bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Molybdenum on Structure and Properties of Iron-Based Alloys
Authors: Koreshkova E.V. , Kulemina A.A.
Published: June 2017

A study of phase composition, texture and structure of electrolytic Fe-Mo deposits is presented. It was proven that molybdenum changes the parameters increasing the dispersiveness of the plating structure. It is also explored that electrolytic Fe-Mo deposits can be used as strengthening ones.
Hox5 Paralogous Genes Modulate Th2 Cell Function during Chronic Allergic Inflammation via Regulation of Gata3
Authors: Ptaschinski Catherine , Hrycaj Steven M. , Schaller Matthew A. , Wellik Deneen M. , Lukacs Nicholas W.
Published: June 2017

Allergic asthma is a significant health burden in western countries, and continues to increase in prevalence. Th2 cells contribute to the development of disease through release of the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, resulting in increased airway eosinophils and mucus hypersecretion. The molecular mechanisms behind the disease pathology remain largely unknown. In this study we investigated a potential regulatory role for the Hox5 gene family, Hoxa5, Hoxb5, and Hoxc5, genes known to be important in lung development within mesenchymal cell populations. We found that Hox5-mutant mice show exacerbated pathology compared with wild-type controls in a chronic allergen model, with an increased Th2 response and exacerbated lung tissue pathology. Bone marrow chimera experiments indicated that the observed enhanced pathology was mediated by immune cell function independent of mesenchymal cell Hox5 family function. Examination of T cells grown in Th2 polarizing conditions showed increased proliferation, enhanced Gata3 expression, and elevated production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in Hox5-deficient T cells compared with wild-type controls. Overexpression of FLAG-tagged HOX5 proteins in Jurkat cells demonstrated HOX5 binding to the Gata3 locus and decreased Gata3 and IL-4 expression, supporting a role for HOX5 proteins in direct transcriptional control of Th2 development. These results reveal a novel role for Hox5 genes as developmental regulators of Th2 immune cell function that demonstrates a redeployment of mesenchyme-associated developmental genes.
STAT1 Represses Cytokine-Producing Group 2 and Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells during Viral Infection
Authors: Stier Matthew T. , Goleniewska Kasia , Cephus Jacqueline Y. , Newcomb Dawn C. , Sherrill Taylor P. , Boyd Kelli L. , Bloodworth Melissa H. , Moore Martin L. , Chen Kong , Kolls Jay K. , Peebles R. Stokes
Published: June 2017

The appropriate orchestration of different arms of the immune response is critical during viral infection to promote efficient viral clearance while limiting immunopathology. However, the signals and mechanisms that guide this coordination are not fully understood. IFNs are produced at high levels during viral infection and have convergent signaling through STAT1. We hypothesized that STAT1 signaling during viral infection regulates the balance of innate lymphoid cells (ILC), a diverse class of lymphocytes that are poised to respond to environmental insults including viral infections with the potential for both antiviral or immunopathologic functions. During infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), STAT1-deficient mice had reduced numbers of antiviral IFN-γ+ ILC1 and increased numbers of immunopathologic IL-5+ and IL-13+ ILC2 and IL-17A+ ILC3 compared with RSV-infected wild-type mice. Using bone marrow chimeric mice, we found that both ILC-intrinsic and ILC-extrinsic factors were responsible for this ILC dysregulation during viral infection in STAT1-deficient mice. Regarding ILC-extrinsic mechanisms, we found that STAT1-deficient mice had significantly increased expression of IL-33 and IL-23, cytokines that promote ILC2 and ILC3, respectively, compared with wild-type mice during RSV infection. Moreover, disruption of IL-33 or IL-23 signaling attenuated cytokine-producing ILC2 and ILC3 responses in STAT1-deficient mice during RSV infection. Collectively, these data demonstrate that STAT1 is a key orchestrator of cytokine-producing ILC responses during viral infection via ILC-extrinsic regulation of IL-33 and IL-23.
Controlled Human Malaria Infection Leads to Long-Lasting Changes in Innate and Innate-like Lymphocyte Populations
Authors: Mpina Maxmillian , Maurice Nicholas J. , Yajima Masanao , Slichter Chloe K. , Miller Hannah W. , Dutta Mukta , McElrath M. Juliana , Stuart Kenneth D. , De Rosa Stephen C. , McNevin John P. , Linsley Peter S. , Abdulla Salim , Tanner Marcel , Hoffman Stephen L. , Gottardo Raphael , Daubenberger Claudia A. , Prlic Martin
Published: June 2017

