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Biomedical subjects

J Fourie

Publications and source records attributed to J Fourie.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Administration of sucralfate prolongs survival of animals with experimental peptic ulceration.

Ligation of the pig bile duct (BDL) results in 100% incidence of pars esophageal ulceration within 48 hours of the procedure. Usually such ulceration is uniformly fatal unless a highly selective vagotomy is performed simultaneously with the BDL. The administration of sucralfate to pigs with BDL prolonged their survival for up to 7 days, with evidence of healing of the ulcer on macroscopic and histologic observations. An increase in cell proliferation in the squamous epithelium of the ulcerated area was also seen in this sucralfate group. These features were not seen in controls, pigs with BDL only, or pigs with BDL and with magaldrate (Riopone), colloidal bismuth subcitrate (DeNol), or carbenoxolone. Analysis by Sepharose 2B gel filtration showed that there was no significant difference in the amounts of polymeric mucin in any group, with a wide scatter of the data seen especially for pigs in the untreated BDL-only group. This study suggests that sucralfate may enhance healing in this experimental pig ulcer model via a mechanism independent of the stimulation of mucus secretion. We propose that coating the mucosa with sucralfate provides a temporary substitute barrier that creates a microenvironment conducive to wound repair by mucosal proliferation.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1991

A 6-month trial of simvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin, over a 24-week period. Patients (108) with primary hypercholesterolaemia were clinically, haematologically and biochemically evaluated and established on a cholesterol-lowering diet. After a wash-out period free from other lipid-lowering drugs and a baseline period on placebo of 1 month each, 10 mg simvastatin was introduced at night. The dose was increased to 20 mg and 40 mg at 6 and 12 weeks' follow-up respectively if the total cholesterol (TC) level was still above 5.17 mmol/l. Follow-up took place every 6 weeks and included lipid, haematological, biochemical and clinical evaluation. A full ophthalmological evaluation was conducted at baseline and at 24 weeks' follow-up. Overall the TC level was reduced below the baseline level by 34.3% at week 18 of follow-up and 32.5% at week 24. Patients with higher initial TC levels showed greater TC lowering in response to simvastatin than did those with lower initial TC levels. A group of 45 patients was followed up for an additional 12 weeks after the end of the trial and maintained TC reductions similar to those at the end of the trial. Fourteen patients experienced adverse effects which were thought to be drug-related. One patient was withdrawn from the trial after developing conjunctivitis that proved to be related to the use of simvastatin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in the black population of the Cape Peninsula. The BRISK study.

A cross-sectional study of risk factors for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in a random sample of 986 black people aged 15-64 years living in the Cape Peninsula revealed a population at lower risk for IHD than other South Africans. Blood pressures of 140/95 mmHg or above were found in 14.4% of males and 13.7% of females. Fifty-two per cent of males and 8.4% of females smoked, while 16.5% of males and 25.8% of females had a total cholesterol (TC) level imparting risk for developing IHD. In this population the TC level is not a good surrogate measure for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol because of the high level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) found in this population. A protective HDLC/TC ratio of 20% was found in 96% of males and 96.1% of females. When considering the three major reversible IHD risk factors at a high level of risk, 30.8% of males and 12.5% of females had at least one such a risk factor. The population was frequently exposed to the media, with 80% listening to the radio every day and 55% watching television at least once a week. This suggests that a healthy lifestyle could be promoted successfully by means of these media. In addition, schools should promote a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases should be incorporated into the evolving primary health care services in South Africa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Six-hour porcine liver storage without flushing or perfusion.

Livers from normal porcine donors were preserved by surface cooling only, without flushing or perfusion, for periods up to 24 hr. All recipients of livers stored for 6 hr survived until sacrifice at 7 days. In a separate, similar group, survival up to 21 days was noted. Only 2 of 6 recipients survived after 9-hr liver storage, but one of these lived for greater than 120 days. No animals survived longer than 2 days after transplantation of livers stored for 12 or 24 hr. The changes in plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase of recipients of 6-hr surface-cooled livers were not significantly different from AST levels of recipients of livers stored in University of Wisconsin or Euro-Collins solution as observed in previous studies in this laboratory. At sacrifice after 7 days, there was no histologic evidence of damage after surface cooling. In the light of recent reports of evidence of endothelial and reticuloendothelial damage caused by flushing solutions, it is suggested that surface cooling of the liver may provide adequate preservation for 6 hr in appropriate circumstances. Further studies will be needed to confirm that this method of preservation is applicable to livers removed from brain-dead donors and that it does not cause endothelial damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Anthropometric profile of the coloured population of the Cape Peninsula.

