Discriminatory Behavior in Nursing Persist Regardless of Antidiscriminatory Legislation.

Discriminatory behavior seems to persist in nursing in South Africa despite the presence of antidiscriminatory legislation. Little is known on the views of nurses on discrimination related to their basic rights in the workplace. The objective of this article is to report findings of discriminatory behavior among nurses regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and marital status. A cross-sectional descriptive survey (containing open- and close-ended questions) was conducted in public and private hospitals in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa and n = 573 (response rate 83%) registered nurses participated in the study. Most participants reported discrimination due to race (n = 97, 17.4%) and age (n = 58,10.4%). Statistically significant differences were found in that African nurses reported more discrimination in relation to religion than other races. A statistically significant difference was found in the responses to gender-more males than female nurses reported discriminatory behavior. Qualitative data reflected suggestions of hetero negativity among male nurses and that sexual orientation might enhance the promotion of those like oneself. Younger nurses are treated less respectful, while older nurses reported reduced developmental opportunities. African nurses described more discrimination due to race and are treated with disdain. Staff shortages, nurse staffing, and shift work seemingly enhance discriminatory practices with off duties. Nurses in the hospital environment seem to experience discrimination in relation to basic human rights resulting from an indifference among nurse management to uphold such rights.

Genetic and phenotypic consequences of early domestication in black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens).

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, is an emerging biotechnological agent with its larvae being effective converters of organic waste into usable bio-products including protein and lipids. To date, most operations use unimproved commercial populations produced by mass rearing, without cognisance of specific breeding strategies. The genetic and phenotypic consequences of these commercial practices remain unknown and could have a significant impact on long-term population viability and productivity. The aim of this study was thus to assess the genetic and phenotypic changes during the early phases of colony establishment and domestication in the black soldier fly. An experimental colony was established from wild founder flies and a new microsatellite marker panel was developed to assess population genetic parameters along with the phenotypic characteristics of each generational cohort under captive breeding. The experimental colony was characterised by a small effective population size, subsequent loss of genetic diversity and rapid genetic and phenotypic differentiation between the generational cohorts. Ultimately, the population collapsed by the fifth generation, most likely owing to the adverse effect of inbreeding depression following the fixation of deleterious alleles. Species with r-selected life history characteristics (e.g. short life-span, high fecundity and low larval survival) are known to pose particular challenges for genetic management. The current study suggests that sufficient genetic and phenotypic variations exist in the wild population and that domestication and strain development could be achieved with careful population augmentation and selection during the early stages of colony establishment.

Prospective comparison of the novel visual prostate symptom score (VPSS) versus the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and assessment of patient pain perception with regard to transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and novel Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), to correlate scores with uroflowmetry and prostate volume and assess patient perceptions regarding pain prior to, and after prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with LUTS who had an indication for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy were included. Patients completed the IPSS-, VPSS- and prostate biopsy pain assessment questionnaires. Assessment included uroflowmetry, post- void residual volume and prostate volume (measured with TRUS). RESULTS: One hundred men were included. There were statistically significant correlations between the VPSS score and IPSS score (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.802); VPSS and Qmax (r = -0.311); VPSS and. Qave (r = -0.344); prostate volume with VPSS (r = 0.194) and Qmax (r = -0.260). The VPSS was quicker to complete than the IPSS (mean 100 vs. 165 seconds). The mean anticipated pain score before biopsy was 2.8 (range 0-6), and after biopsy (experienced pain) it was 1.8 (range 0-5). The pain during biopsy was less than expected in 67% of patients. CONCLUSION: In men with LUTS scheduled to undergo prostate biopsy, the VPSS score correlated positively with the IPSS score. Men with limited education take less time to complete the VPSS. Patient's perception of expected pain or discomfort during TRUSguided prostate biopsy was significantly higher than the pain actually experienced during biopsy. Men with lower education level had significantly higher expectation of pain prior to biopsy, but similar pain during biopsy.

