observadas del margen acetabular fueron angulares (41 %), curvas (22 %), irregulares (23 %) y rectas (14 %). El conocimiento de la anatomía del acetábulo es útil para cirujanos, antropólogos y expertos en antropología forense. La morfometría y morfología del grupo poblacional de África negra de KwaZulu-Natal presentaron diferencias cuando se compararon con otros grupos poblacionales estudiados en la literatura.

Anatomical investigation of the vascular supply of the suprarenal glands in fetuses / Investigación anatómica del suministro vascular de las glándulas suprarrenales en los fetos

The suprarenal glands are bilaterally supplied by three suprarenal arteries and drained by a single suprarenal vein. Variable vascular origins of the fetal suprarenal gland have been documented in different population groups viz. Indian, Polish and Argentinian. However, there is lack of a detailed description regarding the course, relations, number of branches and vertebral levels of the origins of the vasculature of the suprarenal glands in fetuses. This study aimed to identify and document the vascular supply of the suprarenal glands in fetuses in a South African setting. Fifty fetal specimens (26 males; 24 females) with a gestational age ranging between 12 and 20 weeks, were bilaterally micro-dissected (n=100) using a Zeiss Stemi DV4 microscope. Data was recorded and the frequencies of the origin, course, relations, number of branches and vertebral levels of the suprarenal vascular supply were determined. Arterial supply: Origin: (i) The superior suprarenal artery (SSA) bilaterally arose from the inferior phrenic arteries in 98 % of the fetuses; (ii) the middle suprarenal artery (MSA) frequently arose from the renal artery (RA) on the right side (46 %) and the abdominal aorta on the left side (34 %); while (iii) the inferior suprarenal artery (ISA) predominantly arose from the RA in 91 % of the specimens, bilaterally. Course and relations: The suprarenal arteries followed a superior, inferior, lateral, supero-lateral and infero-lateral course to the gland. These arteries were closely related to the crura of the diaphragm, the inferior vena cava, the left inferior phrenic vein and the pancreas. Number of branches: The branches ranged from one to seven for the SSA, one to four for the MSA and one to three for the ISA. Vertebral levels: The SSA predominantly arose from the first lumbar (L1) vertebral body (32 %), the MSA arose from the middle third of the intervertebral disc between the L1 and the second lumbar (L2) vertebrae (19 %) and the ISA arose from the L2 vertebral body (28 %). Venous drainage: In 1 % of the specimens, an additional right suprarenal vein (ARSV) was observed. This ARSV followed a superomedial course into the inferior vena cava, just below the entrance of the main right suprarenal vein. The arteries supplying the suprarenal gland presented varying origins and number of branches, corroborating with the reviewed literature and standard anatomical textbooks. The findings of this study may aid pediatric surgeons in understanding the vascular morphology (and the variations thereof) of the suprarenal gland, when performing adrenelectomy surgery in neonates.

Las glándulas suprarrenales son irrigadas bilateralmente por tres arterias suprarrenales y drenadas por una sola vena suprarrenal. Los orígenes vasculares variables de la glándula suprarrenal fetal se han documentado en diferentes grupos de población: indios, polacos y argentinos. Sin embargo, no existe una descripción detallada del curso, las relaciones, el número de ramas y los niveles vertebrales de los orígenes de la vasculatura de las glándulas suprarrenales en los fetos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y documentar el suministro vascular de las glándulas suprarrenales en fetos en una población sudafricana. Cincuenta especímenes fetales (26 hombres; 24 mujeres) con una edad gestacional que oscila entre las 12 y las 20 semanas, fueron micro-diseccionados bilateralmente (n = 100) utilizando un microscopio Zeiss Stemi DV4. Se registraron los datos y se determinaron las frecuencias de origen, curso, relaciones, número de ramas y niveles vertebrales del suministro vascular suprarrenal. Suministro arterial: Origen: (i) La arteria suprarrenal superior (SSA) surgió bilateralmente de las arterias frénicas inferiores en el 98 % de los fetos; (ii) la arteria suprarrenal media (MSA) surgió frecuentemente de la arteria renal (AR) en el lado derecho (46 %) y en la parte abdominal de la aorta en el lado izquierdo (34 %); mientras que (iii) la arteria suprarrenal inferior (AIS) surgió predominantemente de la AR en el 91 % de los especímenes, bilateralmente. Curso y relaciones: las arterias suprarrenales seguían un curso superior, inferior, lateral, superolateral e inferolateral hacia la glándula. Estas arterias estaban estrechamente relacionadas con la crura del diafragma, la vena cava inferior, la vena frénica inferior izquierda y el páncreas. Número de ramas: Las ramas variaron de una a siete para la SSA, de una a cuatro para la MSA y de una a tres para la ISA. Niveles vertebrales: la SSA surgió predominantemente del primer cuerpo vertebral lumbar (L1) (32 %), la MSA surgió del tercio medio del disco intervertebral entre la L1 y la segunda vértebra lumbar (L2) (19 %) y la ISA surgió del cuerpo vertebral L2 (28 %). Drenaje venoso: en el 1 % de las muestras, se observó una vena suprarrenal derecha (ARSV) adicional. Este ARSV siguió un curso superomedial hacia la vena cava inferior, justo debajo de la entrada de la vena suprarrenal derecha principal. Las arterias que irrigaban la glándula suprarrenal presentaban diversos orígenes y número de ramas, lo que corrobora la literatura revisada y los libros de texto anatómicos estándar. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden ayudar a los cirujanos pediátricos a comprender la morfología vascular (y sus variaciones) de la glándula suprarrenal, al realizar una cirugía de adrenelectomía en neonatos.