Study of a sample of 976 randomly selected coloured persons 15-64 years of age living in the Cape Peninsula included measurement of height, weight and mid-arm circumference and calculation of the body mass index (BMI). The mean height of the men was 167.6 cm and that of the women 156 cm. Mean weight, BMI and mid-arm circumference for men were 65.9 kg, 23.4 and 27.5 cm respectively and those for women 65.8 kg, 27.1 and 28.9 cm respectively. The prevalence of underweight for men (BMI less than 20) was 23.6% and for women (BMI less than 19) 9.8%; 17.7% of men were overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25) and 3.7% obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30), while 35.2% of women were overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 24) and 18.8% obese. Overweight and obesity were more common among the older coloured women than among a group of South African white women of the same age. Obese women in the age group 35-44 years were 4.8 times more likely to be hypertensive than women of normal weight in the same age group (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval 2.2-4). Older women did not show this association. There were too few obese men to analyse in this manner. Many of the obese participants did not see themselves as obese. Only 19.7% of men and 45.2% of women had attempted to lose weight during the year preceding the study, in many cases using methods known to be ineffective. The coloureds of the Cape Peninsula were found to be a population with shorter stature than South African white and American populations. Some young participants of both sexes and some older men were underweight, while among older women there was a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. The findings may suggest previous undernutrition in both sexes, with a marked tendency to current overnutrition in adult females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Health actions and disease patterns related to coronary heart disease in the coloured population of the Cape Peninsula.

The health-related behaviour of the Cape Peninsula coloured population, which has been shown to have an adverse coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor profile, is reported. Private medical services were used most often by participants: 54.1% and 51.6% of males and females respectively had made use of these services during the preceding year. Only 17.9% and 21.8% of males and females respectively had attended day hospitals during the year. Blood pressures were measured in 43.8% and 57.1% of male and female participants respectively during the year preceding the study. The results indicated the need for the measurement of blood pressure to determine the true prevalence of hypertension, since patient reporting of the condition was inaccurate. Attempts to give up smoking had been made by 44.4% of male and 47.1% of female smokers. About 75% of the participants were found to have hypercholesterolaemia, yet their knowledge of the prudent diet was poor and few reported appropriate dietary modifications to protect against CHD. Frequent reporting of hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and constipation by the study population highlights the need for dietary education. Mortality rates (MRs) for CHD and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) for the coloured and the white populations were compared. In all age groups white males had higher MRs for CHD than coloured males, while coloured females older than 34 years had higher rates than their white counterparts. The coloured population had MRs for CVD that were higher than those of whites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Requirements of a coronary heart disease risk factor intervention programme for the coloured population of the Cape Peninsula.

The coloured population of the Cape Peninsula has been identified as having a high prevalence of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), notably hypertension, cigarette smoking and hypercholesterolaemia. The need for an appropriate and effective CHD intervention programme, directed at the population as a whole, has become urgent. Three central problem areas relating to hypertension control--diagnosis, management and compliance--will have to be addressed. Hypertension was underdiagnosed among men, particularly those aged 25-44 years. Apart from educating this group regarding the need to have their blood pressure measured, detection programmes are therefore needed at the workplace to improve hypertension diagnosis. Inadequate management of hypertension was commonest in women aged over 45 years. Compliance with hypertension treatment regimens was poor in all men as well as in both sexes belonging to the lower socio-economic strata. Establishing easily accessible blood pressure stations for monitoring blood pressure and educating hypertensives regarding their condition could lead to improved management and compliance. Coloureds were found to smoke heavily, and the women had the highest smoking prevalence of all South African women. Furthermore, the age of onset of smoking is decreasing among coloured children. A general anti-smoking campaign directed at all South Africans is necessary to control smoking. Anti-smoking education programmes at primary school level are of particular importance to prevent the onset of the habit. More than 70% of coloureds had a serum cholesterol level imparting CHD risk, few followed a prudent diet and their knowledge of the prudent diet was poor. Health education programmes to promote the prudent diet are required.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Blood pressure profiles and perinatal outcome in pregnant black women in Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

In a retrospective study, the antenatal records of 241 consecutive patients were analyzed. Maternal gravidity, age, blood pressure recordings, and fetal gestational age at birth, weight and perinatal deaths were recorded. Blood pressure recordings were done by the clinic staff with the patient in the supine position tilted 15 degrees to the right. Hypertension was defined as a diastolic pressure (Korotkoff phase 4) of 90 mmHg or more. Forty-one percent were classified as hypertensive. Hypertension before 33 weeks had a perinatal mortality of 264/1000.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Transhepatic sampling during experimental porcine liver autotransplantation--its application to measurements of insulin, glucagon, and glucose.

