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Biomedical subjects

L Levin

Publications and source records attributed to L Levin.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Serum amino acids in weight-losing patients with cancer and tuberculosis.

A study of arterial and arterio-venous amino acid concentration differences across the forearm was performed in 19 weight-losing cancer (CWL) patients (9 with lung cancer and 10 with other types of cancer), 8 weight-losing patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TWL) and 10 normal controls. Arterial concentrations of many of the amino acids measured were found to be lower in CWL than in TWL patients. In addition, the data suggested a venous excess of amino acids in the CWL patients compared with TWL patients and controls. The increased release of alanine from forearm muscles in the CWL group, together with the low arterial glycogenic amino acid levels, supports the concept of enhanced gluconeogenesis in CWL patients. Low arterial amino acid levels and possible increased release of amino acids from forearm muscle in CWL patients implies enhanced proteolysis with increased central clearance or tumour sequestration of these amino acids, though decreased proteogenesis cannot be excluded in accounting for the venous excesses in this group. Hypocitrullinemia in lung cancer patients was marked, and possible mechanisms to account for this are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Occupational dermatitis among hairdressers. A multifactor analysis.

Dermatitis among hairdressers has been recognized as a significant occupational health problem but the occurrence, contributing factors, and control measures have not been comprehensively studied or reported. Consequently, an epidemiologic field study of dermatitis among hairdressers and its relationship to medical history of allergy, frequency of specific product use, sex, and number of years in hairdressing was conducted in the winter of 1982 in four southern New Jersey counties. Work practices and procedures were observed and chemical inventories taken during on-site visits to the participants' beauty salons. The data collected were complied and analyzed using a computerized log-linear statistical procedure. The association between the occurrence of dermatitis and a medically confirmed history of allergy is highly significant (p less than .001) and decreases with increasing numbers of years in hairdressing, indicating perhaps that highly susceptible individuals leave their jobs. There was no significant relationship between dermatitis and the levels of frequency of product use. Means of controlling and preventing occupational dermatitis among hairdressers are discussed. Because of the complexity and diversity of the chemical products used, further research is needed to explore the specific etiological factors of hairdresser's dermatitis.

Dermatitis, Occupational↗
PubMed1983

A review of the health effects of energy conserving materials.

The energy conservation movement has promoted both greater use of insulating materials and the reduction of heat losses by sealing air leaks. The release of volatile or airborne materials from the installation of these building materials under these conditions has resulted in an exacerbated indoor air pollution with the potential for certain health and safety hazards. Consequently, a comparative review of the health and safety hazards, exposure standards, and regulatory action associated with the more commonly used insulating materials with particular respect to current energy conservation measures was undertaken. The materials reviewed included asbestos, urea-formaldehyde foam, polyvinyl chloride, cellulosic insulations, fibrous glass, mineral wool, and vermiculite. Although no longer used, the past installation of asbestos in a friable form is the greatest potential health hazard. The exposure to formaldehyde gas from its release from urea-formaldehyde foam has elicited subjective complaints of sensory irritation and unresolved controversy and regulatory action regarding its toxicity to humans. Lesser health problems have been associated with the more widely used fibrous glass and mineral or rock wools.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1982

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion following dis-dichlorodiammineplatinum II in a patient with malignant thymoma.

A patient with malignant thymoma is reported, in whom the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) occurred 36-48 hours after being given cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum II (CPPD) with a mannitol diuresis. The SIADH was treated by fluid restriction and demeclocycline and subsided after approximately 72 hours. Subsequent courses of CPPD with mannitol diuresis were given with demeclocycline prophylactically and no untoward effects noted. The precise mechanism for the SIADH following the use of CPPD is unknown, but may be life-threatening, especially since preloading with fluid followed by forced diuresis is used when CPPD is given to avoid nephrotoxicity. The patient has survived 37 months, with 24 months of relapse-free survival following treatment with CPPD, irradiation and surgery.

