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Biomedical subjects

F P Schelp

Publications and source records attributed to F P Schelp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Serum leptin and lipid profiles in Thai obese and overweight subjects.

The weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, serum leptin and lipid profiles of 48 overweight (BMI > or = 25.00). Thai males and 166 overweight Thai females, compared with 26 males and 81 females in a control group (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), were investigated. Subjects for the study were those persons who turned up regularly for physical check-ups at the out-patient department, general practice section of the Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok. The study was conducted between March-October, 1998. Statistically significantly higher levels of serum leptin, cholesterol, LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and triglyceride were found in the overweight compared with the control subjects. The median serum leptin concentration in overweight subjects was 19.6 (2.0-60.0 ng/ml) compared with 9.0 (range 1.0-30.0 ng/ml) in the control subjects (p < 0.001). The median values of leptin serum concentrations in the overweight and obese males were significantly higher than those of the overweight and obese females. A total of 66.7% (32 out of 48) of the overweight and obese males had elevated leptin levels, while elevated leptin levels were found in 87.3% (145 out of 166) of the overweight and obese females. A total of 18.8% and 21.1% of the overweight and obese males and females respectively had cholesterol concentrations of > or = 6.48 mmol/l. However, the prevalence of low HDL-C (HDL-C < or = 0.91 mmol/l) was found to be 41.7% in the overweight and obese males and 4.2% in the overweight and obese females. Statistically significant associations were found between weight, height, BMI, waist, hip, waist/hip ratio, HDL-C, and serum leptin in both overweight male and female subjects. A negative correlation was found between serum leptin and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in both the overweight and obese subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Relationship of intestinal parasites to the environment and to behavioral factors in children in the Bolikhamxay Province of Lao PDR.

From March to July 1998 the infection rates of 732 children aged below 15 years were assessed. The investigation was conducted in selected villages of the Bolikhamxai Province in Lao PDR. Socio-economic conditions and behavioral pattern were studied. The three soil-transmitted helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were found with prevalence rates of 67.14, 17.49 and 12.83%, respectively. Infection rates with other intestinal parasites were negligible. Of the children investigated, 56.7% harbored one and 20.45% more than one parasite. Except for hookworms, no statistically significant differences were found between genders. The probability of being infected with A. lumbricoides is associated with living in mountainous areas. For hookworms, infection is associated with staying in the plains. A river in the vicinity of the village is linked with the probability of being infested with Trichuris trichiura. Not to belong to a family with the ability to own expensive items increases the probability by almost two times of getting infested with A. lumbricoides. Unhygienic behavioral factors were important in increasing the probability of suffering from A. lumbricoides and T trichiura infection. Behavioral factors did not seem to be related to hookworm infections. It was concluded that after mass treatment, besides promoting the construction of toilets, it is also important to improve personal hygiene so that a lasting impact on the infection rate of the most prevalent parasites in Lao PDR could be achieved. Measures to control parasitic infections do not have to be postponed until a marked improvement of the economic situation has occurred.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and blood pressure in relation to overweight and obese Thai in Bangkok.

The specific activities of antioxidant enzymes, [eg superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT)], anthropometric measurements, including waist/hip ratio of 48 male and 167 female overweight persons (body mass index (BMI) > or = 25.0 kg/m2) compared with a 26 male and 80 female control group (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) of Thai volunteers who attended the Out-patient Department, General Practice Section, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok, for a physical check-up during March-October, 1998, were investigated. There was a slightly significant difference between the median age of the sexes. The medians of height, weight, and waist/hip ratio in males were significantly higher than those in female overweight and obese subjects. The median of arm circumference (AC), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) in males was significantly higher than those in female overweight and obese subjects (p < 0.05). The prevalences of hypertension based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure of > or = 160/> or = 95 mmHg, were 8.3% and 37.5% for males and 5.4% and 18.6% for females, respectively. There was no significant difference between the median of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX and CAT) between the sexes. No significant differences in the antioxidant enzymes in male overweight/obese persons and normal controls were presented, whereas antioxidant enzymes in female overweight/obese persons were statistically lower than in control females (p < 0.05). A significantly higher SOD, GPX, and CAT status was observed in normal subjects compared with overweight/obese subjects (p < 0.01). A higher prevalence of SOD < or = 2,866 U/gHb, GPX (< or = 15.96 U/gHb in females was found, compared with males. A high percentage of lower catalase (CAT < or = 19.2x10(4) IU/gHb) was found in both sexes (64.5% in males and 64.5% in females). In obese subjects (BMI > or = 30.0 kg/m2), there were significantly positive relationships between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and waist/hip ratio, and SOD could be related to weight, BMI as well as GPX and CAT, whereas the opposite result was observed for age and SOD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Leptin concentration in relation to body mass index (BMI) and hematological measurements in Thai obese and overweight subjects.

