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Introduction, A decade ago, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was emerging as preferred treatment for oligometastatic brain metastases. Studies of cavity SRS after neurosurgery were underway. Data specific to metastatic HER2 breast cancer (MHBC), describing intracranial, systemic and survival outcomes without WBRT, were lacking. A Phase II study was designed to address this gap.Method, Adults with MHBC, performance status 0–2, ≤ five BrM, receiving/planned to receive HER2-targeted therapy were eligible. Exclusions included leptomeningeal disease and prior WBRT. Neurosurgery allowed ≤6 weeks before registration and required for BrM >4 cm. Primary endpoint was 12-month requirement for WBRT. Secondary endpoints; freedom from (FF-) local failure (LF), distant brain failure (DBF), extracranial disease failure (ECDF), overall survival (OS), cause of death, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), adverse events (AE).Results, Twenty-five patients accrued Decembers 2016–2020. The study closed early after slow accrual. Thirty-seven BrM and four cavities received SRS. Four cavities and five BrM were observed. At 12 months: one patient required WBRT (FF-WBRT 95 %, 95 % CI 72–99), FFLF 91 % (95 % CI 69–98), FFDBF 57 % (95 % CI 34–74), FFECDF 64 % (95 % CI 45–84), OS 96 % (95 % CI 74–99). Two grade 3 AE occurred. MMSE was abnormal for 3/24 patients at baseline and 1/17 at 12 months.Conclusion, At 12 months, SRS and/or neurosurgery provided good control with low toxicity. WBRT was not required in 95 % of cases. This small study supports the practice change from WBRT to local therapies for MHBC BrM.

Abstract Background Neuroprotective agents have the potential to improve the outcomes of revascularisation therapies in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) and in those unable to receive revascularisation. Afamelanotide, a synthetic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, is a potential novel neuroprotective agent. We set out to assess the feasibility and safety of afamelanotide for the first time in AIS patients. Methods AIS patients within 24 h of onset, with perfusion abnormality on imaging (Tmax) and otherwise ineligible for revascularisation therapies were enrolled. Afamelanotide 16 mg implants were administered subcutaneously on Day 0 (D0, day of recruitment), D1 and repeated on D7 and D8, if not well recovered. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and neurological assessments were recorded regularly up to D42. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with FLAIR sequences were also performed on D3 and D9. Results Six patients (5 women, median age 81, median NIHSS 6) were recruited. Two patients received 4 doses and four patients received 2. One patient (who received 2 doses), suffered a fatal recurrent stroke on D9 due to a known complete acute internal carotid artery occlusion, assessed as unrelated to the study drug. There were no other local or major systemic TEAEs recorded. In all surviving patients, the median NIHSS improved from 6 to 2 on D7. The median Tmax volume on D0 was 23 mL which was reduced to a FLAIR volume of 10 mL on D3 and 4 mL on D9. Conclusions Afamelanotide was well tolerated and safe in our small sample of AIS patients. It also appears to be associated with good recovery and radiological improvement of salvageable tissue which needs to be tested in randomized studies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04962503, First posted 15/07/2021.

Background and purposeUntil now, stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) have been clinically based terms which describe the presence and duration of characteristic neurological deficits attributable to intrinsic disorders of particular arteries supplying the brain, retina, or (sometimes) the spinal cord. Further, infarction has been pathologically defined as death of neural tissue due to reduced blood supply. Recently, it has been proposed we shift to definitions of stroke and TIA determined by neuroimaging results alone and that neuroimaging findings be equated with infarction.MethodsWe examined the scientific validity and clinical implications of these proposals using the existing published literature and our own experience in research and clinical practice.ResultsWe found that the proposals to change to imaging-dominant definitions, as published, are ambiguous and inconsistent. Therefore, they cannot provide the standardization required in research or its application in clinical practice. Further, we found that the proposals are scientifically incorrect because neuroimaging findings do not always correlate with the clinical status or the presence of infarction. In addition, we found that attempts to use the proposals are disrupting research, are otherwise clinically unhelpful and do not solve the problems they were proposed to solve.ConclusionWe advise that the proposals must not be accepted. In particular, we explain why the clinical focus of the definitions of stroke and TIA should be retained with continued sub-classification of these syndromes depending neuroimaging results (with or without other information) and that infarction should remain a pathological term. We outline ways the established clinically based definitions of stroke and TIA, and use of them, may be improved to encourage better patient outcomes in the modern era.

