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Ultrasonography use for tongue cancer management : a scoping review
(Wiley, 2024-02) Duarte, Luiz Claudio Pires; Teixeira, Karlayle; Dias, Barbara Magalhaes Figueiredo; Fonseca, Felipe Paiva; Travassos, Denise Vieira; Smit, Chane; De Castro, Mauricio Augusto Aquino; Sampaio, Aline Araujo
BACKGROUND : Tongue cancer is associated with debilitating diseases and poor prognostic outcomes. The use of imaging techniques like ultrasonography to assist in the clinical management of affected patients is desirable, but its reliability remains debatable. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the importance of ultrasound use for the clinicopathological management of tongue cancer.
METHODS : A scoping review was carried out using specific search strategies in the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Collected data included bibliographical information, study design, ultrasound equipment, the aim of the ultrasonography use, the timing of ultrasound use during oncological treatment (pre-, trans-, and/or post-operatively), and the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the ultrasound.
RESULTS : A total of 47 studies were included in this review after following the selection process. The majority of the studies investigated the use of ultrasound pre-operatively for the investigation of lymph node metastases or to determine the tumor thickness and depth of invasion. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound to determine clinical lymph node metastases ranged from 47% to 87.2%, from 84.3% to 95.8%, and from 70% to 86.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity to determine the microscopic depth of invasion were 92.3% and from 70.6% to 82.1%, respectively.
CONCLUSION : Ultrasonography seems to be a reliable imaging technique for the investigation of important prognostic parameters for tongue cancer, including depth of invasion and lymph node metastases.
Genome sequencing projects reveal new insights into the mammalian Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone II system
(Wiley, 2024-10) Morgan, Kevin; Millar, Robert P.
The type II gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) was first discovered in chicken (Gallus gallus) brain and then shown to be present in many vertebrates. Indeed, its structure is conserved unchanged throughout vertebrate evolution from teleost fish through to mammals suggesting a crucial function. Yet the functional significance has been largely unexplored. Studies in comparative endocrinology show that the GnRH-II system is differentially functional in mammalian species. Intact GnRH-II neuropeptide and receptor genes (GnRH2 and GnRH receptor 2 GnRHR2) occur in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus), musk shrews (Suncus murinus) and pigs (Sus scrofa). However, one or other or both of these genes are inactivated in other species, where mutations or remnants affecting GnRH2 neuropeptide and/or type II GnRHR exons are retained in conserved genomic loci. New data from DNA sequencing projects facilitate extensive analysis of species-specific variation in these genes. Here, we describe GnRH2 and GnRHR2 genes spanning a collection of 21 taxonomic orders, encompassing around 140 species from Primates, Scandentia, Eulipotyphla, Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Perissodactyls, Pholidota, Chiroptera, Afrotheria, Xenarthra and Marsupialia. Intact coding exons for both GnRH2 and GnRHR2 occur in monkeys, tree shrews, shrews, moles, hedgehogs, several rodents (degu, kangaroo-rat, pocket mouse), pig, pecarry and warthog, camels and alpaca, bears, Weddell seal, hyena, elephant, aardvark and marsupials. Inactivating mutations affecting GnRH2 and GnRHR2, some located at conserved sites within exons, occur in species of primates, most rodents, lagomorphs, bovidae, cetaceans, felidae, canidae and other carnivora, pangolins, most bats, armadillo, brushtail and echidna. A functional GnRH-II system appears retained within several taxonomic families of mammals, but intact retention does not extend to whole taxonomic orders. Defining how endogenous GnRH-II neuropeptide operates in different mammals may afford functional insight into its actions in the brain, especially as, unlike the type I GnRH system, it is expressed in the mid brain and not the hypothalamus.
Revolutionizing breast cancer screening : integrating artificial intelligence with clinical examination for targeted care in South Africa
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Malherbe, Kathryn
INTRODUCTION : Breast cancer remains a critical public health concern globally, with early detection being pivotal to improving outcomes through clinical downstaging. In low- and middle-income countries, access to traditional screening methods like mammography is limited due to high costs, infrastructure deficits, and shortages of trained professionals. This study evaluates the integration of Breast AI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced diagnostic tool, with Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) to improve breast cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Although the system demonstrated clinical utility, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, infrastructure readiness, and provider training for scaling this technology warrant further exploration.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the Breast AI system in conjunction with CBE for breast cancer screening. Objectives included evaluating the system's diagnostic performance, its potential to achieve clinical downstaging, and its ability to reduce unnecessary surgical referrals. The study also aimed to identify areas for improvement, such as logistical barriers and scaling feasibility.
