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J Shemer

Publications and source records attributed to J Shemer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Findings of periodic thoracic X-ray screening of Israel Defense Forces career personnel].

Findings of routine, periodic, medical examinations of approximately 5000 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) career personnel, included a screening postero-anterior chest radiograph were reviewed. Previous studies have indicated low efficacy of routine chest X-rays in various populations. We evaluated this screening test among 4593 career military personnel. Their chest X-rays were reviewed retrospectively and in 186 (4%) there were abnormal findings. The rate of pathological findings was positively correlated with age. Additional information was found in the X-rays of 25 subjects (0.54%), but the original interpretations of 51 (1.1%) were found to be false-positive. In view of the very low yield of findings in routine chest X-rays of IDF career military personnel, we recommend X-ray screening only in high-risk populations and subjects over the age of 50.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Cholera].

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Cholera↗
PubMed1995

Cytokines and growth factors modulate cell growth and insulin-like growth factor binding protein secretion by the human salivary cell line (HSG).

The human salivary cell line (HSG) was investigated for the effect of various growth factors and cytokines on cellular proliferation and on the production of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF-I increased cell growth by approximately 25%, and induced the appearances of three distinct protein bands on ligand blot of the cell culture. Two bands with molecular weights of 43 and 45 Kda, respectively, proved to be IGFBP-3 using a specific antibody, and the third was a 24 Kda species (probably, IGFBP-4). Similar IGFBPs were released by the cells following stimulation by EGF and insulin as well as following incubation with the IGF-I receptor antibody alpha IR3. Retinoic acid had an inhibitory effect (50%) on IGF-I-induced cellular proliferation and an attenuative effect on the 24 Kda band when it was combined with IGF-I, and to a lesser effect EGF; however, it enhanced IGFBP-3 production when incubated with IGF-I. The IGF-I receptor antibody had an agonistic effect on IGFBPs production when applied alone or together with IGF-I. TNF-alpha and INF-gamma had minimal effects on cell growth when added alone but when applied in combination, a marked inhibition of cellular proliferation was noted. These cytokines caused increased accumulation of IGFBP-3, -4, and -5. Addition of IGF-I to these cytokines enhanced the expression of these bands. These data demonstrate that growth factors and cytokines which modulate HSG cell growth, induce specific IGFBPs which may play a role in their effects on cell growth.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1995

Electrical injuries: current concepts.

Electrical injuries are often dramatic accidents and are potentially fatal. The systemic involvement which characterizes many of these injuries, requires familiarity with the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and possible complications. While many victims of electrocution are killed before help can be provided, survivors may suffer severe injuries that need proper treatment. The pathophysiological aspects of electrical injuries and therapeutic principles are therefore discussed in this review as well as preventive measures.

Cardiovascular System↗
PubMed1994

Cytokines modulate interleukin-6 production by human salivary gland cell line.

The ability of HrTNF-alpha, HrIL-1 beta, and HrIFN-gamma to modulate IL-6 production by cultured human salivary cell line (HSG) was examined. IL-6 activity was measured by the hybridoma growth factor biologic activity. HrTNF-alpha had a significant dose-dependent effect, whereas HrIL-1 beta and HrIFN-gamma had moderate and minor effects, respectively. Maximal effect (920 units) was noted when cytokines were applied in combination (1000 units HrIFN-gamma and 20 units HrTNF-alpha) and incubated with human salivary gland cells for 72 hr. The same combination of cytokines had also a marked inhibitory effect (70% of control) on human salivary gland cell growth. This is the first report of these concomitant phenomena in a human cell line originating from salivary tissue.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1994

Prevention of recurrent aphthous stomatitis with colchicine: an open trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disorder with hitherto unsatisfactory drug therapy. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of colchicine in the treatment of RAS. METHODS: An open, prospective, 4-month study was conducted in 20 patients with RAS who served as their own controls. During the first 2 months of the study no medications were given and in the last 2 months colchicine, 1.5 mg/day, was prescribed. RESULTS: The mean number of aphthae per week and the subjective daily pain scores were reduced by 71% and 77%, respectively, during colchicine treatment as compared with the previous period (p < 0.001 for both). No serious side effects of colchicine were noted. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a role for continuous colchicine therapy in the prevention of RAS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Protracted febrile myalgia in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a newly defined syndrome of protracted febrile myalgia in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: Fourteen patients with FMF were admitted with an attack of severe disabling myalgia accompanied by fever, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hyperglobulinemia, lasting up to 6 weeks. RESULTS: Unlike in the classical manifestations of FMF response to corticosteroids therapy was prompt. CONCLUSION: Protracted febrile myalgia is an uncommon dramatic manifestation of FMF that may occur despite colchicine therapy and requires treatment with corticosteroids.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Glucose polymer ingestion--effect on fluid balance and glycemic state during a 4-d march.

The effect of glucose-polymer solution on physical performance has been extensively studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of such beverages on fluid balance and on glycemic state during a moderate, prolonged field exercise. Forty-eight endurance trained, male subjects participated in the study. The maneuver consisted of a 4-d march; 29, 39, 36, 30 km.d-1, at a speed of 5-6 km.h-1. The subjects covered a total distance of 134 km at an estimated exercise intensity of approximately 40% VO2max, under hot climate conditions (ambient temperature, 32-41 degrees C; relative humidity, 60-14%). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: glucose polymer-electrolyte beverage (GP; N = 24) and tap water (TW; N = 24). Each group was then divided into two subgroups consuming fluid ad libitum (TWa, GPa) or instructed to consume 900 ml.h-1 (TWb, GPb). The mean daily fluid consumption of all subgroups was similar (5252 +/- 229 and 4640 +/- 67 ml in TWa and TWb; 5257 +/- 317 and 5253 +/- 216 ml in GPa and GPb, respectively). Weight loss, reflecting the degree of dehydration, was 1.2 +/- 0.1% and 1.9 +/- 0.3% of initial body weight in TW and GP, respectively. On day 1, plasma volume changed by +0.4% and -1.8% in the TW and GP groups, respectively. On the days 2-4 changes in both groups were similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The relationship between short-term antibiotic treatments and fatigue in healthy individuals.

Antibiotic treatment tends sometimes to result in sensations of fatigue and decreased physical performance. The effects of antibiotics were therefore studied in 50 healthy, male trainees, aged 18-25 years, assigned in a random, double-blind fashion to one of the following treatments: tetracycline, ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, placebo I and placebo II. Duration of treatment was five times the half-life of each agent and the placebo was matched accordingly. Muscle enzyme activity (serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase), maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), muscle strength (MS), and rating of subjective sensation of fatigue were assessed prior to and upon conclusion of treatment. Compared to pretreatment values, plasma enzymes activity was elevated in all five groups (P < 0.005). No differences in VO2max or in MS were found among the subjects treated with either one of the antibiotics or those given a placebo. A significant difference in VO2max was found between the groups treated for 1 day (antibiotic and placebo) and the groups treated for 3 days (antibiotic and placebo) (P < 0.0001). The rating of subjective sensation was not affected by any of the agents. We concluded that in healthy individuals, a short-term antibiotic treatment had no deleterious effect on aerobic capacity or on muscle strength and was not associated with subjective side effects. The time interval between the two maximal tests could, however, have affected the aerobic capacity. Physiological disturbances associated with a sensation of fatigue following a longer period of antibiotics cannot be excluded.

Adolescent↗