General practitioner as a gatekeeper and medical scheme benefit design in South Africa

General Practitioners (GPs) serve a gatekeeper function in many healthcare systems. Cost containment strategies in the health care ecosystem usually focus on the role of GPs as the point of entry. The healthcare expenditure as the proportion of total healthcare spent on medi-cal schemes in South Africa has been declining over time. This could be attributed to a shift in benefit design and product development employed by schemes. The aim of this study was to investigate GP health spending by medical schemes, the average spent per GP visit, the level of co-payment that members are subjected to and the GP to member ratio in South Africa. The study design was a cross-sectional study which was performed by linking annual statutory returns data, claims data and provider distribution data collected on an annual basis by the Council for Medical Schemes. The data was further mirrored to the Practice code numbering data received from the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF). A total of 79 medical schemes claims data was included in the analysis. The average number of visits per beneficiaries was 3. The distribution of GPs claiming from medical schemes follow the distribution of beneficiary by province. The ratio of claiming GPs per 1000 beneficiaries was 2. These results further revealed a shift in benefit design and that medical scheme members bypass GPs directly to specialist services which is a secondary level of care, thus undermining the role of GPs as gatekeepers. It is concerning that GP consultation is attracting a co-payment of as high as 39%. Repriori-tisation and emphasis on the role of a GP as gatekeepers as a function of the benefit design process is key to improving quality of care.

Osteometric and radiological study of the mandibular notch / Estudio osteométrico y radiológico de la incisura mandibular

The mandibular notch is located on the superior margin, between two prominent processes of the mandibular ramus, the coronoid and condylar processes. The mandibular notch permits the entry of the masseteric artery, vein and nerve to the deep surface the masseteric muscle. Literary reports documented variations in both, the shape and size of the mandibular notch. Therefore, this study aimed to document the morphology and morphometry of the mandibular notch in the South African Black and Indian population groups and to determine their relationship to sex, age and race (if any). The morphometric and morphological parameters of the mandibular notch were measured and assessed in 149 digital panoramic radiographs and 51 dry mandible specimens (n=400) belonging to the South African Black African and Indian population groups. A combination of classification schemes by Mohammad et al. (2012) and Shakya et al. (2013) were adopted to assess the morphology of the mandibular notch. The morphometric parameter was measured using the Dicom x-ray viewer and a digital vernier caliper. Each of the morphometric and morphological parameters were statistically analyzed using SPSS, to determine if a relationship existed between the afore-mentioned parameters and sex, age and race. This study recorded the round shaped mandibular notch to be the most prevalent type in both sexes with a combined incidence of 44.2 %. The length of the mandibular notch was reported to be greater in males than females and concurred with previous studies. However, the selected South African group displayed a smaller mandibular notch than the Japanese and Chinese population groups. Furthermore, this study documented population differences among the South African population group, as the Black African population group showed a wider mandibular notch than the Indian population group. This suggests that population-specific differences may exist for both the morphological and morphometric parameters of the mandibular notch. However, only a statistically significant relationship between the length of the mandibular notch with age and race was documented. The mandibular notch may be of clinical significance to maxillofacial surgeons for surgical and reconstructive procedures, in addition it may also aid forensic anthropologists in the identification of unknown remains.

