Serum immunoglobulins in Black South African children

Serum immunoglobulin levels in Black children were estimated and the results analysed in 13 age ranges, from birth up to 15 years of age. Samples from children whose serum immunoglobulins were unlikely to be affected by their clinical condition were chosen for the analysis. The values measured were much higher when compared with conventionally accepted reference ranges in White children within the same age groups. Therefore, it is most important to interpret the results of immunoglobulin measurement within the range for the individual concerned.     

The Enterobacteriaceae of South African baboons

The results of routine rectal swab examinations, carried out on 776 baboons on the day of arrival at the colony and also on 394 animals which subsequently developed diarrhoea, are described. A dramatic increase was observed in the incidence of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms during the diarrhoeic phase. The significance of bacterial species which are not pathogenic under normal circumstances as the possible cause of disease in animals subjected to stress is discussed.     

Feasibility of prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection in South African haemophilia A patients

The feasibility of DNA diagnosis for haemophilia A was tested in South African patients and families by screening for the common inversion mutation in the factor VIII gene and for the intragenic microsatellite markers in introns 13 and 22. The allele frequencies at the two microsatellite loci were significantly different, with informativity being higher in the Negroid (100%) than the Caucasoid group (67%). In severely affected haemophiliacs the inversion was found in 43% (6/14) of Negroids but in only 32% (13/41) of Caucasoids. Presence of a second common unidentified mutation may account for the low frequency in the latter. Haplotype analysis shows a disproportionately high frequency of an (AC)20 intron 13-(AC)26 intron 22 inversion negative Caucasoid haemophilia chromosome, supporting a founder effect.     

Changes in the working status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients after the admission

We reported changes in the working status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients after the admission to our hospital. The age of patients ranged from 20 to 69 years old, and they were admitted to the 18th ward of our hospital from April 1991 to March 1993. We sent out the questionnaire to 198 patients, and the reply was sent back from 116 patients (Male 74, Female 42). Out of the 116 patients, we excluded the unemployed, the government employees, and self-employed workers. The remaining 76 patients were examined about their working status after admission, and the results were as follows: 2 patients lost their work, 11 patients retired from the work, 2 patients faced the drop of their position, and 3 patients had their salary reduced.     

Parathion persistence on South African citrus

The fate of parathion applied to citrus was affected by rain, sun and wind, but not much by fruit variety, while the application method had an important effect. The formulation influenced the persistence of parathion on leaves and glass in the laboratory, but had no influence on the persistence on leaves or fruit in the field. The deposits of the emulsifiable concentrate and of the wettable powder and oil mixture were higher than that of the wettable powder alone, but since the rates of disappearance were the same, higher harvest-time parathion residues on and in the fruit resulted when the first two formulations were used. The time needed to reach a tolerance value increased for applications made later in the growing season.     

Pesticides and the South African population

Legislation which has a bearing on pesticides, and its current implementation by the State departments of Agricultural Technical Services and Health, are discussed. Organophosphate compounds account for about 80% of all deaths from pesticides and for about 60% of non-fatal cases of intoxication. In South Africa, levels of lipophilic organochlorine compounds in human adipose tissue are generally well under the world average and are demonstrating a progressive downward trend.     

Genetic services for patients with severe mental retardation. The South African situation

In South Africa mental retardation is still ill-defined as regards the aetiology and general epidemiology. A systematic diagnostic/genetics programme implemented at various institutions for the mentally retarded within the framework of a comprehensive genetic service is described. The progress made is reported and the contribution of genetic services to the prevention and the management of mental retardation highlighted.     

