Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

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This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.

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The impact of age-related changes in the skull on sex estimation using morphoscopic traits
Houston, Sarah-Kelly; Brits, Desire; Myburgh, Jolandie; Liebenberg, Leandi (Springer, 2025-11)
The five sexually dimorphic traits of the skull described by Walker are frequently employed in skeletal analyses for sex estimation. Previous research has highlighted various changes in the craniofacial complex associated with advancing age, as cranial remodelling persists into adulthood. Age has been recognised as one potential factor contributing to misclassification when using the Walker traits. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age on the expression of sexually dimorphic cranial traits and the impact of that influence on sex estimation in a South African sample. The traits were scored on a sample of 453 skulls between 14 and 108 years of age with an equal sex distribution. Only the nuchal crest exhibited significant differences in score distributions among the females in the sample, indicating differences between individuals younger than 40 years and those older than 40 years. Classification models showed a slight increase in accuracy for younger individuals when age-specific standards were applied, while accuracy for older individuals decreased slightly. However, the difference in accuracy with age-specific standards was comparable to accuracies obtained with all ages pooled. The results suggest age did not have as substantial an impact on trait expression as population affinity, and prior knowledge of age did not significantly influence the accuracy of the method. Thus, the pre-selection of age before the estimation of sex using the Walker traits is not currently necessary when conducting skeletal analyses in a contemporary South African population. However, the use of population-specific standards is paramount to more accurate classification.
Circulating microRNA profiles in pregnant South African women with different types of diabetes mellitus
Masete, Matladi Innocent; Dias, Stephanie; Malaza, Nompumelelo; Adam, Sumaiya; Mutavhatsindi , Hygon; Valverde-Tercedor, Carmen; Vega-Guedes, Begoña; Wägner, Ana Maria; Pheiffer, Carmen (MDPI, 2025-09-24)
Diabetes in pregnancy increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes for mother and child, with severity influenced by the type of diabetes and degree of hyperglycemia. This study aimed to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with different types of diabetes in pregnancy. Serum miRNAs were profiled in pregnant South African women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), gestational diabetes (GDM), and normoglycemia using PCR arrays (n = 15). Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in pregnant South African women (n = 167), and a separate cohort of Spanish pregnant women with T1DM and T2DM (n = 48). PCR arrays showed significant differential expression for miR-19b-3p (↓ 9.8-fold; p = 0.033) in GDM, miR-20a-5p (↓ 4.5-fold; p = 0.047) in T1DM, and miR-29a-3p (↑ 1.8-fold; p = 0.002) in T2DM compared to normoglycemia. Screening in the larger cohort showed lower expression of miR-20a-5p (↓ 2-fold; p = 0.013) in GDM and miR-30d-5p (↓ 2.1-fold; p = 0.032) in T1DM compared to normoglycemia. Additionally, miR-20a-5p levels were higher in women with T2DM compared to those with GDM (↑ 2.5-fold; p = 0.019). Our findings show that miRNA profiles are largely consistent across different types of diabetes in pregnancy, suggesting that hyperglycemia plays a key role in shaping miRNA expressions. Moreover, the identification of several shared gene targets suggests common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Modelling factors associated with the probability of seeking traditional care after dog bites in Sierra Leone
Mshelbwala, Philip P.; Suluku, Roland; Anyasodor, Anayochukwu E.; Fadiji, Oyinkansola; Adamu, Andrew M.; Audu, Solomon W.; Sabeta, Claude Taurai; Rupprecht, Charles E.; Wangdi, Kinley (Elsevier, 2026-04)
Evidence suggests a rising incidence of dog bites in Sierra Leone despite ongoing efforts to prevent rabies. However, little is known about the factors influencing the decision to seek medical care following a dog bite. To address this gap, we developed a probabilistic model to examine factors associated with the likelihood of seeking traditional care in Sierra Leone. Among the 2558 respondents who completed the survey, 31 % (782/2558) indicated that they would seek traditional care after a dog bite. The posterior distributions of our model estimates indicated that the probability of seeking traditional care was higher among respondents with lower levels of education, those residing in rural areas, individuals lacking knowledge about rabies virus transmission and its hosts, and those who owned vaccinated dogs. Conversely, respondents living in locations with a livestock officer or veterinary establishment had lower odds of seeking traditional remedies compared with those uncertain about access. We observed a negative relationship between the percentage of health facilities and the probability of seeking traditional care, with higher percentages associated with a decreased likelihood of seeking traditional remedies. We also found regional variation in the probability of seeking traditional care. Respondents in the Eastern and Western Area were less likely to seek traditional remedies than those in the Northern and Southern Provinces. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational campaigns to raise awareness about rabies and the importance of timely medical care after exposure. Improving healthcare access in rural areas and fostering collaboration with traditional healers are also essential for reducing reliance on traditional care and strengthening rabies prevention and control efforts.
