Nanomedicine drug delivery in South Africa: a retrospective study on research, funding and collaboration.

After nearly two decades of substantial investment in the field of nanomedicine within South Africa, this study undertakes an investigation into the specific diseases that have been targeted for research and development, as well as the key actors and collaborative networks involved in this burgeoning field. To accomplish this, the study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric and scientometric techniques alongside a comprehensive review of existing literature. The study's findings illuminate that the diseases selected for emphasis in nanomedicine research closely align with the prevalent health challenges faced by South Africa. Notably, these ailments encompass cancer, bacterial infections, and tuberculosis, all of which significantly contribute to the country's disease burden. Furthermore, the investigation highlights that research-intensive South African universities play a pivotal role as the primary actors in advancing nanomedicine initiatives. Over time, collaborative endeavors among these key actors have seen a noteworthy upswing. These collaborations have fostered robust connections between South African institutions and counterparts in Asian nations and the Middle East. It is worth emphasizing that nanomedicine is a resource-intensive field, necessitating substantial capital investment. Collaborative initiatives have, in turn, granted access to critical infrastructure and materials that would have otherwise been beyond the reach of some participating entities. Remarkably, these collaborative partnerships have not only facilitated scientific progress but have also cultivated social capital and trust among involved stakeholders. These valuable intangible assets hold great potential as South Africa advances towards more exploitative phases of technology development within the domain of nanomedicine. Moreover, South Africa is strategically positioning itself to cultivate a critical mass of expertise in nanomedicine, recognising the significance of skilled human resources in harnessing the full potential of this technology in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173875/.

Open source modular ptosis crutch for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacologic treatment of Myasthenia Gravis presents challenges due to poor tolerability in some patients. Conventional ptosis crutches have limitations such as interference with blinking which causes ocular surface drying, and frequent irritation of the eyes. To address this problem, a modular and adjustable ptosis crutch for elevating the upper eyelid in Myasthenia Gravis patients has been proposed as a non-surgical and low-cost solution. AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews the literature on the challenges in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis globally and focuses on a modular and adjustable ptosis crutch that has been developed by the Medical Device Laboratory at the University of Cape Town. EXPERT COMMENTARY: The new medical device has potential as a simple, effective and unobtrusive solution to elevate the drooping upper eyelid(s) above the visual axis without the need for medication and surgery. Access to the technology is provided through an open source platform which makes it available globally. Open access provides opportunities for further open innovation to address the current limitations of the device, ultimately for the benefit not only of people suffering from Myasthenia Gravis but also of those with ptosis from other aetiologies.

Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation for the treatment of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of rheumatic heart disease presents a medical and surgical challenge, particularly in developing countries, where the disease is prevalent. Most of these countries find it prohibitively expensive to import heart valve prostheses that are required for treatment and are largely manufactured in the United States and Europe. Even if the valves were available, the absence of facilities to conduct open-heart surgery for valve replacement results in many people from developing countries dying needlessly of the disease. To address this problem, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, an emerging, minimally invasive, treatment strategy for rheumatic heart disease, has been proposed. Areas covered: This paper reviews the literature on current valve technologies in use globally, and focuses on a minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation device and aortic valve prosthesis that have been developed by Strait Access Technologies Holdings in South Africa. Expert commentary: This new technology holds the potential of making available heart valve replacements to millions of patients in the developing world who would otherwise have no recourse to treatment.