Post-exposure prophylaxis for rape survivors

CITATION: Pluddemann, A., Reuter, H. & Johnson, C. 2007. Post-exposure prophylaxis for rape survivors. South African Medical Journal, 97(1):12-13The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za[No abstract available]Publisher’s versio

What are the environmental factors that affect respiratory viral pathogen transmission and outcomes? A scoping review of the published literature

Introduction: Respiratory viral pathogens are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and there is a need to understand how to prevent their transmission. Methods: We performed a scoping review to assess the amount and scope of published research literature on environmental factors, including meteorological factors and pollution, that affect the transmission of respiratory viral pathogens. We used Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for conducting a scoping review. We searched the electronic databases: MEDLINE, Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane CENTRAL), TRIP database, WHO Covid-19 Database, Global Index Medicus, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar. We included studies on environmental exposures and transmission of respiratory viruses (including but not restricted to: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human coronaviruses, viral pneumonia). Results: The searches identified 880 studies for screening; after screening we included 481 studies, including 395 primary studies and 86 reviews. Data were extracted by one reviewer (ES) and independently checked by a second reviewer for accuracy (AP). All primary studies were observational, mostly using an ecological design; 2/395 primary studies were prospective cohorts. Among the primary studies, 241/395 were on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19; 95 focussed on influenza; the remaining 59 reported on RSV, other coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses. Exposures were most commonly temperature (306 primary studies) and humidity (201 primary studies); other commonly reported exposures were air pollution, wind speed, precipitation, season, and UV radiation. It was frequently reported, but not consistently, that temperature, humidity and air pollution were positively correlated with COVID-19 cases/deaths; for influenza, season/seasonality was commonly reported to be associated with cases/deaths. Discussion: The majority of studies reported on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and were of ecological design. Few prospective cohort studies have been done for any respiratory virus and environmental exposures. Understanding the role of environmental factors on transmission is limited by the lack of prospective cohort studies to inform decision making. Systematic Review Registration: https://osf.io/ntdjx/, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NTDJX

Verification bias

This article is part of the Catalogue of Bias series. We present a description of verification bias, and outline its potential impact on research studies and the preventive steps to minimise its risk. We also present teaching slides in the online supplementary file. Verification bias (sometimes referred to as 'work-up bias') concerns the test(s) used to confirm a diagnosis within a diagnostic accuracy study. Verification bias occurs when only a proportion of the study participants receive confirmation of the diagnosis by the reference standard test, or if some participants receive a different reference standard test

Long-term effects of functional appliances in treated versus untreated patients with Class II malocclusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess the cephalometric skeletal and soft-tissue of functional appliances in treated versus untreated Class II subjects in the long-term (primarily at the end of growth, secondarily at least 3 years after retention). Search methods Unrestricted electronic search of 24 databases and additional manual searches up to March 2018. Selection criteria Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials reporting on cephalometric skeletal and soft-tissue measurements of Class II patients (aged 16 years or under) treated with functional appliances, worn alone or in combination with multi-bracket therapy, compared to untreated Class II subjects. Data collection and analysis Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated with the random-effects model. Data were analysed at 2 primary time points (above 18 years of age, at the end of growth according to the Cervical Vertebral Maturation method) and a secondary time point (at least 3 years after retention). The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed according to the ROBINS tool and GRADE system, respectively. Results Eight non-randomised studies published in 12 papers were included. Functional appliances produced a significant improvement of the maxillo-mandibular relationship, at almost all time points (Wits appraisal at the end of growth, MD -3.52 mm, 95% CI -5.11 to -1.93, P < 0.0001). The greatest increase in mandibular length was recorded in patients aged 18 years and above (Co-Gn, MD 3.20 mm, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.08, P = 0.0009), although the improvement of the mandibular projection was negligible or not significant. The quality of evidence was \u2018very low\u2019 for most of the outcomes at both primary time points. Conclusions Functional appliances may be effective in correcting skeletal Class II malocclusion in the long-term, however the quality of the evidence was very low and the clinical significance was limited

Decline in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine use in Cape Town

Background and objectives. The purpose of this report is to describe the changing trends in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine in Cape Town, and to discuss possible implications.Method. Data were collected on admissions for drug abuse treatment through a regular monitoring system involving drug treatment centres and programmes in Cape Town, every 6 months as part of the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU). A one-page form was completed by treatment centre personnel for each patient to collect demographic and substance abuse data.Results. The results indicate that between 2004 and 2006, a significant increase in the proportion of adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine abuse occurred, while a significant decrease occurred between 2006 and 2011.Conclusions. The initial increase in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine abuse from 2004 to 2006, and subsequent decrease between 2006 and 2011, may suggest a change in methamphetamine abuse patterns among adolescents in Cape Town

The African languages in South African education 2009–2011.

No abstract available