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Speech-language therapists' views of oral feeding of infants on high-flow oxygen
(AOSIS, 2025-02) Dludla, Andile; Forman, Tarryn B.; Lloyd, Mikaela K.; Moodley, Savannah O.; Pillay, Sarveshvari B.; Kruger, Esedra; esedra.kruger@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : Introduction of oral feeding for young children receiving high-flow oxygen has recently gained interest. With limited literature, there are varied opinions regarding the safety of oral feeding in this population. AIM : This study describes speech-language therapists’ (SLTs) views on oral feeding for infants receiving high-flow oxygen. SETTING : A South African online survey study. METHODS : A descriptive quantitative survey was distributed electronically via social networking sites. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit expert SLTs. Twenty-one South African SLTs working with paediatric swallowing and feeding, from nine provinces responded. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS : Of 21 responses, only nine were fully complete, indicative of how few South African SLTs work with infants on high-flow oxygen. Current oral feeding practices varied with differences between nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). Strategies for oral feeding included volume and time limitations, monitoring physiological stability and assessing for aspiration. Thin liquids were most commonly used. Varied opinions, with no protocols or guidelines for introduction of oral feeding of young children on high-flow oxygen, are reported. CONCLUSION : SLTs’ practices regarding oral feeding in infants/children receiving high-flow oxygen are variable. Professionals share common approaches to determine feeding readiness and monitor tolerance. Without guidelines and standardised protocols, SLTs are left to make decisions based only on experience. A need exists for further research. CONTRIBUTION : There is variability in initiation of oral feeds, highlighting the need for further data to inform uniform protocol and guideline development to enhance SLTs’ decision-making.
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Examining the relationship between consumption of a protein-based diet and hypertension among urban households : a cross-sectional study
(Wiley, 2025-03) Mazenda, Adrino; Katiyatiya, Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith; Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama; adrino.mazenda@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND AND AIMS : Hypertension continues to be a significant health challenge, contributing to numerous deaths. Dietary factors are key risk factors for hypertension. Evidence indicates that consuming at least four different types of protein each week may help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. This study aims to analyze the impact of protein intake on the health status of household members living with hypertension in Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS : This study applied a cross-section design and stepwise binary logit regression to analyze the protein diet intake of 3278 households with members experiencing hypertension in eight Gauteng municipalities in South Africa. The study utilized nonmedical secondary data from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory Quality of Life survey for 2021/2022, which included 13,168 randomly sampled households. RESULTS : The findings showed that consuming beans (B = 0.120; p = 0.066), chicken (B = 0.349; p < 0.001), tin fish (B = 0.244; p < 0.001), meat (B = 0.235; p < 0.001), offal (B = 0.128; p = 0.050), and dairy (B = 0.294; p < 0.001) was positively associated with a reduced risk of hypertension. Animal protein was preferred over plant protein. Hypertension was more common in low-income households. Households with food expenditures of R0−R500, R501−R1000, and R1001−R2000 had probabilities of not suffering from hypertension that increased by at least 0.643, 0.799, and 0.826, respectively. CONCLUSIONS : The study showed that consuming various proteins, particularly from beans, chicken, tin fish, meat, offal, and dairy, reduces hypertension health risks. It also shows that households with higher food expenditures experience lower hypertension prevalence, emphasizing the importance of dietary variety and financial resources in maintaining a healthy diet and reducing hypertension.
