1. Academic Wits Research Publications (Faculties submissions)
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Item A histopathological snapshot of bladder cancer: a Johannesburg experience of 1480 histopathology reports(Springer, 2025-03) Jonosky, Jaclyn; Adam, AhmedPurpose: To evaluate the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer in patients presenting to Johannesburg hospitals over a13-year period (2010–2023). Methods: Following ethical clearance, a retrospective observational, descriptive review of histopathological reports over 13 years was conducted in Johannesburg. Inclusion criteria was bladder biopsies, TURBT specimens, and radical cystectomy (RC) specimens positive for bladder cancer. Exclusion criteria was non-primary bladder cancers (prostate, cervical, colon) and urothelial carcinoma of upper tract origin (N=970). Of the initial specimens N=2450), 1480 met the inclusion criteria, representing 858 patients, owing to multiple transurethral resections of bladder tumours (TURBT). Categorical variables were summarised as counts and percentages, while numerical variables were reported as means with standard deviations or medians with interquartile ranges, depending on data distribution and tested via the Shapiro‒Wilk test. Statistical comparisons were performed using Fisher’s exact test (sex), one-way ANOVA, or the Kruskal‒Wallis test (age). Statistical signifi cance was set at p<0.05. Results: Urothelial carcinoma accounted for 88.8% of bladder cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (7.7%), adenocarcinoma (1.5%), and other malignancies (2%). High-grade urothelial carcinoma was predominant at 75%. Non-muscle invasive disease accounted for 72% of these cases, while 28% were muscle invasive. Data from radical cystectomies showed a high proportion of aggressive and advanced disease. Conclusions: The study highlights the predominance of high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in Johannesburg, consistent with global trends. The findings suggest a shift in bladder cancer trends in Johannesburg away from assumed squamous cell carcinoma towards urothelial carcinoma.Item The testretest reliability of the Opiate Treatment Index in nyaope users in JohannesburgPitsoane, Kelebogile; Morgan, Nirvana; Mall, SumayaBackground: Epidemiological studies suggest that nyaope, a heroin-based drug, is widely used in South Africa. Yet few reliable research tools are available to assess treatment outcomes of users. The Opiate Treatment Index (OTI), a tool developed in Australia, could potentially facilitate research on context-specific South African treatment outcomes. However, we know little of its test-retest reliability. Aim: This study aimed to assess the test-retest reliability of the OTI among a sample of nyaope users in Johannesburg. Setting: This study was conducted across three substance use treatment facilities in Johannesburg. Methods: The OTI was administered to 53 nyaope users at baseline and one week later. To determine the test-retest reliability of the OTI, the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Brennan–Prediger coefficients of the two interviews were calculated. Results: The ICC of the Q-scores from the data sets along with the Brennan–Prediger coefficient for the substance use domain were calculated. The ICC for nyaope was 0.38. Brennan–Prediger coefficients were as follows: alcohol – 0.96, crack-cocaine – 0.89, cannabis – 0.92, methaqualone – 0.85 and crystal methamphetamine – 0.89. Conclusion: A significant positive finding was the excellent test-retest reliability of the injecting and sexual behaviour domains and moderate reliability of the criminality, general health and social functioning domains. Contribution: The results of this study provide insight into the reliability of this tool and for its use in future studies in the South African context.Item Meetings with Remarkable and Unremarkable Trees in Johannesburg and Environs(Arts Research Africa (ARA)) Arlander, Annette; Doherty, Christo