Modeling bounded count environmental data using a contaminated beta-binomial regression model
Otto, Arnoldus F.; Punzo, Antonio; Ferreira, Johannes T.; Bekker, Andriette, 1958-; Tomarchio, Salvatore D.; Tortora, Cristina (Wiley, 2026-01)
Bounded count data are commonly encountered in environmental studies. This paper examines two environmental applications illustrating their relevance. The first investigates the effect of winter malnutrition on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawn mortality. The second application analyzes public perceptions of environmental issues using data from the Eurobarometer 95.1 survey (March–April 2021), which includes a question rating the perceived severity of climate change on a scale from 1 to 10. Together, these studies demonstrate the need for flexible bounded count models in environmental research. In this context, the binomial and beta-binomial (BB) models are widely used for bounded count data, with the BB model offering the advantage of accounting for overdispersion. However, atypical observations in real-world applications may hinder the performance of the BB model and lead to biased or misleading inferences. To address this limitation, we propose the contaminated beta-binomial (cBB) distribution (cBB-D), which introduces an additional BB component to accommodate atypical observations while preserving the mean and variance structure of the BB model. The cBB-D thus captures both overdispersion and contamination effects in bounded count data. To incorporate explanatory variables, we further develop the contaminated BB regression model (cBB-RM), in which none, some, or all cBB parameters may depend on covariates. The proposed models are applied to two environmental datasets, complemented by a sensitivity analysis on simulated data to assess the influence of atypical observations on parameter estimation. The methodology is implemented in the open-source cBB package for R, available at https://github.com/arnootto/cBB.
Mini-review and situation report on the role and usefulness of nuclear medicine imaging for malaria
Duvenhage, Janie; Zeevaart, Jan Rijn; Sathekge, Mike Machaba; Ebenhan, Thomas (Springer, 2026-01)
Malaria remains one of the deadliest parasitic diseases globally. Delay or failure in treatment can lead to the development of severe malaria. Severe malaria, an understudied multisystem disease, affects the host’s organs and can lead to several syndromes and serious complications, some effecting life-long neurological and cognitive sequela. There is a lack in knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying severe malaria pathogenesis, and research has mostly relied on post-mortem studies and animal models, both of which lack translatability to human malaria. This review presents the clinical nuclear imaging techniques used in malaria. Although the presented radiopharmaceuticals have added value to understand some aspects of severe malaria, there has been in stagnation in development of more malaria-specific radiopharmaceuticals. This manuscript highlights the current limitations for implementing improved radiopharm
Millimeter-wave observations of Euclid Deep Field South using the South Pole Telescope : a data release of temperature maps and catalogs