Animal model studies highlight the role of innate-like lymphocyte populations in the early inflammatory response and subsequent parasite control following Plasmodium infection. IFN-γ production by these lymphocytes likely plays a key role in the early control of the parasite and disease severity. Analyzing human innate-like T cell and NK cell responses following infection with Plasmodium has been challenging because the early stages of infection are clinically silent. To overcome this limitation, we examined blood samples from a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) study in a Tanzanian cohort, in which volunteers underwent CHMI with a low or high dose of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. The CHMI differentially affected NK, NKT (invariant NKT), and mucosal-associated invariant T cell populations in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in an altered composition of this innate-like lymphocyte compartment. Although these innate-like responses are typically thought of as short-lived, we found that changes persisted for months after the infection was cleared, leading to significantly increased frequencies of mucosal-associated invariant T cells 6 mo postinfection. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and TCR αβ-chain usage analysis to define potential mechanisms for this expansion. These single-cell data suggest that this increase was mediated by homeostatic expansion-like mechanisms. Together, these data demonstrate that CHMI leads to previously unappreciated long-lasting alterations in the human innate-like lymphocyte compartment. We discuss the consequences of these changes for recurrent parasite infection and infection-associated pathologies and highlight the importance of considering host immunity and infection history for vaccine design.
Measuring network competence in buyer-supplier relationships
Authors: Human Gert
Published: June 2017

Managing multiple buyer-seller relationships in business-to-business networks demands an understanding of a firm’s competence to manage in an interconnected environment.  This paper reports on an attempt to measure network competence by using the NetCompTest scale in business-to-business markets in South Africa. Based on a pilot study refinement, the paper proposes an adjusted measurement scale and details the results of a second round of measurement conducted amongst 495 business-to-business managers in South Africa. The results established partial support for the use of the NetCompTest scale in a South African context, and analysis of variance indicated that some differences in the measurement based on firm and individual characteristics can be observed in the data. The paper assists in theory-building and provides managerial insights for managing buyer-supplier relationships in networks.
Short CVs of contributors to the special issue
Authors: Buys Pieter
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Promoting sustainable economic growth in South Africa through the production and export of low-carbon environmental goods
Authors: Van Niekerk Antoinette , Viviers Wilma
Published: June 2017

Many countries, particularly those in the developing world, are under increasing pressure to improve their growth rates in order to tackle pressing economic problems at the domestic level. Increasing export volumes can make a positive contribution to a country’s economic growth rate, but it can also endanger the environment. How to reconcile the often conflicting phenomena of increased export activity, stronger economic growth and a lower carbon footprint is the focus of this study. A core outcome of the study was the creation of a single list using a cross-section of international sources, of low-carbon environmental goods, and their ranking according to their inherent ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, South Africa’s capacity to produce them, and their economic benefits, as reflected in the export opportunities they present. These export opportunities were revealed through the application of the Decision Support Model (DSM), an export market selection tool that incorporates a systematic filtering and screening system. The results of the analysis should help guide policymakers in their strategic deliberations on which export sectors to incentivise and support with a view to encouraging more ‘green’ growth in South Africa in the years ahead. diffusion of such goods. If the production and export of environmental goods were to increase, it could have a potentially positive effect on economic and environmental objectives, such as raising economic growth rates and lowering greenhouse gas intensity, respectively. For the purpose of this study, an analysis of four existing lists of environmental goods led to the identification of 39 core environmental goods. These 39 goods were ranked according to three criteria: i) the potential environmental benefits of each environmental good, using consensus among role players as a proxy; ii) South Africa’s capacity to produce each environmental good, using the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) of each good as a proxy; and iii) the potential economic benefits of each environmental good, using the potential export value as calculated by Steenkamp (2011) in the Decision Support Model (DSM) as a proxy. It emerged that the top five low-carbon environmental goods are: photosensitive semiconductors (HS-6: 854140); towers and masts (HS-6: 730820); electrical control and distribution boards (HS-6: 853710); gearing and screws (HS-6: 848340); and static converters (HS-6: 850440). In addition, the intensive and extensive product-country export opportunities for these top five low-carbon environmental goods were identified.
Micro-evidence on day labourers and the thickness of labour markets in South Africa
Authors: Krugell Waldo , Blaauw Philip F
Published: June 2017