Cisplatin↗
PubMed1982

Hemangiopericytoma of the colon: report of a case and review of literature.

A patient with a hemangiopericytoma of the colon is discussed. This is the second such case reported in the English medical literature. Soon after discovery of the tumor, the patient presented with a colonic intussusception with the tumor serving as the lead point. This was reduced by a hypaque enema, but the intussusception recurred twice more, being reduced again by hypaque enema and finally having to be reduced by colonoscopy. At surgery a left hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. The microscopic, ultrastructural, and pathologic aspects of hemangiopericytoma are discussed with special attention to lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The value of dorsal column stimulation in multiple sclerosis.

Ten patients with definite and one with probable MS, all markedly inflicted, but with a varying degree of motor and bladder dysfunction were subjected to spinal cord stimulation in a controlled study. None of the patients exhibited appreciable fluctuation in symptoms in the pre-study period. Bladder symptoms were most markedly influenced by electrical stimulation. The reduction in hesitancy and urgency was of great importance to the patients. In 9 of 10 patients reduction in voiding frequency took place, the all over reduction being 8%. Maximum extension torque increased by 9% and flexion torque by 29% during the stimulation when compared to the first placebo period. In selected MS patients, i.e. patients with bladder dysfunction and with a certain muscular reserve, electrical spinal cord stimulation may have an indication.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Metabolic alterations in cancer. Part II. Protein and fat metabolism.

Intracellular changes in protein metabolism within cancer cells may facilitate cell reduplication, and this may be supported by changes in enzymes responsible for protein synthesis and degradation. Synthesis of ectopic hormones probably reflects genetic de-repression. Increased muscle proteolysis has been reported by some workers in cancer patients, and this may be associated with muscle cells, increased glucocorticoid secretion by the adrenal cortex, increased gluconeogenesis or impaired muscle glycolysis. Decreased proteogenesis has also been reported to occur in the muscles of cancer patients. Although tumour tissue may inhibit muscle proteogenesis, there are as yet no data to suggest a direct tumour-derived ectopic substance which affects muscle proteolysis or proteogenesis. Data regarding serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA) in weight-losing cancer patients are conflicting, although it is likely that abnormally high values are due to liver dysfunction rather than enhanced peripheral lipolysis. Nevertheless, since serum levels may be normal if FFA consumption is increased to the same extent as release, these levels need not indicate overall FFA turnover. If enhanced FFA release from fat stores does occur, this may provide the liver with an energy source required for its increased commitment to gluconeogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Metabolic alterations in cancer. Part I. Carbohydrate metabolism.

Glucose intolerance seen in weight-losing patients may not result from qualitative or quantitative alterations in insulin secretion or binding. It may, however, be the result of increased gluconeogenic flux which occurs in these patients. This may be due to increased substrate availability resulting from lactate production as the unoxidized-end-product of tumour glycolysis (Warburg effect). In addition, increased levels of glucogenic amino acid may be associated with preferential amino acid sequestration by the tumour, causing decreased muscle proteogenesis and therefore atrophy. Enhanced glucose demand by tumour cells may also lead to an increased hepatic gluconeogenesis, as will the production of ectopic ACTH.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗
PubMed1980

Enterovesical fistulas in Crohn disease.

Fistulous communication between the intestinal tract and the bladder is uncommon in Crohn disease. Only 2% of patients afflicted with this disease present with bladder symptoms. Five patients with a mean age of thirty years presented with a prolonged history of bowel disease but a short history of urinary symptoms. Only three patients presented with pneumaturia and fecaluria. None of the fistulas could be demonstrated radiographically. Cystoscopy disclosed the fistulous site as well as acute and chronic inflammation of the bladder. Small-bowel resection with excision of the fistula, partial bladder resection, and diverting ileostomy were performed as a first stage. Ileostomy closure was done two to four weeks later.

Adult↗