African health sciences
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
The impact of motherless paternity testing in a South African population.
Paternity investigations play an important role in determining biological relatedness, and in South Africa, the outcome of these investigations impacts medical, judicial and home affairs decisions. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is utilised to perform paternity and kinship analysis, due to the polymorphic nature of STR loci. The cost associated with paternity testing is high, and there is a demand for motherless testing. ⋯ We would recommend that within our setup and within similar setups, the mother always be included for testing, except in extreme scenarios such as death. False inclusion of putative fathers could have serious legal implications for testing laboratories.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
A preliminary study of skin bleaching and factors associated with skin bleaching among women living in Zimbabwe.
Skin bleaching was reported to be commonly practiced among women and Africa was reported to be one of the most affected yet the subject is not given much attention in public health research in Zimbabwe despite the adverse effects of skin bleaching on health. ⋯ Evidence from the research suggests skin bleaching might be common among women living in Zimbabwe and possibly poses serious health threats to the women. Skin bleaching seems to be deep rooted in colourism. The colourism seems to be taken advantage of by the cosmetic industry which produce the potentially hazardous products which promise the revered light skin to women but which comes with a price. However, the study provides a base for future studies to explore more on skin bleaching practices among women living in Zimbabwe.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisThe efficacy of dapagliflozin for type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
The efficacy of dapagliflozin for type 1 diabetes remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the treatment efficacy of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 1 diabetes. ⋯ Dapagliflozin treatment benefits to reduce HbA1c and FPG for type 1 diabetes.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisUric acid lowering improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized parallel-controlled clinical trials.
This meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether uric acid lowering treatment can improve β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. ⋯ Uric acid-lowering therapies might improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood pressure, but had no significant effect on HOMA-β and serum lipids.
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African health sciences · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisIndian scenario of IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is most common primary glomerulopathy. There are variations in prevalence of IgAN and its clinical features in different studies from India. ⋯ The overall prevalence of primary IgAN in India was 16.5%. The subnephrotic proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were common clinical features.