The South African labour market is characterised by sharp segmentation, high unemployment and apparently limited informal sector employment.  Recent work has focussed on the importance of the Micro-evidence on day labourers and the thickness of labour markets in South AfricaThe South African labour market is characterised by sharp segmentation, high unemployment and apparently limited informal sector employment. Recent work has focussed on the importance of the quality of education while others have argued that the rigidity of the labour market constrains employment growth. This paper considers the spatial aspects of the day labour market and argues that the size and proximity of economic activity found in agglomerations ensure a thick labour market that allows for better matching between workers and jobs. The results indicate that the day labourers who were hired by the same employer more often received higher earnings. Once workers have a matric qualification they receive earnings above the average, as do workers who have completed vocational training. Skills, as well as factors associated with a thicker labour market are positively associated with wages. The thicker metropolitan labour market allows workers to become more specialised and receive higher earnings. This has important policy implications and calls for the development of people and places.
Modelling the rand and commodity prices: A Granger causality and cointegration analysis
Authors: Ndlovu Xolani , Schaling Eric , Alagidede Paul
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the ‘commodity currency’ hypothesis of the Rand, that is, the postulate that the currency moves in line with commodity prices, and analyses the associated causality using nominal data between 1996 and 2010. We address both the short run and long run relationship between commodity prices and exchange rates. We find that while the levels of the series of both assets are difference stationary, they are not cointegrated. Further, we find the two variables are negatively related, with strong and significant causality running from commodity prices to the exchange rate and not vice versa, implying exogeneity in the determination of commodity prices with respect to the nominal exchange rate. The strength of the relationship is significantly weaker than other OECD commodity currencies. We surmise that the relationship is dynamic over time owing to the portfolio-rebalance argument and the Commodity Terms of Trade (CTT) effect and, in the absence of an error correction mechanism, this disconnect may be prolonged. For commodity and currency market participants, this implies that while futures and forward commodity prices may be useful leading indicators of future currency movements, the price risk management strategies may need to be recalibrated over time.
Modeling switching behaviour of direct selling customers
Authors: Msweli-Mbanga P
Published: June 2017

The direct selling industry suffers a high turnover rate of salespeople, resulting in high costs of training new salespeople. Further costs are incurred when broken relationships with customers cause them to switch from one product supplier to another. This study identifies twelve factors that drive the switching behaviour of direct sales customers and examines the extent to which these factors influence switching. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of these factors. The factors were represented in a model that posits that an interpersonal relationship between a direct sales person and a customer moderates the relationship between switching behaviour and loyalty. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. The author then discusses the empirical findings and their managerial implications, providing further avenues for research.
Economic impact of the world summit on sustainable development
Authors: Martins JH , Van Aardt C
Published: June 2017

South Africa hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002.  This event is regarded as the single biggest conference to be held anywhere in the world. The aim of this paper is to set out the estimated economic impact of the WSSD and its parallel events on South Africa.  This impact can be expressed in monetary terms as well as employment figures.  The impact is calculated by using an input-output model and employment spin-offs determined from the IO table by using partial multipliers.  The input data were derived from a survey amongst WSSD delegates as well as information on government and private investments made.
Job stress, burnout and coping strategies in the South African police service
Authors: Mostert K , Joubert AF
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to determine if coping strategies could moderate the relationship between occupational stress and burnout in a sample of police officers.  A cross-sectional design was used.  A stratified random sample (n=340) was taken of police members in the Western Cape.  The Police Stress Invesntory, Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey and COPE questionnaire were administered.  Structural equation modelling showed that occupational stress due to job demands and a lack of resources leads to burnout.  Two coping strategies were identified, namely avoidance coping and approach coping (consisting of active coping, emotional support and turning to religion).  Avoidance coping moderated the relationship between occupational stress and burnout.  Approach coping had an independent effect on burnout.
Discrimination against customers by retail chain stores and the impact of the law
Authors: Reddy K
Published: June 2017

Profit and other related objectives of business emphasise the need to distinguish between different customers or groups of customers. The South African Constitution, on the other hand, specifically prohibits unfair discrimination. This paper examines the legal principle of non-discrimination, as set out in the Constitution and the Equality Act, as well as the impact that these provisions have on discrimination against customers. The literature study shows that there is a legal obligation on business to ensure the provision of equitable customer service. An exploratory study was conducted among the customers of retail chain store outlets in Clermont, a historically disadvantaged area, to identify examples of differentiated treatment of customers by retail chain stores. Customer perceptions have in fact shown areas of differentiation which could be viewed as unfair discrimination unless justified
A factor analytical service quality measurement scale for supermarkets in South Africa
Authors: Dhurup M , Venter PF , Oosthuyzen A
Published: June 2017

The interest on quality issues have increased and attracted much attention in the last two decades. Limited academic research has been done in measuring service quality in a supermarket context. The research study attempts to clarify the conceptualisation and measurement of service quality within a supermarket environment. Multiple stages in the development of an instrument to measure supermarket service quality are explored. Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to establish the dimensionality of the supermarket service quality scale. Several factor solutions were considered. A three-factor structure (atmospherics, physical interaction and shopping convenience) consisting of 24 items is proposed to capture the dimensions of service quality. The implications for future research are outlined.
Competitive intelligence: An instrument to enhance South Africa’s competitiveness
Authors: Viviers Wilma , Muller M , Du Toit A
Published: June 2017