The weight, height and body mass index (BMI), including waist/hip ratio, serum leptin and hematological parameters of 48 male and 166 female overweight (BMI > or = 25.00) Thai volunteers who came for a physical check-up at the Out-patient Department, General Practice Section, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok during the period March-October 1998, were investigated. There were statistically significantly higher levels of serum leptin, mean corpuscular mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the overweight than in the control subjects. The median serum leptin concentration in overweight subjects was 19.6 (2.0-60.0 ng/ml) compared with 9.0 (range 1.0-30.0 ng/ml) in the control subjects (p < 0.001). The medians of leptin in overweight and obese males were significantly higher than those of overweight and obese females. 66.7% (32 out of 48) of overweight and obese males were found to have elevated leptin levels, while 87.3% (145 out of 166) were found in overweight and obese females. Anemia was found in 18.7% of female overweight and obese subjects, using hemoglobin as an indicator. Significant associations were found between weight, height, BMI, waist, hip, waist/hip ratio, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum leptin in both male and female overweight subjects. A negative correlation was found between serum leptin and hemoglobin, and hematocrit in both overweight and obese subjects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Lessons learned.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Malaria control through impregnated bednets--a pilot project in selected villages in Lao PDR.

In 7 villages on the foothills of the Houayxai district of the Bokeo Province in Lao PDR between midyear 1995 to midyear 1997 an attempt was made to test the acceptability and use of DDT impregnated bed nets as well as environmental and behavioral risk factors. About 380 women between 15 to 45 years old and their children in the age range of 1 to 14 years had been studied. A pre-tested questionnaire had been applied and blood from women and children was taken from the finger prick and a conventional thick and thin blood smear was performed, fixed Giemsa stained and examined for malaria parasites. DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) impregnated mosquito nets were distributed in the intervention villages. The availability of mosquito nets increased statistically significant from approximately 50% to 70% for all family members in the intervention area between 1995 and 1997 and statistically significant decreased in the control area from 79% to 45.1%. There was a statistically significant decrease in malaria attacks as claimed by the females for the intervention area but not for the control villages. The proportion of positive blood smears did decrease overall for women and children in between 1995 to 1997. Occupation, location of the house and use of mosquito nets had been determined as the most important risk factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Community based intervention of iron deficiency anemia in females and iodine deficiency disorders in school children in Lao PDR.

Under the supervision of the central and local health authorities, a pilot project was conducted in four villages in the Luangprabang Province, Lao PDR. The objective of the project was to test different regimes to supplement females with oral iron preparations to reduce iron deficient anemia (IDA) and control iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in school children. Compared with iron sulphate tablets, iron fumerate tablets were well accepted and good compliance results were achieved. Hemoglobin concentration improved only in the group of females taking iron fumerate tablets. The goiter rate decreased from approximately 90% to about 45% for school children, regardless of whether iodine salt were used by their families or whether iodine capsules were used to treat the children. The latter attempt was hampered by the fact that also in the control village iodine fortified salt was used. This was due to a governmental attempt to control IDD nation-wide. Therefore, also in the control village a significant decrease in the goiter rate was observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Control of intestinal parasitic infection--a pilot project in Lao PDR.

Intestinal helminths are a very common but still rather unrecognized public health problem. An attempt was undertaken to control the three important parasites, ie Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm. Two villages in Vientiane Province in Lao PDR were selected, one as an intervention and the other as control village. Intervention measures started by providing mass treatment against Ascaris, Trichuris, hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infections in both villages. Health education and other intervention measures were implemented in the intervention village, which significantly influenced the re-infection rates in this village. These achievements were not due to an improvement of the availability of toilets or personal hygiene alone but more to the villagers' improved understanding of the route of the parasitic infections. It was concluded that intervention methods should be directed more towards particular age groups. Particular attention should be paid to control parasitic infections among females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Promotion of the health of rural women towards safe motherhood--an intervention project in northeast Thailand.

