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Mechanistic analysis of fatigue crack propagation in AA7075-T6 aluminum alloy : three-stage growth behavior and damage tolerance implications
Zouambi, L.; Fekirini, H.; Moller, Heinrich; Khodja, Malika (Springer, 2025-11)
Please read abstract in the article.
Impact of infertility on marital stability among Ghanaian women : a systematic review
Armah, Deborah; Kyei, Josephine M.; Van der Wath, Anna Elizabeth; Ansong-Aggrey, Samuel Kwabena; Naab, Florence (Wiley, 2026-02)
BACKGROUND : Childbearing holds profound social and personal significance for many Ghanaian married women. An inability to conceive threatens both the psychological well-being and marital stability, often generating tension, distress, bitterness, pain and relational strain within the home. This study, therefore, aims to answer the research question: What is the impact of infertility on marital stability among Ghanaian women? OBJECTIVE : To explore the impact of infertility on marital stability. METHOD : Articles published globally, specifically in Ghana, between January 2018 and January 2025 that explored the impact of infertility on marital stability among women were retrieved from scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, ProQuest and ScienceDirect). The used keywords included “Impact, Infertility, and Marital stability”. A total of 52 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed after data extraction was performed using the PRISMA (2018) guideline. RESULTS : A total of 52 studies were included, of which 38 studies (75%) reported significant marital instability, including destabilising homes, diminishing the quality of marital relationships and reducing partner interaction, ultimately contributing to marital instability, separation and divorce. Most studies were of moderate methodological quality, with common limitations related to sample sizes and theoretical frameworks. CONCLUSION : Infertility exerts profound psychosocial effects on marital stability, particularly for women, who are often exposed to verbal and physical abuse, threats from spouses and in-laws and, in severe cases, abandonment. Greater awareness of how infertility affects marital stability can guide community programmes that address cultural pressures around childbearing and support national reproductive health policies that integrate psychosocial care for women. These findings underscore the need for integrating psychosocial and marital counselling into infertility care and for policies that promote holistic, couple-centred reproductive health services.
Impact of treatment-induced thrombosis on the prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia : a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mkhwanazi, Zekhethelo A.; Fabunmi, Oyesanmi A.; Nkambule, Bongani B. (BMJ Publishing Group, 2026-02)
INTRODUCTION : Therapy-associated thrombosis remains a challenge in the management of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Thrombosis associated with asparaginase-containing chemotherapy complicates patient management strategies, prompting the need for effective prophylaxis. Assessing the relationship between chemotherapy-induced thrombosis and patient outcomes is crucial for optimising ALL management strategies. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a synthesis on whether the development of thrombosis during asparaginase-containing chemotherapy regimens impacts the overall and event-free survival of patients with ALL. METHODS AND ANALYSIS : Data sources: to identify relevant studies, a comprehensive search will be conducted on the major electronic databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science (Clarivate), Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost), clinicaltrial.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 30 January 2026. INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES : randomised and non-randomised clinical studies evaluating the impact of asparaginase-containing chemotherapy-associated thrombosis on survival outcomes in patients with ALL will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen the retrieved studies, extract data and assess study quality using a predefined criteria. A narrative synthesis will be undertaken, and if feasible, meta-analyses will be conducted. A subgroup and sensitivity analysis will be performed to explain the sources of heterogeneity. The quality of cumulative evidence will be assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation tool. The findings from this systematic review will inform evidence-based clinical guidelines for thrombosis risk assessment and management in patients with ALL, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing thrombosis-related morbidity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY • The review will be conducted according to a predefined protocol with systematic searching, dual independent screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. • Both narrative synthesis and meta-analysis will be undertaken where appropriate, with statistical heterogeneity assessed and explored using predefined subgroup and sensitivity analyses. • Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised cohort studies involving participants across all age groups will be included. • Mortality outcomes will be synthesised using reported overall survival and event-free survival at comparable follow-up time points. • Variability in thrombosis definitions, diagnostic criteria and outcome reporting across studies may limit study comparability and the precision of pooled estimates.
