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Following population declines of the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) across the African continent, the establishment of primary cell lines of endangered wildlife species is paramount for the preservation of their genetic resources. In addition, it allows molecular and functional studies on the cancer suppression mechanisms of elephants, which have previously been linked to a redundancy of tumor suppressor gene TP53. This methodology describes the establishment of primary elephant dermal fibroblast (EDF) cell lines from skin punch biopsy samples (diameter: ±4 mm) of African savanna elephants (n = 4, 14-35 years). The applied tissue collection technique is minimally invasive and paves the way for future remote biopsy darting. On average, the first explant outgrowth was observed after 15.75 ± 6.30 days. The average doubling time (Td) was 93.02 ± 16.94 h and 52.39 ± 0.46 h at passage 1 and 4, respectively. Metaphase spreads confirmed the diploid number of 56 chromosomes. The successful establishment of EDF cell lines allows for future elephant cell characterization studies and for research on the cancer resistance mechanisms of elephants, which can be harnessed for human cancer prevention and treatment and contributes to the conservation of their genetic material.

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Many people in developing countries rely primarily on medicinal plants as their main source of healthcare, particularly for the treatment of skin infections. Despite the widespread use of medicinal plants, there is a lack of literature describing the relevance and risks of exposure of the phytochemicals present. Galenia africana has been used traditionally in the form of pastes, decoctions, and lotions to treat wounds and other skin-related ailments. This is a report on the phytochemical composition of G. africana and a review on the pharmacological importance and relevance of these phytochemicals. The major groups of phytochemicals identified in G. africana extracts were aliphatics, aliphatic triterpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, and phenolic and tocopherol compounds. These have been found to exhibit medicinal properties, thus highlighting the need to assess the safety of G. africana for topical application. The information related to the safety of the various compounds could indicate the potential risks related to accidental intake of the extract upon topical product applications. This report concludes that the quantities of the phytochemicals present in G. africana should not cause undue risk to human health, which provides comfort to pursue future work on using and developing G. africana as a therapeutic agent.

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BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, the use of skin-lightening products (SLPs) for cosmetic purposes has become common practice among women with dark skin tones. Despite the associated risks, the practice is still significantly increasing in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practice toward skin lightening among young adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among health science students at a tertiary institution in the Western Cape of South Africa was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 401 participants were included in the sample. There was a low prevalence (12%) of skin-lightening practice among students, which could possibly be a result of students being aware of the associated side effects. Participants believed that family and friends are most likely to influence this behavior (48%) and perceived that individuals who practice skin lightening do so because this provides a more fashionable look (76%). Men and women were found to be equally likely to use SLPs, and those residing in urban settings are 10 times more likely to engage in the practice compared with rural dwellers. CONCLUSION: This study contributes valuable information on the phenomenon of skin lightening among a diverse group of young adults. The results highlight the influential role social media platforms and family members play in motivating use of SLPs. Furthermore, the equal likelihood of use among both sexes suggests that the practice is growing among males.

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BACKGROUND: Nurses in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly at a higher risk of acquiring nosocomial infections, considering the increased prevalence of infectious diseases. It is therefore imperative that these nurses have a sound knowledge and understanding of infection prevention procedures. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning infection prevention and control precautions among nursing students in a resource limited setting. METHOD: A cross sectional study design was employed. A self-administered questionnaire concerning infection prevention and control guidelines were made available to students enrolled in a mainstream programme for completion of an undergraduate nursing degree. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 301 students at second, third and final years of study from a tertiary institution in the Western Cape were invited to participate. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised of 301 students with the majority between the ages of 17-26 (88.2%), with a mean age of 23 ±â€¯4.7 (SD) years and the dominant gender being female (83.4%). According to the classification system used in this study, the majority of the students were overall evaluated as having good level of knowledge (47.4%) and poor attitude (41.7%) scores, with little difference in practice scores observed between different years of study. There was a positive correlation found between students' total attitude and total practice scores (r = 0.48 p < 0.01). Results showed that significant associations between gender and knowledge (p < 0.05), attitudes (p < 0.05) and practice (p < 0.05) exists. There was also a significant association between province and those who repeated a year with total knowledge scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that interactive infection control courses that promote critical thinking are implemented at undergraduate level along with more stringent forms of assessments focusing on infection prevention and control, during clinical training.

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OBJECTIVES: Sugar cane molasses is a commonly used ingredient in several food products. Contrasting reports suggest that molasses may have potential adverse or beneficial effects on human health. However, little evidence exists that examines the effects of molasses on the different physiological systems. This study investigated the effects of sugar cane molasses on various physiological systems using in vivo and in vitro methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molasses was administered orally to BALB/c, male mice and animals were randomly assigned into either a treatment or control group. General physiological changes, body weight and molasses intake of animals were monitored. At the end of the exposure period, collected blood samples were evaluated for potential toxicity using plasma biomarkers and liver enzyme activity. Immunised treated and untreated mice were evaluated for antibody titre to determine the effect of molasses on the immune response. To investigate the impact of molasses on testicular steroidogenesis, testes from both treated and control groups were harvested, cultured and assayed for testosterone synthesis. RESULTS: Findings suggest that fluid intake by molasses-treated animals was significantly increased and these animals showed symptoms of loose faeces. Molasses had no significant effect on body weight, serum biomarkers or liver enzyme activity (P>0.05). Immunoglobulin-gamma anti-antigen levels were significantly suppressed in molasses-treated groups (P=0.004). Animals subjected to molasses exposure also exhibited elevated levels of testosterone synthesis (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings suggests that molasses adversely affects the humoral immune response. The results also promote the use of molasses as a supplement to increase testosterone levels.

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This study investigated the effects of sugar cane molasses on the immune system, using cytokines as biomarkers. Whole blood cultures, stimulated in vitro with endotoxin or PHA, were incubated with various concentrations of molasses. No cell death occurred in whole blood cultures incubated with molasses samples. The addition of molasses (800 microg/mL) to unstimulated whole blood cultures resulted in increased levels of the biomarker of inflammation, Interleukin-6 (P < 0.001) and also the biomarker of humoral immunity, Interleukin-10 (P < 0.001). Molasses addition (800 microg/mL) to unstimulated whole blood cultures has no effect on the cell mediated immunity biomarker, Interferon gamma secretion. Molasses has no effect on Interleukin-6, Interleukin-10 and Interferon gamma secretion in stimulated whole blood cultures. Immunostimulation by molasses requires further investigation as it may have potential health impacts.

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