Evidence for sperm storage in common smoothhound shark Mustelus mustelus and paternity assessment in a single litter from South Africa.

The present histological study of adult female common smoothhound shark Mustelus mustelus demonstrates that the species can store sperm in their oviducal glands. In addition, single paternity of a litter of 22 pups is reported, contributing to further knowledge regarding the genetic and behavioural mating strategy of M. mustelus.

Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow of Four South African Venturia inaequalis (Apple Scab) Populations.

Venturia inaequalis isolates were collected during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons from the four principal apple growing regions of South Africa, Elgin (n = 114), Koue Bokkeveld (n = 126), Lower Langkloof (n = 92), and Upper Langkloof (n = 103). Sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions and genotyping with six (2012/13) and seven (2013/14) microsatellite (SSR) markers was conducted. A subset of 12 isolates from the individual ITS haplotype groups were sequenced for the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1) and the large subunit of the RNA polymerases II (RPB1) gene regions. Four haplotypes were found for ITS, whereas all isolates were identical for the TEF1 and RPB1 gene regions. The SSR markers revealed considerable variation with an average gene diversity (H) of 0.675. Multivariate analysis (discriminant analysis of principal components [DAPC]) revealed that the two Langkloof populations clustered together with the Koue Bokkeveld population. The population from the warmer winter region, Elgin, clustered separately from the rest of the populations (ΦPT = 0.076 to 0.116; P ≤ 0.05). Estimates of gene flow showed the highest migration rate from the Koue Bokkeveld, toward the Lower Langkloof (M = 151.1), and the least migration to and from the Elgin region (average M = 42.75). Occasionally, identical genotypes (clones) were detected across seasons in the Koue Bokkeveld and Elgin area, which might contribute to overwintering conidia. From this study, it is evident that South Africa most likely has V. inaequalis subpopulations linked to diverse climatic conditions of the coastal Elgin region compared with the mountainous inland regions of the Koue Bokkeveld and the Langkloof.

Human cranial vault thickness in a contemporary sample of 1097 autopsy cases: relation to body weight, stature, age, sex and ancestry.

The relation between human cranial vault thickness (CVT) and various elements of the physical anthropological biological profile is subject of ongoing discussion. Some results seem to indicate no correlation between CVT and the biological profile of the individual, whereas other results suggest that CVT measurements might be useful for identification purposes. This study assesses the correlation between CVT and body weight, stature, age, sex, and ancestry by reviewing data of 1097 forensic autopsies performed at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). In subadults (younger than 19 years of age at the time of death), all frontal, temporal, and occipital CVT measurements correlated moderately to strongly with indicators of growth (body weight, stature, and age). Neither sex nor ancestry correlated significantly with cranial thickness. In adults, body weight correlated with all CVT measurements. No meaningful correlation was found between CVT and stature or age. Females showed to have thicker frontal bones, and the occipital region was thicker in the Negroid subsample. All correlation in the adult group was weak, with the distribution of cranial thickness overlapping for a great deal between the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that CVT generally cannot be used as an indicator for any part of the biological profile.

Diagnostic dry bone histology in human paleopathology.

Paleopathology is the study of trauma and disease as may be observed in ancient (human) remains. In contrast to its central role in current medical practice, microscopy plays a rather modest role in paleopathology. This is at least partially due to the differences between fresh and decomposed (i.e., skeletonized or "dry bone") tissue samples. This review discusses these differences and describes how they affect the histological analysis of paleopathological specimens. First, we provide a summary of some general challenges related to the histological analysis of palaeopathological specimens. Second, the reader is introduced in bone tissue histology and bone tissue dynamics. The remainder of the paper is dedicated to the diagnostic value of dry bone histology. Its value and limitations are illustrated by comparing several well-studied paleopathological cases with similar contemporary, clinical cases. This review illustrates that due to post-mortem loss of soft tissue, a limited number of disorders display pathognomonic features during histological analysis of skeletonized human remains. In the remainder of cases, histology may help to narrow down the differential diagnosis or is diagnostically unspecific. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach therefore remains essential. Clin. Anat. 29:831-843, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessing multiple paternity in three commercially exploited shark species: Mustelus mustelus, Carcharhinus obscurus and Sphyrna lewini.

