ABSTRACT
Albinism is an inherited condition associated with significant depigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. It occurs in every population with varying frequency, and narratives of people with albinism have been recorded since 200 BC. In southern Africa albinism is common, about 1 in 4000 people are affected, but it remains a poorly understood condition surrounded by myths and superstition. This article provides a historical background on oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in southern Africa and presents relevant information from the literature regarding epidemiology, genetics and genetic counselling, health, psychosocial and cultural issues, and medical care. There are several recessively inherited types of OCA and a mutation, responsible for about 80%of South African variants, has been identified in OCA type 2. The physical characteristics associated with albinism, that is, sun-sensitive skin and low vision, can be managed. However, people with OCA in Africa also experience psychosocial issues, such as discrimination, because of the various superstitious beliefs and attitudes held in the community. Management should include medical care for health problems, appropriate adjustment of the schooling context and genetic counseling. In addition, widespread public awareness programs are required to increase the knowledge of the genetic causes of OCA and of the nature of genetic counselling, to address the negative attitudes in the community, to reduce the marginalization and stigmatization of people with albinism and to improve their quality of life.
Subject(s)
Psychology , Developmental Disabilities , Albinism , Health , Albinism, Oculocutaneous , Epidemiology , GeneticsABSTRACT
Background: Hexaflumuron (HFM) is an insect growth regulator (IGR); it is highly effective against a wide range of pests. Aim of the work: Due to the lack of toxicological assessments of this insecticide especially the formulation type, the objective of the present study was aimed to investigate the toxicological effects of repeated exposure of HFM formulation on adult albino rats. Materials and methods: Three groups were administered daily by gavage for (28 days) at dose of 11, 4, and 2.5 mg/kg b.wt respectively. In addition to control group. Results: The results of acute toxicity indicated HFM exhibited moderate to some extent high toxicity toward the treated rats. Slight tremors and bleeding from nose were observed. The repeated exposure results revealed the high and middle doses exhibited methemoglobinemia. Also, the HFM treatment led to increase in AST and ALT levels. The urea and creatinine levels were not significantly increased except the level of creatinine in high dose. According to the histopathological findings the middle and low doses of HFM revealed greater injurious in liver and spleen tissues than induced by high dose. HFM induced a statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in a dose-dependent manner compared with a negative control group. Conclusion: So, it is obvious the middle and low doses induced damage in the liver and spleen organs while the high dose induced damage in blood, bone marrow, and kidney organs
Subject(s)
Albinism , Aptitude , Male , Mutagenicity Tests , SpleenABSTRACT
L'exposition permanente aux rayons ultraviolets A et B du soleil; peut conduire a l'installation des pathologies graves telles que le cancer; pour des peaux non protegees par la melanine comme celle des Albinos. Au CHU de Brazzaville; de janvier 2000au 31 decembre 2008; nous avons decide de rechercher ces cancers en adoptant des criteres d'inclusion. Ainsi pour etre eligible; le patient devait : etre Noir Albinos; avoir un cancer histologiquement confirme; presente des details sur le traitement recu et des donnees precises sur l'evolution. Pour chaque patient le temps minimum de participation a ete de 6 mois et la date de point retenue le 31 decembre 2008. 10 observations ont ete colligees dont 6 femmes et 4 hommes avec un age moyen de 36; 2 ans; les extremes etaient; 27 et 25 ans. Nous avons enregistre des carcinones vaso-cellulaires spino-cellulaires; annexiel indifferencie et un cancer du cavum. 7 des 10 patients; ayant ete traite par chirurgie associee ou non a la chimiotherapie; sont vivants apres une duree entre 6 et 7 ans apres traitement; tandis que 3 sont decides. L'exposition prolongee des parties decouvertes du corps au soleil; l'indication de la chimiotherapie ont constitue l'essentiel de la discussion
Subject(s)
Black People , Albinism , Case Reports , SunburnABSTRACT
The rehabilitation programme showed that many teenage albino patients; after visiting eye and skin clinics; started to gain in self-confidence at school. It is hoped that as a result of this programme albino patients will seek medical help more readily in the future than they do now