Archipley, M.; Hryciuk, A.; Bleem, L.E.; Kornoelje, K.; Klein, M.; Anderson, A. J.;; Ansarinejad, B.; Aravena, M.; Balkenhol, L.; Barry, P.S.; Benabed, K.; Bender, A.N.; Benson, B.A.; Bianchini, F.; Bocquet, S.; Bouchet, F.R.; Camphuis, E.; Campitiello, M.G.; Carlstrom, J.E.; Cathey, J.; Chang, C.L.; Chapman, S.C.; Chaubal, P.; Chichura, P.M.; Chokshi, A.; Chou, T. -l.; Coerver, A.; Crawford, T.M.; Daley, C.; De Haan, T.; Deane, Roger; Dibert, K.R.; Dobbs, M.A.; Doohan, M.; Doussot, A.; Dutcher, D.; Everett, W.; Feng, C.; Ferguson, K.R.; Fichman, K.; Floyd, B.; Foster, A.; Galli, S.; Gambrel, A.E.; Gardner, R.W.; Ge, F.; Goeckner-Wald, N.; Gonzalez, A.; Grandis, S.; Greve, T.R.; Gualtieri, R.; Guidi, F.; Guns, S.; Halverson, N.W.; Hill, R.; Hivon, E.; Holder, G.P.; Holzapfel, W.L.; Hood, J.C.; Huang, N.; Keruzore, F.; Khalife, A.R.; Knox, L.; Korman, M.; Kuo, C.-l.; Levy, K.; Lowitz, A.E.; Lu, C.; Lynch, G.P.; Maniyar, A.; Martsen, E.S.; Menanteau, F.; Millea, M.; Montgomery, J.; Nakato, Y.; Natoli, T.; Noble, G.I.; Omori, Y.; Ouellette, A.; Pan, Z.; Phadke, K.A.; Pollak, A.W.; Prabhu, K.; Quan, W.; Raghunathan, S.; Rahimi, M.; Rahlin, A.; Reichardt, C.L.; Reuter, C.; Rouble, M.; Ruhl, J.E.; Schiappucci, E.; Simpson, A.; Sobrin, J.A.; Stalder, B.; Stark, A.A.; Sulzenauer, N.; Tandoi, C.; Thorne, B.; Trendafilova, C.; Umilta, C.; Vieira, J.D.; Vitrier, A.; Vizgan, D.; Wan, Y.; Weiss, A.; Whitehorn, N.; Wu, W.L.K.; Young, M.R.; Zebrowski, J.A.; Zhou, D. (EDP Sciences, 2026-02)
CONTEXT : The South Pole Telescope third-generation camera (SPT-3G) has observed over 10 000 square degrees of sky at 95, 150, and 220 GHz (3.3, 2.0, 1.4 mm, respectively) and will significantly overlap the ongoing 14 000 square-degree Euclid Wide Survey. The Euclid collaboration recently released Euclid Deep Field South (EDF-S) observations of 23 square degrees at wide field depths in the first quick data release (Q1). AIMS : With the goal of releasing complementary millimeter-wave data and encouraging legacy science, we performed dedicated observations of a 57-square-degree field overlapping the EDF-S. METHODS : The observing time totaled 20 days, and we reached noise depths of 4.3, 3.8, and 13.2 μK-arcmin at 95, 150, and 220 GHz, respectively. RESULTS : In this work we present the temperature maps and two catalogs constructed from these data. The emissive source catalog contains 601 objects (334 inside EDF-S) with 54% synchrotron-dominated sources and 46% thermal dust emission-dominated sources. The 5σ detection thresholds are 1.7, 2.0, and 6.5 mJy in the three bands. The cluster catalog contains 217 cluster candidates (121 inside EDF-S) with median mass M500c = 2.12 × 1014 M⊙/h70 and median redshift z = 0.70, corresponding to an order-of-magnitude improvement in cluster density over previous tSZ-selected catalogs in this region (3.81 clusters per square degree). CONCLUSIONS : The overlap between SPT and Euclid data will enable a range of multiwavelength studies of the aforementioned source populations. This work serves as the first step toward joint projects between SPT and Euclid and provides a rich dataset containing information on galaxies, clusters, and their environments.