Dietary practices of South African ultradistance runners

Training (T) and prerace (PR) dietary intakes of male and female athletes participating in a 90-km ultramarathon and the usual diets of matched, sedentary controls were investigated using 24-hr dietary records. Supplement use, mean weekly training distance, and race performance times were recorded. Macro- and micronutrient intakes were analyzed using computerized nutritional analysis programs. Total mean energy intake in the T and PR diets of the runners was 10.1 and 12.8 MJ in the men (n = 150) and 7.5 and 9.1 MJ in the women (n = 23). Mean relative contribution of CHO to the runners' total kilojoule intake increased from 50.0 and 49.5% in the T diets to 57.7 (p < .05; n = 153) and 56.4% (p < .05; n = 23) in the PR diets of male and female runners, respectively, and energy-boosting supplements were included in the PR diets of 48% of female and 59% of male runners. Seventy-eight percent of female and 62% of male runners used vitamin and mineral supplements in their T diets as opposed to 39% of female and 28% of male controls. No statistically significant relationship was found between total kilojoule, CHO, fat, protein, and selected micronutrient intake during the 3 days before the race and performance in the 90-km event in runners of homogenous training status and gender.     

Psychological characteristics of South African street children

Research has shown that no treatment program designed for street children can succeed unless the community is prepared to respect, protect, and provide opportunities for them (Tacon, cited in Schurink & Rip, 1993). Unfortunately, these children are abused in many parts of the world (Aptekar, 1994). This paper investigates why the general public, as well as those charged with enforcing the law, often treat street children with scorn and hostility.     

Renal problems in black South African children

Black South African children have an increased prevalence of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, focal glomerulosclerosis, hepatitis B-associated membranous nephropathy, congenital syphilis, congenital nephrotic syndrome with Alport-like basement membrane changes and Takayasu's arteritis, but a paucity of reflux nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease and non-shigella-induced haemolytic uraemic syndrome. However, in recent years, the haemolytic uraemic syndrome has become more prevalent in black children; this is usually due to Shigella dysenteriae type 1, and could indicate a different emphasis in the pathogenic mechanism. Focal glomerulosclerosis is the commonest reason for renal failure requiring transplantation in black children with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (usually streptococcal induced) being second. Transplantation has been somewhat problematic with a scarcity of kidneys at times, many mismatches and poor compliance in the lower socio-economic groups. The association of tuberculosis with focal glomerulosclerosis and Takayasu's arteritis in black South African children is intriguing. The progression of focal glomerulosclerosis is accelerated in those patients with evidence of previous tuberculosis, and in Takayasu's arteritis the association is almost absolute as experienced locally, with the data suggesting an autoimmune reaction.     

Value differences among South African students.

"Groups of white and nonwhite South African students were required to choose features that they considered to be characteristic of 'White Civilization' in South Africa. Great differences in their definition of the social situation in the country were indicated by the fact that the nonwhite students attributed mainly negative features to the stimulus term while the white students responded to it much more favorably… . This difference in attitude to the dominant pattern of social relationships in the country appeared to be linked to a difference of personal values." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The growth of South African rural black children

The growth status of two samples of South African rural black children, from Ubombo, KwaZulu, and Vaalwater, northern Transvaal, was compared with that of samples of American black children and three other rural sub-Saharan groups. All the sub-Saharan black children were shorter, lighter and had less subcutaneous fat than the American children. Their growth curves demonstrated the well-recognised pattern of deviation from American means before adolescence so that, by the start of adolescence, approximately 50% of the children were below the 10th centile of American norms. Adolescence in all groups is delayed and the magnitude of peak velocity reduced. The adolescent growth spurt appears, however, to be extended along the time base so that pre- and post-peak velocities are raised; this leads to apparent catch-up growth in the late teenage years. While the Vaalwater sample demonstrated growth patterns very similar to those of other rural sub-Saharan black groups, the Ubombo children were consistently taller and heavier than all the others. These data are discussed in relation to the need for national norms that reflect the growth status of black South African children.     