The effects of compensation and benefits on employees’ engagement levels in selected private family business schools (PFBSs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa are investigated in the study. Several pieces of literature affirmed that employee engagement levels in South African schools are low despite the crucial role played by employees in implementing the teaching and learning programs of the schools. The study is to determine the extent to which employee engagement in PFBSs is predicted by remuneration and benefits. The study employed a quantitative positivist research paradigm and a case study technique to examine the impact of pay and benefits on employee engagement levels in PFBSs. A six-step sampling model was adopted, and a probability sampling technique was utilized. Nonparametric statistical analyses were done, and the results revealed that increasing employees’ compensation and benefits is key to improving employees’ engagement levels in PFBSs. All ethical requirements, such as respondents’ anonymity, informed consent, and confidentiality, were adhered to throughout the study. The study recommended that PFBSs are encouraged to have a compensation and benefits portfolio that competes favorably well with other educational institutions locally and abroad to retain a well-engaged set of employees. The study concluded that a large-scale survey be carried out to investigate the impact of compensation and benefits to PFBSs in another country rather than South Africa to compare findings.

In this empirical paper, we analysed lecturers’ teaching experiences in practical sessions in ICT during the COVID-19 pandemic at a rural university. The reason for writing this paper is to provide new insights into existing literature in that although there are articles on teaching under the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper specifically examines how teaching ICT practical lessons was undertaken remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative research methodology was utilised using closed-ended questionnaire as a data collection instrument. Sampling was done using a census sampling technique. The findings derived from this study were positive in that they revealed how a good majority of lecturers were able to use virtual learning environments for practical sessions in ICT lessons. The implications were that teaching ICT practical classes online could go on during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic is a game-changer that should compel higher education institution to adjust to the new normal such as migrating from the traditional face-to-face classroom to the remote modes of teaching and learning. The study recommends that all lecturers at WSU be skilled in using practical ICT sessions for teaching all courses that require practical sessions.

Educators play a crucial role in youth preparation, education, work, and life. They manage classroom environments, engage learners, and act as leaders. The public education system in South Africa is facing a crisis, with private family business schools (PFBSs) emerging. Educators in South Africa face challenges in youth preparation, education, work, and life, requiring a healthy leadership environment to manage classroom environments and engage learners. Thus, a healthy leadership environment is essential for educators to feel involved in their work. However, low employee engagement levels can lead to economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality, exacerbated by illiteracy. This paper summarises the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of the significance of apt leadership for employee engagement. The aim of the paper was to examine the extent to which leadership predicts levels of engagement of educators in private family business schools. The relevance of this scientific study is that it gives key information to leaders in private family business schools on how leadership is paramount for educators to be engaged. The investigation of the topic in this study is carried out in the following logical sequence: Introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis and results, discussion, recommendations, conclusion, limitations, future research, acknowledgements and research funding and references. The study followed an explanatory, non-experimental research design using a positivist research paradigm and approached this study from a unique axiology, ontology, epistemology, technique, and rhetorical stance that set the tone for ontological, epistemological, methodological, axiological, and rhetorical positions. Using a census sampling technique, data was collected using structured, self-administered, emailed, and drop-off questionnaires. This study's hypothesis was tested using appropriate inferential statistics. Non-parametric analysis techniques were used to test the research hypothesis. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that leadership predicts engagement levels of educators in PFBSs. The results of the study can be helpful to leaders in private family business schools in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa and other regions of the world.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) serves as a reliable treatment option for patients with end-stage arthritis, but patient dissatisfaction rate remains high. With the projected increase in the volume of arthroplasty operations, surgeons have aimed for methods in which to improve the patient outcomes. Robotic-assisted TKA has become increasingly popular. The learning curve for such technology has been investigated, but these prior studies have only been performed by fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. The goal of this study was to investigate the learning curve for non-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to ameliorate any concerns about increased operative time. Methods: Retrospective analysis of robotic-assisted TKAs and manual TKAs, performed by two non-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, was conducted on a total of 160 patients. For each individual surgeon, the robotic-assisted TKAs were divided into 3 cohorts of 20 consecutive patients. Data from 20 consecutive manual TKAs were also gathered for each surgeon. The mean operative times were compared. Cohorts were then grouped together for both surgeons and compared in a similar fashion. Results: For surgeon 1, mean operative times were significantly increased for robotic-assisted cohorts compared with those for the manual cohort. For surgeon 2, the first robotic-assisted cohort was significantly longer. However, there were no significant differences for the second and third robotic-assisted cohorts. In the combined surgeon group, there was no significant difference between operative times for the third robotic cohort and the manual cohort. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the general orthopedic surgeon in a community hospital may be able to adequately perform robotic-assisted surgery in a similar timeframe to their manual TKA within their first 40 robotic-arm-assisted TKA.

