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Biomedical subjects

M Faber

Publications and source records attributed to M Faber.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

The nutritional status of a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: the Ndunakazi project.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the nutritional status of six month to 11 year old rural Black children and their mothers as a first phase in a nutrition intervention project. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: A rural African community +/- 60 km northwest of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 127 mothers and 105 pre-school and 131 primary school children were selected from this community. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric (height and weight), biochemical and dietary and socio-demographic information was collected. RESULTS: Among the pre-schoolers anaemia was present in 23.8%, iron deficiency in 19.8%, while marginal vitamin A deficiency was observed in 44.9%. Urinary iodine levels indicated moderate iodine deficiency in 31.8% and severe iodine deficiency in 9.1%. In primary school children the prevalence of anaemia was 22%, while marginal vitamin A deficiency was observed in 50.8%. Moderate iodine deficiency was observed in 37.9% of primary school children while 13.6% presented with severe iodine deficiency. The prevalence of goitre in this group was 22.1%. Almost 22% of mothers were anaemic and 18.9% were iron deficient. Only 1.6% of mothers were marginally vitamin A deficient. An enlarged thyroid was observed in 26.7% of mothers of which 17.3% were palpable and 9.4% visible. Of mothers 43.4% were overweight while 33.8% were obese. CONCLUSION: The rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, showed a high prevalence of anaemia, marginal vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency. The information gathered during this cross sectional study served as a basis to plan and implement an intervention study aimed at addressing the nutritional deficiencies.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Morphological changes of human erythrocytes induced by cholesterol sulphate.

OBJECTIVES: Morphological alterations of human erythrocytes induced by cholesterol sulphate (5-cholesten-3 beta-ol sulphate, CS) were studied. DESIGN AND METHODS: Influence of CS on red blood cell stability (in isotonic conditions) by simultaneous application of flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy was studied. RESULTS: In isotonic medium CS induces erythrocyte size and shape changes in dose-and time-dependent manner. Incubation (in vitro) of erythrocytes with CS concentrations from 4 x 10(-5) mol/dm3 to 8 x 10(-5) mol/dm3 led to a progressive sphero-echinocitic shape transformation accompanied by a cell size decrease. In contrast to this, for CS content equal to 1 x 10(-5) mol/dm3 the maintenance of the normal biconcave shape of red blood cells was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that CS, similarly to numerous evaginating amphiphilic agents, induces a transformation of the erythrocyte normal discoid shape to echinocytic form. This effect may be caused, at least partly, by an asymmetric expansion of the membrane lipid bilayer due to asymmetric distribution of CS incorporated into the membrane. The echinocytic shape transformation of erythrocytes indicated that CS intercalates in the outer hemileaflet of the lipid bilayer leading to membrane externalization.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Cholesterol sulfate induces changes in human erythrocyte thermostability.

The influence of cholesterol sulfate (CS) on human red blood cell thermosensitivity was studied by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the effect of this sterol on erythrocyte stability is biphasic. Exposure of red blood cells (RBC) to the elevated temperature (51 degrees C) induced perturbation of the cell membrane and led to haemolysis. Preincubation of cells with CS at a concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M protected them, to a certain extent, against lysis. In contrast, enrichment of RBCs with CS during the incubation with lower (0.4 x 10(-5) M) or higher (4-8 x 10(-5) M) CS concentrations substantially augmented the fragility of the cells. The fact, that at the sublytic concentrations CS stabilises the cell membrane, may be explained by the ability of this amphipathic compound to link hydrophilic and lipophilic domains of the cell membrane and to increase the degree of the lipid bilayer order. Higher CS concentrations cause cell lysis in a detergent-like manner. Our data support the conclusion that CS can be considered to be a potent thermosensitizer, which enhances the selectivity of biological drug carriers.

Cell Size↗
PubMed1998

An outbreak of Pontiac fever among children following use of a whirlpool.