The case for Competitive Intelligence (CI) as an instrument that can enhance the competitiveness of South African companies and South Africa as a country is strong. Various global competitive rankings measurements have indicated over a number of years the areas in which competitiveness is lacking. Moreover, these rankings have indicated that South Africa has failed to improve its position year on year. The fact that the world is becoming increasingly competitive for South African entities is undisputed. Coupled with a fluctuating exchange rate and the country’s geographical proximity, this poses unique challenges facing South African managers who have to deal with various regulations and legislative matters. In order to create and sustain an effective knowledge economy and to enhance global competitiveness, South Africa however has to put appropriate strategies/measures in place to stimulate, encourage and grow knowledge practices. Competitive Intelligence (CI) as a means of making more sense of the competitive business environment and to identify opportunities and risks in time to act upon can be effectively used as a means to enhance competitiveness. Valuable lessons from successful CI practices in the business sector and government can be learnt from elsewhere in the world. CI should be investigated and adapted for South Africa’s business environment. It is therefore the aim of this article to first attempt to describe the role of CI in enhancing competitiveness, specifically in South Africa and secondly, to stimulate thought on how to secure momentum in enhancing CI as an academic field by developing relevant CI courses as well as demonstrating the value of CI to companies in South Africa through research and collaboration between academics and the private and public sectors.
Mental health services in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Mkize D L , Green-Thompson R W , Ramdass P , Mhlaluka G , Dlamini N , Walker J
Published: June 2017

This article is a summary of a document prepared by a task team appointed by the Superintendent-General, Head: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal. The terms of reference of the task team were to scrutinise all available documents on mental health in the province and to come up with a new doc- ument entitled ‘Strategic and Implementation Plan for Delivery of Mental Health Services in KwaZulu-Natal’, with operational plans and time frames, and to make specific recommendations with regard to community mental health services and forensic psychiatry.The documents used to prepare the new document were: A Framework for the Delivery of Mental Health Services by Institutions in KwaZulu-Natal;Mental Health Services Planning Report; Strategic Policy Document for Mental Health Services in KwaZulu-Natal; Community Mental Health Services at Indlovu Region, KwaZulu-Natal; KwaZulu-Natal Health Care Act 2000; Mental Health Act 2002; World Health Report on Mental Health 2001; and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Report.The article is divided into nine sections, namely organisational structure; education, training and research; mental health ser- vice provision; highly specialised services; community mental health services; forensic mental health services; mental health and the private sector; pharmaceutical services; and summary of recommendations.
What constitutes healthy eating behaviour and lifestyle?
Authors: Jordaan Gerhard
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Socio-demographic and psychosocial predictors of rheumatoid arthritis health outcome
Authors: Naidoo Pamela , Lindegger Graham C , Mody Girish M
Published: June 2017

Objectives. To investigate the psychosocial aspects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine the predictors of RA health outcome in a low socio-economic group of clinic-based adult RA patients.Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Clinic-based adult RA patients were subjected to a series of self- administered questionnaires to assess their experience of the disease. Coping, social support, causal attribution, cognitive illness representation, pain and functional status were assessed. Joint status, which indicated the degree of severity of joint inflammation for each RA patient, was assessed by a rheumatologist.Subjects. The sample consisted of 186 RA patients with a mean age of 49.51 years and a mean duration of RA of 10.80 years.Outcome measures. Health status measures defined by pain and functional status, and joint status.Results. Psychological factors, especially coping, were more significant predictors of self-report of pain and functional status than socio-demographic factors. Both socio-demographic factors and psychological factors (especially coping) were found to be significant predictors of swollen and tender joint status.Conclusion and recommendations. As a psychological factor, coping emerged as a consistent predictor of both self-report of pain and functional status, and swollen and tender joint status. It is recommended that to enhance the quality of life of RA patients and improve their health status, the impact of psychosocial factors such as the way in which patients cope with their disease status, must be considered. Further, it is recommended that health professionals collaborate not only in attempting to refine the theoretical conceptualisation of RA, but also in devising holistic and multidisciplinary care for individuals afflicted with the disease.
HIV/AIDS in Africa - a role for the mental health practitioner?
Authors: Stein Dan J , Seedat Soraya , Emsley Robin A , Olley Benjamin O
Published: June 2017

