In this study whole blood cholinesterase activities were determined (tintometric method) of agricultural pesticide users exposed to organophosphorus compounds in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Analysis of the data demonstrated a universal relationship between cholinesterase levels and the time between the last exposure to organophosphorus compounds and the day of blood collection for cholinesterase determination. It is suggested that it takes approximately 5 days before whole blood cholinesterase levels revert to their normal values. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase levels and the sex of pesticide users was demonstrated except in Sri Lanka where female sprayers had lower values. It is suggested that these lower values are associated with the anaemic status of female agricultural workers. No relationship between whole blood cholinesterase level and age was demonstrated. The measurement of pre-exposure cholinesterase values is essential for comparison of values after pesticide application.
MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Agriculture*; Asia; Cholinesterases/blood*; Female; Humans; Insecticides/poisoning*; Male; Middle Aged; Organophosphorus Compounds*; Sex Factors
The Koro syndrome, a 'special cultural psychiatric syndrome', is encountered in South China, Malaysia and Indonesia, especially among people of Chinese origin. There are only eight case reports of Koro from the Western hemisphere. We present a typical primary Koro patient from Israel. Jewish cultural mores are a contributory factor.
MeSH terms: Asia; Communication*; Culture*; Developing Countries; Economics; Education*; Educational Status*; Environment*; Human Rights*; International Agencies; Organizations; Sex Education*; Social Class; Social Sciences*; Socioeconomic Factors; United Nations*
Carcinoma of the biliary tract is a rare complication of choledochal cysts. Furthermore, the greater predisposition of the cyst wall to neoplastic change has been cited as additional justification for cyst excision rather than on-site internal drainage as the primary choice of operation. The report concerns a patient who developed cholangiocarcinoma despite excision of a choledochal cyst and presented with symptoms of biliary obstruction within one year of the operation. Although this is a rare complication, the need for careful long-term follow-up is supported by this observation.
MeSH terms: Adult; Bile Duct Neoplasms/etiology*; Bile Duct Neoplasms/pathology; Adenoma, Bile Duct/etiology*; Adenoma, Bile Duct/pathology; Common Bile Duct Diseases/complications*; Cysts/complications*; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms/etiology*; Liver Neoplasms/pathology
Methods are described for the laboratory colonization of Coquillettidia crassipes. The highest rate of insemination occurred in 60 x 60 x 120 cm cages and better insemination in laboratory adapted F15 generation. Embryonation and hatchability of eggs ranged from 69.6 to 97.9% and 63.3 to 94.3% respectively. Gravid females laid egg rafts on water in 500 ml breakers with small leaves of Salvinia for resting. Newly hatched larvae were set up in a basal medium of guinea pig dung and water or liver powder, yeast powder and water. Larvae attached to aquatic plants or 'Keaykolour' ruffia snow white paper. The cultures with paper gave better yields. At present 21 generations of Cq. crassipes have been reared in the laboratory.
A seroepidemiological survey of 837 people and 383 febrile patients was performed in rural areas of Sabah. We determined that the rickettsial diseases scrub typhus and endemic typhus were uncommon causes of febrile illness, as was tick typhus, except in forest dwelling peoples. The rate of occurrence of SFGR specific antibody was 16.5% among 412 forest dwellers, indicating that tick typhus may be a frequent cause of illness in this population.
A case of infantile polycystic kidneys diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound is presented here. This condition was confirmed at post-mortem following delivery of the child. The clinical and pathological features of this inheritable disease is discussed.
A study of cancer deaths registered in the Federal Capital of Malaysia during a three-year period from 1979-1981 was carried out to analyse the cancer patterns by age, sex and ethnic group. There were altogether 2524 cancer deaths, constituting 14.5% of the total 17,446 deaths in the three years. Analysis was based on the medically certified and inspected deaths, which constituted 98.2% of the total deaths. Classification was based on the Eighth (1965) Revision of the WHO International Classification of Diseases. A detailed description of the most common cancer deaths among males and females in the total study population, and in each of the three major ethnic groups (Malays; Chinese, Indians) was carried out. Ethnic variations in mortality from some of the common cancers were described and discussed, and compared with another series based on hospital admissions.
Porphyrias are uncommon disorders of haem metabolism and we report the first documented case of acute intermittent porphyria in Malaysia. The biochemical, clinical features and the management of this order are discussed.
This paper describes the findings of a survey on perinatal cases in Kuala Lumpur. Information on the deceased infants and their deliveries were documented as well as selected social, demographic and anthropometric data on the mothers. This includes quality of the home environment in terms of presence of basic amenities. It was evident that the lower classes were better represented in the sample.
This paper also highlights a major problem in retrospective studies, that of successfully tracing eligible respondents. There were also cases of non-cooperation. Another problem which emerged, and one common to many developing countries, was the incompleteness of birth weight records.
Serum ferritin and blood haemoglobin levels were studied in 229 women attending a family planning clinic. Ferritin values ranged from 2 to 438 Jlg/l and was skewed with an arithmetic mean of 41.8 and geometric mean of 23.4 flg/l; 26.6% were iron-deficient (ferritin < 12 Jlg/l). Haemoglobin values were normally distributed with a mean of 11. 7 g/dl but 59% were anaemic (Hb < 12 gjdl]. The correlation between ferritin and haemoglobin values was poor (r = 0.147) but almost all women with a haemoglobin below 10 g/dl were iron-deficient. This study reaffirms the need for monitoring iron-deficiency anaemia in apparently healthy women seeking contraception.