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The impact of selected regimens of chronic HIV-antiretroviral treatment on glycemic control markers and correlates : a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
(Wiley, 2025-01) Gamede, Mlindeli; Sosibo, Mbulelo Aubrey; Gumede, Nontobeko Myllet; Luvuno, Mluleki; mlindeli.gamede@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND AND AIM : Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. The etiology of diabetes can be mainly attributed to factors such as genetic susceptibility, unhealthy diets, and chronic medications. Chronic medications such as HIV-antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been previously associated with the risks of developing metabolic complications. Hence, this protocol outlines the process for conducting a systematic review to investigate the association between chronic ARV treatment and the onset of metabolic syndrome complications. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS : The studies included in the systematic review are selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies are searched using search engines or databases such as PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE DATABASE. The articles that remained after full article screening will be assessed for bias using the Downs and Black checklist, and the data will be extracted. Additionally, heterogeneity tests will be conducted using both Χ2 and I2 tests, meta-analysis will be conducted using the Review Manager version 5.4 software (RevMan), and data will be presented in forest plots. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE) will be used to assess the strength of evidence in eligible reports. DISSEMINATION AND REGISTRATION : The findings intend to give an insight into the ARVs as a risk factor for metabolic diseases and further elaborate on the regimen that possesses a high risk between the first and second regimens. This protocol has been registered on PROSPERO Database #CRD42024521322.
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Advancing sustainable HIV services through integration in primary healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa : a perspective on practical recommendations
(MDPI, 2025-01) Dzinamarira, Tafadzwa; Rwibasira, Gallican; Mwila, Loveday; Moyo, Enos; Mangoya, Derek; Moyo, Perseverance; Oladele, Edward; Akinjeji, Adewale; Chimene, Munashe; Muvunyi, Claude Mambo
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of the global HIV epidemic. Integrating HIV services into primary healthcare is a crucial strategy to accelerate progress towards ending the epidemic. However, several challenges hinder effective integration, including underfunding, human resource shortages, infrastructure limitations, weak health systems, and sociocultural factors. With this perspective, we discuss strategies to address these challenges. A comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary to overcome these barriers. Investing in human resources, improving infrastructure, and strengthening health information systems are essential for strengthening the health system. Implementing patient-centered care, integrated service delivery models, and community engagement can optimize service delivery. Utilizing digital health tools, such as mobile health applications and electronic health records, can enhance service delivery and data management. Mobilizing for an increase in domestic resources, aligning donor funding, and using cost-effective approaches are crucial for effective financing. Finally, robust monitoring and evaluation systems are necessary to track progress, identify challenges, and inform decision-making. With these strategies, among many others, sub-Saharan African countries can significantly improve the integration of HIV services into primary healthcare, leading to better health outcomes for people living with HIV and more sustainable HIV programs.
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Nitric oxide mediated kisspeptin regulation of steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in the catfish, Clarias batrachus
(Springer, 2024-08) Singh, Ankur; Lal, Bechan; Kumar, Pankaj; Parhar, Ishwar S.; Millar, Robert P.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that regulates various reproductive functions. It is a well-recognized regulator of GnRH-FSH/LH-sex steroid secretion in vertebrates including fish. Kisspeptin is a recently discovered neuropeptide which also regulates GnRH secretion. Nitrergic and kisspeptin neurons are reported in close physical contact in the mammalian brain suggesting their interactive role in the release of GnRH. The existence of kisspeptin and NOS is also demonstrated in vertebrate gonads, but information on their reciprocal relation in gonads, if any, is obscure. Therefore, attempts were made to evaluate the functional reciprocal relation between nitric oxide and kisspeptin in the catfish gonads, if any, by administering the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME {N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester}, which reduces NO production, and kisspeptin agonist (KP-10) and assessing their impacts on the expressions of kisspeptin1, different NOS isoforms, NO and steroid production in the gonadal tissue. The results revealed that L-NAME suppressed the expression of kiss1 in gonads of the catfish establishing the role of NO in kisspeptin expression. However, KP-10 increased the expression of all the isoforms of NOSs (iNOS, eNOS, nNOS) and concurrently NO and steroids in the ovary and testis. In vitro studies also indicate that kisspeptin stimulates the production of NO and estradiol and testosterone levels in the gonadal explants and medium. Thus, in vivo results clearly suggest a reciprocal interaction between kisspeptin and NO to regulate the gonadal activity of the catfish. The in vitro findings further substantiate our contention regarding the interactive role of kisspeptin and NO in gonadal steroidogenesis.