Imaging of infection in nephro-urology : a practical nuclear medicine–focused review
Mokoala, Kgomotso M.G.; Kaoma, Chimbabantu; Jibril, Farida; Kabunda, Joseph; Sathekge, Mike Machaba (Elsevier, 2026)
Infection of the nephro-urological system remains a common and clinically challenging problem, particularly in patients with atypical presentations, prior instrumentation, or underlying immunosuppression. Conventional anatomical imaging plays a central role in identifying obstruction, collections, and complications but is often limited in distinguishing active infection from sterile inflammation or post-interventional change. Nuclear medicine techniques provide complementary functional and molecular information that can clarify disease activity, define extent, and influence patient management. This review presents a practical, nuclear medicine-focused overview of imaging approaches for nephro-urological infection. Established techniques, including ⁹⁹ᵐTc-DMSA imaging, radiolabelled white blood cell scintigraphy, and 18F-FDG PET/CT, are discussed with emphasis on tracer biology, physiological renal handling, and common interpretive pitfalls. Clinical scenarios such as acute and chronic pyelonephritis, renal abscess, transplant infection, and device-related infection are used to illustrate appropriate tracer selection and integration with anatomical imaging. Special populations, including paediatric patients, immunocompromised individuals, and renal transplant recipients, are considered, alongside practical algorithms and teaching points aimed at improving clinical applicability. Emerging developments in bacteria-specific tracers, quantitative imaging, and hybrid modalities are also reviewed. By adopting a biologically informed and question-driven approach, nuclear medicine can play an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and management of nephro-urological infection. KEY TEACHING POINTS • Nuclear medicine imaging of nephro-urological infection reflects biological activity and inflammatory response, providing information beyond structural imaging. • Physiological renal tracer handling and urinary excretion are major challenges; optimized preparation, delayed imaging, and hybrid techniques are essential for accurate interpretation. • ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT offers high sensitivity and whole-body assessment and is particularly valuable in complicated infection, renal transplant recipients, and fever of unknown origin. • Radiolabelled white blood cell scintigraphy provides greater specificity for active infection and is especially useful in chronic, recurrent, or device-related infection. • ⁹⁹ᵐTc-DMSA is best suited for evaluating renal cortical involvement and long-term sequelae rather than distinguishing active infection. • Selection of imaging technique should be question-driven, tailored to disease acuity, chronicity, and clinical context. • Nuclear medicine imaging is most effective when integrated into a multimodality diagnostic pathway alongside ultrasound, CT, and MRI. • Awareness of common pitfalls, including post-procedural inflammation and malignancy-related uptake, is essential to avoid false-positive interpretations. • When appropriately applied, nuclear medicine imaging can directly influence management, supporting targeted intervention and rational antimicrobial stewardship.
Image use in aphasia rehabilitation : practices of speech-language pathologists in South Africa and international contexts
Pillay, Bhavani Sarveshvari; Van der Linde, Jeannie; Graham, Marien Alet; Dada, Shakila (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
PURPOSE : The study aimed to explore speech-language pathologists' practices regarding image selection and use in the treatment of people living with aphasia. Images are widely utilised with people living with aphasia, however, supporting their communication optimally remains challenging. METHOD : Ninety-two speech-language pathologists from South Africa, Australia, USA, and the UK completed a custom-designed online survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics, with structured-tabular thematic analysis were used. RESULTS : Sixty-two (82.7%) of the 75 participants who conduct assessments with people living with aphasia mostly use images. Sixty-seven (72.8%) of the total sample include images during treatment. South African respondents reported using black-and-white line drawings (28.1%) less frequently than speech-language pathologists from other countries (9.8%). Coloured images were preferred overall. South African participants significantly reported culture (62.5%) and religious orientation as "always important" (63.3%) compared to their counterparts (34.1%, 12.2%). Respondents use images to support learning and language; and less frequently in discourse with people living with aphasia. The more experienced a respondent was, the more knowledgeable and confident they felt incorporating images. Themes of client considerations and clinical settings for images emerged. Speech-language pathologists' perceived barriers were time, larger caseloads, people living with aphasia's variable responses to images, and lack of resources. CONCLUSION : Speech-language pathologists in this sample have a knowledge base of image types and factors that may contribute to image interpretation in people living with aphasia. However, further research globally is needed. A structured approach to image selection is lacking in both low and middle-income, and high-income countries. Considering people living with aphasia's skills, preferences, and communication partner involvement may optimise image use. Development of a framework for systematically organising image features for people living with aphasia is warranted.