Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Ovadia

Publications and source records attributed to J Ovadia.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Roll-over test--errors in interpretation, due to inaccurate blood pressure measurements.

In order to make the earliest possible prediction of the type of woman likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), one hundred and ninety-six primigravidas underwent a roll-over test (ROT) during wk 28-32 of their pregnancy. Blood pressure (BP) readings were taken with a standard 12 cm cuff as well as with cuffs adapted to various arm circumferences. We found that the prediction rate of ROT readings with a standard 12 cm cuff was relatively low (38.5%) as compared with Gant's study (94%) (Amer. J. Obstet. Gynec., 120 (1974) 1). When a suitably sized cuff was used, the prediction rate dropped (to 14.7%). Data analysis at term for the whole population of this study shows that, by measuring with a standard 12 cm cuff, 10.2% of the women were found to have PIH, whereas measuring with a suitable cuff showed PIH in only 2.55% of the cases (1:4 ratio). We suggest that the low prediction rates in this and other studies demonstrate that the ROT test is not sufficiently reliable as a tool for predicting which women are liable to develop PIH, but there is definitely enough in it to predict which group will not develop PIH (in this study 89-93%). It has been recommended that ROT be considered only as a test of possible reliability. It should be done according to proper criteria for BP measuring, and a repeat ROT should be considered after several days before starting any kind of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Identification of viral infections in pregnancy by assay of (2'-5')-oligo-isoadenylate synthetase.

Interferons are produced in response to viral infections. Among the biochemical changes they cause in cells is the induction of the enzyme (2'-5')-oligo-isoadenylate synthetase. The activity of this enzyme can be measured and this can indicate exposure and response of cells to interferon. The efficacy of such an assay of peripheral blood of pregnant women may aid in establishing screening guidelines for potentially teratogenic viral infections. The blood of 44 primigravidas with complaints of fever, myalgia, cough, vaginal discharge and/or costovertebral angle tenderness was assayed for activity of the enzyme (2'-5')-oligo-isoadenylate synthetase and compared to assays of the enzyme activity in a group of 37 healthy primigravidas which served as a control group. It was found that the group with viral infections had an increase in enzyme activity from twice to 15 times the normal value, with characteristic rises of enzyme activity in several viruses known or suspected to cause human defects. Several general guidelines are proposed to assist the obstetrician in determining a viral etiology of acute illness in pregnancy, It is suggested that the assay of enzyme activity of (2'-5')-oligo-isoadenylate synthetase may provide a simple tool for rapid diagnosis of viral infections in pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Spermarche--the age of onset of sperm emission.

Gonad maturation in boys is not characterized by a critical visible event such as menarche in girls. Establishing spermatogenesis by masturbation in maturing boys may be considered inappropriate. In order to estimate the median age of spermarche, a group of 155 normal schoolboys were examined twice (ages 12 and 13 years) for the occurrence of sperm in the first voided morning urine. The boys were requested to bring a daily sample for 10 consecutive days. Over 90% brought at least two samples and 50% brought 5-10 samples. The rate of boys with spermaturia at each age was calculated by the life-table method to adjust for the varying number of samples. New spermaturia was detected with each additional sample in the boys who brought in a greater number of samples. The urine examination carried a considerable false negative rate; even in boys who brought five or more samples, over 40% of boys positive at age 12 were negative at age 13. The rate of spermaturia at age 12 years was 37.5%, and at age 13 it was 68.9%. Our previous report showed the rate at age 11 years to be less than 1%. Because of an uncertain number of false negatives, these are probably under estimates of the true rate of spermatogenesis. The occurrence of spermarche was significantly associated with maturation of secondary sex characteristics.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1985

Scalp changes after fetal monitoring.

We prospectively studied 535 newborn infants who had been monitored during labour with scalp electrodes. Daily examination of scalp changes showed frequent transient mild lacerations, while severe complications were rare: seven (1.3%) had scalp ulceration and one (0.2%) developed scalp abscess.

Electrodes↗
PubMed1985

Effect of caffeine on human sperm penetration into zona-free hamster ova.

The effect of caffeine on spermatozoal ability to penetrate zona-free hamster ova was examined on fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples. The mean motility of 10 fresh semen samples incubated with caffeine significantly increased from 29% to 35%. Sperm penetration into zona-free hamster ova did not differ between the control group and the specimens to which caffeine was added. The same effect of caffeine on sperm motility and hamster ova penetration was noted in the frozen-thawed sperm samples. Motility was enhanced by 21%, but hamster ova penetration did not significantly change. The increase in sperm motility caused by caffeine does not change the fertilizing ability of fresh and frozen-thawed human sperm.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Glucose tolerance test in Israeli pregnant women.

An oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed in 1,055 healthy Israeli women at various stages of pregnancy. The whole venous blood glucose levels were higher in Israeli pregnant women than in American pregnant women. By adding 2 SD to the mean values, the upper limits of the oral GTT in the Israeli pregnant women were higher than the corresponding limits in American pregnant women. According to our results, 2.7% of Israeli pregnant women have gestational diabetes. However, if American standards are used, then 3.7% of our population would be considered to have gestational diabetes. Each population should be evaluated, therefore, according to its specific standards. The mean +/- 2 SD glucose levels of the GTT in pregnant women at age greater than or equal to 30 years were higher than those of the entire population of pregnant women. It is suggested, therefore, that the GTT of each pregnant woman should be considered according to her age-group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Hysteroscope for CO2 laser application.

Endoscopic laser surgery is becoming more common with the development of suitable instruments. A hysteroscope designed for use with a Sharplan CO2 laser is described in detail. The method of application, results of preliminary experience, and possible indications are discussed.

Endoscopes↗
PubMed1984

Group B streptococcus amnionitis with intact membranes associated with quintuplet delivery.

Chorioamnionitis is a frequent cause of premature labour and delivery, as well as of maternal and neonatal mortality. Group B streptococcus (GBS) has emerged over the past decade as a common pathogen in the etiology of neonatal sepsis. The case of chorioamnionitis reported here is unusual for three reasons: the premature labour was associated with intact membrane and amniotic fluid infected with GBS; all 5 infants were contaminated with GBS and all infants survived. Chorioamniotitis with intact membranes raises some questions regarding the antepartum use of steroids (potent anti-inflammatory agents), etc. The likelihood of chorioamnionitis in spite of cervical mucus, intact membranes, and the bacteriostatic activity of the amniotic fluid should alert the obstetrician to take special precautions, such as weekly vaginal cultures and appropriate vaginal antimicrobial treatment, in cases of imminent premature delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Treatment of pruritus vulvae by means of CO2 laser.

Five women with intractable pruritus vulvae, in whom standard therapy had failed to cure the condition, were treated by CO2 laser beam application. Results at one year were good in one patient and excellent in four.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Endocrine profile in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome.

Twenty-seven patients with Klinefelter's Syndrome, aged 19-38 years were divided according to the basal testosterone (T) levels into sub-eugonadal (less than or equal to 3 ng/ml) and eugonadal (greater than 3ng/ml) groups. The pretreatment T level was 3.21 +/- 1.59 ng/ml. The LH and FSH levels, 14.54 +/- 6.68 mIU/ml and 21.51 +/- 10.74 mIU/ml respectively, were above the upper eugonadal range. Short-term hCG treatment stimulated T production significantly and a further increase was observed following long-term hCG treatment. In patients with sub-eugonadal levels of basal T, a greater relative increment of the T level was observed following the hCG stimulation but not in the absolute T increase. Thus, the assumption that in Klinefelter's patients, the low basal T levels and the relative refractoriness to hCG stimulation are secondary to chronic exposure to elevated LH levels, could not be supported. Higher FSH levels were associated with elevated plasma T levels (p less than 0.025). No such association was established with the LH.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

New instrumentation and technique for laparoscopic carbon dioxide laser operations: a preliminary report.

Laparoscopic surgery, the accepted procedure for several indications, still has some limitations, mainly due to the risk of uncontrollable bleeding and damage to the surrounding tissues that may result from the procedure. With the advent of the surgical carbon dioxide laser apparatus and its advantage in producing a bloodless incision, the authors have modified their approach toward laparoscopic surgery. A variety of special straight laser channels for introduction into the abdominal cavity have been developed; use of these channels requires special care to protect surrounding tissues from damage during the procedure. A Sharplan laser delivery system comprising an articulated arm was used, and the operative area visualized and controlled by single- and double-puncture laparoscope systems. The techniques were first applied in rabbits and, after several improvements, used in humans for various indications. The laser laparoscope can be particularly useful in the treatment of endometriosis and lysis of pelvic adhesions.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1983

Neonatal outcome in infants of epileptic mothers.

The effect of epilepsy and anti-epileptic treatment on neonatal outcome was investigated in 86 pregnancies terminating in delivery. Various maternal and neonatal parameters were considered. Each infant born to an epileptic mother was double-matched with two infants born to healthy mothers and the results were submitted for statistical analysis. Infants of epileptic mothers had smaller head circumference. Primidone was the only anti-epileptic drug, taken during pregnancy, to have a significant effect on infant head circumference. The results suggest that a drug effect, rather than an association with maternal epilepsy, is responsible for this difference. Hypertelorism is the only congenital anomaly to be significantly more frequent in newborns of epileptics. All drugs, except for primidone, were associated significantly with this anomaly. Further similar studies and prolonged follow-up of the infants of epileptic mothers are necessary before drawing any final conclusions regarding the outcome of these infants.

Analysis of Variance↗