Migrant livelihoods and the power of social ties : evidence from Johannesburg's informal sector
Naicker, Dishan; Fourie, Alicia; Claassen, Carike (Routledge, 2026)
This study investigates the characteristics of informal immigrant entrepreneurship within the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. It pays special attention to how social capital facilitates immigrant entrepreneurship success. Given the complex operational and economic environment, the study also sought to understand how immigrant entrepreneurs handle the challenges associated with access to resources, which they face daily. Drawing on twenty qualitative interviews, the findings show that social capital offers support mechanisms that compensate for structural exclusion from formal systems. In the context of growing tensions and competition in the informal economy, the research underscores the need for more inclusive network-building between immigrant and local entrepreneurs to foster social cohesion and shared economic benefit. The findings have implications for policy interventions targeting informal trade, migrant inclusion, and local development in South African urban economies
Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of a species-specific sucking louse, Johnsonpthirus heliosciuri, act as a proxy to provide insights into the population connectivity of its host, smith's bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi
Raubenheimer, Inge; Matthee, Sonja; Wentzel, Jeanette Maria; Matthee, Conrad A. (Springer, 2026-01-28)
Due to co-evolution, permanent species-specific lice and their hosts often exhibit congruent phylogenetic patterns, and to a lesser extent also congruent phylogeographic structures. However, because ectoparasites generally have smaller effective population sizes (due to their aggregated distribution), and they have a faster evolutionary rate (generation time effect), their phylogeographic structures are often more pronounced. This study investigates the phylogeographic structure of a squirrel Paraxerus cepapi and one of its louse species, Johnsonpthirus heliosciuri, sampled from eight localities in South Africa. Statistical haplotype networks derived from 51 host mitochondrial DNA control region sequences revealed a lack of geographic genetic structure among sampling sites, with most genetic variation found within populations (ΦST = 0.304, P < 0.05). In stark contrast, analyses of 43 louse mitochondrial COI sequences showed a clear pattern of geographic genetic structure, with most variation occurring between populations (ΦST = 0.797, P < 0.05). Nuclear Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1 (EF1) data revealed no geographic structure in either species. The lack of phylogeographic congruence between host and louse, as well as between mitochondrial and nuclear markers, is likely due to stochastic differences in the evolutionary rates of host and parasite DNA. In this study, the species-specific permanent parasite acted as a biological proxy, or a ‘magnifying glass’, for host phylogeography. The louse mitochondrial DNA data suggest that recent anthropogenic habitat fragmentation may indeed be limiting squirrel movement across the landscape.
Microscale assessment of brush packing mulch as a method for enhancing soil moisture content and promoting delayed grass seedling mortality of subtropical grasses
Mangani, Tshepiso; Monegi, Piet; Mangani, Robert (Wiley, 2026-04)
Recurring droughts in South Africa's dryland rangelands have profound effects on ecosystem health. Consequently, identifying sustainable soil moisture content techniques is critical for enhancing plant growth to support ecosystem function. Soil moisture content was measured daily for five weeks using the field capacity as a reference and compared within the two mulching densities, high and low versus bare soil. The effect thereof was evaluated on growth parameters: emergence, relative growth, and survival rate of three subtropical grasses (Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayan, and Panicum maximum) in seedling trays under a greenhouse. Soil moisture content significantly differed in all the treatments (p < 0.05); the mulching treatments retained half their moisture compared to the no cover treatment, which lost more than 77% moisture. The evapotranspiration was cumulatively lowest in the high-density mulching. Overall, Chloris gayana and Panicum maximum had the highest emergence (> 40%) and relative growth in the mulching treatments, while Cenchrus ciliaris emerged better (56%) and had relative growth in the no cover. By Week 6, many seedlings did not survive; however, Panicum maximum persisted in the high-density mulching with almost 17% seedlings survival. The mulching effect improved soil moisture content, thus providing more conducive conditions for germination and survival, especially of understorey grasses. While this approach is effective for certain grass species, it has demonstrated ecologically significant enhancement for soil moisture content and reducing evaporation, potentially promoting good soil structure and health.