An intervention project focusing on the health of women in the reproductive age was conducted in three districts of Khon Kaen Province, northeast Thailand between 1991 and 1996. Main emphasis was placed on improving reproductive health, the nutritional status including the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as well as iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), and the parasitic diseases liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) and hookworm. For implementation a community based Primary Health Care approach was used including the training of health officials in health matters, primary health care workers and villagers as well as enhancing health education and the dissemination of health information. The health delivery system was encouraged to take appropriate actions such as in the treatment of parasitic diseases and the control of IDA and IDD. Monitoring was done on a regular basis. The outcome of the project was assessed by comparing baseline data compiled from a random sample of the target population with the results of the final evaluation. An attempt to compare results obtained from villages within and outside of the project area failed most probably because of spill over effects. A number of important indicators on family planning and mother and child health care improved during the time the project was implemented; this included practising family planning, and participation in antenatal care. Also the proportion of females becoming pregnant for the first time when 20 years or older increased. Child-raising also improved in that almost all females gave colostrum to their babies by this time. Almost 75% of the women breast-fed their children. Improvements occurred in the nutritional status as far as the micronutrients iron and iodine were concerned, however the overall nutritional status of females did not change, but a rather high proportion of females were found to be overnourished. The project failed in reducing abortion and the proportion of females becoming pregnant when they are 18 years old or younger. It was also not possible to improve the usage of postnatal care. As anticipated, the results achieved so far are most suitable in serving as a training ground and providing a favorable example to improve family planning, mother- and child health care, and also the general health of females in the region, particularly in neighboring countries such as Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Reproductive health in selected villages in Lao PDR.

The aim of the project was to improve the knowledge and attitude towards birth spacing by training the villagers in the selected villages of Vientiane Province in Lao PDR in family planning, providing them with the various family planning methods, and improving antenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) care in the villages. Throughout the province, traditional birth attendants (TBA) were trained on several occasions during the project period. There were clear indications that reproductive health improved between 1995 and 1997. Considerable improvements were observed in the percentage of women making use of ANC and practising birth spacing by using some form of contraception or other. The most common methods used were contraceptive pills and injectables. In the case of child mortality a slight decrease was found in the percentage of women having their first pregnancy below the age of 18 years. A still unsolved problem is the high number of abortions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Nutritional status of pre-school children and women in selected villages in the Suvannakhet Province, Lao PDR--an intervention trial.

A project to promote the health and nutritional status of women and pre-school children was started from 1995 to 1997 in three villages in Suvannakhet Province, Lao PDR. One village served as control. In 1995, for the baseline survey, 456 females, and in 1997, for the final evaluation, 363 females from the four villages volunteered for further investigations. An attempt was made to involve all females in the reproductive age residing in the villages. At the same time also the nutritional status of 321 and about 540 randomly selected pre-school children respectively was also assessed through physical examination and anthropometric measurements. Intervention measures included introducing growth charts and taking regular anthropometric measurements of women in the reproductive age and of pre-school children. Training in nutritional aspects such as giving colostrum to new-borns, prepare proper weaning food and supplementary feeding, animal-raising and home gardening was also introduced and provided to health personnel, village leaders and in women clubs. Special attention was given to the control of acute infectious diseases. The conventional EPI program was enforced as well. Health education in matters of mother and child health care was also provided. The proportion of undernourished women was rather high at about 15%. For pre-school children, the proportion of wasting was around 5%, and of stunting 50% and above. Intervention did not improve the nutritional status either of the women or of the children. It was concluded that the time span of two years is too short for a decrease in the proportion of undernourishment to be observed. An improvement was achieved for some indicators of mother and child health care. This seems to indicate the population's willingness to follow suggestions to improve their health. Most probably, if attempts to improve the nutritional status were continued, an improvement in this aspect could also be observed, if the population can be encouraged to take actions and develop initiatives by themselves.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The relationship between alcohol consumption, health indicators and mortality in the German population.

BACKGROUND: The patterns of total alcohol, beer and wine consumption were evaluated in the German National Health Surveys. The impact of these habits on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular risk factors and liver disease parameters was estimated. METHODS: Independent representative samples of the German population (15,400 people), and regional samples of the Berlin-Spandau population (2,370 in total), aged 25-69 years, were analysed. The amount and frequency of alcohol consumption was assessed with standardized questionnaires. Biochemical analyses included serum lipids and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (Gamma GT). Multiple analyses of variance were used to determine the relationship between alcohol intake and biochemical parameters. A mortality follow-up of about 7 years was conducted for the Berlin-Spandau population. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Over 80% of men and 55% of women in Germany drink alcohol on a regular base. The majority of the consumers (65% of men, 87% of women) are light (1-20 g/day) or moderate (21-40 g/day) drinkers. Higher serum high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and Gamma GT levels were observed with increasing alcohol intake. In light and moderate drinkers no significant relationship was seen with non-HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and body mass index, compared to teetotallers. Men who consumed 1-20 g alcohol/day had a significantly lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. As compared to nondrinkers, the risk was almost 50% lower. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that light (and possibly moderate) alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular and total mortality risk and is favourably related to HDL-cholesterol.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Urinary iodine excretion as a predictor of the iodine content of breast milk.

