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Biomedical subjects

J L Couper

Publications and source records attributed to J L Couper.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

The healing bird.

The legend of the caladrius, a bird with prognostic and healing powers, first appeared in early Indian writings as the haridruva--a yellow bird that cured jaundice. In classical Greek mythology it was a nondescript bird but in the medieval bestiaries it became pure white. The caladrius is used in the coats of arms of the South African Medical and Dental Council and also the Medical University of Southern Africa. These appear to be the first use of this medically significant bird in modern heraldry.

Emblems and Insignia↗
PubMed1988

Malignant hyperthermia in a black adolescent. A case report.

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare genetic abnormality which presents in the peri-anaesthetic period with tachycardia, hyperventilation, hyperthermia and acidosis. Untreated, the mortality rate is in excess of 80%. This syndrome is much less common in blacks than whites. A case of malignant hyperthermia in a black South African, in whom the reaction only became evident in the postoperative period, is reported. The case also presents several other unusual features.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Propofol or methohexitone for induction of anaesthesia for minor gynaecological procedures.

A new anaesthetic induction agent, propofol (Diprivan; Stuart), was used to induce anaesthesia in 16 healthy patients scheduled for minor gynaecological surgery. The findings were then compared with those in a subsequent group of 16 patients who received methohexitone for induction of anaesthesia. Halothane was used to maintain anaesthesia in all cases. Quality of induction, side-effects, cardiovascular indices, wake-up times and presence or absence of recall were recorded. Propofol caused fewer side-effects on induction and emergence and less change in heart rate than methohexitone, and patients were more clear-headed on awakening. Our findings indicate that propofol is a promising agent for induction of anaesthesia for day-case surgery.

Anesthetics↗
PubMed1981

Dance therapy: effects of motor performance of children with learning disabilities.

This investigation studied effects of dance therapy on motor performance of children who have learning disabilities. An experimental group of five subjects who received dance therapy was compared with a control group of five subjects who received their usual sensory integrative therapy. Pretests and posttests of motor performance were given before and after a four-week treatment period to assess changes. Results indicate improved motor performance for both the experimental and control groups, with slightly greater gains made by the experimental group. Results of the study indicate that dance therapy could serve as a form of vestibular stimulation comparable to the usual play activities in a sensory integrative therapy program.

Child↗