One of the setbacks in youth entrepreneurship is the unavailability of proper business knowledge and mentorship. In rural municipalities of South Africa, the absence of youth mentorship has widened the inequality gap and triggered deep youth poverty. This article reinforces the importance of youth mentoring in crucial business aspects such as writing business plans for entrepreneurial success. This study is premised on a positivist paradigm that uses a quantitative research design. The researchers administered twenty questionnaires to youth entrepreneurs in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to examine whether mentoring the writing of business plans plays an essential role in their entrepreneurial ventures. The results for this article reveal that most youth entrepreneurs do not receive mentoring to boost their entrepreneurial ventures, even though mentoring has been identified as necessary. The report recommends that youth entrepreneurs be mentored to promote their businesses, which will create youth economic development and employment creation in BCMM.

Background: Capsular management is having an increasingly important place during the open Latarjet procedure especially in preventing postoperative glenohumeral arthritis. The open capsular shift-Latarjet procedure consists of the classic Latarjet procedure associated with a glenoid T-based capsular shift to treat patients with high risk of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Indications: Patients presenting with humeral and/or glenoid bone loss, patients practicing professional activities or sports at risk of recurrence and without any previous capsular surgery, or major capsular deficiency. Technique Description: After a classic deltopectoral approach and the osteotomy of the coracoid process, a horizontal split of the subscapularis is performed. Then a glenoid T-based capsulotomy is performed, and 2 passing wire suture threads are passed through the inferior flap of the capsule to prepare the capsular shift. A first, soft, all-sutured anchor is inserted at the inferior part of the glenoid medially to the articular surface. The coracoid graft is then positioned with a first inferior cancellous screw to be flush with the articular surface and fixed using a second cancellous screw. A second anchor is placed laterally and superiorly to the coracoid at the anterior scapular neck. The capsular shift is performed using a passing wire technique to suture the capsular flap to both anchors and to ensure the extraarticular positioning of the coracoid. Results: Bouju et al found a low rate of recurrence with no revision surgeries and a significative lower incidence of osteoarthritis (8.6%) at 10-year follow-up compared with the current literature when suturing the capsule to the coracoid process. Itoigawa et al concluded that suturing the capsule on the coracoid may increase the risk of osteoarthritis due to a direct contact between the humeral head and the transferred coracoid, thus we suggest attaching the capsule over the glenoid. Discussion/Conclusion: With appropriate patient selection, this technique is safe and reliable to treat patients with anterior instability without any specific risk related to the surgery. The association of the capsular repair is an appropriate solution to better restore the anatomy and to prevent the long-term risk of glenohumeral arthritis.

Massive rotator cuff tears have always been a worrisome situation to every orthopaedic surgeon. Patients’ functional demands are increasing with time, and this is why we aim to offer them the best options to preserve their quality of life. We found that using the Banana SutureLasso (Arthrex) has made this type of surgery much easier. We think that with the Banana SutureLasso (Arthrex) we have more access to the medial part of the rotator cuff, and that we can grab both the deep and superficial layers of the tendons while diminishing the risk of laceration. We combined an X-suture with a double-row fixation using a Corkscrew (Arthrex) on the humeral tuberosity and a SwiveLock (Arthrex) screw on lateral side of the humerus. We used only 3 portals with an extra parking portal. Another advantage is that we can adjust the sutures so they would be perpendicular to both ends of the tear. Our technique is simple, safe, and reproducible.