Endemic goitre has re-emerged in Thailand. This is particularly dangerous for children since iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) might negatively influence their intellectual and mental development. In order to assess the situation, the iodine content of breast milk was determined and a method is proposed on how to monitor IDDs in lactating mothers later on. Seventy-five lactating women aged from 15 to 45 years, from 12 villages of 3 districts, namely Chumpae. Srichompu and Pupaman within the mountainous areas of Khon Kaen province, Northeast of Thailand were investigated. The breast milk from 46.7 per cent of mothers was found to be below recommended standards. In addition, 52.0 per cent of the women investigated had low urinary iodine excretion. The risk of women with low iodine excretion was 15 fold higher in comparison to women with sufficient iodine excretion to provide breast milk for their babies with insufficient iodine content. It is concluded that urinary iodine excretion can be used to monitor the IDDs in lactating mothers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Nutrition and infection in tropical countries--implications for public health intervention--a personal perspective.

Although the health and nutritional status of populations in many countries in the tropical and subtropical zones in Africa, Latin America, and Asia have improved considerably, nutritional problems and the burden of infectious diseases are still a major public health concern. This review presents the interrelationship between infections and the nutritional status of preschool children with an emphasis on "protein-energy-deficiency" on a community basis. Common nutritional indicators of subclinical undernutrition are the proportion of underweight, wasting, and stunting in children. These anthropometric nutritional indicators are also proxy indicators of the overall well-being of the child population. They reflect, in particular, the burden of infectious diseases on the community. Also in subclinical undernutrition, infectious diseases and often ill-defined spells of illness negatively affect nutritional status. A reduced nutritional status increases the risk of infections. Infectious diseases and undernutrition interact synergistically. In most countries, available resources are adequate to improve the nutritional status of the population and reduce illness spells; that is, if the population could be motivated to take health-related actions and have the active support of the health delivery sector on a community level.

Africa↗
PubMed1998

Nutritional status and serum lipids of a rural population in Northeast Thailand--an example of health transition.

An investigation was undertaken in Northeast Thailand, a country undergoing rapid health transition, to find out whether there is a likelihood that the nutritional and lipid pattern of an adult population in Northeast Thailand is related to coronary heart disease in the same way as in western countries. In a cross-sectional study, the body mass index (BMI) and the waist-hip ratio as well as the important plasma lipids were determined. The nutritional status and the lipid profile of the predominantly middle-aged population is characterised by a generally favourable nutritional status and lipid concentrations, where the distribution, indicated by the medians, of the relevant variables over the total population is concerned. A rather high proportion of individuals was found to be overnourished and to have high triglyceride levels. Individuals with high triglyceride levels run a risk of developing coronary heart disease only when the LDL-HDL fraction is above 5. Only 3% of the total population investigated had a LDL-HDL ratio above that value. Since hypertriglyceridaemia is also linked to the insulin-resistant syndrome, it is concluded that, if the mortality of coronary heart disease increases in future, then this must be accounted probably more to the after-effects of the insulin-resistant syndrome than to the direct effect of an atherogenic lipid pattern. This view is supported by a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the population under survey. Preventive measures in the area should concentrate among others on reducing overnutrition, especially among women, and increasing physical activity and screening for NIDDM.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Nutritional status of school children in an endemic area of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) after one year of iodine supplementation.

To improve the health and nutritional status of school children in an area of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) by means of different iodine fortifications in salt, fish sauce and drinking water, anthropometric assessment for nutritional measurement, including hematological status, were performed. There was a significant difference in the weight and height of the children from the four schools investigated, before and after supplementation in each school. The prevalence of anemia (as indicated by hematological measurement) and iodine deficiency (as indicated by urinary iodine concentration in the children from the four schools) were assessed and compared before and after iodine supplementation; a decrease in prevalence was found in all school children, however, serum ferritin did not change before and after supplementation.

Anemia↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of Opisthorchis viverrini and intestinal fluke infections with Praziquantel.

The study was carried out from September to November 1997 in Phrae Province of northern Thailand. A total of 95 adult patients with Opisthorchis-like ova in their stools were randomly treated with two different manufactured Praziquantels. Group 1, consisting of 49 patients, received a single dose of 40 mg per kg Praziquantel manufactured by the Thai Government Pharmaceutical Organization. Group 2 (46 patients) received Biltricide at the same dosage. Haplorchis taichui, H. yokogawai, Echinostome spp., O. viverrini, Taenia saginata and Enterobius vermicularis were expelled in the stools after treatment. Minute intestinal flukes were detected in 64% of patients. O. viverrini was found in lower proportion of 17%. By formalin-ether concentration examination one stool specimen from each patient, the cure rate in both groups on the 30th day of treatment was 100%. The side effects of the two different Praziquantel treatments were mild with no significant difference. Praziquantel, regardless of its manufacture, proved effective against O. viverrini and other minute intestinal flukes (H. taichui, H. yokogawai and Echinostome spp).

Adolescent↗