We investigated an outbreak of fever, most likely due to a contaminated whirlpool, among nine adults and six children residing in a summerhouse. The outbreak was characterized by a high attack rate, short incubation periods, influenza-like symptoms, and rapid recoveries, all features typical of Pontiac fever. However, the children had less-characteristic symptoms than the adults, and they did not have any sequelae. Findings on the children's chest radiographs were unremarkable, and none of the children had leukocytosis. Evidence of Legionella pneumophila infection was found in six cases: in one case by isolation of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and detection of legionellae by PCR, and in five cases by seroconversion to the clinical isolate. Six additional cases had presumptive evidence of legionella infection, with seroconversion to Legionella micdadei antigen; a PCR assay was also positive for legionellae for one of these cases. In contrast, two adult nonusers of the whirlpool had no symptoms and no serological evidence of infection. Serological testing and cultures for other pathogens, as well as cultures of all environmental samples, were negative. This investigation demonstrates the differences between adults and children with respect to the clinical picture of Pontiac fever; furthermore, it shows that culture and PCR assay of tracheal aspirates for legionellae can be performed in a hospital setting for rapid diagnosis, although the sensitivities of these methods are low.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The effect of dietary iron deficiency on the fatty acid composition of plasma and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids in the rat.

Severe iron deficiency was introduced in rats by feeding outbred male Wistar rats a purified diet that was either adequate or deficient in iron. The rats were weighed regularly over 4 weeks to monitor body weight differences, after which blood was drawn from a subsample to determine the haemoglobin concentrations and fatty acid composition of plasma total phospholipids and to measure the erythrocyte membrane phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine levels. Comparisons between dietary iron adequate (control) and dietary iron deficient (experimental) rats showed that the experimental rats had lower body weight and plasma total phospholipid linoleic acid levels typical of the symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency. Erythrocyte membrane phosphatidylethanolamine arachidonic acid levels were increased (P < 0.05) with concomitant decreases in oleic acid (P < 0.01). Correlations between fatty acids and growth suggest that the mechanism whereby iron deficiency affects growth is in some way related to abnormal fatty acid shifts that disturb the delicate balance of essential fatty acids in membranes. Additional omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids may be necessary to counteract the effect of iron deficiency in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Chemotactic monocyte and activation factor (MCAF/MCP1)in material from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with chronic bronchitis].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate concentrations of monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF/MCP1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from patients with chronic bronchitis. 32 patients (aged 46 +/- 2 years) with chronic bronchitis and 14 patients (aged 30.5 +/- 3.4 years) of control group took part in this study. ELISA test (kits from R&D, USA) was used to measure concentrations of this chemokine in BALF. The results indicate for significant increase of MCAF/MCP1 in BALF from patients with chronic bronchitis (mean +/- SEM = 393 +/- 105.9 pg/ml) as compared from those of control group (middle +/- SEM = 36.4 +/- 10.9 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: MCAF/MCP1 may participate in creation of inflammatory changes of airways in patients with chronic bronchitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The bacteriology of hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria have been suggested as a possible cause of hidradenitis. Different species have been found in several small studies, and particularly the presence of Streptococcus milleri has been linked to disease activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible role of bacteria in hidradenitis. METHODS: Cultures of active lesions and serological analysis of circulating IgG antibodies were studied in 41 patients. RESULTS: Bacteria were found in 49% (20/41) of all lesions: Staphylococcus aureus, 8; S. milleri, 1; Staphylococcus epidermidis, 11; Staphylococcus hominis, 1. Corynebacterium spp., Acinetobacter and Lactobacillus spp. were found once each and considered as contaminants. Patients in whom S. aureus was found had a shorter duration of disease (mean 1.7 vs. 9.7 years for sterile lesions). No other significant correlations were found between location of disease or antibody response and the bacterial species found. CONCLUSION: S. milleri appears to be an unusual pathogen, and bacteria are only found in approximately 50% of all active hidradenitis lesions. It is suggested that S. aureus may play a temporary role in the early phase of the disease, but additional longitudinal studies of cohorts of patients are needed to clarify this point.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1996

[Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in material from broncho-alveolar lavage and serum of patients with bronchial asthma].

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is an important hematopoietic growth factor which has been shown to induce proliferation and activation of inflammatory cells and may play a role in allergic diseases. An activity of GM-CSF was determined in serum and BAL-fluid of 12 asthma patients with bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine before and 24 hours after challenge test. It was found statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) of GM-CSF activity in patients with bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Analysis of measurements: arterial blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation in arterial blood during broncho-fibroscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis].

Bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis in stable period of disease could be an indication for diagnostic bronchofiberoscopy and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). 30 patients with bronchial asthma (aged 27.2 +/- 9.3), 30 patients with chronic bronchitis (aged 55.9 +/- 11.0) and subjects of control group (aged 27.0 +/- 9.7) took part in this study. Selected parameters: heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (ABP) and arterial O2 saturation (SaO2) monitored by pulsoximetry were measured during the procedure. It was showed that broncho-fibroscopy and BAL could be performed safe in patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis as well. Bronchospasm was observed only in one subject with asthma. The highest decrease of saturation was observed during BAL in every investigated subject. Because of none of recorded parameters allows identification of the patients at risk of poor tolerance of the procedure, we propose close observation of patient, monitoring parameters: HR, ABP and SaO2, and oxygen supplementation during the investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Introduction of a donor exposure reduction programme for multiple-transfused very-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an audit of the frequency of red cell concentrate transfusions (RCCTs) in infants of different weight categories, the donor exposure rate (DER), in these transfused infants and the volume of blood wasted during each transfusion, and to identify from this baseline information specific categories of infants who would benefit from the introduction of a limited donor exposure programme (LDEP). STUDY SETTING: Neonatal wards and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective descriptive study and comparison with a historic control group. SUBJECTS: Information on the birth weight, age at the time of each RCCT and number of blood donors to whom an infant was exposed were collected post factum for all infants admitted to the neonatal wards and NICU between May 1993 and May 1994. During this time, the red blood cell concentrate was supplied as single paediatric bags (180 ml) transfused within 14 days of donation. An LDEP was introduced in February 1995. With this system, red blood cells were supplied as triple packs: a main unit of 250 ml with three empty satellite packs allowing up to three separate transfusions. These were assigned to a specific infant and were to be transfused within 21 days of donation. A second system where one adult blood bag was divided into two 180 ml bags and assigned to one infant to be transfused within 35 days of donation was also assessed. RESULTS: Of the 7854 infants admitted during the first 12-month audit period, 387 (4.9%) received 977 RCCTs. Of these, 183 (47.3%) received one transfusion, 72 (18.6%) two transfusions, 51 (13.2%) three transfusions, 27 (7.0%) four transfusions and 54 (13.9%) five or more transfusions. Infants (N = 188) with a birth weight below 1500 g admitted to the NICU were identified as the group with the highest prevalence of RCCTs (68.6%), and it was therefore decided that in the prospective study such infants would qualify for the LDEP. A total of 81 infants was transfused with either the double (N = 47) or the triple bags (N = 34) over a 5-month period. The decrease in the mean DER (+/-SD) was clinically significant when the triple (1.9 +/- 0.8) (P = 0.0001) and the double bags (1.6 +/- 0.8) (P = 0.0001) were compared with the previous single-bag system (4.4 +/- 3.5). Of concern was the large mean volume of concentrated red cells (118.5 +/- 12.5 ml) wasted per transfusion with the single-bag system. CONCLUSIONS: This survey confirmed a high RCCT rate as well as a very high DER in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants treated at a tertiary centre. By assigning a triple or double bag of red cells from one blood donor and extending the storage of blood for small-volume RCCTs in infants from 14 days to 35 days, donor exposure was reduced significantly. We urge the introduction of the multibag blood transfusion system and extended storage period of blood for small-volume RCCT for VLBW infants in South Africa.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Pulmonary function tests and bronchial reactiveness with histamine in patients with atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma].

Atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma are genetically dependent diseases, connected with an over-synthesis of IgE antibodies, in which a chronic inflammation is characteristic for their pathogenesis. The coincidence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and symptoms of atopic dermatitis suggests to investigate the degree of bronchial reactions in atopic dermatitis or asthma patients. The main goal of this analysis was to compare the pulmonary functional tests and the bronchial histamine induced reactiveness in 71 patients. The investigation included 27 atopic dermatitis patients, 12 asthma-prurigo patients and 32 bronchial asthma patients. All of them were tested with "Pneumoscreen" (Jaeger), in order to define: VC, FEV1, FEF50, and Raw. The bronchial reactiveness with 1% histamine solution, was tested on "Bronchoscreen" (Jaeger). In atopic dermatitis and asthma-prurigo patients, no obstructive ventilation impairment was found. The bronchial hyper-reactiveness to histamine was found in 11.1% of atopic dermatitis patients, 16.7% of asthma-prurigo patients and 78.1% of bronchial asthma patients. The coexistence of bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis increases the degree of bronchial reactiveness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid material from patients with chronic bronchitis].