Synthesis, characterization, anti-nematicidal, and computational study of Copper(II) complex derived from fluoro-substituted Schiff base ligand
Lawan, Salisu Y.; Ndahi, Naomi P.; Galadima, Ibrahim B.; Wahab, Olaide O.; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Coetzee, Louis-Charl C.; Abd El-Maksoud, Mostafa S.; Waziri, Ibrahim (Wiley, 2025-06)
In this study, a novel fluoro-substituted Schiff base ligand (HL) was synthesized through a condensation reaction between 2-bromo-4-(trifluoromethoxy)aniline and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde in methanol solvent at room temperature. The ligand was subsequently reacted with copper(II) acetate to produce the corresponding Cu(II) complex (CuL2). Both the ligand and its complex underwent characterization using various techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible, Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy. In addition, the solid-state structure of the complex was determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, confirming the successful isolation of the compounds. Subsequently, the nematicidal activities of the ligand and its complex were assessed through in vitro egg hatching inhibition and mortality rate assays, in comparison to the control, carbofuran (Crf), at concentrations of 50 and 100 µM over a 24–72-h period. The results indicated the ligand's superiority over the complex in both assays at lower concentrations. At a concentration of 50 µM, the ligand HL demonstrated 100% egg-hatching inhibition at 24, 48, and 72 h, whereas the complex CuL2 showed egg-hatching inhibition rates of 93.86 ± 0.22%, 98.76 ± 0.14%, and 99.33 ± 0.52% at the same time intervals. The control, Crf, exhibited inhibition rates of 56.33 ± 0.33%, 69.94 ± 0.6%, and 67.00 ± 0.34% over the same time period. Similarly, at a concentration of 100 µM, both the ligand and complex demonstrated 100% egg-hatching inhibition at 24, 48, and 72 h, while the control showed egg-hatching rates of 88.16 ± 0.84%, 89.9 ± 0.55%, and 90.8 ± 0.50%. Regarding the mortality rate, at 50 and 100 µM, the ligand HL exhibited a 100% mortality rate within 24 to 72 h, whereas the complex CuL2 displayed mortality rates of 56.66 ± 0.33%, 63.3 ± 0.23%, and 86.66 ± 0.13% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, with a mortality rate of 100% at 100 µM within the same time intervals. The control, Crf, demonstrated mortality rates of 54%–67% at 50 µM and 62%–78% at 100 µM within 24–72 h. Additionally, the density-functional theory study revealed the electronic properties of the compounds, reinforcing the experimental findings.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) special issue
Navalkissoor, Shaunak; Millar, Robert P. (Wiley, 2025-03)
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), a form of radioligand therapy (RLT), is a well-established treatment in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour (NET), but RLT is being increasingly employed in other cancers such as prostatic cancer. PRRT is a type of molecular radiotherapy and uses the theranostics principle, where the same target molecule utilises different radionuclides for imaging and therapy. The imaging of this target molecule first identifies whether the tumour exhibits enough of the diagnostic radionuclide to indicate adequate concentration of the therapeutic radionuclide pair (beta or alpha or auger emitting radionuclide pair). In NETs, the target molecule is predominantly the somatostatin receptor (SSR). This special issue of the journal focuses predominantly on PRRT in NETs but also touches on current and potential utilisation in other cancers.
Raspberry Pi multispectral imaging camera system (PiMICS) : a low-cost, skills-based physics educational tool
Howell, John C.; Flores, Brian; Naranjo, Juan Javier; Mendez, Angel; Costa-Vera, Cesar; Koumriqian, Chris; Taormina, Nathan; Jordan, Juliana; Neethling, Pieter H.; Groenewald, Calvin; Lovemore, Michael A.C.; Kinsey, Patrick A.T.; Kruger, T.P.J. (Tjaart) (American Association of Physics Teachers, 2026-02)
Here, we report on a skills-building 3D-printable, Raspberry Pi-based multispectral camera (15–25 spectral channels in the visible and near-IR) for as little as $150–$300. The cameras rely on measuring the reflectance spectra of various objects using both active and passive illumination. The cameras were used in a successful pilot program designed such that students could learn 3D modeling, 3D printing, feedback, control, image analysis, Python programming, systems integration, and machine learning, as well as spectroscopy. The students in the pilot program studied a wide array of target spectra upon completion of their cameras, showing their aid as valuable research tools. We believe this can be an important instructional tool in introductory or advanced STEM laboratory courses.
Queer(ed) avatars : exploring visual identity construction in final fantasy XIV online gaymers
Van Heerden, Karl (Sage, 2026)
I explore gaymers’ use of virtual photography to construct their avatar persona in Final Fantasy XIV Online. The study of game photography is a field that has seen relatively sparse engagement from scholars in the past decade. In this article, I discuss virtual photography's potential in gaymers’ visual construction of avatar personas in massively multiplayer online role-playing games. I focus on “gaymers” as they seek alternative identity affordances, expressing dissatisfaction with the narrow range of possibilities in games. In contextualizing the phenomenon, I engage with theories on virtual photography, persona studies, and social networking. I apply this theoretical framework to a series of Instagram accounts dedicated to FFXIV Online avatars. I incorporate a queer methodology in my research to expose how gaymers resist heteronormativity in games. My findings indicate that gaymers queer FFXIV Online's mechanics and visuals through modding and shaders to visually co-construct a digital self.
