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Biomedical subjects

M Giladi

Publications and source records attributed to M Giladi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Anterior knee pain caused by overactivity: a long term prospective followup.

In a prospective study to determine the natural history of anterior knee pain caused by overactivity, 60 (15%) of 390 elite Israeli infantry recruits were found to have anterior pain in 77 knees during 14 weeks of basic training. At 6 years' followup, 3 years after returning to civilian life, half of the knees originally with anterior knee pain were still symptomatic, but in only 8% of the originally symptomatic knees was the pain severe, hindering physical activity. The long term prognosis of anterior knee pain caused by overactivity is much better than that reported previously for anterior knee pain in adolescents, but in a small percentage of cases the pain persists at a level that may prevent participation in exertional activities.

Adolescent↗

The effect of shoe gear on human tibial strains recorded during dynamic loading: a pilot study.

The study was conducted to test the hypothesis that alterations in shoe gear can affect tibial strains in the human during dynamic loading. Rosette strain gauges were mounted on the medial border of the mid-diaphysis in two human subjects with a new strain gauge bonding technique using methyl methacrylate. Strain measurements were made at this site, the most frequent location for stress fractures in the Israeli Army during treadmill walking and free running while wearing various sport shoes (Rockport ProWalkers and New Balance NBX 900) and army boots (light Israeli infantry, double layered sole Israeli infantry, and Zohar infantry boots). Data were analyzed for only one of the subjects because strain gauge bonding was found to be inadequate at the time of surgical removal in the other subject. No single shoe lowered both the principal tibial compression and tensile strains, and the shear strains. The Zohar boot had the lowest principal compression strains during treadmill walking and mobile running, despite its relatively higher weight and sole durometry.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Pneumococcal psoas abscess: report of a case and review of the world literature.

A 39-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with fever and right hip pain. CT scan of the pelvis showed a psoas muscle abscess. Pus, which was surgically evacuated, grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient fully recovered after 30 days of intravenous antibiotics. Review of the literature revealed only nine similar cases of primary pneumococcal psoas abscess. Three cases were complicated with pneumococcal meningitis. In four cases there was a history of trauma to the involved area. Pneumococcal psoas abscess is a rare entity that carries a good prognosis provided early surgical drainage is performed and parenteral antibiotic therapy is administered to the patient.

Adult↗

[Health concerns of Israelis traveling to Third World countries--experience of a travel advisory clinic].

Following army service young Israelis often travel to remote third world regions for prolonged periods. During such tours, they are exposed to a variety of medical problems, including infections, environmental diseases, political violence and inability to obtain proper medical care. From May 1991 to Nov. 1992, 1,969 travelers aged 20-25 years old, and 926 older than 25, were given medical advice, vaccines and medications prior to travel. A clinic specializing in "emporiatrics" has been established to deal with pre- and post-travel medical problems associated with tourism.

Adult↗

A 9.0-kilobase-pair circular plasmid of Borrelia burgdorferi encodes an exported protein: evidence for expression only during infection.

In this study, we report the cloning, sequencing, and molecular analysis of a gene located on a 9.0-kbp circular plasmid of virulent Borrelia burgdorferi B31 designated eppA (exported plasmid protein A). This gene encodes a precursor protein of 174 amino acids including a signal peptide of 20 amino acids and a type I signal peptidase cleavage site. The mature EppA protein of 154 amino acids has a calculated molecular weight of 17,972. Several lines of evidence suggest that eppA is not expressed by B. burgdorferi B31 during in vitro cultivation. Immunoblot analysis using hyperimmune rabbit antiserum to recombinant EppA (rEppA) did not detect the presence of EppA in B. burgdorferi B31 cultivated in vitro. Northern blot analysis using total RNA isolated from in vitro-cultivated virulent B. burgdorferi B31 failed to detect an eppA transcript. EppA was not detected in culture supernatants of virulent B. burgdorferi B31 in a sensitive antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In contrast, evidence for expression of eppA during infection was based on the observation that patients with Lyme disease as well as rabbits experimentally infected with B. burgdorferi B31 produced antibodies that recognized rEppA. Because the cellular location of EppA in B. burgdorferi cannot be determined in vivo because of very small numbers of organisms present in vertebrate infection, we examined the cellular location of rEppA expressed in Escherichia coli. In E. coli, rEppA is targeted to the outer membrane. In addition, purified E. coli outer membranes containing rEppA treated with chaotrophic agents did not result in rEppA release. These findings are consistent with the idea that EppA is not peripherally associated with the outer membrane of E. coli but rather has an integral outer membrane association.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Our experience with diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of poststernotomy sternal wound infections].

