This paper reports on the development and validation of a real-time reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) targeting the genomic large RNA segment of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). The set of six designed RT-LAMP primers identified strains of RVFV isolated in geographically distinct areas over a period of 50 years; there was no cross-reactivity with other genetically related and unrelated arboviruses. When testing serial sera and plasma from sheep experimentally infected with wild-type RVFV, there was 100% agreement between results of the RT-LAMP, a TaqMan-based real-time PCR, and virus isolation. Similarly, the assay had very high levels of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when testing various clinical specimens from humans and animals naturally infected with the virus during recent outbreaks of the disease in Africa. The detection of specific viral genome targets in positive clinical specimens was achieved in less than 30 min. As a highly accurate, rapid, and very simple nucleic acid detection format, the RT-LAMP has the potential to be used in less-well-equipped laboratories in Africa and as a portable device during RVF outbreaks in remote areas, and it can be a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fevers.

No abstract available.

Background: Rabies is an untreatable and highly fatal viral zoonosis. Despite the ability to control and prevent the disease, it is estimated that one person dies of rabies every 10 minutes in developing countries. However, the true burden of the disease remains undefined in most developing countries because of a lack of systematic surveillance. Dog bite data obtained from healthcare facilities where dog bite victims seek medical care may provide an additional source of information that can be used to inform the burden of disease and identify points for interventions for improved delivery of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent the disease.Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using data obtained from dog bite registers and patient case files at a healthcare facility for a two year period (2015-2017).Results: The study reported frequency, demographics, source, geographic and temporal distribution of bite cases reported to a hospital serving a rabies-affected community. In addition, the post-exposure management of dog bite cases at this facility is described.Conclusion: Dog bites was not an infrequently reported at the healthcare facility, with up to 29 cases reported in a month during the study period. The affected population was defined and it is motivated that this information is useful for targeted health interventions. Findings related to the delivery of PEP may also be used to direct training and re-training of healthcare workers for improved delivery of PEP.

Purpose:To determine the level of sustainability embeddedness in strategising by investigating the public and external communication of companies. Problem investigated:The extent to which sustainability is embedded in the elements of strategy formulation and implementation (and not merely surface-level statements and claims) Design: The researchers designed a measurement tool and scale, the Strategising for Sustainability Index (SSI), based on researched elements of strategising and recent literature on the topic of sustainability and strategy integration. Merit for strategising for sustainability was given to a company on the basis of its fulfilling the relevant criteria. The JSE Top 40 listed companies on the All Share Index as of March 2011 were selected as a purposive sample. Each company's data and each element of the scorecard were judged on a Likert-type five-point scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of embeddedness in the strategy. A comprehensive evaluation sheet was used to judge the presented data individually and independently for each element of the scorecard instrument.Findings: Ten elements were found relevant and represented: compliance (2 elements); strategy formulation (4 elements); and strategy implementation (4 elements). The findings show wide variation in overall scores. Almost all companies satisfied the compliance requirements but variations were observed in both formulation and implementation embeddedness. The SSI tool has discrimination value despite a relatively complex judging process. The proposed SSI measurement challenges other determinants of sustainability performance, as it incorporates embeddedness of sustainability in strategising. Knowing the level of this could guide management towards directing resources away from 'over-invested' strengths related to sustainability. Considering the scores for the different elements of the instrument would help to prioritise the 'sustainability spend'. Furthermore, the SSI tool directs attention to how sustainability is incorporated in the strategising process. Originality and Value:The measure of the level of embeddedness of sustainability in strategising has not been done before. This study addresses the possible 'window-dressing' claims surrounding sustainability and highlights those companies who have successfully demonstrated that sustainability is not just for reputation purposes and is, in fact, part of their operating as a listed company. Conclusion:Firstly, it was possible to use the SSI framework and the evaluation process and apply it to the sustainability reporting and claims for each firm. Secondly, each element could be judged on the unique scale for the specific element. The SSI measurement tool can be used to describe the level of strategising embeddedness. The SSI tool's framework is based on input of literature and on the foundation of strategic principles. The 5-point scale on the SSI tool serves to describe the achievement of a company for each element. The sustainability claims of these companies varied in...