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Biomedical subjects

B Levine

Publications and source records attributed to B Levine.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Assessing methods for measuring compliance with a fat-controlled diet.

This study assessed the relative validity of the following non-laboratory measures of compliance with a fat-controlled diet by hypercholesterolemic males: quantitative and qualitative measures of compliance derived from three-day food records and structured interviews, and summary ratings by nutritionists and interviewers. The quantitative measures of consumption referred to: saturated fat, linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fat, P/S ratio and cholesterol. The non-laboratory measures were assessed using the following two laboratory measures as criteria of validity: serum cholesterol concentration and the proportion of linoleic acid among the fatty acids of the serum cholesteryl esters. The results showed that, with respect to quantitative measures, the food record and interview manifested approximately equal validity, with the former marginally more valid. However, under certain conditions qualitative measures, such as patients' self-ratings, were about as valid as the more rigorous and expensive quantitative measures. Characteristics of the patient influenced the validity of the various measures. Validity was enhanced by the simultaneous use of certain combinations of measures.

Adult↗

Ketoconazole for treatment of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

Of 29 selected patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis, 27 were treated for at least 6 months with ketoconazole, 200 to 600 mg/d. Two patients had progression of coccidioidal disease shortly after starting ketoconazole, and one developed meningitis. Seven of eight patients with synovitis had prompt improvement in symptoms, but four either had recurrent synovial thickening without recoverable Coccidioides immitis or could not remain free of symptoms off the drug. The response of osteomyelitis to ketoconazole was hard to assess; three of eight cases clearly improved and none progressed. Abscess or sinus formation clearly improved in eight of patients; five remained free of disease after the drug was discontinued. Skin lesions improved in six of nine; three lesions remain healed off the drug. Ketoconazole is absorbed readily after oral ingestion and has little toxicity. In the dosages used, it seems to suppress but not eradicate C. immitis. The drug may be able to stabilize the infection while cell-mediated immunity is restored.

Adult↗

Ketoconazole for treatment of chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Twenty-one patients with chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis were treated with ketoconazole. In 16 patients with chronic cavitary disease, nine improved, four showed no change, and the condition of three deteriorated; three of nine patients had culture conversion. Roentgenograms showed improvement in two patients, no change in 12, and deterioration in two. Serologic improvement was not noted. In five patients with persistent infiltrative disease, the response was more favorable. Radiographic improvement, culture conversion, and serologic improvement were seen in most patients. Ketoconazole-induced side effects were mild and of short duration, ending in the first days of therapy. Ketoconazole seems to be of significant value in infiltrative pulmonary disease, but seems unable, at the doses used, to change finding in the sputum or to change radiographic findings in chronic cavitary disease. Further long-term observation is necessary to evaluate fully the role of this drug in chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Adult↗

A tetrachloroethylene fatality.

This case report concerns a fatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene at a dry cleaning establishment. A sensitive analytical method was developed and the distribution of the chemical in various fluids and tissues was determined. Although several fatalities from tetrachloroethylene have been reported, little previous quantitative toxicological data have been found in the literature.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Direct bonding of unerupted teeth for orthodontic movement.

The surgical technique for exposing unerupted teeth by the use of direct bonding brackets has been described. Twenty unerupted teeth were successfully exposed and bracketed with direct bonding with a minimum of surgical trauma and postoperative complications while ensuring the preservation of tooth structure. Difficulties previously described in maintaining a dry field were obviated with a quick-setting adhesive and good suction technique.

Dental Bonding↗

The conformation of the polar group of lysophosphatidylcholine in H2O: conformational changes induced by polyvalent cations.

The conformation of the polar group of egg lysophosphatidylcholine and 1-myristoyl-sn-glycer-3-phosphorylcholine present as micelles in aqueous solution has been studied using NMR methods. In the absence of polyvalent cations the preferred conformation derived from spin-spin coupling constants is similar, but not identical, to that of phosphatidylethanolamine in the crystal structure (cf. Hitchcock, P.B., Mason, R., Thomas, K.M. and Shipley, G.F. (1974) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 71, 3036--3040). The presence of lanthanides induces a conformational change involving primarily the phosphorylcholine group, e.g. torsion angle alpha5 changes from an all gauche to an approximate trans disposition. The gauche leads to trans transitions observed with torsion angles alpha3 and alpha5 produce a more extended orientation of the polar group (relative to the hydrocarbon chain axis). In the presence of lanthanides the conformation of lysophosphatidylcholine is very similar to that of the diacyl phosphatidylcholines observed in fully hydrated bilayers (cf. Hauser, H., Phillips, M.C., Levine, B.A. and Williams, R.J.P. (1976) Nature 261, 390--394) with the P-N vector at an angle of about 45 degrees to the bilayer.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Unusual events preceding hyperthyroidism with diffuse goiter.

