South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Genomic research has been identified in South Africa (SA) as important in developing a strong bio-economy that has the potential to improve human health, drive job creation and offer potential solutions to the disease burden harboured by low- and middle-income countries. Central to the success of genomic research is the wide sharing of biological samples and data, but the true value of data can only be unlocked if there are laws and policies in place that foster the legal and ethical sharing of genomic data. ⋯ We argue that a purposive interpretation of the legislation would permit broad consent for the processing of personal information for research. Although there are ongoing debates surrounding the ethical use of broad consent in Africa, the objective of this article is not to engage with the ethics of broad consent itself, but rather to focus on the legal status of broad consent for genomic data sharing under POPIA.
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Data on renal pathology from sub-Saharan Africa are limited. ⋯ This study contributes to our knowledge of renal pathology in SA and shows some data that differ from studies in other regions. The increase in SGNs probably reflects the influence of HIV and LN in the study population.
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Comparative Study
Increase in blood pressure over a 7-year period in a mixed-ancestry South African population.
An increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) has been reported globally and in the South African (SA) population. ⋯ A rightward shift in absolute BP translated into a significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension over time in this population. The predominant increases in screen-detected hypertension suggest that the deteriorating profile was not matched by efforts to detect and manage individuals with higher-than-optimal BP levels.
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Continuous intravenous infusion (CII) of insulin is the preferred method of treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) worldwide, especially in patients with severe DKA. There is limited evidence evaluating low-dose bolus intravenous (IV) insulin management of DKA out of the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Outcomes are favourable, with bolus IV insulin being used as the treatment modality in patients with mild, moderate and severe DKA at CHBAH. Further studies are needed to corroborate these results in other centres.
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Even though the rate of eldercide (homicide in the age group ≥60 years) in South Africa (SA) is higher than the global rate, it receives little attention compared with homicide in younger (<60 years) age groups. ⋯ The characteristics of eldercide differ from those of youth and middle-age homicides. The specificities of the circumstances suggest that interventions should take cognisance of the temporal and spatial dimensions of eldercide and go beyond the regular security and policing measures to ensure the safety of the elderly in Johannesburg.