In this study, multiple paternity (MP) was investigated in three commercially important shark species, common smoothhound Mustelus mustelus, dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus and scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini occurring in southern Africa. Reduced marker panels of between five and six microsatellite loci were constructed for each species and used to genotype and assess the presence of MP in a total of 60 M. mustelus individuals from six litters, 90 C. obscurus individuals from 14 litters and 54 S. lewini individuals from 13 litters. Analysis in GERUD and COLONY revealed the presence of MP in all three species. Multiple paternities were observed in 67, 35 and 46% of the litters of M. mustelus, C. obscurus and S. lewini, with corresponding average sire size of 1·6, 1·4 and 2·0, respectively. The variation in the rate of MP among the three species is in accordance with previous studies whilst the comparatively high frequency of MP observed for M. mustelus, matches what has previously been reported for shark species demonstrating aggregation behaviour.

Genetic structure, population demography and seasonal occurrence of blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in Bimini, the Bahamas.

A longline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2014 to investigate the demographic population structure and seasonal abundance of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in the Bimini Islands, the Bahamas. All individuals sampled (n = 242) were sub-adult or adults [70·1-145·1 cm pre-caudal length (LPC) range] with no neonates or YOY recorded in Bimini. Carcharhinus limbatus abundance peaked in September, coincident with the largest ratio of female to male sharks and a peak in fresh mating wounds on females. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) DNA sequences were obtained from C. limbatus at Bimini to test whether Bimini C. limbatus are most closely related to geographically proximate populations sampled on the south-eastern coast of the U.S.A., the closest known nursery areas for this species. Nine mtCR haplotypes were observed in 32 individuals sampled at Bimini [haplotype diversity (h) = 0·821, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0·0015]. Four haplotypes observed from Bimini matched those previously found in the northern Yucatan (Mexico)-Belize and two matched a haplotype previously found in the U.S.A. Four haplotypes were novel but were closely related to the northern Yucatan-Belizean haplotypes. Pair-wise ΦST analysis showed that Bimini was significantly differentiated from all of the populations previously sampled (U.S.A. Atlantic, U.S.A. Gulf of Mexico, northern Yucatan, Belize and Brazil). This indicates that C. limbatus sampled from Bimini are unlikely from the described, proximate U.S.A. nurseries.

Identification of naturally occurring hybrids between two overexploited sciaenid species along the South African coast.

Hybridisation between fish species can play a significant role in evolutionary processes and can influence management and conservation planning, however, this phenomenon has been widely understudied, especially in marine organisms. The distribution limits of two sciaenid species (silver kob, Argyrosomus inodorus, and dusky kob, A. japonicus) partly overlap along the South African coast, where both species have undergone severe depletion due to overfishing. Following the identification of a number of possible cases of species misidentification or hybridisation (21 out of 422 individuals), nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data (12microsatellite loci and 562bp of the COI gene) were analysed to investigate the genetic composition of these individuals. Results indicated a field-based species misidentification rate of approximately 2.8% and a rate of natural hybridisation of 0.7%. Interestingly, all hybrid fish resulted from first-generation (F1) hybridisation events, which occurred exclusively between silver kob females and dusky kob males. Whether hybridisation is the result of natural events (such as secondary contact following a shift in distribution range), or anthropogenic activities (size-selective pressure due to overfishing), these findings have important implications for critical recovery and future management of these species in the wild.

Stents and stone disease.

The use of stents in renal stone disease is relatively new. The main advantage is reduced pressure in the renal collecting system during times of infected obstructed collecting systems, surgery or obstructing stones. As much pain relieve theses stents offer when indicated, equally much morbidity is caused when stent materials interface with the human urothelium in terms of symptoms, perforations and the "forgotten stent". This review aim to summarize some of the most important considerations when stents are used in stone disease.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of two Critically Endangered wedgefishes: Rhynchobatus djiddensis and Rhynchobatus australiae.