Phytosterolaemia in three unrelated South African families

Phytosterolaemia (beta-sitosterolaemia), a rare, autosomal recessive disorder, has not hitherto been reported in Southern Africa. We report four new homozygous patients, from three unrelated families with significant beta-sitosterolaemia (6.6-11.3%), campesterolaemia (2.2-4.6%) and clearly detectable, though unquantified, levels of cholestanol. Three of the four patients had characteristic cutaneous and tendinous xanthomas within the first decade of life. The fourth patient, a 5 year old, was free of xanthomas despite persistently elevated concentrations of plant sterols in her plasma. All our patients were female bringing the male:female ratio in reported cases to 8:23. All were at or below the 50th percentile for height and weight, and presented at some stage with borderline, hypochromic anaemia associated with red cell abnormalities and thrombocytopaenia. The oldest patient showed suggestive clinical evidence of atherosclerosis affecting her aorta, ileofemoral bifurcation and possibly coronary arteries. All homozygotes responded to a diet restricted in phytosterols and the administration of cholestyramine with falls in plasma sterols of up to 68%. The recent discovery of a possible inherited defect in the synthesis of HMG CoA reductase in patients with phytosterolaemia makes this disorder a model system for studying the biological role of this enzyme in regulating the absorption and clearance of sterols other than cholesterol, and the factors governing the sterol composition of cell membranes.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in two East African oryxes

Tuberculous lesions were observed at necropsy of 2 East African oryxes (Oryx gazella beisa) at a municipal zoological park in Jackson, Ms. Microscopic examination revealed granulomas containing acid-fast bacilli in the lungs and liver of both animals, as well as in the uterus and mediastinal lymph nodes of 1 animal. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from the tissues of both oryxes and from fluid aspirated from the mammary gland of 1 oryx; the organism was pathogenic for guinea pigs but not for rabbits.     

Factors affecting the self-concepts of South African students

Relationships among family macrosocial structures, proximate family settings, attributions of responsibility, and African adolescents' self-concepts were examined. Data were collected from 460 South African high school students (234 girls, 226 boys; mean age = 18.6 years). On the basis of partial least squares path modeling, the results suggest that (a) family macrosocial structure, proximate family settings, and the individual's sense of responsibility for academic outcomes had modest to strong associations with different dimensions of self-concept; and (b) there were gender-related differences in the structure of the adolescents' social status backgrounds and self-concepts and in the relationships among social status, perceptions of parents' support for learning, personal responsibility, and self-concept.     

南非习惯法的历史发展

在南非法律传统中,南非习惯法一直占据着非常重要的地位.南非习惯法有官方习惯法和土著人习惯法两种,通常所说的南非习惯法就是指南非土著人习惯法.在前殖民时期、殖民时期和独立以后新宪政时期,习惯法在南非的法律体系中的地位、作用、特点、适用的范围和条件都是不同的.在新宪政框架内,南非习惯法与普通法基本处于同等地位,但在司法实践中,南非法院在如何适用习惯法等问题上仍遇到许多问题.     

Isoniazid preventive therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons. Long-term effect on development of tuberculosis and survival

BACKGROUND: Although the short-term benefit of isoniazid prophylaxis in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis has been shown, long-term benefits are unknown. METHODS: Historical cohort study in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome unit at a tertiary referral hospital. A sample of 121 HIV-infected patients with positive results on a purified protein derivative test were followed up for development of active tuberculosis and survival. Patients who received isoniazid prophylaxis were compared with patients who did not receive prophylaxis. RESULTS: Of the 121 patients examined, 29 (24%) completed a 9- to 12-month course of isoniazid prophylaxis (median follow-up, 89 months), and 92 (76%) did not receive the drug (median follow-up, 60 months). Active tuberculosis developed in 46 patients (38%). The incidence of tuberculosis was higher among patients with no prophylaxis (9.4 per 100 patient-years) than among patients with isoniazid prophylaxis (1.6 per 100 patient-years) (P = .006). Risk for development of tuberculosis was associated with the absence of isoniazid prophylaxis (relative risk [RR], 6.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-21.19). Death during the period of study was more frequent in patients who did not receive isoniazid (50/92 or 54%) than in patients who received isoniazid (7/29 or 24%) (P = .008). Median survival was more than 111 months in patients who received isoniazid compared with 75 months in patients who did not receive isoniazid (P < .001). In a proportional hazards analysis, the development of tuberculosis (RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.09-3.27), the absence of isoniazid prophylaxis (RR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.16-6.17), and a CD4+ cell count lower than 0.20 x 10(9)/L (RR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.39-6.61) were independently associated with death. Patients who received isoniazid had a longer survival after stratifying for the CD4+ cell count. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive therapy with isoniazid confers long-term protection against tuberculosis and significantly increases survival in patients dually infected with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.