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Biomedical subjects

A Borenstein

Publications and source records attributed to A Borenstein.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Determination of soil nitrate and water content using attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy.

Direct determination of nitrate and soil moisture can significantly improve N-application management and thus reduce N-derived environmental pollution related to agriculture. Several studies have shown that Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR/ATR) spectroscopy could be used to estimate the nitrate content of standardized soil pastes. Paste standardization appeared to be the main obstacle to in situ application of this approach, and the present study shows how FT-IR/ATR can be used to estimate both water content and nitrate concentration of field soil samples. Water content and nitrate concentration are determined sequentially using two subsamples of the initial soil sample. An a priori determined amount of highly concentrated nitrate solution is added to the first subsample and the ATR spectrum of this paste is used to estimate the sample water content. It is then possible to calculate the amount of water that should be added to the second subsample so that the resulting paste is very close to the ideal standard paste. Nitrate concentration, mg [N]/kg [dry soil], is estimated using the FT-IR/ATR spectrum of this second paste. Results are presented for a laboratory experiment with four agricultural soils, as well as for a field trial with a calcareous soil. For water content, the determination errors range from 0.01 to 0.02 g [water]/g [dry soil]. For nitrate concentration, the errors for three of the soils range from 5.9 to 8.4 mg [N]/kg [dry soil], while for the fourth, calcareous clay soil, the determination error is 13.6 mg [N]/kg [dry soil]. The determination errors obtained for the field trial are similar to the ones obtained for a similar soil under laboratory conditions, which shows the potential usefulness of the approach for improving N-application management and reducing environmental pollution.

Agriculture↗

Severe migraine associated with coarctation of aorta: complete recovery following balloon dilation.

We report on a rare association of severe migraine headaches associated with coarctation of aorta that completely resolved following dilation of the constricted aorta. A 6-year-old girl presented with severe pounding headaches accompanied with recurrent vomiting, associated with photophobia and phonophobia. She experienced frequent awakenings with severe headaches and vomiting. The described excruciating, prolonged, and practically persistent headaches were not relieved by analgesics and ergotamines. Neurologic assessment and brain computed tomography were both normal. A systolic murmur at the third right intercostal space prompted a cardiac echocardiogram, which demonstrated coarctation of the ascending aorta beyond the orifice of the left common carotid artery. Catheterization revealed a systolic gradient of 54 mm Hg, and the constricted lumen of the aorta was then dilated by a balloon. The excruciating vascular headaches and associated symptoms had abated instantaneously following this procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report associating severe migraine headaches in a child with coarctation of the aorta. Given complete recovery following balloon dilation of the aorta, cardiac echocardiogram should be added to the diagnostic battery of children with severe unresponsive migraine.

Aortic Coarctation↗

Extensive necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perineum.

Synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of the penis and scrotum was first described by Fournier, and remains a rare, but life-threatening disease. The reported mortality rates in different series range between 22 and 60%. We present a study of 20 patients treated over a 9 year period by early aggressive excision. Four of the treated patients (20%) died. A high index of suspicion, combined with early radical surgical intervention, is the key to effective treatment. Delayed diagnosis and treatment were the primary factors responsible for death.

Adult↗

Single artery replantation of totally avulsed scalp.

The treatment of choice for the avulsed scalp is microvascular replantation. After replantation there are numerous arterial anastomoses, with venous congestion. Usually an effort to establish inflow through two arterial anastomoses is made. We elected to anastomose one artery and multiple veins in each of our patients. We present three consecutive successful replantations of total scalp avulsion, using only one arterial anastomosis, and multiple veins. Surprisingly, two of the patients regained their ability to elevate their eyebrows actively.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Lateral rhinotomy approach for Mohs micrographic surgery of the anterior septum.

BACKGROUND: Neoplasms of the nasal septum and internal alar surface are very difficult to treat. This is because of the complicated surface, proximity to important anatomic structures, and technical difficulty--both to resection and follow up. Mohs micrographic surgery might be the ideal mode of treatment for such tumors; however, it is very difficult to accomplish through the nostril. OBJECTIVE: To resect the tumor on the nasal septum and internal alar surface using Mohs micrographic surgery. METHODS: Lateral rhinotomy was performed as a preparatory stage to Mohs micrographic surgery of the anterior septum and intranasal alar surface. RESULTS: The ala nasi was detached from the cheek, thus exposing the anterior nasal cavity--enabling direct access to the neoplasms and allowing excellent visualization. CONCLUSION: Lateral rhinotomy, as described in this article, is a simple office procedure and in most cases heals with no visible scar.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

[Lateral arm free flap transfer to cover traumatic hand injuries].

The advantages of free flaps over distant pedicled flaps in hand reconstruction are well documented. They often require only a single operation, do not depend on local conditions of the wound and permit early physiotherapy. The lateral arm free flap is essentially suitable for reconstruction of the hand. It is thin, potentially sensate, and gives nearly perfect skin color and texture match. An additional technical advantage is the possibility of elevating the lateral arm free flap with tourniquet control at the same surgical field as the recipient site. We describe 3 cases of traumatic damage to skin and soft tissue of the hand, in which reconstruction was by both elective and emergency lateral arm, free flap transfer. They demonstrate the merits of this method of reconstruction.

Adult↗

Transsexualism.

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Adult↗

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma following radiotherapy in childhood.

