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Now showing 1 - 5 of 19

Recent Submissions

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Antibiotic targeted cement rods in chronic osteomyelitis, short-term outcomes from a level one South African trauma centre
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-09) Nicolaou, Caterina; Sekeitto, Allan Roy; Urrea, orcJuan David; Milner, Brenda
Background: Chronic osteomyelitis requires complex management plans. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have not found a gold standard of treatment for this disease. However, the literature reviews various treatment options. This study assesses the efficacy of an alternative treatment protocol to what is generally used in South Africa. This treatment protocol involves debridement, reaming and irrigation; as well as targeted antibiotics, used in a cheaply, effectively, and easily made cement rod spacer. Methods: A retrospective record review was performed on 38 patients, diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis secondary to a long bone fracture, whom were treated via a specified treatment protocol at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. This treatment protocol involved staged surgery with the use of antibiotics and antibiotic tailored cement rods. Data were collected and analysed accordingly using Stata 16.0, 2019. Results: The results indicate that chronic osteomyelitis is most prevalent amongst young males with a median age of 36 years. A multitude of organisms were cultured from bone reamings suggesting targeted antibiotic therapy is required. This treatment protocol demonstrated a 75.7% microbiological resolution to a negative culture. A good clinical outcome of 84.2% overall was demonstrated in terms of sinus resolution, skin changes, pain and function. All inflammatory markers decreased post-treatment with C - reactive protein showing a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.0043). Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis remains a complex disease to treat. Our treatment protocol demonstrates favourable microbiological, serological and overall clinical outcomes. Our study highlights antibiotic targeted cement rods as a feasible treatment option in managing chronic osteomyelitis secondary to long bone fractures.
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Computed tomography as a diagnostic tool in imaging of neck injuries in a large trauma unit in Gauteng
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Makhubela, Busisiwe Venus; Koranteng, Promise Nonceba; Ntsinjana, Hopewell
INTRODUCTION: Sparse data exists on computed tomography (CT) imaging evaluation of neck injuries in South Africa and no data found on the incidence in Gauteng province. The rates of South African crime and trauma are high with commonest being the penetrating neck trauma. AIM: This study aims to audit and review findings of CT scans of the neck requested for patients with neck trauma, summarizing and categorizing them according to mechanism of injury and the systems injured. METHOD: A retrospective qualitative cross-sectional study evaluating and auditing 200 CT scan reports of male and female patients of all age groups with neck trauma and referred from the Emergency Trauma unit of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital. CT scan reports from the 01 January 2017 to 25 January 2018 accessed from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). RESULTS: A total of 200 CT scan reports were audited and descriptive statistics of percentage and frequencies used to summarize the categorical variables. The median age was 25 years and the majority (84.50%) of the participants were males. Median time of the scan was 22:00. 26% and 19.5% of the scans were performed on Saturday and Sunday respectively and the least on Thursday (7%). The commonest type of injury was penetrating injuries (83%). Stab (67%) followed by gunshot (12.5%) injuries were the most common causes. Soft tissue injuries were the most common recorded damages (79%) followed by respiratory (36%) and injury to blood vessels (22.5%). The oesophagus was the most damaged gastrointestinal structure. CONCLUSIONS: This audit of CT scan reports of patients who experienced neck trauma showed a considerable number of male patients’ involvement ranging from 21-30 years old. Penetrating neck injury (PNI) being the most common mechanism of injury. Female patients showed more blunt neck injuries than penetrating mechanisms. Most blunt neck injuries resulted from attempted hanging associated with parasuicide followed by strangulation and Motor Vehicle accident (MVA). Our study demonstrated that most neck trauma occurred on weekends and was associated with alcohol consumption. CT angiogram has been proven to be a diagnostic imaging tool in patients with neck injuries in Gauteng. It aids in guidance of further management of these patients. Our study aimed to improve reporting of potential neck injuries, and this was initiated as a contribution to the development of reporting templates so that vital structures are assessed for definitive patient management.
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The implication of AI-generated music on the industry's business model
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lothe, Nkosinathi
This research report explores how AI-generated music is changing the traditional music industry model. The study uses qualitative research to examine how AI technology affects music creation, distribution, and consumption. It uncovers the challenges and opportunities AI-generated music brings to different music industry players. The research gives insights into how music production is evolving in the digital age by analysing user views, legal frameworks, and economic impacts. Stakeholders can adapt to the changing industry landscape by understanding how AI impacts music. The study shows how AI reshapes music creation and distribution, offering new possibilities for artists and businesses. As technology continues to influence the music industry, grasping the implications of AI- generated music is crucial for staying relevant and innovative in this dynamic environment
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Customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty at South African hair salons and spas
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lemena, Boitumelo; Penman, Neale
In today's highly competitive marketing landscape, the importance of customer experience has become increasingly pressing for businesses globally. To succeed in the service industry, companies must strategically manage the factors that impact customer experience. Hair salon and spa owners face the challenge of understanding the effects of customer experience, satisfaction, and loyalty and how these concepts affect their business growth. Previous research has identified discrepancies in the relationship between customer experience, satisfaction, and loyalty. Management of these elements gives businesses a competitive edge, differentiation, and overall success. A paucity of research analyses the influence of customer experience on satisfaction and loyalty within the beauty industry from a customer standpoint. This research endeavours to appraise the significance of customer experience on satisfaction and loyalty in South African hair salons and spas as customers perceive. The present study used a quantitative methodology, employing a survey strategy to gather data from individuals aged between 18 and 45 years residing in the Gauteng province. 347 responses were collected using an online questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS software to draw conclusive results. The data indicates that a strong and positive correlation exists between customer experience and satisfaction, and that satisfaction positively impacts loyalty. No significant variations in perception of experience, satisfaction, and loyalty were found among customers based on gender or years of experience. Hair salon and spa owners can significantly impact customer perception by recruiting skilled beauticians, effectively managing time, and upholding the necessary standards for the servicescape to deliver the required services. The manipulation of elements that influence the customer experience can lead to increased satisfaction, which in turn can foster loyalty to hair salons and spas
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Investigating 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019) Saha, Sourav Taru; Kaur, Mandeep
Cancer cells have an increased need for cholesterol, which is required for cell membrane integrity. Cholesterol accumulation has been described in various malignancies including breast cancer. Cholesterol has also been known to be the precursor of estrogen and vitamin D, both of which play a key role in the histology of breast cancer. Elevated cholesterol levels have been linked to breast cancer therefore depleting cholesterol levels in cancer cells can be a viable strategy for treatment. 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) is a cholesterol depleting compound which is a cyclic amylose oligomer composed of glucose units. It solubilizes cholesterol and is proven to be toxicologically benign in humans. This led us to hypothesise that it might deplete cholesterol from cancer cells and may prove to be a clinically useful compound. Our work provides experimental evidences to support this hypothesis. We identified the potency of HPβCD in vitro against two breast cancer cell lines: MCF7 (Estrogen positive, ER+), MDA-MB-231 [Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)], and compared the results against two normal cell lines: MRC-5 (Normal Human Lung Fibroblasts) and HEK-293 (Human embryonic kidney) using cytotoxic, apoptosis and cholesterol based assays. HPβCD treatment reduced intracellular cholesterol resulting in significant breast cancer cell growth inhibition through apoptosis. The results hold true for both ER+ and TNBC. We have also tested HPβCD in vivo in MF-1 mice xenograft model and obtained 73.9%, 94% and 100% reduction in tumour size for late, intermediate and early stage TNBC. These data suggest that HPβCD can prevent cholesterol accumulation in breast cancer cells and is a promising anti- cancer agent