Radicals in flip subalgebras of Matsuo algebras
Rodrigues, Bernardo Gabriel; Shpectorov, S. (Springer, 2026-04)
We develop methods for determining key properties (simplicity and the dimension of radical) of flip subalgebras in Matsuo algebras. These are interesting classes of commutative non-associative algebras that were introduced within the broader paradigm of axial algebras.
Radio activity from the rapidly rotating T dwarf 2MASS 2228-4310
Wandia, Kelvin; Garrett, Michael A.; Golden, Aaron; Hallinan, Gregg; Williams-Baldwin, David; Lucatelli, Geferson; Beswick, Robert J.; Radcliffe, Jack Frederick; Siemion, Andrew; Myburgh, Talon (Oxford University Press, 2026-03)
Please read abstract in the article.
Rapid commercial CTX-M diagnostics : performance, limitations and clinical impact
Aldeia, Claudia; Peirano, Gisele; Pitout, Johann D.D.; Endimiani, Andrea (Springer, 2026-02)
CTX-M enzymes account for more than 90% of all extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) identified in Enterobacterales. Therefore, rapid identification of these enzymes could improve clinical outcomes in patients infected or colonized by such pathogens. In this review, we described the characteristics and limitations of commercially available rapid tests for detecting CTX-M proteins (lateral flow immunoassays) or blaCTX−M genes (microarrays, quantitative PCR, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification). Additionally, we summarized and discussed their potential clinical impact. Some commercial CTX-M assays - particularly those analyzing aliquots from positive blood cultures (i.e., Verigene, BioFire FilmArray, ePlex) - demonstrated clear advantages over standard-of-care methods, shortening the interval to effective therapy and improving overall patient outcomes. However, the widespread adoption of these rapid assays in routine laboratories remains limited due to several factors, including high costs and the lack of robust evidence supporting their positive impact. To address these implementation challenges, laboratories should focus on a defined patient subgroup in whom the application of these assays is likely to yield the greatest clinical impact. In particular, we propose that all laboratories at least perform rapid CTX-M assays on all Gram-negative-positive blood cultures (including those with sterile fluids) obtained from critically ill patients, such as ICU-patients with septic shock. This strategy is best when accompanied by active communication between the laboratory and key stakeholders in patient management. Providing rapid results for this subpopulation of patients may facilitate timely initiation of appropriate therapy and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Reconceptualising social (in)justice for research in rural South African schools : the roles of space, place and collective response
Higham, Rupert; Mills, Martin; Ebersohn, L. (Liesel) (Routledge, 2026)
Many theories of social justice overlook the importance of space and place. In analysing education in the rural Global South, they do not capture the complexity and situatedness of issues such as cultural and linguistic hierarchies in the language of instruction, and rural flight and individual life trajectories. We propose a new theoretical framework for understanding (in)justice, developed through a project to improve children’s literacy and wellbeing through community engagement in primary schools in rural South Africa. We argue that combining structural, agential and spatial perspectives and incorporating the indigenous theory of ‘flocking’, will help us better hear and understand the distinctive experiences of rural children and adults, and support their agency in addressing the injustices and opportunities they face.