METHODS : A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted at Daspoort PoliClinic in Gauteng Province over 6 months. A total of 1,617 women aged 25 to 85 years were screened using CBE and Breast AI. Data collection included risk stratification, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) scoring, and referral outcomes. Statistical analyses compared the diagnostic performance of CBE and Breast AI using McNemar's test, with a Chi-square value of 1.8 and a p value of 0.1797. Educational sessions on breast cancer awareness were also conducted to encourage community engagement.
RESULTS : Of the 1,617 women, 530 presented with clinical signs or risk factors. Eight patients required short-term follow-up for BIRADS-3 findings, five of whom were identified by Breast AI, compared to two identified by CBE. No cases were classified as BIRADS-5 requiring immediate intervention. The Breast AI system demonstrated improved sensitivity, identifying four additional positive cases compared to CBE, thereby reducing false negatives. Risk stratification by Breast AI ranged between 0 and 25%, indicating a low probability of malignancy but ensuring accurate referral for symptomatic cases. The system facilitated timely surgical opinions for conditions like accessory breast tissue with lipoma that CBE had missed. Despite these findings, logistical and cost-effectiveness barriers to scaling the technology remain unaddressed.
CONCLUSION : The integration of Breast AI into screening programs showed promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, achieving clinical downstaging, and reducing unnecessary surgical referrals. The system's adjunctive use with CBE demonstrated potential for streamlining health-care delivery in resource-limited settings. However, the study highlights the need for further research on scaling this technology, addressing logistical challenges, and evaluating its cost-effectiveness. Future efforts should focus on expanding the sample population, integrating AI-driven tools into national screening protocols, and enhancing provider training to optimize patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Radioactivity distribution in soil, rock and tailings at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Mwimanzi, Jerome M.; Haneklaus, Nils H.; Bituh, Tomislav; Brink, Hendrik Gideon; Kiegiel, Katarzyna; Lolila, Farida; Marwa, Janeth J.; Rwiza, Mwemezi J.; Mtei, Kelvin M.
Please read abstract in the article.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy at a health centre in South Africa : a cross-sectional study
(AOSIS, 2025-01) Zulu, Ntokozo; Piotie, Patrick Ngassa; Webb, Elizabeth M.; Maphenduka, Wezi G.; Cook, Steve; Rheeder, Paul; patrick.ngassapiotie@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : In South Africa, screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is non-existent at the primary healthcare (PHC) level because of the absence of a screening programme. This leads to preventable vision loss.
AIM : To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eye screenings and subsequent referrals.
SETTING : Laudium Community Health Centre (CHC), a PHC facility in Tshwane.
METHODS : We conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2022 to August 2022. Individuals with diabetes were screened for eye complications using visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, and fundoscopy with a non-mydriatic digital fundus camera. Fundus images were analysed by an optometrist and an artificial intelligence (AI) programme. Demographic and clinical data were collected.
RESULTS : A total of 120 participants were included, with the majority (60.7%) from Laudium CHC. Most participants (64.2%) were on oral agents, and 66.7% were women. The mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 8.3%, with a median diabetes duration of 8 years. Artificial intelligence detected more glaucoma cases (17.5% vs 9.2%) and DR (23.3% vs 15.8%) compared to the optometrist. In contrast, the optometrist identified more cases of macula pathology (29.2% vs 19.2%). Participants (n = 79) were referred to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis confirmation and management.
CONCLUSION : The study revealed that while DR was not highly prevalent among PHC patients with diabetes, there was a significant referral rate for other ocular complications. Artificial intelligence can enhance early detection and improve efficiency.
CONTRIBUTION : The findings underscore the need to integrate diabetes eye screening programmes into PHC services for people living with diabetes.