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Biomedical subjects

D Shapiro

Publications and source records attributed to D Shapiro.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Sealed versus unsealed knitted Dacron prostheses: a comparison of the acute phase protein response.

Twenty patients were randomized to receive either an untreated Dacron aortic bifurcation graft (n = 10), or a similar graft impregnated with gelatin (n = 10). Venous blood samples were taken preoperatively and at frequent intervals until five weeks after surgery. C-reactive protein (normal range less than 10 mg/l) and alpha l-acid glycoprotein (normal range 0.3-1.0 g/l) were measured. The peak mean value of C-reactive protein for the sealed group was 226.3 +/- 49.2 mg/l and 221.3 +/- 56.4 mg/l for the unsealed group. The corresponding values for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein were 1.49 +/- 0.25 g/l and 1.44 +/- 0.3 g/l. The C-reactive protein response returned more quickly to normal, with only two patients in each group having a slightly elevated response after four weeks, while the value for alpha l-acid glycoprotein remained elevated at five weeks for the same two patients in each group. There was no significant difference between the serum acute phase protein response in either group. This suggests that a knitted Dacron graft sealed with gelatin does not exaggerate the inflammatory response.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Recognizing the temporomandibular joint ganglion.

A case report of a cystic preauricular mass that changed in size and position with jaw movement is presented. This tumor proved to be a ganglion of the temporomandibular joint (TM) cyst, which is relatively rare. When a preauricular mass retrudes into the masseter muscle in jaw opening, pathological conditions associated with the TMJ should be considered. Ganglion cysts of the TMJ are a benign pathological entity which can mimic parotid tumors. Temporomandibular joint radiography and perhaps ultrasonography of the region are useful in the preoperative evaluation of preauricular masses. The TMJ ganglion cyst can be successfully treated by direct excision and repair of the joint capsule. This approach avoids the potential morbidity of a superficial parotidectomy.

Female↗

Low-back pain in pregnancy.

Two hundred women were interviewed within 24-36 hours after giving birth. The patients were not examined. It was found that 56% of the patients suffered from low-back pain during pregnancy. The percentage of Caucasians was statistically higher in the back pain group. The percentage of Hispanics was statistically higher in the no pain group. Among the variables that were compared in both groups were the age, the weight gained by the mothers during pregnancy, the baby's weight, the number of previous pregnancies, number of prior children. None of the variables reached a statistically significant level. The pain group complained of pain the low-back area, which radiated in 45.5% of cases to the lower extremities. In about one-third of the patients the pain increased as the day wore on, whereas in another one-third the pain increased during the night and disturbed sleep. Standing, sitting, forward bending, lifting, and walking tended to increase the pain. Most of the patients started suffering from back pain between the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy. Several theories to explain the occurrence of backache during pregnancy are discussed.

Back Pain↗

Legging orthosis for venous and lymphatic insufficiency.

Presented are the description and advantages of a unique compression device in the form of a legging for the treatment of venous and lymphatic insufficiency. It consists of a number of pliable, unyielding, adjustable compression bands, from the knee to the instep. The bands are easily closed, tightened, and opened, which is particularly useful for the physically handicapped patient for whom the commonly prescribed elastic stocking is inappropriate because of the difficulty in putting it on and removing it. The effectiveness of the legging is enhanced by its nonelasticity, as has been long proven by the Unna boot, and its ability to maintain an unreduced compression level throughout its lifetime, regardless of edema changes.

Equipment Design↗

Radial nerve damage as a complication of elbow arthroscopy.

Posterior interosseous nerve damage following elbow arthroscopy occurred in a 20-year-old athlete. The course of the radial nerve brings it in proximity to the puncture site when the dorsoradial approach is selected. This case emphasizes the importance of careful attention to vital structures if the complication of a posterior interosseous nerve syndrome is to be avoided.

Adult↗

A review of biofeedback for mental disorders.

Although biofeedback was developed by psychologists, it has been most widely used in the treatment of psychophysiological and medical disorders and less frequently used to control symptoms of psychopathology and mental disorders. The authors review studies in which biofeedback was used in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol and drug dependence, and tardive dyskinesia. The studies indicate that biofeedback can help selected patients modify specific responses or response patterns associated with a mental disorder. It appears to be most suitable for patients and disorders in which physiological processes can be identified as relevant. However, the findings offer little support for biofeedback as the treatment of choice for any mental disorder.

Alcoholism↗

Animal and cellular models of Gaucher's disease. I. Refractoriness of thio analogs of glucocerebroside to enzymatic hydrolysis.

In order to develop a nonmetabolizable analog of glucocerebroside to investigate the distribution and accumulation of this lipid in model systems, thiohemiacetal derivatives were synthesized and their susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis by purified human placental glucocerebrosidase was examined. Sulfur analogs were found to be completely refractory to the activity of this enzyme, indicating their potential use in animal and isolated cell models and possibly for the preparation of affinity chromatography columns for the isolation of glucocerebrosidase.

Cerebrosides↗