BACKGROUND: During an entomological survey in preparation for malaria control interventions in Mwea division, the number of malaria cases at the Kimbimbi sub-district hospital was in a steady decline. The underlying factors for this reduction were unknown and needed to be identified before any malaria intervention tools were deployed in the area. We therefore set out to investigate the potential factors that could have contributed to the decline of malaria cases in the hospital by analyzing the malaria control knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) that the residents in Mwea applied in an integrated fashion, also known as integrated malaria management (IMM). METHODS: Integrated Malaria Management was assessed among community members of Mwea division, central Kenya using KAP survey. The KAP study evaluated community members' malaria disease management practices at the home and hospitals, personal protection measures used at the household level and malaria transmission prevention methods relating to vector control. Concurrently, we also passively examined the prevalence of malaria parasite infection via outpatient admission records at the major referral hospital in the area. In addition we studied the mosquito vector population dynamics, the malaria sporozoite infection status and entomological inoculation rates (EIR) over an 8 month period in 6 villages to determine the risk of malaria transmission in the entire division. RESULTS: A total of 389 households in Mwea division were interviewed in the KAP study while 90 houses were surveyed in the entomological study. Ninety eight percent of the households knew about malaria disease while approximately 70% of households knew its symptoms and methods to manage it. Ninety seven percent of the interviewed households went to a health center for malaria diagnosis and treatment. Similarly a higher proportion (81%) used anti-malarial medicines bought from local pharmacies. Almost 90% of households reported owning and using an insecticide treated bed net and 81% reported buying the nets within the last 5 years. The community also used mosquito reduction measures including, in order of preference, environmental management (35%), mosquito repellent and smoke (31%) insecticide canister sprays (11%), and window and door screens (6%). These methods used by the community comprise an integrated malaria management (IMM) package. Over the last 4 years prior to this study, the malaria cases in the community hospital reduced from about 40% in 2000 to less than 10% by 2004 and by the year 2007 malaria cases decreased to zero. In addition, a one time cross-sectional malaria parasite survey detected no Plasmodium infection in 300 primary school children in the area. Mosquito vector populations were variable in the six villages but were generally lower in villages that did not engage in irrigation activities. The malaria risk as estimated by EIR remained low and varied by village and proximity to irrigation areas. The average EIR in the area was estimated at 0.011 infectious bites per person per day. CONCLUSIONS: The usage of a combination of malaria control tools in an integrated fashion by residents of Mwea division might have influenced the decreased malaria cases in the district hospital and in the school children. A vigorous campaign emphasizing IMM should be adopted and expanded in Mwea division and in other areas with different eco-epidemiological patterns of malaria transmission. With sustained implementation and support from community members integrated malaria management can reduce malaria significantly in affected communities in Africa.

Background: Sleep insufficiency and disturbances affect the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of children., Objective: To perform a narrative review on common sleep problems and disorders encountered in primary care for children and adolescents., Methods: A search of English literature in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases published from 1 January 2000 till 31 October 2021 was conducted with the keywords "sleep problem" or "sleep disorder" and "child" or "adolescent". Findings in the relevant articles and cross-references were compiled., Results: Sleep duration and habits of children vary widely across countries with different cultural backgrounds. There is robust evidence to support the promotion of positive bedtime routines and sleep hygiene as prevention and management of sleep problems. 15-70% of parents reported their children having sleep problems or disturbances. Common sleep complaints include difficulty in initiation or maintenance of sleep, abnormal behaviors or movements, snoring or abnormal breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Comprehensive sleep history and a sleep diary are the first steps for evaluation. Home video and actigraphy may be used as preliminary tools to confirm the history. Referrals to a sleep specialist for polysomnography and other tests are needed, if suspecting specific sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy, needs timely intervention. Common sleep disorders in different age groups encountered in primary care are reviewed with clinical features, indications for evaluation, and treatment options summarized., Conclusion: Screening for sleep problems shall be an integral part of each child's health care visit. It is important to evaluate the impact of common sleep problems and identify specific sleep disorders for early intervention to prevent long-term adverse outcomes., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Thrombomodulin (TM), which variably contains a chondroitin sulfate (+/-CS), forms an anticoagulant complex with thrombin (IIa). IIa-TM(+/-CS) converts protein C (PC) into activated PC (APC), which then inactivates activated factors V (FVa) and VIII (FVIIIa). This reduces prothrombinase and tenase complexes that generate IIa. Heparin (H) increases the rate of IIa-TM inhibition by antithrombin (AT) and enhances FV cleavage by APC. Our novel covalent AT-H (ATH) product, has superior anticoagulant activity compared to AT + unfractionated H (UFH). We studied mechanisms by which ATH versus AT + UFH inhibits IIa-TM(+/-CS), and ATH influences on APC cleavage of FV/FVa compared to UFH. Findings would determine how these reactions moderate ATH's overall effects as an anticoagulant. Discontinuous second order rate inhibition assays of IIa-TM(+/-CS) inhibition by AT + UFH or ATH were performed in presence or absence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). FV/FVa cleavage by APC in the presence of UFH or ATH was analysed by Western blots. ATH increased IIa-TM(+/-CS) inhibition to a greater degree than AT + UFH, both on plastic and HUVEC surfaces. Unlike UFH, ATH did not accelerate FV cleavage by APC, but ATH did enhance FVa cleavage relative to UFH. Increased IIa-TM inhibition by ATH downregulates PC activation. However, ATH does accelerate downstream inactivation of FVa, which increases its potency for IIa generation inhibition compared to UFH. This trend holds true in the presence of APC's cofactor, protein S. Overall, ATH may have a balanced function towards inhibiting or accelerating PC pathway activities.