La incisura mandibular se encuentra en el margen superior, entre dos procesos importantes de la rama mandibular, el proceso coronoides y el proceso condilar. La incisura mandibular permite la entrada de la arteria, la vena y el nervio masetérico en la superficie profunda del músculo masetero. En la literatura se han documentado variaciones tanto en la forma como en el tamaño de la incisura mandibular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar la morfología y la morfometría de la incisura mandibular en los grupos de población de negros e indios sudafricanos y determinar su relación con el sexo, la edad y la raza. Los parámetros morfométricos y morfológicos de la incisura mandibular se midieron y evaluaron en 149 radiografías panorámicas digitales y 51 especímenes de mandíbula seca (n = 400) pertenecientes a los grupos de población sudafricana negra e india. Una combinación de esquemas de clasificación de Mohammad et al. (2012) y Shakya et al. (2013) fueron adoptados para evaluar la morfología de la incisura mandibular. El parámetro morfométrico se midió utilizando el visor de rayos X Dicom y un calibrador Vernier digital. Cada uno de los parámetros morfométricos y morfológicos se analizaron estadísticamente utilizando el software SPSS, para determinar si existía una relación entre los parámetros mencionados anteriormente y el sexo, la edad y la raza. Este estudio registró la incisura mandibular de forma redonda como el tipo más prevalente en ambos sexos, con una incidencia de un 44,2 %. Se informó que la longitud de la incisura mandibular es mayor en hombres que en mujeres y coincidió con estudios anteriores. Sin embargo, el grupo sudafricano seleccionado mostró una incisura mandibular más pequeña que los grupos de población japoneses y chinos. Además, se documentó las diferencias de población entre el grupo de Sudáfrica, ya que el grupo de población negra de África mostró una incisura mandibular más amplia que el grupo de la población India. Esto sugiere que pueden existir diferencias específicas de la población para los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos de la incisura mandibular. Sin embargo, solo se documentó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la longitud de la incisura mandibular con la edad y la raza. La incisura mandibular puede ser de importancia clínica para los cirujanos maxilofaciales en procedimientos quirúrgicos y reconstructivos; además, también puede ayudar a los antropólogos forenses en la identificación de restos desconocidos.

The morphometry and morphology of the foramen magnum in age and sex determination within the south african black population utilizing computer tomography (CT) scans / Morfometría y morfología del foramen magnum en la determinación de edad y sexo dentro de la población negra sudafricana mediante tomografía computarizada (TC)

SUMMARY: The morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum aid forensic studies in identifying unknown individuals according to age and sex. Moreover, these parameters of the foramen magnum have clinical relevance to surgeons in the transcondylar approach. This study aimed to analyze the morphometry and morphology in relation to the age and sex of individuals within the South African Black population, utilizing computerized tomography images. The use of computerized tomography images allowed for accurate morphometric diameters using the SLICER 3-D software version 4.7.0. Radiological images also provide a patient's clinical history. Thus, the process of exclusion in respect to patients with pathological conditions of the skull is achieved. The sample studied included 150 computerized tomography images (93 males and 57 females) arranged according to age cohorts (children aged 1-12 years, adolescents aged 13-17 years and adults aged 18-25 years). The morphometric parameters viz. antero-posterior diameter, transverse diameter and area of the foramen magnum was analyzed in relation to age and sex. The morphological variations of the foramen magnum was simultaneously observed between males and females and within the age groups. The objective of this study were to improve data on the morphological and morphometric parameters of the foramen magnum in the South African Black population. This study also attempted to associate the morphological and morphometric parameters of the foramen magnum with age and sex determination.

RESUMEN: La morfología y morfometría del foramen magnum ayuda a los estudios forenses en la identificación de individuos desconocidos según la edad y el sexo. Además, parámetros del foramen magnum tienen relevancia clínica para los cirujanos en el abordaje transcondilar. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la morfometría y la morfología del foramen magnum, en relación con la edad y el sexo, dentro de la población negra sudafricana, utilizando imágenes de tomografía computarizada. El uso de imágenes de tomografía computarizada permitió definir diámetros morfométricos precisos utilizando el software SLICER 3-D versión 4.7.0. Las imágenes radiológicas también proporcionan antecedentes de la historia clínica de un paciente. De este modo, se logra el proceso de exclusión con respecto a los pacientes con afecciones patológicas del cráneo. La muestra estudiada incluyó 150 imágenes de tomografía computarizada (93 hombres y 57 mujeres) organizadas según cohortes de edad (niños de 1 a 12 años, adolescentes de 13 a 17 años y adultos de 18 a 25 años). Los parámetros morfométricos que se consideraron fueron: diámetro antero-posterior, diámetro transversal y área del foramen magnum. Las variaciones morfológicas del foramen magnum se observaron simultáneamente entre hombres y mujeres y dentro de los grupos de edad. El objetivo de este estudio fue mejorar los datos sobre los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos del foramen magnum en la población negra sudafricana. Este estudio también intentó asociar los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos del foramen magnum con la determinación de la edad y el sexo.

