Malaria in an African penguin.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
J J Brossy
Publications and source records attributed to J J Brossy.
Avian malaria seroprevalence in Jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in South Africa.
Blood samples of 191 adult Jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus) from South Africa were tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with Plasmodium falciparum antigen (R32tet32) for avian malaria antibodies (Ab). The samples originated from free-ranging penguins from offshore islands and southern coast colonies (3 groups, n = 110), from 2 penguin groups (n = 66) rescued after offshore oil-spill contamination and rehabilitated at the Rescue Station of the South African National Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) in Cape Town, and from SANCCOB-resident penguins (n = 15). The total average malaria Ab seroprevalence was 39%, and the mean malaria seropositivity ranged from 20% to 62% among the 6 S. demersus groups, with a mean of 55% for oiled penguins, and 31% for the remaining birds. The total mean absorbance value was 0.57 for ELISA-positive penguins, 0.43 for birds kept at SANCCOB facilities, and 0.70 for the penguins from wild colonies. The 2 groups of oiled penguins exhibited higher malaria Ab seroprevalence (38% and 62%) than the 3 groups of non-oiled birds (29%, 33% and 35%). Malaria Ab seroprevalence of free-ranging penguins was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in the 3 groups of birds at SANCCOB facilities and did not differ significantly among 3 wild penguin colonies.
Animals↗
Biliopancreatic bypass in the Prader-Willi syndrome.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Ectrodactyly in central Africa.
Autosomal dominant ectrodactyly has been identified in several families in remote areas of central Africa. Two groups from eastern Botswana and south-western Zimbabwe belong to the Talaunda tribe and have a common ancestral origin. Another family are members of the Wadoma tribe of north-eastern Zimbabwe. A total of 24 individuals may be affected. Tenuous historical evidence suggests that the Talaunda migrated from the eastern Zambezi region late in the last century and may have the same origins as the Wadoma tribe. On this basis it is likely that the affected people have the same faulty gene, which presumably arose by mutation in a common progenitor.
Adolescent↗
Low-molecular-weight dextran and puff-adder bites.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Dextrans↗
An experience with jejuno-ileal bypass in South Africa.
Gross obesity greatly increases morbidity and mortality. When dietary measures fail, surgery should be considered provided certain strict criteria are met. Jejuno-ileal bypass is successful if the patient is willing to adapt to some changes in lifestyle and submits to regular monitoring. The mortality is low and the morbidity acceptable. The operation should only be carried out in centres where intensive care is available, and the surgeon must ensure that he is backed up by a team on which these patients can depend for continued interest in their future welfare.
Body Weight↗
Foam elastomer dressings in surgery.
A wound dressing prepared from silicone which is catalysed by a gas-producing activatory is described. The resultant foam elastomer is soft, comfortable and easy to prepare, and can be removed, cleaned and reinserted by the patient with minimal instruction and formality. It promises to be a highly cost-effective dressing, with a particularly wide range of potential applications.
Adult↗