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At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Cumulative mortality rates in Aedes polynesiensis after feeding on polynesian Wuchereria bancrofti carriers treated with single doses of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and placebo.

During a therapeutic trial, batches of 672 to 1979 laboratory-bred Aedes polynesiensis, the mosquito vector of lymphatic filariasis in French Polynesia, were fed on Wuchereria bancrofti carriers one, three and six months after they had been treated with either single doses of ivermectin at 100 mcg/kg, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) at 3 and 6 mg/kg or placebo. High mortality rates were observed during the 15-day period following the blood-meal in mosquitoes fed on carriers treated with microfilaricidal drugs and were significantly higher in mosquitoes fed on carriers treated with ivermectin than in those fed on carriers treated with DEC. Though its intensity decreased with the passage of time, the phenomenon was observed in mosquitoes fed on carriers up to six months after treatment, especially in those fed on carriers treated with ivermectin. By decreasing the number of mosquitoes able to transmit the infection, this lethal effect on Ae. polynesiensis might represent an additional advantage of ivermectin in lymphatic filariasis control programs.

Aedes↗
PubMed1990

Globin genes in Micronesia: origins and affinities of Pacific Island peoples.

DNA polymorphisms and copy-number variants of alpha-, zeta-, and gamma-globin genes have been studied in seven Micronesian island populations and have been compared with those in populations from Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. Micronesians are not significantly different from Polynesians at these loci and appear to be intermediate between Southeast Asians and Melanesians. There is evidence of significant Melanesian input into the Micronesian gene pool and of substantial proto-Polynesian contact with Melanesia.

Black People↗
PubMed1988

Malignant melanoma in Auckland, New Zealand.

A retrospective study of 972 patients diagnosed as having cutaneous malignant melanoma in the Auckland area from 1970 to 1985 is presented. The incidence of malignant melanoma in New Zealand is similar to that in Scandinavia, being higher than in the United Kingdom and lower than that in Queensland, Australia. The general trends in terms of anatomic predilection, and sex differences in terms of survival time, are similar in patients living in New Zealand to what has been reported from other countries. The over-all five year survival time of patients with malignant melanoma in New Zealand is within the five year spectrum reported from other countries. Major factors governing survival time in patients in New Zealand are the level of invasion, ulceration of the primary lesion, the presence of local recurrence and, in men, nodular histologic factors and the presence of a primary lesion on either the trunk or the head and neck region. Factors important in governing the incidence of local recurrence are the level of invasion, the presence of satellites, a primary lesion located in the head and neck region and inadequate resection margins in the head and neck region. There is no obvious adverse effect of pregnancy upon the outcome of women with malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma in patients living in Maori and Polynesia is rare, but clinically, pathologically and prognostically, it is similar to that found in Caucasians.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Value of a papain-treated homologous microfilarial antigen in the diagnosis of filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica. Analysis of 237 cases].

An indirect immunofluorescence assay using papaïn treated microfilariae (IFI-WBp) has been performed to attempt diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis. The authors have analysed 237 bed-rests of patients consulting for specific and non specific lymphangitis, chyluria, elephantiasis, hydrocele or just asymptomatic hypereosinophilia. Taking into account the clinical aspects, the parasitological and the serological results, they have shown the efficiency of IFI-WBp (titre greater than 80) to diagnose filariasis in French Polynesia where only one species of filaria is present (Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica.)

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Viral respiratory infections and their role as public health problem in tropical countries (review).

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Data from the World Health Organization indicate that there are at least 2.2 million deaths from ARI throughout the world each year. A considerable number of study have been performed in different countries to assess the etiological role of viruses in ARI and is now clear that the majority of infections of the respiratory tract are caused by viruses. In tropical countries information on the viral etiological agents of ARI is rather scanty. Nevertheless data from Papua New Guinea, Polynesia, India, Pakistan and Singapor show that influenza occurs frequently in tropical countries. The other respiratory viruses especially respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses and adenoviruses also play significant role as etiological agents in many tropical countries as Panama, Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia, Trinidad, Uganda, India and Nigeria. The data concerning seasonal prevalence of viral ARI in tropics are contradictory.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Combination ivermectin plus diethylcarbamazine, a new effective tool for control of lymphatic filariasis.