In the last few decades psychiatric discourse has undergone an important change in its scope and focus. During the heady days of psychoanalytic hegemony, psychiatrists were willing to prognosticate or pontificate on just about anything, from individual neurosis through to social maladies, from medicine to literature, from the unconscious to the conscious. Nowadays, psychiatry self-consciously emphasises its origins as a medical discipline, focuses its diagnostic efforts on operationally defined psychiatric disorders, and argues the value of specific pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies in treating these conditions.
Psychiatric diagnosis in legal settings
Authors: Allan Alfred
Published: June 2017

When asked to give a diagnosis in legal settings practitioners should be mindful of the tentative nature of psychiatric diag- noses and that courts require that such a diagnosis must have scientific credibility. South African courts are not explicit about the test they will apply to determine whether a diagno- sis is scientifically credible, but some guidance can be found in United States case law. This paper examines these criteria with reference to the disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Institutional victimisation in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Lucas Marilyn , Stevenson Dean
Published: June 2017

Objective. Institutionalisation of psychiatric patients was a prevalent treatment approach in the apartheid era of South Africa. Allegations of patient victimisation in the form of violence and abuse arose frequently during that time. From 1994 the process of democratisation introduced a strong human rights ethos. The post-apartheid Department of Health prioritised improvements in mental health care by recommending, inter alia, deinstitutionalisation and reintegration of patients into the community. Ten years later these interventions have proved difficult to institute and many patients are still hospitalised. The present study investigated whether currently hospitalised patients continue to experience violence and abuse.Method. This was an exploratory naturalistic study in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a questionnaire and individual interviews.Results. Of the 127 patients who completed the study, more than 50% reported experiences of abuse. The main perpetrators were other patients, although violence on the part of staff was reported. Almost 44% of patients were frightened to stay in the hospital for treatment.Conclusion. A balance is needed between provision of care and protection from danger, and respect for the individual liberty of those suffering from serious mental illness in our society.
Observing a decline in general school functioning associated with depressive disorders in children - a potential role for teachers?
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Deborah , Kruger Christa
Published: June 2017

Childhood depressive disorders frequently go unrecognised. This study explores how a decline in school functioning (often associated with depressive disorders) can be identified by teachers using an 8-item questionnaire. Trained teachers recognised changes in the school functioning of 165 children aged 10 - 14 years, which were associated with possible depressive disorders (‘screen positives’) as identified by the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS).
Evidence-based mental health care
Authors: Weich Lize
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
War and post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Seedat Soraya
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVALIBLE
Post-traumatic stress disoder, survivor guilt and substance use - a study of hospitalised Nigerian army veterans
Authors: Okulate G T , Jones O B E
Published: June 2017

Objectives. To investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor guilt in a sample of hospitalised soldiers evacuated from the Liberian and Sierra-Leonean wars in which Nigerians were involved as peace keepers. The relationships between PTSD, survivor guilt and substance use were also investigated.

Design. A socio-demographic data questionnaire, the PTSD checklist and a validated World Health Organization substance use survey instrument were used to obtain data from the subjects.

Setting. The study took place at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, which was the base hospital for all casualties from the Liberian and Sierra- Leonean operations. Subjects. All hospitalised patients from the military operations during a 4-year period (1990 - 1994) who were physically capable of being assessed were included in the study.

Results. The prevalence rate for PTSD was found to be 22% and survivor guilt was found in 38% of the responders. PTSD was significantly associated with long duration of stay in the mission area, current alcohol use, lifetime use of an alcohol/gunpowder mixture, and lifetime cannabis use. Survivor guilt was significantly associated with avoidance of trauma-related stimuli but not duration of combat exposure.

Conclusions. Although the sample studied was specific, PTSD might be quite common and probably undetected among Nigerian military personnel engaged in battle in Liberia and Sierra-Leone. Detection of such persons through deliberate screening in military community studies should help to alleviate the symptoms since good intervention methods are now available. Primary prevention efforts with regard to alcohol and cannabis use should help to reduce the incidence of PTSD.
Race equality, human rights and mental health legislation: Recent developments in England and Wales
Authors: Of Bradford Lord Patel , Heginbotham Chris
Published: June 2017

England now has revised mental health legislation following the passage of a mental health Bill through both Houses of Parliament following protracted discussions over seven years. The Mental Health Bill 2006, amending the Mental Health Act 1983, eventually received Royal Assent on 19 July 2007. There is much that could be said about the new Act, which makes a number of important changes to the present legislation. These changes include a new single definition of mental disorder; the abolition of the so-called ‘treatability test’; and the extension of compulsion into the community through a supervised community treatment order.
Real persons' experience of contamination obsession: Hypothese from a Strausian analysis
Authors: Stangehellini Giovanni , Muscelli Cristian
Published: June 2017