Two unique patients with hyperthyroidism are presented here. A 48-year-old woman with a family history of Graves' disease was first evaluated and treated for a toxic adenoma with radioactive iodine. Three months later, she was again hyperthyroid, was found to have a diffuse thyromegaly, and was treated with radioactive iodine for the second time. This patient represents, to our knowledge, the first reported case of two sequential forms of endogenous hyperthyroidism. The second patient, a 64-year-old woman, had well-documented hypothyroidism that was presumably primary. She was admitted in thyroid storm and subsequently died. The autopsy disclosed characteristic changes in the thyroid of hyperthyroidism and a normal pituitary gland. The timing of the onset of Graves' disease with hyperthyroidism cannot be accurately determined.

Adenoma↗

Drug-induced colitis as a surgical disease.

Colitis has been reported after parenteral administration of penicillin, ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and, most recently, lincomycin and its analogue, clindamycin. An incidence of diarrhea and accompanying proctocolitis as high as 20% with or without pseudomembrane formation has been noted. In most cases, withdrawal of the drug, supportive measures, and administration of corticosteroids have resulted in reversal of the colonic disease. In the past year, however, it has become apparent that there is a substantial mortality (as high as 38%) associated with the conservative management of this entity. We have used subtotal colectomy as a life-sparing procedure, and we report here its application in two specific instances, along with the clinical course, roentgenographic findings, and laboratory data. We believe drug-induced colitis is increasing in frequency and severity and is of importance to the surgeon.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Analgesic requirements after orthognathic surgery.

Postoperative analgesic requirements of a series of 45 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery are presented. Of the first 25 patients treated before a minimal analgesic protocol was begun, 21 received narcotic medication for relief of discomfort. In the second group of 20 patients, five received mild analgesics and one received a narcotic. A combination of factors such as paresthesia, immobilization, premedication, steroids, and residual effects of general anesthetic agents probably contributed to the relative lack of severe pain after orthognathic surgery.

Acetaminophen↗

Multiple myeloma involving the jaws and oral soft tissues.

A case of multiple myeloma with involvement of the oral cavity in a 75-year-old white man is reported. The patient had a two-year history of multiple myeloma. He had four intraoral soft tissue masses that were diagnosed as plasma cell myeloma. Each of these lesions was over a radiographically evident osteolytic lesion of the jaw. The patient was treated by irradiation and chemotherapy.

Aged↗

Hemoglobin solution and the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.

1) A study was carried out to determine the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve of stroma-free hemoglobin solution and factors which influence it, (pH; 2,3 DPG). 2) To simulate acute volume replacement, dilution experiments, in vitro, were performed employing both hemoglobin solution and Ringer's lactate in whole blood. 3) It was determined that stroma-free hemoglobin solution has a left-shifted oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve which responds to pH change but not to the addition of 2,3 DPG. 4) The dilutional effect of hemoglobin solution when mixed with whole blood in volumes up to 50% was to left-shift the oxyhemoglobin curve, unlike the effect of Ringer's lactate (no change). 5) This may have importance in the hemodynamic compensatory response to acute normovolemic anemia.

Blood Preservation↗

Mucormycosis of the craniofacial structures.

Reports in the literature of patients surviving mucormycosis involving the craniofacial structures are exceedingly rare. The necessity for early diagnosis by recognition of any of the six key signs and symptoms is emphasized. The futility of standard diagnostic tools, other than biopsy, is noted. An underlying debilitating condition such as diabetic ketoacidosis can predispose the patient to an acute infection by this usually nonpathogenic organism. The requirement for prompt treatment of the debilitating condition together with treatment to eradicate the fungus is stressed.

Abscess↗