Controversy still exists in the published literature about the need for administration of intravenous glucose during liver transplantation. The ability of the grafted liver to metabolize insulin and glucagon and the appropriateness of secretion of these hormones are addressed in the present study. Two groups of pigs received unstored liver autografts, one with free infusion of 10% glucose and the other with limited infusion of 2.5% glucose solution, while attempting to maintain plasma glucose levels less than 200 mg/100 ml. In these animals, irrespective of moderate or major hyperglycemia, serum insulin levels were appropriate for blood glucose concentrations. However, in both groups, plasma glucagon levels rose three- to fourfold more than preoperative values and were inappropriate. Although facilities for measurement of blood flow were not available, application of the technique of transhepatic sampling has revealed that hepatic handling of insulin seems to be unimpaired after autograft with limited ischemia. Pancreatic secretion of glucagon, however, appeared to increase during the period immediately after revascularization. It is suggested that transhepatic sampling methods may be used in experimental transplantation to elucidate the effects of storage for prolonged periods.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Subtypes in major depression without melancholia.

Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III, 1980) criteria to diagnose major depression without melancholia, 70 adult patients were selected for further detailed clinical and neuro-endocrinological evaluation. Two subtypes emerged; changes in sleeping patterns, body mass and thyrotrophin response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone constituted the distinguishing features between the two categories (P = 0.012).

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Hypercholesterolaemia in a group of senior South African Transport Services employees.

The lipid profiles of 104 volunteer senior South African Transport Service (SATS) personnel showed that all volunteers had some lipid abnormality, which increased their risk for coronary heart disease. All participants received a single counselling interview with a nursing sister on a lipid-lowering lifestyle. Retesting after 3-4 months of 91 participants revealed that this group had lowered their mean total serum cholesterol value significantly. Twenty-one per cent of the participants had normalised their lipid profiles and the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia, defined in a number of ways, was reduced, as was the number of possible familial hypercholesterolaemic patients, by 60%. Participants who complied with the dietary recommendations strictly reduced their cholesterol levels significantly, while those who did not were less successful in lowering their serum cholesterol levels. Screening and a single intervention counselling interview improved the coronary risk factor profile of this group of senior SATS personnel.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[A modern community psychiatric service in the Orange Free State].

The number of patients with psychiatric syndromes in the community may be as high as 15% at any time. The concept of institutionalisation has gradually changed to the concept of community psychiatry. The main aim of community psychiatric service is to treat the patient in the community. Such a service should be within reach of all the patients in the community. A psychiatric community service has been developed in the Orange Free State over the past 2 years. This has resulted in a reduction of 48% in the chemotherapy budget. Comparing the results with a similar study in Stockholm the reduction of 19% in neuroclinic admissions in Oranje Hospital compares favourably with the 22% reduction in Stockholm. The increase of 90% in the outpatient numbers for the Orange Free State is below the 170% increase reported for Stockholm. A further increase can be expected within the next few years in the Orange Free State.

Community Mental Health Services↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol in a population with high high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

A cross-sectional study of a random sample of 976 coloureds (mixed race) of the Cape Peninsula, ages 15 to 64 years old, revealed a population with unexpectedly high levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The mean level for men was 55.4 +/- 16.1 mg/dl (SD) and for women, 60.8 +/- 16.0 mg/dl. The ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol expressed as a percentage was 26.3% +/- 9.5% for men and 28.1% +/- 9.3% for women. The HDL cholesterol levels were apparently lower than those of black and Negro populations, yet higher than those of Caucasian populations. Men with levels of HDL cholesterol above the median reported a personal history and a family history of coronary heart disease less frequently than did men with lower levels, while women with high levels of HDL cholesterol were less likely to have a history of hypertension or diabetes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis of variables significantly associated with HDL cholesterol levels showed that they explained 29.7% and 24.7%, respectively, of the variation in HDL cholesterol in men and women. Those variables independently associated with HDL cholesterol in both men and women were: serum triglyceride (-), cigarette consumption (-), alcohol, body mass index (-), age, and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (-). The reasons for the relatively high HDL cholesterol levels in this population are unknown. However, it would seem possible that these levels offer some protection against the high risk factors of smoking, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

Adolescent↗