The last two decades have witnessed a growing interest in the relation between philosophy, psychiatry and psychology (PP&P), to the extent that their kinship is now widely recognised. Erwin Straus* was a forerunner in this field. As one of the central scholars of the phenomenological approach to psychology and psychiatry in the 20th century, he acutely confronts the major thinkers of classic philosophy as well as his contemporaries. Through a profound reflection on philosophers (mainly Aristotle, Descartes, Husserl, Freud, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty) and an engaged dialogue with the most important psychiatrists in his time (such as Binswanger and Minkowski), Straus came to elaborate an original theory whose fundamental basis is the phenomenological recognition of the inconsistency of Cartesian philosophy, of ‘experimental’ psychology (as originally described by Pavlov) and of psychoanalysis.
Momentum from real persons, real psychiatrists, and real philosophers: Contributions from North America
Authors: Potter Nancy Nyquist
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Deficient testosterone levels in men above 45 years with major depressive disorder - an age-matched case control study
Authors: Dikobe A M , Van Staden C W , Reif S , Bornman M
Published: June 2017

Background. Symptoms of partial androgen deficiency in ageing men (PADAM) overlap considerably with those of major depressive disorder. The relationship between these conditions is complicated by the usual age-related decline in serum testosterone concentrations.

Objectives. To test the hypothesis that depressed men above 45 years of age have lower serum testosterone concentrations than age-matched controls.

Method. Serum testosterone fractions of 20 men above the age of 45 years suffering from a major depressive disorder were compared with those of 20 healthy men. An age-matched controlled design was used to account for the usual age-related decline in serum testosterone concentrations.

Results. Testosterone concentrations of men suffering from a major depressive disorder were statistically significantly lower than those of an age-matched control group without depression. Conclusion. The role of testosterone deficiency in depressed men needs to be examined further in order for appropriate treatment options to be developed.
HIV seropositivity in patients with first-episode psychosis
Authors: Mashaphu S , Mkize D L
Published: June 2017

Background. In order to gauge the impact of the HIV epidemic on psychotic disorders, the magnitude and causal direction of the association between HIV infection and psychosis need to be examined closely.

Objective. To determine the HIV seropositivity rate among adult patients presenting with first-episode psychosis (FEP) to Town Hill Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Design. A cross-sectional, point-prevalence study was done over a 6-month period.

Results. Of the 63 FEP patients in the study, 48 tested HIV- negative and 15 tested positive, giving a seroprevalence rate of 23.8%.

Conclusion. The prevalence of HIV seropositivity is high among patients with FEP.
News
Authors: Spencer Jones Jonathan
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Does anybody care if women beat up men?
Authors: Smith Mike Ewart
Published: June 2017

The study by Ayinmode and Tunde-Ayinmode of family violence among a population of Nigerian mothers has ‘provided evidence that women at primary care level in Nigeria not only experience family violence but that it is impacting negatively on their physical and psychosocial wellbeing and those of their children’.
Tardive dyskinesia on clozapine: A case report
Authors: Asmal Laila
Published: June 2017

Antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irremediable and debilitating condition with the onset most commonly associated with the use of first-generation antipsychotics. The development of tardive dyskinesia on clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, is uncommon, and the drug is therefore a treatment option for those patients who develop the syndrome following treatment with first- generation agents. I report on the case of a 27-year-old man who developed severe tardive dyskinesia following initiation of clozapine treatment. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first case of tardive dyskinesia associated with clozapine use reported in South Africa.
The Mental Health Care Act: Stakeholder compliance with respect to Section 40 of the Act.
Authors: Jonsson Greg Wayne , Moosa Yusuf , Jeenah Fatima
Published: June 2017

Objective. To determine compliance with Section 40 (1-3) of the Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) No 17 of 2002, viz. handing over custody by the South African Police Service (SAPS) of suspected mentally ill patients to medical services at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH).

Methods. The study was a retrospective record review of patients who were 18 years and older, referred by SAPS to CHBH. In accordance with Section 40 of the MHCA, a MHCA form 22 is completed when suspected mentally ill patients are handed over by SAPS to the medical services. MHCA forms 22 that were completed during the period July 2007 to December 2007 were obtained from hospital records and analysed to determine the compliance of SAPS and medical practitioners in completing them.

Results. During the study period, 708 of the 718 patients handed over by SAPS to the Emergency Department of CHBH were entered on MHCA forms 22. SAPS officials had correctly completed 86% of the forms, whereas the medical practitioners had only correctly completed 9.9% of the forms. Of the 718 patients handed over by SAPS, 319 (44%) were discharged for outpatient care.

Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that not all parties fully comply with Section 40 of the Mental Health Care Act No 17 of 2002. We suggest that the situation can be improved by training of all parties; amendments to the MHCA form 22; partnership between mental health care practitioners and members of SAPS; and combining resources towards implementing a crisis intervention model similar to that in other countries.
Schizophrenia-Window-of-Hope.com: Development of a psycho-educational Internet resource for the South African setting
Authors: Bodenstein S , Niehaus D J H , Koen L , Wilson Z
Published: June 2017

Psycho-educational programmes for families of persons with schizophrenia have been shown to reduce relapse rates, subsequently reducing the burden on the family as well as health care systems. Although various South African helplines and psycho-educational websites exist, none of these focused specifically on schizophrenia. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group SADAG was approached for assistance to enable us to develop a piggy-back schizophrenia service on their already established helpline. A multidisciplinary mental health team compiled a manual for use by SADAG helpline operators, but owing to the huge amount of information it was realised that the resource would be more efficient if both a helpline and an Internet resource could be created. The website (www.schizophrenia-window-of-hope.com) was then developed with the help of an IT professional. This site represents the first attempt to create an internet-based schizophrenia-specific educational resource for the South African setting. The next step will be to obtain formal feedback from helpline and website users in order to inform the ongoing development of the site.
Community rehabilitation for schizophrenia patients: Is it feasible in South Africa?
Authors: Alonso-Betancourt Orlando , Morales-Herrera Maricella
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Alternative psychosis (forced normalisation) in epilepsy
Authors: Ntsanwisi Vongani Titi Raymond , Rataemane Solomon T , Magazi Dali S
Published: June 2017

Abstract Forced normalization is a paradoxical relationship between seizure activity and behavioural problems. A 20 year old male with recurrent refractory tonic clonic epilepsy experienced forced normalization, whilst on medication with multiple anti- epileptic drugs (AEDs).(Valproate Sodium, Carbamazepine, and Topiramate). A reduction in the seizure burden correlated with sudden behavioural changes manifesting with aggressive outbursts and violence.. The present case may help clarify the mechanism of forced normalization whilst providing some helpful hints regarding the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms observed in recurrent refractory seizures.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Vally Zahir
Published: June 2017

HIV infection is associated with disturbances in brain function referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). This literature review outlines the recently revised diagnostic criteria for the range of HAND from the earliest to the more advanced stages: (i) asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment; (ii) mild neurocognitive disorder; and (iii) HIV-associated dementia. Relevant literature is also reviewed regarding the differential impact upon component cognitive domains known to be affected in HAND, which in turn should ideally be targeted during clinical and neuropsychological assessments: psychomotor and information processing speed, learning and memory, attention and working memory, speech and language, executive functioning and visuospatial functioning. A discussion outlining the neuropsychological tools used in the diagnostic screening of HAND is also included. The central mechanisms of HAND appear to revolve primarily around psychomotor slowing and cognitive control over mental operations, possibly reflecting the influence of disrupted fronto-striatal circuits on distributed neural networks critical to cognitive functions. The accurate assessment and diagnosis of HAND depends on meeting the need for statistically sound neuropsychological assessment techniques that may be used confidently in assessing South African populations, as well as the development of relevant norms for comparison of test performance data.
Excess of non-verbal cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) presenting to orthodox clinical practice in Africa - a trend possibly resulting from late diagnosis and intervention
Authors: Bakare Muideen O , Munir Kerim M
Published: June 2017

Objectives. Characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Africa are not known because of unavailability of large-scale epidemiological studies in this region. This review explored the age at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice of African children with ASDs and their expressive language ability at presentation.

Methods. A literature search of case series and case reports of ASDs from Africa was done through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and archives of the Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry. Six articles included content relating to age of the child at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice and symptoms at presentation related to expressive language ability and therefore fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Suggestions are made to explain the observations emanating from the review.

Results. An excess of non-verbal over verbal cases of ASDs have been presenting to orthodox clinical practice and there is a common denominator of late presentation/diagnosis and in turn late intervention, with most cases presenting for the first time well above 8 years of age. Attempts to explain these observations included low levels of knowledge and awareness about ASDs in Africa; problems with help-seeking behaviour; and lack of mental healthcare facilities and trained personnel.

