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Orthostatic blood pressure changes among adults in Ekiti state, Nigeria :impact of socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biophysical factors
Fabunmi, Oyesanmi A.; Adeniyi, Mayowa J.; Lenting, Andrea; Masilela, Thulani; Janse van Rensburg, Dina Christina (Wiley, 2026-02)
Orthostatic intolerance is the inability to maintain upright posture, a key manifestation of autonomic dysfunction that can lead to orthostatic hypotension (OH). We aimed to investigate orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes among cohorts living in Ekiti State and to explore plausible underlying factors. We encompassed 140 participants (28% male; 72% female; age range: 18–70 years) in our preliminary study. Socio-demographic and anthropometric indices were collected using appropriate tools. Orthostatic responses were assessed at baseline, standing, and sitting following standardized protocols. Systolic (BP) decreased significantly by 4% after 1-min standing (130 ± 22 mmHg) compared to baseline (137 ± 20 mmHg). Diastolic (BP) increased significantly by 6.1% at 3 min (87 ± 13 mmHg) and 4.8% at 5 min (86 ± 12 mmHg) compared to baseline (82 ± 11 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Occupation (traders) and education level (secondary) are positively associated with mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 1- and 3-min standing times (p < 0.05). Orthostatic MAP at 1, 3, and 5 min correlated negatively with height but positively with body mass index (BMI), hip, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for body composition and lifestyle in regulating autonomic cardiovascular function in response to postural changes.
Out of Africa comes no support for global biodiversity catastrophes
Pimm, Stuart L.; Davies, T. Jonathan; Gittleman, John L. (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2026-02)
The Living Planet Index and the ever-changing iterations of planetary boundaries for biodiversity integrity or health are inappropriate, misleading, and will harm on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Optimization FTO/c-TiO2 capped with m-TiO2 electron transport layer for efficient interfacial charge carriers' extraction and transport prepared by spray pyrolysis
Sibiya, Sizwe Bhekithemba; Diale, M. (Mmantsae Moche) (Wiley, 2026-01)
Please read abstract in the article.
Ophiostoma ipsi-confusi sp. nov. six, Marinc. & Duong, a consistent symbiotic fungus of the pinyon ips bark beetle, ips confusus LeConte
Six, Diana L.; Marincowitz, Seonju; Duong, Tuan A. (Springer, 2026)
Several tree-killing bark beetle species have nutritional mutualisms with specific fungi. However, few secondary bark beetles (those that colonize weak or dying trees) have been investigated for symbiotic fungi and most are thought to have only incidental fungal associates and no dependence on fungi for nutritional or other benefits. In contrast to this supposition, we consistently isolated (> 97%) a fungus from adult Ips confusus (pinyon ips) collected from Pinus edulis (two-needle pinyon pine) from Arizona and New Mexico, USA. Using morphology and DNA sequences for three gene regions, we found the fungus is most closely related to an obligate mutualist fungus of Dendroctonus ponderosae (mountain pine beetle), Ophiostoma montium (Ascomycota: Ophiostomatales), but is morphologically and genetically distinct from it and other known species in Ophiostoma. It is also capable of growth at relatively high temperatures compared with other Ophiostoma, reflective of its southwestern USA distribution. The high frequency of its association with the beetle indicates it is symbiotic and suggests it may be a mutualist.
Open tibial fractures Part 2 : a narrative review of definitive treatment and potential applicability to the southern African context
Hohmann, Erik; Molepo, Maketo; Laubscher, Maritz; Tetsworth, Kevin (Taylor and Francis, 2026-01-08)
The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of contemporary definitive treatment options, potential complications and clinical outcomes for open tibial shaft fractures and while assessing their relevance and applicability within South African context. Treatment options available in high-income countries may not be accessible in low-resource settings, requiring adaptations to the treatment approach based on local conditions. Only one African country has attempted to establish principal guidelines for the treatment of open tibial fractures through a consensus-based approach. These guidelines cover primary assessment, antibiotics, initial stabilization, referral criteria, debridement and irrigation, documentation, wound closure, soft-tissue management, amputation, and definitive internal fixation. Unfortunately, definitive fracture management recommendations for African low-resource countries are not yet available. There is a lack of data regarding the treatment of open tibial fractures in low-resource countries, particularly in regional and rural areas. Existing guidelines address antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment, debridement and lavage, initial surgical fixation, wound closure (both primary and definitive), soft-tissue management (including flap coverage), and bone fragment retention, all adapted to local resource availability. However, guidelines for definitive treatment remain unavailable. Treatment options recommended by high-income countries are largely unsuitable, and Southern African nations should focus on developing guidelines tailored to their available resources.