The mental foramen in dry human mandibles of adult South Africans: an anatomical study / El foramen mental en mandíbulas humanas secas de adultos sudafricanos: un estudio anatómico

The objective of the study was to investigate the position, position symmetry, shape and number of the mental foramen in a heterogeneous South African population. Knowledge of the precise position of MF in maxillofacial surgery is critical for an accurate local anaesthesia; and can provide a landmark in forensic or medico legal cases. Dry adult human mandibles (n = 325) were selected and classified by ancestry. The sample comprised male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. Observations were made for the position, position symmetry, shape and number of the mental foramen. There was a substantial to perfect agreement (p < 0.001) for most observations, except for the shape of the MF on the right side of the mandible that had a fair agreement (K = 0.25; P > 0.05). PIV of the MF is shown as the most prevalent position. PIII and IV were commonly observed in males and females respectively. PII was commonly observed in the males of European descent, while PIII was observed in male African and Mixed descents and female European descents. There was no significant difference in the symmetric analysis of MF amongst male and female (p = 0.059) and between ancestry (p = 0.455). But also, an oval shape of MF was the most common across subpopulations and ancestries, with 2 (2 %) and 3 (0.46 %) of the AMFs present. This study is the first comprehensive description of the MF in the South African population, and could be very useful in forensic anthropology in the South Africa population.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar, en una población sudafricana heterogénea, la posición, simetría de posición, forma y número de forámenes mentales (FM). El conocimiento de la localización exacta del FM en la cirugía maxilofacial es crítico para una anestesia local precisa y puede proporcionar un punto de referencia en casos legales forenses o médicos. Se seleccionaron 325 mandíbulas humanas secas adultas y clasificadas por ascendencia. La muestra relación hombre-mujer fue de 1,2:1. Las observaciones fueron realizadas para la posición, simetría de la posición, forma y el número forámenes mentales. Se alcanzó la perfección de concordancia (p < 0,001) para la mayoría de las observaciones, a excepción de la forma intermedia en el lado derecho de la mandíbula el cual presentó un acuerdo justo (K = 0,25; p > 0,05). La PIV de la MF se muestra como la posición más prevalente. PIII y IV fueron observados comúnmente en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La PII se observó comúnmente en los varones de ascendencia europea, mientras que el PIII se observó en descendientes africanos y mixtos masculinos y descendientes femeninos europeos. No hubo diferencias significativas en el análisis simétrico del FM entre hombres y mujeres (p = 0,059) y entre ascendencia (p = 0,455). Una forma ovalada de FM fue la más común a través de subpoblaciones y ancestros, con 2 (2 %) y 3 (46 %) del con la presencia de un foramen mental accesorio. Este estudio es la primera descripción comprensiva del FM en la población sudafricana, y podría ser muy útil en antropología forense en la población de Sudáfrica.

Therapeutic plants used by traditional health practitioners to treat pneumonia in the Limpopo Province, South Africa / Plantas terapéuticas utilizadas por profesionales de la salud tradicionales para tratar la neumonía en la provincia de Limpopo, Sudáfrica

Ethnobotanical studies focusing on the documentation of folk therapies employed for pneumonia are almost non-existence in Africa and elsewhere. Data on plants used to treat this ailments was obtained through informed consent semi-structured face-to-face interview and field observations with 128 conveniently selected Bapedi traditional healers (THs) residing in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of 57 plant species distributed across 54 genera and 32 botanical families, mostly the Asteraceae (21.8%) and Fabaceae (18.7%) were used by THs to treat pneumonia and related symptoms. Therapeutic uses of larger number of the documented species are not recorded elsewhere in literature as treatments of these ailments. Overall, the most widely used species by all interviewed THs were Acacia erioloba, Clerodendrum ternatum, Cryptocarya transvaalensis, Enicostema axillare, Lasiosiphon caffer and Stylochaeton natalensis. Ethnopharmacological studies validating the reported therapeutic claims of the species by Bapedi THs should be a subject of future investigation.

Los estudios etnobotánicos que se centran en la documentación de las terapias populares empleadas para la neumonía son casi inexistentes en África y en otros lugares. Los datos sobre plantas utilizadas para tratar estas dolencias se obtuvieron a través de entrevistas personales semiestructuradas con consentimiento informado y observaciones de campo a 128 curanderos tradicionales (TH) convenientemente seleccionados que residen en la provincia de Limpopo, Sudáfrica. Las TH utilizaron un total de 57 especies de plantas distribuidas en 54 géneros y 32 familias botánicas, en su mayoría Asteraceae (21.8%) y Fabaceae (18.7%) para tratar la neumonía y los síntomas relacionados. Los usos terapéuticos de un gran número de las especies documentadas no se registran en ninguna otra parte de la literatura como tratamientos para estas dolencias. En general, las especies más utilizadas por todos los TH entrevistados fueron Acacia erioloba, Clerodendrum ternatum, Cryptocarya transvaalensis, Enicostema axillare, Lasiosiphon caffer y Stylochaeton natalensis. Los estudios etnofarmacológicos que validan las afirmaciones terapéuticas informadas de las especies por parte de Bapedi TH deben ser un tema de investigación futura.