Onchocerciasis control on the island of Bioko (Republic of Equatorial Guinea) by vector elimination: Environnemental impact assessment (EIA) part 2c macro invertebrate indicator species

A literature search has established that the freshwater macro-invertebrate fauna ofBioko is extremely poorly studied and that relatively few species of freshwater insects have been recorded from the island (Appendix 1). Nevertheless, it is apparent from this searc[ and from insects collected on the island during the present study, that the ocp identification manual to aquatic inseas from the Ivory coast @ejoux et al., lggl)and the standard recording form 5620 are adequate for family level recording of specimens collected on the island because all families known from Bioko are covered. There are genera of aquatic insects which are found on Bioko and are not covered, but this is unlikely to seriously distort estimates of community structurq for which they are designed. l'2' The impact of the inseaicide Temephos, used to eradicate Sirrulium dannowms.l. the vector of onchoceriasis, on chironomidae (non-biting midges) genera and odonata (dragonflies) species on three streams on Bioko has been investigated as part of an environmental impaa assessment. 1'3' Adult and larval odonata and larval Chironomidae were surveyed throu-ehout Bioko between 23 Marchand 9 April 1999 to establish the distribution ofthese groups and to indicate whether recolonisation oftreated strezmrs from untreated refugia would be possible to re-establish any non-target ta:ra that were eliminated following rhe Simuliumeradication progriunme.l'4' Treatment of all three trial sfeams with Temephos had an adverse effect on the chironomid fauna with an elimination of up 5u/o of thegenera at sites immediately downstream ofthe treaunent point. Insufficient nurnbers of odonata larvae were present in the samples to draw meaningful conclusions about the direa impact ofthe insecticide on the odonate fauna. However, if the insecticide causes a general reduction in abundance and biodiversity of aquatic macro- invertebrates, the odonate fauna could be expected to decline within a few weeks due to a shortage ofprey l'5 Twenty-five species of Odonata were recorded during the present survey, including six species not previously found in Bioko. The total number of odonata species now known from the island is 48 including one species (Trithemis hartwigt)and one subspecies (Chtorocypha cancellata insulua)that are cunently thought to be endernic. Trithemis hartwigr was not collected during the current survey but has previously only been recorded in the highland region around Moca. Chloruyplw cancellaninsalqwwas collected from several lowland streams during the present survey The dragonfly fauna has two elements, an upland element which includes species that occur above 1000 m only, and a lowland element including several species that do not occur above 500 m. Only three species occurred in both these faunistic elements, but there was a transitional fauna at 600 m that included a few species from each elernent. Much ofthe adult dragonfly fauna is probably seasonal in occurrence and so was not recorded during this brief survey. Certain Libellulidae probably migrate to Bioko from mainland Africa to breed in temporary pools during the wet se.$on. ffis migration us likely to be wind assisted. 1.9. Downstream recolonisation by Odonata of streams treated with inseAicide below 1000 m will not occur since upland strearns do not act as refugia for most ofthe lowland odonate fauna. However, if some permanently flowing lowland sffeams are left untreated these could act as refugia for the lowland fauna. Simultaneous inseaicide fieament of the lowland sections of all rivers on Bioko is likely to result in the elimination of a significant proportion ofthe dragonfly fauna on the island, although recolonisation by some species from the African mainland might be possible over time. The chironomid fauna appeared to be fairly uniform in lowland rivers but samples from the high altitude site included four tu

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica. part 1: 1978-1982

A total of 3,396 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica during 1978 to 1982. There were 1,477 males and 1,919 females. Histological confirmation was achieved in 88.4%. The crude incidence rate for males for all age group was 107.8 per 100,000 per year, in females, the figure was 123.0. The age-standardized rates (world population) were 157.9 for females. Age-specific rates by site, sex, and age are tabulated.

Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston & St. Andrew, Jamaica

The Jamaican Cancer Registry recorded 3,652 cases of cancer in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1983-1987. Histological confirmation was maintained at a high level (86.3%). For males, the crude rate was 103.1 and for females, 126.5 (per 100,000 per annum). The age-standardized rates for all ages were 148.3 for males and 160.2 for females. The tables contain age-specific rates for each site by age.

30-year cancer trends in Jamaica: Kingston & St. Andrew (1958-1987)

A total of 19,225 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston & St.Andrew, Jamaica over the 30-year period 1958-1987. The most prevalent cancers in males were those of prostate (12.2%), stomach (10.9%) and lung (10.7%). In females 24.1%of cancers occurred in breast and 20%were recorded for invasive carcinoma of the cervix. There is a steady improvement in the diagnosis of in situ cervical lesions, and a relative decline in the invasive lesions. Lung cancer in women remains at a low level. A significant decline in cancer of the oesophagus and stomach in both sexes was noted, while neoplasms of colon and rectum maintained a stable pattern. The 30-year trends of lymphomas and leukaemias have shown no increase, although there are changes in classification patterns.

Warthin's tumour in Jamaica: incidence, electron microscopy and immunoenzyme studies

Warthin's tumour has traditionally had a strong male association, and has been said to be rare in Blacks. Current studies describe a newtrend; a rise in females, strongly linked to cigarette smoking. The tumour has eosinophilic epithelial cells packed with distinctive mitochondria, and a lymphoid stroma. Immunological investigations have demonstrated polyclonal B cells and macrophages. Views differ as to whether B or T cells predominate. Between 1958 and 1989, the Jamaica Cancer Registry recorded 491 benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. There were 18 cases of Warthin's tumour (3.7%), with a male:female ratio of 5:1. The low proportion of females is similar to the trend for female lung cancer in Kingston & St. Andrew. A case of Warthin's tumour was studied by light and electron microscopy and immunoenzyme methods. The epithelial cells contained numerous mitochondria with stacked cristae, as previously descrebed. Similar morphology occurs in oncocytic tumours; riboflavin-dificient rats and mice; rats given non-lethal doses of hypoglycin; dogs treated with annatto extracts; and hibernating or starving frogs. The mitochondrial changes may be anadaptive response. The immunoenzyme studies utilized newly available monoclonalantibodies: UCHLI, L26, 4KB5, MT1 and LN2. The reaction patterns indicate a distribution of B and T cells in a manner expected in a lymph node. The interaction between mitochondrial changes adaptive metabolic pathways, the immune cells and tobacco raises some interesting questions

Assessment of community health aides

A research project funded by the Commonwealth Caribbean Medical Research Council (CCMRC) began in February 1987, to study aspects of the situation in connection with 508 Community Health Aides (CHAs) employed in Government Service of Jamaica. There were in the service 1,328 CHAs in 1978, reducedto 1,183 in 1982 and to 1,168 in 1984. By 1985/86 the numbers were further reduced,reaching the low figure of 508. This report deals specifically with the responses of 615 members of the community who were interviewed, and questionaires were returned from all parishes in the four Administrative Health areas in Jamaica. The responses from community members are very important in the assessment ofcommunity health aides as members of the community health team. A number of useful and practical suggestions were reflected in their responses regarding service from community health aides

Toxicity of the hyperglycaemic-inducing extract of the Annatto (Bixa orellana) in the dog

The Annatto seed coat extract, which is commonly used in folklore in treating diabetes mellitus, has been investigated for its effects on blood sugar levels in the dog. An alkali-soluble hyperglycaemia-inducing fraction was detected, and detailed studies revealed toxic effects in the pancreas and liver accompanied by hyperglycaemia and apparent tendency to increased insulin levels. The toxicity was diminished by feeding riboflavin. The relevance of this finding points to a possible aetiological role in the development of amlnutrition-related diabetes mellitus and also to the potential toxicity inherent in the widespread use of folklore medicines