During 1984-1992 162 patients with post-sternotomy sternal wound infections were treated. Between 0.4-5% of these undergoing sternotomy suffer from this complication which carries a mortality of about 50% when treated by conventional, nonsurgical methods. 80% of our patients had undergone aortocoronary bypass surgery and 11% valve replacement. Major risk factors identified for postoperative infection were prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged extracorporeal bypass, smoking, diabetes, obesity and chronic lung disease. Of 152 patients who underwent surgery, 35 had recurrent infections, especially during the first years of the study. 10 were managed by conservative methods. Reconstruction of the chest wall was performed in 125, using pectoralis major flaps (74 cases), rectus abdominis muscle flaps (53), myocutaneous flaps (5) and omental flap (1). Our series demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach in evaluating and stabilizing these often critically ill patients. Computed tomography together with sinography have proven to be of major importance in diagnosing the location and extent of sternal wound infections. Strict adherence to antibiotic protocols, radical debridement of infected bone and soft tissues and subsequent reconstruction with muscle flaps has enabled us to reduce recurrent infection and improve morbidity and mortality rates.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Use of the "blue halo" assay in the identification of genes encoding exported proteins with cleavable signal peptides: cloning of a Borrelia burgdorferi plasmid gene with a signal peptide.

We have recently reported a phoA expression vector, termed pMG, which, like TnphoA, is useful in identifying genes encoding membrane-spanning sequences or signal peptides. This cloning system has been modified to facilitate the distinction of outer membrane and periplasmic alkaline phosphatase (AP) fusion proteins from inner membrane AP fusion proteins by transforming pMG recombinants into Escherichia coli KS330, the strain utilized in the "blue halo" assay first described by Strauch and Beckwith (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:1576-1580, 1988). The lipoprotein mutation lpp-5508 of KS330 results in an outer membrane that is leaky to macromolecules, and its degP4 mutation greatly reduces periplasmic proteolytic degradation of AP fusion proteins. pMG AP fusions containing cleavable signal peptides, including the E. coli periplasmic protein beta-lactamase, the E. coli and Chlamydia trachomatis outer membrane proteins OmpA and MOMP, respectively, and Tp 9, a Treponema pallidum AP recombinant, diffused through the leaky outer membrane of KS330 and resulted in blue colonies with blue halos. In contrast, inner membrane AP fusions derived from E. coli proteins, including leader peptidase, SecY, and the tetracycline resistance gene product, as well as Tp 70, a T. pallidum AP recombinant which does not contain a signal peptide, resulted in blue colonies without blue halos. Lipoprotein-AP fusions, including the Borrelia burgdorferi OspA and T. pallidum Tp 75 and TmpA showed halo formation, although there was significantly less halo formation than that produced by either periplasmic or outer membrane AP fusions. In addition, we applied this approach to screen recombinants constructed from a 9.0-kb plasmid isolated from the B31 virulent strain of B. burgdorferi. One of the blue halo colonies identified produced an AP fusion protein which contained a signal peptide with a leader peptidase I cleavage recognition site. The pMG/KS330r- cloning and screening approach can identify genes encoding proteins with cleavable signal peptides and therefore can serve as a first step in the identification of genes encoding potential virulence factors.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The clinical assessment of femoral stress fractures: a comparison of two methods.