A 36-year-old man was treated by radiotherapy for tinea capitis many years before discovery of microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC). Because of patient's refusal of any surgical intervention, we were able to follow the natural course of this tumor for 13 years. This case emphasizes the typical slow development of (MAC). The implication of the association of MAC and radiotherapy are discussed.

Adult↗

Transparent polyurethane (Omiderm) dressing for free flaps.

A transparent polyurethane dressing (Omiderm) for free flaps is presented. Considering the importance of reliable flap monitoring postoperatively, this synthetic membrane allows for constant ability to observe the flap, assess the capillary filling, and detect the blood flow with an ultrasound Doppler device.

Bandages↗

Tissue expansion in reconstruction of postburn contracture of the first web space of the hand.

The successful release of severe contracture of the first web space depends on addition of a sufficient amount of skin. Because local skin is limited, skin grafts tend to contract, and free and pedicle flaps are bulky, further procedures are often obligatory. Expansion of the tissues of the dorsum of the hand offers an effective and relatively simple approach to generate the excess skin needed. We present a patient in whom an inflatable silicone implant was used to correct recurrent first web space contracture after burns.

Adolescent↗

[Moh's micrographic surgery: first experience in Israel].

Moh's micrographic surgery is a method by which cancer of the skin may be excised under complete microscopic control. It consistently offers the highest cure rate in the treatment of malignancy of the skin, while the least amount of uninvolved tissue is sacrificed. This, the first center for Moh's micrographic surgery in Israel, started functioning in 1989. The first 50 patients included 33 women (average age 50.7 years) and 17 men (average age 60.6 years) suffering from basal cell carcinoma of the face. 56% of the patients were referred for Moh's surgery after failure of other primary treatments, and the rest were referred due to the problematic location of the lesion or its size. 13 patients (28%) were referred after previous treatment with solcoderm (Mardi's method). In these patients the lesions were especially deep and aggressive.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗

Successful replantation of both legs in a child--5-year followup: case report.

Replantation of lower extremities is an infrequent procedure, and is rarely indicated, due to the usual severity of the primary injury plus the possibility of good prosthetic substitution. We report a case of successful replantation of both legs in an 8-year-old boy (despite Aspergillus flavus septicemia) with followup of 5 years. This case suggests that leg replantation should be considered in young patients. This appears to be the second reported case of successful replantation of both legs.

Adolescent↗

Successful microvascular replantation of an amputated penis.

Total amputation of the penis is a disfiguring, and functionally and psychologically disabling injury. We report a case of successful microvascular replantation following self-emasculation by a psychotic patient. The need for a multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of such diverse disciplines as surgery, intensive care and psychiatry is emphasized.

Amputation, Traumatic↗

Burn patients' use of autohypnosis: making a painful experience bearable.

Autohypnosis (that is performing hypnosis in the absence of the therapist) was used for adjuvant analgesic and anxiolytic therapy in 18 burn patients. It combines the advantages of hypnosis without being limited by the availability of the hypnotic therapist immediately prior to painful activities. Autohypnosis is less time and labour consuming, and therefore less expensive. Out of 180 patients treated with autogenic relaxation techniques only 48 (27 per cent) entered a state of hypnosis that enabled them to cope with their pain, and 18 (10 per cent) achieved autohypnosis. Most of these patients needed some auxiliary devices such as recorded instructions or telephone calls.

Adolescent↗

Raynaud's phenomenon as a presenting sign of metastatic melanoma.

The authors report a case of metastatic melanoma in a 22-year-old woman who initially presented with episodic attacks of digital ischemia. Review of the literature amassed another 22 cases of digital ischemia as an early or presenting feature of malignant disease. This is, however, the first description of Raynaud's phenomenon preceding by months the detection of a malignant melanoma. The possibility of occult malignant disease should be considered in evaluation of patients who present with digital ischemic changes without known predisposing conditions.

Adult↗

Emotional and psychosocial adjustment of women to breast reconstruction and detection of subgroups at risk for psychological morbidity.

Thirty-four women who had undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer were evaluated as to their emotional and psychosocial adjustment. Standardized psychological tests and a self-report questionnaire were used, along with the surgeon's evaluation of the aesthetic success of the reconstruction. Two psychodiagnostic tests were found to be of use in identifying maladjusted women who do not gain optimal benefit from the reconstruction: a questionnaire that evaluates the level of depression (Beck) and another that assesses the level of optimism (Cantrill). No correlation was observed between the surgeon's evaluation of the reconstruction's aesthetic success and the women's satisfaction. It was found that there are two groups of emotional-high-risk women: single women and women receiving adjuvant therapy. It is suggested that emotional-high-risk patients be given psychological support concerning the importance of the mastectomy and their reaction to breast reconstruction.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Microsurgical replantation of two totally avulsed scalps.

We describe our experience with two patients in whom total avulsion of the scalp occurred. Successful replantation was carried out by microvascular surgery, with 90 and 95% survival of the scalp. Normal hair regrowth and ability to raise the eyebrows was achieved in both cases. A single superficial temporal artery was anastomosed, providing excellent perfusion of the entire scalp. Microvascular replantation should be attempted with all scalp avulsions, regardless of appearance and mechanism of injury. The patient must be transferred to a medical center with comprehensive microvascular surgery capabilities. The avulsed scalp should be cooled to 4 degrees C immediately, but prolonged ischemia time does not preclude a successful result.

Adolescent↗