Reasons for hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among the Congolese population : a scoping review
Lobukulu Lolimo, Genese; Khonde, Rodrigue; Matondo, Herve; Kabele, Junias; Yannick, K. Musawu; Beshah, Senait Alemayehu; Achala, Daniel Malik; Njeri Muriithi, Grace; Adote, Elizabeth Naa Adukwei; Zegeye, Elias Asfaw; Mbachu, Chinyere Ojiugo;; Ataguba, John Ele-Ojo; Yaya Bocoum, Fadima Inna Kamina; Manitu, Serge Mayaka (Frontiers Media, 2026-02-17)
INTRODUCTION : Despite over 9.6 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally, vaccination access remains highly unequal. North America and Western Europe have over 50% vaccination coverage, contrasting sharply with African nations, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has under 10%. This scoping review explores the key factors contributing to the low COVID-19 vaccination rate in the Congolese population. METHODS : We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, searching PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 2019 and 2023. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, and focused on the factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and access in the DRC. RESULTS : Although surveys indicated a high willingness on the part of the people to get vaccinated, only 2.7% of the population were fully vaccinated. The primary barrier to vaccination was safety concerns, specifically, perceptions of the vaccine as new and experimental (84.4%) and fear of side effects (83.3%). Additional hesitancy factors included mistrust in vaccine effectiveness (60.4%) and a general lack of confidence (60.0%). Facilitators of acceptance included prior family vaccination, perceived risk of infection, belief in the existence of the virus, and awareness of vaccination strategies. Sociodemographic factors such as being a healthcare professional or male also positively influenced uptake. DISCUSSION : These findings highlight the gap between vaccine willingness and actual coverage in the DRC. Addressing safety concerns and building trust through targeted outreach, especially among key professional groups, may improve vaccine acceptance and equity.
Recent advances in multimodal imaging of infections : research highlights using nuclear-optical imaging
Welling, Mick M.; Driver, Cathryn Helena Stanford; Koatale, Palesa Caroline; Naicker, Tricia; Ebenhan, Thomas (Springer, 2026-04)
Multimodal imaging using hybrid imaging agents is a promising strategy for diagnosing and evaluating pathologies after image-guided surgical interventions. Combining optical and radioactive imaging techniques provides a comprehensive approach to monitoring and diagnosing infections, which would be more effective than routine nuclear clinical tracers for SPECT or PET imaging, thereby enabling more effective treatment as in image-guided surgery. This review summarizes the latest developments in hybrid imaging agents and vectors for radioactive and optical imaging of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. We pinpoint the pitfalls in the current preclinical landscape for developing infection imaging tracers. Besides diagnosing and tracking pathogens, the role of optical imaging in diagnosing and aiding antimicrobial interventions, including image-guided surgery, is discussed. Finally, practical considerations are addressed for multimodal workflow challenges in preclinical infection imaging with hybrid tracers.
Evaluating fungicides for the management of rust (Uromycladium acaciae) on black wattle nursery seedlings in Awi zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Regasa , Kumela; Beze, Weldesenbet; Anjulo, Agena; Wondafrash, Mesfin; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Lawson, Simon; Healey, Madaline; Germishuizen, Ilaria (Wiley, 2025-11)
Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild) provides numerous benefits for Ethiopian smallholder farmers due to its fast growth and wide adaptability. It is used for soil improvement and provides economic benefits through charcoal production and the use of wood as biomass fuel. However, in recent years, nursery stocks and young plantations have become susceptible to the wattle rust disease. No fungicides are currently registered in Ethiopia for control of wattle rust. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicides at varying rates for control of black wattle rust at Endewuha and Surta nursery sites, in Awi Zone, northern Ethiopia. Two systemic fungicides, namely, Amistar Top and Amistar Xtra, were evaluated at rates of 1 L·ha−1 and 0.5 L·ha−1 along with an unsprayed control in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Both fungicides at all rates significantly reduced rust infection at both sites. The lowest disease severity, along with increased plant height and collar diameter, was observed in the fungicide-treated plots compared to the untreated control. There was no significant difference in diseases intensity reduction and seedling height and root collar diameter among fungicide rates. The shortest height and the smallest root collar diameter were recorded on the untreated plots at both sites. The percentage reductions in disease damage compared to the control ranged from 94.6% to 96.72% at the Surta site and 94.6%–96.25% at the Endewuha site. Amistar Top or Amistar Xtra fungicide can effectively control acacia rust damage during the seedling stage, ensuring healthy and vigorous planting stock. The choice of the fungicide and application rate will depend on availability and cost, rather than on fungicide group. Further investigation is needed to assess the performance of both treated and untreated seedlings, as well as the progression of the disease in plantation sites.

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