In 1993, a three arm double-blind controlled trial was implemented in French Polynesia, to compare the tolerance and efficacy of single doses of the combination ivermectin (IVR) 400 micrograms.kg-1 plus diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 6mg.kg-1 vs IVR 400 micrograms.kg-1 or DEC 6 mg.kg-1 alone, for treatment of Wuchereria bancrofti carriers. Of the 57 treated male patients in whom microfilaremia (mf) densities ranged from 22 to 4,709 mf/ml, three groups of 19 were randomly selected, and allocated to one of the three treatments. Twelve months after treatment 37%, 16% and 16% of patients were mf negative in groups DEC, IVR and IVR plus DEC respectively. Mf percent return to pretreatment level was significantly lower in the group IVR + DEC (1.9%) than for DEC 6 (14.7%) or IVR 400 (11.6%). Antigenemia percent return to pretreatment level was lower in the groups IVR + DEC or DEC 6 than for IVR 400. The combination IVR + DEC proved to be the most effective on macrofilariae and microfilariae (antigenemia and mf negative patients). The combination will be a very powerful tool for control of lymphatic filariasis. An annual filariasis day could be the most cost-effective strategy for administration of the drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Alpha-globin gene haplotypes in South American Indians.

The haplotypes of the alpha-globin gene cluster were determined for 99 Indians from the Brazilian Amazon region who belong to 5 tribes: Wayampí, Wayana-Apalaí, Kayapó, Arára, and Yanomámi. Three predominant haplotypes were identified: Ia (present in 38.9% of chromosomes), IIIa (25.8%), and IIe (22.1%). The only alpha-globin gene rearrangement detected was alpha alpha alpha 3.7 I gene triplication associated with haplotype IIIa, found in high frequencies (5.6% and 10.6%) in two tribes and absent in the others. alpha-Globin gene deletions that cause alpha-thalassemia were not seen, supporting the argument that malaria was absent in these populations until recently. The heterogeneous distribution of alpha-globin gene haplotypes and rearrangements among the different tribes differs markedly from the homogeneous distribution of beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes and reflects the action of various genetic mechanisms (genetic drift, founder effect, consanguinity) on small isolated population groups with a complicated history of divergence-fusion events. The alpha-globin gene haplotype distribution has some similarities to distributions observed in Southeast Asian and Pacific Island populations, indicating that these populations have considerable genetic affinities. However, the absence of several features of the alpha-globin gene cluster that are consistently present among the Pacific Islanders suggests that the similarity of haplotypes between Brazilian Indians and people from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia is more likely to result of ancient common ancestry rather than the consequence of recent direct genetic contribution through immigration.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Distribution of the 9-bp mitochondrial DNA region V deletion among North American Indians.

The deletion of a 9-bp segment from the intergenic region between the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase II gene and the lysine tRNA gene has been documented mainly in individuals of East Asian ancestry and in individuals from East Asian-derived populations (e.g., Polynesia). Among Native Americans the deletion is absent among Eskimos and northern Na-Dene populations and present among most Amerind populations [sensu Greenberg (1987); i.e., all Native Americans except Eskimo-Aleut and Na-Dene] that have been studied. To better characterize the frequency and distribution of the 9-bp deletion in North America, we surveyed more than 400 individuals from 59 tribes representing a variety of linguistic groups. The absence of the deletion among Eskimo and northern Na-Dene populations is confirmed. Among Amerind groups the deletion is present in all groups represented by more than six individuals. The geographic distribution of the frequencies of the deletion appears to be clinal in North America. The deletion is absent in the Artic and Subartic and reaches its highest frequency in the Southwest. This distribution is consistent with the hypothesis that the ancestors of the Amerinds and Na-Dene arrived in the New World by means of separate migrations. The presence of the 9-bp deletion in high frequencies in all the major linguistic groups in the Southwest suggests that migration among tribes was common.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Histophysiology of the obesity-diabetes syndrome in sand rats.

Insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and PP cells were found by immunotopochemical and electron-optical techniques in the islets of Langerhans of the sand rat, proving that the islets in this species also contain the four basic cell types known to be found in the islets in mammals in general. The ratio of A cells to B cells was 1:4 (19.1% A cells to 80.9% B cells). The pancreas of the sand rat contained assemblages of various numbers of neurons in the intralobal and interlobular connective tissue. They did not seem related in any regular fashion to specific blood vessels or branches of the pancreatic ducts. No bundles of nerve fibers were found by either light or electron microscopy. Nonmyelinated nerve fibers were detected by electron microscopy in the stroma of the islets. In the sand rat the neuroinsular complexes are formed by the penetration of single nerve cells into the pancreatic islets. In the NH or long-term group the islets exhibited signs of stimulation. The number of islets was higher than normal (polynesia), with the islets themselves enlarged (macronesia). Double islets in the secretory ducts of the exocrine pancreas were frequent. The increase in islet size was due to hyperplasia of the B cells. The numbers of beta-granules in the B cells varied considerably. Glycogen was demonstrated in some islets. The fusion of beta-granules was shown in electron microscopic pictures. The electron-opaque centers of these granules were brighter than the others and appeared to have partly dissolved. The organelles of the B cells (ER, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria) were well developed, this also being a sign of cell stimulation. No changes were observed in the B and PP cells. Stimulation of the islet cells was even more pronounced in the diabetic group. Due to hyperplasia, the islets in this group were significantly larger not only than those in the control group, but also than those in the NH group. The pancreata of this group of sand rats contained numerous small islets. Although necrotic B cells were found in the large islets of the pancreas, none were discovered in the small islets. The small islets were considered to be "regenerated" islets. Granulation was slight in the remaining functioning B cells. The hypophyses of the control group contained the GH, LTH, FSH, LH, and TSH cell types typical of this organ in other species. In the sand rat the granules of these cell types are of about the same size as has been stated for other rodents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1993

Spleen rupture in a patient with dengue fever.

A case of rupture of the spleen is described secondary to dengue 1 fever in an adult patient. This exceptional complication occurred during an outbreak of dengue in French Polynesia. After failure of conservative management, splenectomy was performed. Examination of the surgical specimen confirmed softening and enlargement organ with the formation of a subcapsular hematoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Comparison of ivermectin and benzyl benzoate for treatment of scabies.

A randomized investigator-blinded trial of oral ivermectin 100 micrograms/kg single dose vs. benzyl benzoate 10% application in the treatment of scabies, was conducted in 1992 in French Polynesia. In total, 44 patients aged 5-56 years were included in the study: 23 in the group ivermectin (IVER) and 21 in the group benzyl benzoate (BB). At day 30 after treatment, the cumulative recovery rates were 70% (16/23) in the group IVER, and 48% (10/21) in the group BB, 95% confidence intervals 51-87% and 29-70% respectively. The rates of recovery were greater in the group IVER at day 7, 14 and 30, but the difference was not statistically significant. Our results show that oral ivermectin is a valuable alternative to benzyl benzoate local treatment.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

mtDNA control-region sequence variation suggests multiple independent origins of an "Asian-specific" 9-bp deletion in sub-Saharan Africans.

The intergenic COII/tRNA(Lys) 9-bp deletion in human mtDNA, which is found at varying frequencies in Asia, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and the New World, was also found in 81 of 919 sub-Saharan Africans. Using mtDNA control-region sequence data from a subset of 41 individuals with the deletion, we identified 22 unique mtDNA types associated with the deletion in Africa. A comparison of the unique mtDNA types from sub-Saharan Africans and Asians with the 9-bp deletion revealed that sub-Saharan Africans and Asians have sequence profiles that differ in the locations and frequencies of variant sites. Both phylogenetic and mismatch-distribution analysis suggest that 9-bp deletion arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia and that the deletion has arisen more than once in Africa. Within Africa, the deletion was not found among Khoisan peoples and was rare to absent in western and southwestern African populations, but it did occur in Pygmy and Negroid populations from central Africa and in Malawi and southern African Bantu-speakers. The distribution of the 9-bp deletion in Africa suggests that the deletion could have arisen in central Africa and was then introduced to southern Africa via the recent "Bantu expansion."

Africa South of the Sahara↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Human diffusion of arthropod disease vectors throughout the world].

The present distribution of animals and plants throughout the world is the result of an evolutionary process involving tectonic, climatic and biotic factors. Humans, since their appearance, have contributed to the spreading of many species including disease vectors and pests. When humans left their native African home, they brought with them ectoparasites such as lice and acarids. During the neolithic era, humans were leading domesticated animals which carried their own parasites into new areas. Dwelling commensals, flea, bugs, triatomids, flies, and cockroaches followed human migrations. In the second millennium, sailboats transported mosquito species which were resistant and reproduced on board, including Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Ae. albopictus. Steamers further shortened the length of trips and allowed the transport of anophelines. The opening of the Tamatave-Port-Louis line was immediately followed by the transport of An. gambiae from Madagascar to Mauritius and Reunion, and epidemics of malaria occurred on the two islands which had been free of the disease. Also, An. gambiae was transported from Senegal to Brazil. Old tires destined for recycling carried Ae. albopictus to the USA, Brazil, and then Italy. The pandemic of the plague at the end of the nineteenth century was propagated from harbour to harbour by steamers carrying both infected rats and their fleas Xenopsylla cheopsis. Aircrafts have reduced the travel time so much that in less than two days an insect could reach every point of the world. As soon as the airports had been built on the islands of French Polynesia, they were all colonized by Ae. aegypti. The same phenomenon occurred with midges (Fig. 2). Also, the construction of the airport on a Galapagos Island coincided with the importation of the blackfly Simulium bipunctatum from the continent. In addition, infected malaria mosquitos imported from tropical countries reached Europe and contaminated airport employees and local inhabitants. Six cases of malaria were recorded during the summer of 1994 around the Charles de Gaulle Airport, north of Paris, suggesting that the anophelines could have been imported from West and Central African countries which are served by this airport. The serious threat of vector importation is moderated by the vector's difficulty in adapting to new conditions. However any prediction is questionable.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Expanded programme on immunization (EPI) immunization schedules in the WHO Western Pacific Region, 1995.