We present the complete mitochondrial genomes of the Critically Endangered whitespotted wedgefish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775), and bottlenose wedgefish, Rhynchobatus australiae (Whitley, 1939), with the R. djiddensis mitogenome documented for the first time. The genomes for R. djiddensis and R. australiae are 16,799 and 16,805 bp in length, respectively. Both comprise 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a non-coding control region. All protein-coding regions consistently start with the ATG start codon; however, the alternative start codon GTG is observed at the start of the COX1 gene. NADH2, COX2, and NADH4 have incomplete stop codons: T or TA, and tRNALeu and tRNASer , have atypical codons: UAA, UGA, GCU, and UAG. The phylogenetic analysis places R. djiddensis and R. australiae within the Rhynchobatus genus, separate from other families in the order Rhinopristiformes. We also highlight the most variable gene regions to expedite future primer design, of which NADH2 was the most variable (4.5%) when taking gene length into account. These molecular resources could promote the taxonomic resolution of the whitespotted wedgefish species complex and aid in the genetic characterization of populations of these and related species.

New microsatellite markers for the abalone Haliotis midae developed by 454 pyrosequencing and in silico analyses.

Farming of Haliotis midae is the most lucrative aquaculture venture in South Africa. The genome of this species needs to be studied to assist in selective breeding programs aimed at increasing overall yield, and molecular markers will be required to attain this goal. We identified and characterized 82 polymorphic microsatellite loci by using repeat-enriched genomic libraries and high-throughput pyrosequencing technology. The observed number of alleles ranged from 2 to 21, expected heterozygosity from 0.063 to 0.968, observed heterozygosity from 0.000 to 1.000, and polymorphic information content from 0.059 to 0.934. Three loci gave significant hits to other haliotid genes and/or microsatellite loci; hits to genes were always located in the 5'/3'-UTR or intron region. Many of these newly designed markers would be useful for parentage, population and linkage studies.

Treatment of male urethral strictures - possible reasons for the use of repeated dilatation or internal urethrotomy rather than urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible reasons for repeated urethral dilatation or optical internal urethrotomy rather than urethroplasty in the treatment of male urethral strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men referred to the stricture clinic of our institution during the period April 2007 - March 2008 were reviewed and the operative urological procedures performed in the same period were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test (p<0.05 statistically significant). RESULTS: The mean age of the 125 men was 49.9 years (range 12.8 - 93.4 years). Previous stricture treatment had been given 1 - 2, 3 - 4 and 5 - 6 times in 52%, 32% and 12% of patients, respectively (4% had not undergone treatment). In these groups, previous treatment was dilatation in 70%, 76% and 72%, urethrotomy in 26%, 15% and 28%, and urethroplasty in 4%, 9% and 0, respectively. The group with 5 - 6 compared with 1 - 2 previous treatments was significantly older (mean age 60.2 v. 46.6 years) and had a significantly greater proportion with underlying co-morbidities (80% v. 52%). The group that had undergone urethroplasty compared with 5 - 6 repeated dilatations or urethrotomies was significantly younger (mean age 48.2 v. 60.2 years) with a lower prevalence of co-morbidities (47% v. 80%). During the study period urethroplasty was performed in 16 (2%) of 821 inpatients, whereas 55 men were seen who had undergone ≥3 previous procedures, indicating that urethroplasty was performed in less than one-third of cases in which it would have been the optimal treatment. Owing to limited theatre time, procedures indicated for malignancy, urolithiasis, renal failure and congenital anomalies were performed more often than urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Factors that possibly influenced the decision to perform repeated urethrotomy or dilatation instead of urethroplasty were limited theatre time, increased patient age and the presence of underlying co-morbidities.

