South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Locally specific epidemiological understanding is pivotal to the success of malaria elimination in South Africa. Here, we focus on how the host, vector, parasite and environment and their interactions have influenced malaria incidence in South Africa between 1995 and 2012. Broad environmental considerations are necessary, including the physical (temperature and humidity), social (migration patterns), economic (quality of housing stock) and political (regional collaboration).
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In this supplement, several authors have shared lessons from the past and identified factors that led to the significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality during the past half-century in South Africa. In addition, strategies for achieving malaria elimination have been proposed. Here, we highlight the gaps that have been identified and make proposals for taking South Africa from malaria control to elimination.
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Motor vehicle collisions and pedestrian injuries in areas where schools are located are public health problems in Durban. ⋯ Traffic calming has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of PVCs but needs to be supported by additional measures to further improve the safety of pedestrians.
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BACKGROUND; Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and may be related to social inequality. ⋯ The impact of road traffic injuries is significant, but can be decreased by using appropriate restraining devices. Seatbelt use in South Africa, although compulsory, is neither strictly adhered to nor enforced. Their use is proportionally lower in lower-income areas. Specific interventions are required to target these communities directly.
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is commonly applied to study the neural substrates of language in clinical research and for neurosurgical planning. fMRI language mapping is used to assess language lateralisation, or determine hemispheric dominance, and to localise regions of the brain involved in language. Routine fMRI has been introduced in the Epilepsy Unit at Mediclinic Constantiaberg to contribute to the current functional mapping procedures used in pre-surgical planning. ⋯ The fMRI results are meaningful at the group and individual level and can be recommended for language mapping in pre-surgical patients.