The aim of this study was evaluation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in creation of inflammation of lower airways in patients with chronic bronchitis. 32 patients with chronic bronchitis and 14 subjects of control group took part in this study. Spirometry (Jaeger eq.), bronchofibroscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (Olympus eq.) were performed in every patient. Cytology and concentration of IL-6 and IL-8 (kits from R&D) were measured in 1 ml of lavage fluid recovered. The increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in BAL were correlated with clinical parameters. We conclude that these two cytokines participate in creation of inflammatory changes of lower respiratory tract in chronic bronchitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Multicenter trial of erythropoietin in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Seventy-eight patients were randomized to receive EPO and 74 received placebo during the first 12 wk. After this, placebo patients with hematocrit less than 32% entered the EPO maintenance phase along with the initial EPO patients. Hematocrit rose significantly in the EPO group from 23.8 to 32% after 6 wk, and this was sustained at 33.7% at 12 wk. In the placebo group, the prestudy hematocrit was 23.8% as well, and no significant change in hematocrit occurred over 12 wk. Concomitant with the rise in hematocrit, transfusion requirements fell only in the EPO group. Eighty-eight percent of patients receiving EPO had their anemia ameliorated by Week 12 of the study. There was a wide range of dosage requirements during the maintenance phase, ranging from 8,000 U thrice weekly to 4,000 U every other week. Adverse events after EPO were similar to those seen in hemodialysis patients given this agent, with hypertension developing or worsening in 55% of EPO patients during the initial 12 wk of therapy. Blood pressure was more likely to rise in patients with hypertension before receiving EPO. EPO is safe and effective in peritoneal dialysis patients, as it is in hemodialysis patients. Other than a rise in blood pressure, which is manageable with antihypertensives and ultrafiltration with dialysis, no serious side effects are seen. The optimal target hematocrit, effects of anemia improvement on quality of life, and end-organ (heart, brain) effects of anemia improvement in this patient population require further study.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Sleep disorders in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Sleep complaints, habits, and medical history were surveyed in 81 patients chronically receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Seventy-three percent of the sample reported insomnia, and 52% reported unintentional napping during the day. Behavioral factors (such as caffeine or alcohol use) or the severity of concurrent medical disease did not account for the sleep problems. Eighteen of these patients subsequently underwent polysomnography and objective measurement of daytime sleepiness. Clinically significant sleep apnea syndrome was present in 11. The presence of sleep apnea was associated with increased levels of psychological distress and daytime sleepiness. Periodic leg movements during sleep were also frequently observed but had minimal effect on sleep quality. Implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in Danish intravenous drug users: high proportion of left-sided endocarditis.

In a retrospective study covering the years 1982-1989 episodes of Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in 51 intravenous drug users were studied. Tricuspid involvement dominated (34/51), but the frequency of left-sided involvement (33.3%) was greater than in earlier reports. Involvement of both sides of the heart was not detected, but 27.8% of the left-sided endocarditis cases had multiple pulmonary infiltrates, indicating that some of them might have had a concomitant right-sided endocarditis. The 2 groups were compared: patients with left-sided endocarditis were significantly older and with a longer time of intravenous drug use. The complication rate was the same (44.1%) as was the duration of antibiotic treatment (median 42 days). In total, five patients underwent surgery, two (5.8%) due to right-sided failure and three (29.4%) because of left-sided endocarditis. The mortality of tricuspid endocarditis was low (2.9%), whereas 5 patients (29.4%) with left-sided involvement died. The patients who died were significantly older and had a shorter duration of symptoms before hospitalization.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Macroscopic evaluation of bronchial mucosa and histological diagnosis in relation to localization of neoplastic changes in the bronchial tree].

In 140 lung cancer patients fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy and BAL procedure were performed in diagnostic process. Obtained results of macroscopic changes were analyzed in relation to histological diagnosis and localization in the bronchial tree (central and peripheral). Squamous cell lung cancer was the most often diagnosed in central localized tumors and adenocarcinoma in peripheral ones. Macroscopic changes were more evident and more characteristic for cancer process in central localized tumors. In peripheral changes non-characteristic, inflammatory-like symptoms were determined.

Adenocarcinoma↗