Transcranial direct current stimulation's effect on novice versus experienced learning.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation applied via a weak electrical current passed between electrodes on the scalp. In recent studies, TDCS has been shown to improve learning when applied to the prefrontal cortex (e.g., Kincses et al. in Neuropsychologia 42:113-117, 2003; Clark et al. Neuroimage in 2010). The present study examined the effects of TDCS delivered at the beginning of training (novice) or after an hour of training (experienced) on participants' ability to detect cues indicative of covert threats. Participants completed two 1-h training sessions. During the first 30 min of each training session, either 0.1 mA or 2.0 mA of anodal TDCS was delivered to the participant. The anode was positioned near F8, and the cathode was placed on the upper left arm. Testing trials immediately followed training. Accuracy in classification of images containing and not-containing threat stimuli during the testing sessions indicated: (1) that mastery of threat detection significantly increased with training, (2) that anodal TDCS at 2 mA significantly enhanced learning, and (3) TDCS was significantly more effective in enhancing test performance when applied in novice learners than in experienced learners. The enhanced performance following training with TDCS persisted into the second session when TDCS was delivered early in training.

Infectious disease and nutritional deficiencies in early industrialized South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: Real industrialization was late to arrive in South Africa and was associated with the development of mining in its northern regions. This paper explores the development and spread of infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis), against the backdrop of metabolic disease. MATERIALS: Published data regarding skeletons from various mining sites and historical information are collated, including information from the early accessions into the Raymond A. Dart Collection. METHODS: While findings from several sites (e.g., Gladstone at Kimberley, Koffiefontein, Witwatersrand Deep Mine and Lancaster Mine) have been described individually, they have not been assessed collectively. This paper provides a broad overview by collating information from these sites, in comparison with a rural, pre-industrialized population. RESULTS: Malnutrition, including scurvy, was common in most mining groups. Tuberculosis was rare in earlier mining groups, and the first possible skeletal cases only occurred after the establishment of closed housing compounds. From there it spread rapidly across the subcontinent. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional insufficiencies / metabolic disease and high death rates, due to trauma and infectious diseases, were common. Tuberculosis in South Africa is closely associated with development of the mining industry. SIGNIFICANCE: This research highlights the development of tuberculosis in South Africa and its association with the mining industry. The role of migrant labor and the associated housing practices is elucidated. LIMITATIONS: Sample sizes are limited, but the findings of this study are supported by documentary evidence. FUTURE RESEARCH: Sample sizes should be increased, and the association between closed compound living and the development of disease further explored.

An evaluation of the Acsádi and Nemeskéri Complex Method of adult age estimation in a modern South African skeletal sample.

The Acsádi and Nemeskéri Complex Method is a multifactorial adult age estimation method that makes use of weighting systems. The Complex Method employs the use of four skeletal elements in assessing age, including the degree of endocranial suture closure, age-related changes to the pubic symphyseal surface, and the internal structural changes observable in the proximal humerus and femur. Acsádi and Nemeskéri reported a very optimistic error margin of ±2.5 years when all four skeletal elements were used. Despite these promising results, the Complex Method's effectiveness has been questioned, suggesting that it results in a constant over- and underestimation of age in younger and older groups, respectively. In this study, the Complex Method was tested on a modern South African skeletal sample (n = 313) with individuals of known age-at-death. Results from this study to some extent justify the critique levelled against the Complex Method's tendency to over- and underestimate age. Nevertheless, the Complex Method still performed surprisingly well for certain skeletal element combinations. Contrary to Acsádi and Nemeskéri's findings, the use of all four skeletal elements did not provide more accurate age estimates. For the most part, combinations making use of three or two skeletal elements outperformed the use of all four skeletal indicators. Results from this study indicate caution in using a blanket approach when it comes to deciding on the best combination of skeletal elements used in multifactorial methods. It is suggested that the Complex Method may be optimised by making use of sex- and population-specific skeletal element combinations and weighting systems in the future.

Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy.

