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Biomedical subjects

T Taufa

Publications and source records attributed to T Taufa.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Geographical distribution of subjects seropositive for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 in Papua New Guinea.

Of 1471 sera collected from 1986 to 1989 in Papua New Guinea (PNG), 2.2% were found to be positive for anti-HTLV-1 antibody by successive particle agglutination and immunofluorescence tests. The seropositive rate varied in different provinces and was higher in the coastal areas of the main island and in neighboring small islands than in the highlands of PNG. The frequency of HTLV-1 infection of children was higher, but the age-dependent increase in antibody positivity, generally observed in other HTLV-1 endemic areas of the world, was not clear in PNG. No difference was observed in antibody prevalence in males and females in this study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Antibody responses to malarial antigens in the Wopkaimin population of the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea.

Antibody responses to malarial antigens were determined in 614 serum samples collected from the Wopkaimin population of the Star Mountains of Papua New Guinea. In point prevalence surveys made in 1982-1983, 33.7% of the persons examined were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, or P. malariae. Of these, 72.9% were infected with P. falciparum. In a standard fluorescent antibody test, highest level responses were to P. falciparum, followed by P. malariae, P. vivax, and P. ovale. A strong correlation was found between results of the fluorescent antibody tests and those obtained in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using P. falciparum antigens. The failure of immune responses to eliminate these species of Plasmodium in this highly isolated population is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Trace metals in the hair of habitants of the Ok Tedi region, Papua New Guinea.

It has long been known that mining activity can markedly change the level and distribution of certain heavy metals in the adjacent environment. This pollution can be quite widespread and long lasting and often has deleterious effects on the health of local populations. In the present study scalp hair was used as the biopsy material because of its ease of collection and long history of use in this connection. Hair was collected from all the local villages in the vicinity of the mine site, as well as from Papua New Guinean nationals from other provinces, and European expatriates who were employed by the mining company and who were resident in the area. Hair from local people showed a remarkably high iron content by comparison with previously studied populations. The extreme variations in hair iron levels were reflected in the differential distribution of levels according to location, age and sex. Hair cadmium was also high in the population studied. Hair copper, lead, zinc and mercury all appeared to be within 'normal' limits by comparison with other general populations. These results are discussed in the context of the environmental and social impact of the mining operations on the local people.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Health statistics.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1983

Malaria and filariasis in the Ok Tedi Region of the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea.

Malaria and filariasis surveys were carried out as part of a broader general health survey between December, 1982 and May, 1983 in the Ok Tedi region of the Star Mountains, Western Province. Malaria, tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS) and anaemia were identified as significant health problems. Malaria slide positivity rates of 64.9% in children 2 to 9 years of age and 19.5% in adults 15 years and older indicate high levels of stable malaria transmission. Infections with Plasmodium falciparum were the most common (75.2%), but P. vivax (17.4%) and P. malariae (7.4%) were also encountered. Palpable splenomegaly occurred in 79.2% of adults and children over two years of age with more than 50% of the enlarged spleens grade III or greater (Hackett). Microfilariae (Wuchereria bancrofti) were present in 34.3% of night blood films, and estimated haemoglobin values were considerably below WHO standards. Data from the surveys provide a baseline against which to monitor changes in health status which might be expected to occur in conjunction with the development of a major mining project in the area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Malaria and pregnancy.

A review of current literature on the effects of malaria on pregnant women and the foetus is made and its effective control is discussed. The role of placenta as an exchange organ and as the first defence line for foetus is also described. Reduced resistance to malaria during pregnancy may be due to immunological and hormonal changes. In malarious areas, the effective control of malaria results in reduced maternal anaemia and in increased birth-weights. Prophylaxis, treatment and other antimalarial measures are more beneficial to the primiparous than multiparous women.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Ok Tedi Health and Nutrition Project, Papua New Guinea: physique, growth and nutritional status of the Wopkaimin of the Star Mountains.

A survey was carried out to establish baseline anthropometric and health data in the Wopkaimin, a small group of Mountain Ok-speaking hunter-horticulturalists who live in a remote and isolated part of the Highland fringe of Papua New Guinea, where a major gold and copper mine is being developed. Malaria is hyperendemic in the region and infant mortality has been estimated at approximately 230 per thousand. A 79% sample of the population was examined and the results of the anthropometric survey are reported. Wopkaimin childrens' heights and weights are well below the 50th percentile of British standards throughout growth; at maturity boys' weights and girls' heights and weights are at or below the 3rd percentile, and boys' weights are just above the 10th percentile. Wopkaimin children lag far behind British children in percentage of adult height achieved at all ages, and appear to attain maturity at least four years later. This relatively slow growth and short adult stature may represent an adaptive response to chronic nutritional deprivation, for which there is evidence from skinfold thickness and arm circumference measurements. Younger adults are significntly taller, heavier, fatter and more muscular than older adults; possible explanations for this are discussed. Within the sample, individuals living in villages less than a day's walk from the mine town are significantly taller, heavier and fatter than those living further away, and there are also similar significant anthropometric differences between employed and unemployed men. Ready food availability which has come with the mine development appears to be the most likely explanation for these differences. A continuing study of changing patterns of health and nutrition in the area has been initiated.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Ok Tedi Health and Nutrition Project, Papua New Guinea: adult physique of three populations in the North Fly region.

Adult physiques of three populations living close to a major gold and copper mine are described and compared. Men of all three groups do not differ in stature, sitting height, biceps, triceps, subscapular and medial calf skinfold thicknesses. However, Wopkaimin men are heavier, with bigger mid-upper arm circumference and bi-iliac diameter than their Ningerum and Awin counterparts. Women of all three groups have similar stature, sitting height, biacromial diameter, biceps and triceps skinfold thicknesses. Wopkaimin women have greater values for mid-upper arm and calf circumference, subscapular, supra-iliac and medial calf skinfold thicknesses, and bi-iliac diameter. These differences are attributed to an increase in the plane of nutrition of the Wopkaimin, who live closest to, and have been most affected by the Ok Tedi gold and copper mining operation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes: the by-product of westernization in Papua New Guinea.

Before the 1960s diabetes was rare in Papua New Guinea. But by late 1970s there was evidence that diabetes type 2 was increasing among some urban dwellers. The problem is getting worse and in some urban communities the prevalence of diabetes has doubled within 14 years. Unfortunately no one knows the exact magnitude of the problem. Secondly there are simply not enough resources to handle the current known cases. This is compounded by the fact that many Papua New Guineans welcome western lifestyle with open arms. A change of eating habits and lifestyle is vital if any change is to be made to this by-product of westernization.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