There are 36 countries/areas in this Region; Mongolia was transferred to the Western Pacific Region in 1995. No data are available from the Cook Islands, Nauru, and New Caledonia (Tables 1-3). BCG is used in all but 6 countries/areas (American Samoa, Australia, Guam, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau). Most countries/areas give BCG at birth; Japan gives it at 3 months, the Republic of Korea at 4 weeks, and Samoa at 5 years of age. Nine countries give 2 doses of BCG and 4 give 3 doses, up to 15 years of age. Mongolia gives 4 doses up to 18 years of age. Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine is used as a primary series of 3 doses in all countries/areas; 17 countries give 1 to 3 booster doses of DPT vaccine in the first year of life or later. Diphtheria-tetanus (DT) booster doses are given in Brunei Darussalam, Mongolia and New Zealand. Td is also given in New Zealand. Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is used in a primary series of 3 doses simultaneously with DPT vaccine in all countries/areas. Eight countries/areas use an additional dose of OPV at birth (Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu). A booster dose of OPV in the second year of life is used in 9 countries/areas and a booster dose of OPV is given to schoolchildren in 16 countries/areas. Measles vaccine is given in all countries/areas from 8-15 months of age usually in the form of monovalent measles vaccine, except in Macau. In 4 countries/areas, it is given in the form of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (Guam, Hong Kong, Palau and Singapore). The 2-dose policy is implemented in 4 countries/areas (American Samoa, New Zealand, Palau, and Samoa). In Australia and Palau, the second dose is given as MMR vaccine. The age at the second dose varies from 4 to 13 years of age. Rubella vaccine is given in 4 countries/areas to girls between 10 and 14 years of age (Fiji, French Polynesia, Japan and Macau). In Hong Kong, it is not specified if only girls receive rubella vaccine. In Australia and New Zealand, rubella vaccine is given to seronegative women immediately after delivery. Hepatitis B is used in all but 7 countries/areas (Cambodia, China, Guam, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Tokelau and Viet Nam). All countries which give hepatitis B vaccine use 3 primary doses in infancy, the first dose being given at birth in 23 countries/areas. In Australia and Japan, this vaccine is given to groups at risk. Tetanus toxoid (TT) is used for pregnant or nonpregnant women of childbearing age. It is used in 14 countries/areas, but in Australia and Palau the target group is schoolchildren. The schedules include 2-5 doses of TT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Immunohistochemical studies of the pancreas in newborns with diabetic fetopathy].

The number and the size of the Langerhans islets in the pancreata of most of investigated cases with diabetic foetopathy is increased (polynesia and macronesia). The B endocrine cells are immunoreactive for both insulin and IAPP, the reaction for IAPP being weaker in comparison with the controls. In one of the cases (the mother with long history of treated type 1 diabetes, who died during delivery) no presence of insulin-immunoreactive of PAF positive B cells is discovered. The reactivity for glucagon and somatostatin in the pancreata with diabetic foetopathy is found to be similar to the controls. In the vicinity of some islets lymphoid cell infiltrations are observed.

Amyloid↗
PubMed1988

HTLV-1, HIV-1, hepatitis B and hepatitis delta in the Pacific and South-East Asia: a serological survey.

Blood samples from 13 locations in the Pacific and South-East Asia were tested for evidence of infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). No samples were positive for antibody to HIV-1. Antibodies to HTLV-1 were found in samples from five locations, the maximum prevalence being 19%, in Vanuatu. Serological markers of HBV infection were found in all locations, the maximal prevalence being 88%, in Majuro, Micronesia. Antibodies to HDV in HBsAg positive sera were found in six locations with a maximum prevalence of 81% in Kiribati.

Adult↗