Donor nephrectomy with laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery has been reported via the transperitoneal approach. We describe a novel technique of retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy using a single surgical incision in the groin, below the abdominal skin crease or "bikini line". The LESS groin incision offers superior cosmesis, while the retroperitoneal approach has distinct advantages, such as the ability to identify the renal vessels early. The new procedure has been performed in two obese patients (body mass index 32 and 33 kg/m2, respectively). The operative times were 4 and 5 hours, warm ischemic times 135 and 315 seconds, blood loss 100 and 250 mL, and hospitalization 3 and 2 days, respectively. Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy through a single, inconspicuous groin incision is feasible and safe. Further evaluation of the technique in a larger patient cohort is indicated.

Evaluation of views and perceptions of junior doctors on urology training and exposure during internship in South Africa: are we losing future urologists?

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, urological and other subspecialty training and exposure vary across each university at undergraduate and internship level. Many students and junior doctors complete their degrees and medical internship with little or no exposure and training to enable them to manage common urological conditions at primary healthcare level with the adequate competency, proficiency and confidence. We aimed to evaluate the exposure and urological training of junior doctors during internship and to determine whether it had any impact on their attitudes toward urology as a speciality in which to pursue a career. METHODS: We used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. We emailed a questionnaire to 200 community service doctors who completed internship during 2016-2018, working across Western Cape hospitals. The questionnaire aimed to assess their clinical exposure to urology, confidence in basic urological knowledge and clinical skills, and their attitudes toward urology as a postgraduate career choice. RESULTS: The response rate was 104/200 (52%), 75% (n = 78) of the respondents had completed their internship without rotating through the urology department, 53.8% (n = 56) felt that their knowledge of essential urology topics was 'average' and still required further teaching and guidance, and 43.3% (n = 45) were not confident of performing a circumcision. 11.5% (n = 12) respondents were interested in pursuing a career in urology. The duration of the rotation through urology during internship and pursuing a career in urology were significantly associated (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The study showed that urological exposure and training at internship level is below the standard it needs to be in order to produce proficient and competent doctors able to practise efficiently during community service. The study also highlighted that limited exposure has a negative impact on potential future urologists wanting to pursue a career in the field. Incorporation of necessary urology skills short courses into the internship programme might help mitigate some of these challenges.

An Investigation of Micro-CT Analysis of Bone as a New Diagnostic Method for Paleopathological Cases of Osteomalacia.

OBJECTIVE: This paper looks to broaden the methodological possibilities for diagnosing osteomalacia in archaeological bone using micro-CT analysis. Increasing the identification of osteomalacia in paleopathology will provide support for important interpretive frameworks. MATERIALS: Nine embedded and two unembedded rib fragments were sourced from St. Martin's Birmingham and Ancaster, UK, and Lisieux Michelet, France. Of the 11 samples, nine were previously confirmed as osteomalacic, and presented with varying levels of diagenesis and two were non-osteomalacic controls, one of which exhibits diagenetic change. METHODS: Micro-CT, backscattered scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were employed. Micro-CT images were evaluated for osteomalacic features using corresponding microscopic images. RESULTS: Micro-CT images from osteomalacic samples demonstrated the presence of defective mineralization adjacent to cement lines, areas of incomplete mineralization, and resorptive bays/borders, three key diagnostic features of osteomalacia. Diagenetic change was also detectable in micro-CT images, but did not prevent the diagnosis of osteomalacia. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-CT analysis is a non-destructive method capable of providing microstructural images of osteomalacic features in embedded and unembedded samples. When enough of these features are present, micro-CT images are capable of confirming a diagnosis of osteomalacia. SIGNIFICANCE: Vitamin D deficiency has important health consequences which operate throughout the life course. Increasing the ability to detect cases of vitamin D deficiency provides researchers with a greater understanding of health and disease in past communities. LIMITATIONS: Only adult rib samples were used. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Paleopathologists should look to test the utility of micro-CT analysis in diagnosing active rickets in subadult individuals.