In a prospective study among 667 recruits, the incidence of asymptomatic femoral stress fractures was compared using a new expanded stress fracture clinical examination (SFCA) versus an older stress fracture examination. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001) between the percentage of femoral stress fractures that were asymptomatic in the group evaluated by SFCA (26%) and those evaluated by the older stress fracture examination (80%). By using the SFCA, many of the femoral stress fractures previously classified as asymptomatic are in fact recognized as symptomatic.

Femoral Fractures↗

Peritonitis caused by Mycobacterium kansasii in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated from the peritoneal fluid, peritoneal biopsy, and the Tenckhoff catheter of a 62-year-old woman undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who presented with the clinical picture of peritonitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of CAPD-associated peritonitis caused by M kansasii. Routine susceptibility tests using standard concentrations of isoniazid indicated isoniazid resistance; however, the organism was inhibited in vitro by a higher concentration of this drug. The patient responded to combination therapy with isoniazid and rifampin, as well as removal of the catheter. This report emphasizes the importance of mycobacterial cultures, in certain circumstances, in patients with CAPD-associated peritonitis and the utility of quantitative in vitro susceptibility testing.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗

The differential leukocyte count in adults with acute gastroenteritis.

The total and differential leukocyte count of 4 groups of patients, admitted to the hospital because of acute gastroenteritis was evaluated. The 4 groups included: (a) 131 adult patients with positive stool culture for shigella; (b) 23 children (age less than 15 years) with positive stool culture for shigella; (c) 52 adult patients with positive stool culture for salmonella; (d) 43 adult patients with negative stool culture for bacterial pathogens. The total leukocyte count did not contribute to the differential diagnosis between shigella gastroenteritis and gastroenteritis of other etiology. However, the absolute band count was significantly higher in adults with shigella gastroenteritis. Moreover, a band to total neutrophil ratio further increased the diagnosis specificity. The differential leukocyte count can contribute to early diagnosis of shigellosis in adult patients.

Acute Disease↗

Is idiopathic atrial fibrillation caused by occult thyrotoxicosis? A study of one hundred consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation.

In this study we evaluated the possible relationship between idiopathic atrial fibrillation and occult thyrotoxicosis, diagnosed by lack of response of thyroid stimulating hormone to administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone. Three groups were compared: 25 patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation; 52 with cardiovascular atrial fibrillation; and 27 with sinus rhythm. Patients were excluded with any clinical evidence of thyrotoxicosis or with elevated serum FT4 level, as well as those with diseases or on medications known to be associated with a diminished response to administration of the releasing hormone. A flat test (lack of response) was found in only 4% of the patients. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups. Based on these data we believe that there is no relationship between idiopathic atrial fibrillation or any other type of atrial fibrillation and occult thyrotoxicosis.

Adult↗

Identification of Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum genes encoding signal peptides and membrane-spanning sequences using a novel alkaline phosphatase expression vector.

Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum is a pathogenic spirochaete for which there are no systems of genetic exchange. In order to provide a system for the identification of T. pallidum surface proteins and potential virulence factors, we have developed a novel expression vector which confers the utility of TnphoA transposition. The relevant features of this plasmid vector, termed pMG, include an inducible tac promoter, a polylinker with multiple cloning sites in three reading frames, and an alkaline phosphatase (AP) gene lacking the signal sequence-encoding region. Library construction with Sau3A-digested T. pallidum genomic DNA resulted in the creation of functional T. pallidum-AP fusion proteins. Analysis of fusion proteins and their corresponding DNA and deduced amino acid sequences demonstrated that they could be grouped into three categories: (i) those with signal peptides containing leader peptidase I cleavage sites, (ii) those with signal peptides containing leader peptidase II cleavage sites, and (iii) those with non-cleavable hydrophobic membrane-spanning sequences. Triton X-114 detergent phase partitioning of individual T. pallidum-AP fusions revealed several clones whose AP activity partitioned preferentially into the hydrophobic detergent phase. Several of these fusion proteins were subsequently shown to be acylated by Escherichia coli following [3H]-palmitate labelling, indicating their lipoproteinaceous nature. DNA and amino acid sequence analysis of one acylated fusion protein, Tp75, confirmed the presence of a hydrophobic N-terminal signal sequence containing a consensus leader peptidase II recognition site. The DNA sequence of Tp75 also indicates that this is a previously unreported T. pallidum lipoprotein. T. pallidum-AP fusion proteins which partitioned into the hydrophobic detergent phase but did not incorporate palmitate were also identified. DNA and amino acid analysis of one such clone, Tp70, showed no cleavable signal but had a significant hydrophobic region of approximately 20 residues, consistent with a membrane-spanning domain. Immunoblot analysis of T. pallidum-AP fusions detected with a monoclonal antibody specific for AP identified several fusion proteins which migrated as doublets separated in apparent electrophoretic mobility by no more than 3 kDa. [35S]-methionine pulse-chase incorporation showed that the doublet AP fusions represented precursor and processed forms of the same protein. DNA and amino acid sequence analysis of clones expressing processed fusion proteins demonstrated hydrophobic N-terminal signal sequences containing consensus leader peptidase I recognition sites.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Aortic dissection manifested as fever of unknown origin.

Aortic dissection is accompanied by fever in about one third of the patients. However, fever of unknown origin as the predominant manifestation of aortic dissection seems to be extremely rare. A review of the English literature revealed only 3 patients characterized by fever as the principal sign of aortic dissection. Herein an additional patient is reported. All 4 patients presented with pain or discomfort in the chest, back or abdomen, followed by persistent fever, lasting 5-11 weeks and associated with anemia and a high sedimentation rate. The outcome was favorable in all cases regardless of the location of the dissection or the type of treatment.

Aged↗

[Pentamidine inhalation for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS].

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the major cause of death in AIDS. The use of standard drugs for PCP is associated with a remarkably high rate of adverse reactions in AIDS patients. We treated a 35-year-old homosexual with a first episode of PCP with intravenous trimethoprim, 20 mg/kg, and sulfamethoxazole, 100 mg/kg and later with pentamidine injections. However medication had to be stopped because of severe side effects. A new method of therapy using aerosolized pentamidine (300 mg per inhalation, daily) was then applied successfully. The patient recovered and has been having prophylactic inhalations and getting azothymidine for the past 8 months. In studies on relatively small numbers of patients this treatment has been reported to give good results with only minor side effects. However, further data are needed, especially on the optimal characteristics of the generated aerosol and the best delivery system.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Gain in mass density of bone following strenuous physical activity.

A group of 223 military recruits aged 18-21 years underwent strenuous physical training for a period of 14 weeks. The absolute bone density of the distal tibia in both lower limbs was measured before the training period and at its end. The density was determined by the Compton scattering technique, which has been developed in our laboratory; this method provides the bone mass of all bone constituents per unit volume. The distribution curve of the bone density in both tibiae shifted to higher values at the end of the training period. The mean bone density in the right and left tibia increased significantly by 7.5%. This study indicates that following an intensive physical exercise regime, a significant increase in the mass density of bone can be obtained in young adults within a short period.

Adolescent↗

The area moment of inertia of the tibia: a risk factor for stress fractures.

In a prospective study of stress fractures among Israeli infantry recruits, the area moment of inertia of the tibia was found to have a statistically significant correlation with the incidence of tibial, femoral and total stress fractures. Recruits with "low" area moments of inertia of the tibia were found to have higher stress fracture morbidity than those with "high" area moments of inertia. The best correlation was obtained when the area moment of inertia was calculated about the AP axis of bending at a cross-sectional level corresponding to the narrowest tibial width on lateral X-rays, a point which is at the distal quarter of the tibia. This finding indicates that bending forces about the approximate AP axis are an important causal factor for tibial and many other stress fractures. The bone's bending strength, or ability to resist bending moments, as measured by the area moment of inertia, helps determine risk to stress fracture.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