Conclusions. Enhancement of processes directed at ensuring early diagnosis and interventions, especially interventions aimed at improving speech and language development well and sufficiently early, may bring about a shift in the trend of excess non-verbal cases of ASDs over verbal cases presenting to orthodox clinical practice.
Predicting frequency of suicide attempts of adolescent outpatients at Weskoppies Hospital using clinical and demographic characteristics
Authors: Fine G , Alison H C , Van der Westhuizen D , Krüger C
Published: June 2017

The prevention of suicide, particularly adolescent suicide, remains one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry.

Objectives. To ascertain: (i) clinical and demographic characteristics; and (ii) possible associations between these characteristics and suicide attempt frequency in a selected patient group at Weskoppies Hospital over 4 months.

Methods. Fifty adolescent outpatients aged between 13 and 17 years with a history of one or more suicide attempts were interviewed to obtain demographic and clinical features. Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations between these features and suicide attempt frequency.

Results. Of the subjects, 79% were aged between 15 and 17 years; they were predominantly female (62%) and Caucasian (83%). Mainstream and special education schools were equally represented. Three-quarters had reached grades 8 - 10, and 14% lived with both biological parents, 33% in places of safety and 37% with one divorced parent. The minority of caregivers had a history of alcohol abuse and other substance use. Twenty-nine per cent of the subjects had attempted suicide on more than 10 occasions and 23% had made a single attempt. The most common methods were wounding (74%), tablet overdose (34%) and hanging (20%). Psychiatric diagnoses included major depressive disorder (64%), bipolar disorder (38%), alcohol abuse (18%) and other substance abuse (24%). Familial features included depression, substance abuse, antisocial behaviour and suicide. Familial suicidal behaviour included suicide attempts by parents (85%), siblings (36%), aunts and uncles (31%) and cousins (44%). Physical and sexual abuse was reported in 52% of families. Conclusion. Many findings and profiles of other studies were confirmed and point to school and home environments, family psychopathology and psychiatric diagnoses as factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts. Associations between the frequency of suicide attempts and the demographic and clinical characteristics were statistically inconclusive.
The historical development of psychiatry in South Africa since 1652
Authors: Gillis Lynn
Published: June 2017

The history of psychiatry in South Africa stretches back to the first settlement by Europeans in the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. Its development falls into 3 phases with some overlaps. The first was a period of expediency and restraint during the early stages of the occupation of the Cape by the Dutch East India Company; the second, which could be called the psychiatric hospital era, was under the control of the British from the earlier part of the 19th century towards the beginning of the 20th century; and the third, broadly speaking, is the modern period since then. This article traces major developments over these 5 centuries to the present time, when psychiatry has become a highly evolved modern medical discipline.
An overview of the State Employed Special Interest Group (SESIG) of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) from 2000 - 2012
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Bernard
Published: June 2017

Introduction. The State Employed Special Interest Group (SESIG) of SASOP was established in Durban during the national congress in September 2000. Issues of concern at the time included: suboptimal physical conditions in state hospitals and clinics; stalling of the essential drug list (EDL) review process; and understaffing and difficulties to recruit and retain mental health medical personnel in the state sector. During the past 2 years, attention was given to liaising with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) as a medical labour organisation; standards for psychiatric inpatient structures, services and care; and scheduling a national SESIG strategic workshop.

Methods. Ethics clearance was obtained for a retrospective quantitative review of the demographic and occupational profile of SESIG’s members, as captured by the SASOP database of current and potential members. The investigation included a review of the policies and process by which strategic activities, priorities and measures for progress were identified within the different areas of SESIG’s mandate.

Results. In 2007, 38% (n=144) of the potential total number of stateemployed psychiatrists (380) were paid-up SESIG members; and 53% (n=202) of the potential total number (378) in 2011. The Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Gauteng subgroups had the biggest percentage of members per region in 2007, which changed in 2011 to Northern Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. In 2011, 40% of the total membership were psychiatric registrars. Presentations and discussion during the first national strategic meeting of state employed psychiatrists in 2012 covered: the scope of state sector practice; pertinent policies for state practice; planning per region; teaching and research; accepted principles for care; and strategic mobilisation (details in the supplement of this issue of the SAJP).

Conclusion. Eleven position statements were formulated to guide SASOP/SESIG activities during 2012 - 2014, including statements on: national mental health policy; psychiatry and mental health; infrastructure and human resources; standard treatment guidelines and EDL; HIV in children and adults; substance abuse and addiction; community psychiatry and referral levels; recovery and re-integration; culture, mental health and psychiatry; the specialty status of South African psychiatry; and forensic psychiatry.
17th Biennial National Congress of the South African Society of Psychiatrists: 'Pride, prejudice and promise – from origins to outcomes', 7 - 11 September 2012, Misty Hills Country Hotel, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Authors: Raemaekers Melissa
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.