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Biomedical subjects

M Herman

Publications and source records attributed to M Herman.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

High-resolution CT in the assessment of bronchiectasis in children.

To assess the possibilities and limitations of high-resolution CT (HRCT) in the evaluation of bronchiectasis in children, we conducted a prospective study of 20 children with clinical and/or chest film findings suggestive of this diagnosis. The 2-mm collimation, 4.3-s HRCT scans with 10 mm interslice spacing were obtained in areas of suspected bronchiectasis; in nonsuspect areas 25-30 mm interslice spacing was used. No preparation for examination was required. Bronchiectasis was revealed in ten patients (50%), being bilateral in four cases and unilateral in six cases. All types of bronchiectatic patterns were found. Cooperation during the examination was the only difference when compared with an investigation of adults. It was not a serious problem in children aged 7 years and older; scans in 6-year-old children were diagnostic but not ideal. Nondiagnostic scans were obtained in a 3-year-old girl. At the time of the scans only one patient had undergone surgery. Preoperative bronchography confirmed the CT findings. The authors conclude that HRCT can limit the need for bronchography in children with a CT finding of focal bronchiectasis in whom surgery is contemplated. When using longer scanning times it is not possible to obtain good results without sedation of children younger than 6 years.

Adolescent↗

Diffuse interstitial lung disease--evaluation with high-resolution computed tomography.

We evaluated patterns of normal and abnormal lung parenchyma on standard 8-mm computed tomography (CT) scans, and 1-mm or 2-mm high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans in 22 subjects. There were five control subjects with no lung symptoms, and 17 patients with proved diagnosis of diffuse interstitial diseases consisting of sarcoidosis (n = 7), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (n = 3), extrinsic allergic alveolitis (n = 2), asbestosis (n = 2), scleroderma (n = 2), and drug toxicity (n = 1). CT and HRCT scans were evaluated for specific parenchymal features particularly the distribution in secondary pulmonary lobule; conditions of pleura, mediastinum, and thoracic wall were appreciated. CT and HRCT findings were described in individual disease. We believe that CT and HRCT are useful investigations in patients with suspected or known diffuse interstitial lung diseases. At present time CT, and particularly HRCT seem to be the best available method to image the lung parenchyma.

Adult↗

[Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis in older pregnant women].

The paper deals with the genetic risk of advanced age of women assessed on the basis of prenatal cytogenetic analysis during the second trimester of gestation. The examined group comprised 614 pregnant women older than 35 years. The cells for chromosomal analysis were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis during the 16th to 18th week of gestation. Cytogenetic examination revealed that the general risk of an aneuploid foetus in women of more advanced age is 2.12% and the most frequently encountered chromosomal aberration was trisomy 21 which was confirmed in 1.30 cytogenetically examined foetuses.

Adult↗

Clinical characteristics of patients in studies of left ventricular dysfunction (SOLVD).

The Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) trials were designed to evaluate the effects of enalapril on long-term mortality in patients with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Patients with LV ejection fractions less than or equal to 0.35 and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) were enrolled in the treatment trial, whereas those with no history of overt CHF and taking no treatment directed for LV dysfunction were enrolled in the prevention trial. The baseline clinical characteristics of SOLVD patients were compared to characterize differences between patients in these 2 separate but concurrent trials. From over 70,000 patients screened with LV dysfunction, 4,228 patients were enrolled in the prevention trial and 2,569 patients in the treatment trial. Ischemic heart disease was the primary cause of LV dysfunction in both prevention (83%) and treatment (71%) trial patients. Prior myocardial infarction was present in 80% of the prevention and 66% of the treatment trial patients (p less than 0.001). In the prevention trial, infarction was recent (less than or equal to 6 months) in 27% patients and remote (greater than 6 months) in 57% patients. Treatment trial patients had proportionately more women (20 vs 13%; p less than 0.001) and non-Caucasians (20 vs 14%; p less than 0.001), as well as the coexisting risk factors of hypertension (42 vs 37%; p less than 0.001) and diabetes (26 vs 15%; p less than 0.001) than did prevention trial patients. Clinical characteristics of patients in both trials were influenced by the gender and race of enrolled patients. Similarly, coronary artery bypass surgery was performed less often in women and non-Caucasians.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[An intraorbital foreign body with fulminant phlegmon].

The authors describe the case of an intraorbital foreign body of plant origin. An extensive phlegmon in the orbit caused by the foreign body led in the end to enucleation. The authors discuss diagnostic possibilities for detection and localization of foreign bodies in the orbit, focused in particular on CT.

Adult↗

[Computer tomography in functional stereotactic neurosurgery].

The authors describe their own modification of visualization and construction of coordinates of a stereotactic object for functional stereotaxis controlled by computed tomography (CT). This method was applied so far in four functional stereotactic operations (twice for parkinsonian tremor, once for retrocollis and once for epilepsy). In three patients where coagulation of the surgical objective was made, on the 4th or 5th day after operation there was a check-up CT examination and the size and character of the lesion was evaluated. Based on their own experience and reports in the literature, the authors emphasize the advantages of CT as compared with formerly used ventriculography in the control of functional stereotactic operations.

Adolescent↗

Progesterone binding in a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

We have undertaken the characterization of progestin binding component(s) in the cytosol prepared from Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from an immunocompromised patient. Incubation of P. aeruginosa cytosol aliquots at 0 degrees C with 20 nM [3H]R5020 (a synthetic progestin) revealed the presence of saturable binding. The [3H]R5020 binding reached an equilibrium after 1 h at 0 degrees C and showed saturation at 30-50 nM with a Kd value of 7.7 nM. At 0 degrees C, beta-mercaptoethanol increased the [3H]R5020 binding by 20% but sodium molybdate had no effect. The [3H]R5020-macromolecular complex was stable for up to 4 h at 37 degrees C. Steroid binding specificity analysis revealed that [3H]R5020 binding could be eliminated in the presence of 2 microM progesterone, estradiol, or dihydrotestosterone but that the synthetic glucocorticoid, triamcinolone acetonide, did not compete. Postlabeling of the cytosol fractions obtained after 10-30% glycerol gradient analysis demonstrated association of the radioactivity with a molecule that sedimented as a 6-8 S protease-sensitive moiety which was unaltered in the presence of RNase or DNase. When cells were grown in the presence of 100 nM progesterone, a 50% inhibition in the number of resulting colonies was observed. In addition to its evolutionary significance, the presence of this steroid binding molecule suggests a potential in the endocrine manipulation in the treatment of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Binding Sites↗

Experimental nephrotoxicity of the radiocontrast agents iohexol, ioxaglate, and iothalamate. An in vitro and in vivo study.

The authors compared the renal toxicity of the low osmolality radiocontrast agents, iohexol and ioxaglate, and the ionic agent, iothalamate, at equivalent iodine dose, using experimental models in vitro and in vivo. In isolated perfused rat kidneys, all agents induced comparable biphasic hemodynamic changes, associated with similar declines in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tubular necrosis. In two different in vivo models (using multiple insults combined with the administration of radiocontrast), iothalamate appeared to induce more severe morphologic injury. Despite similar nephrotoxic potential in vitro, the newer radiocontrast agents, iohexol and ioxaglate, cause in vivo less renal injury than iothalamate in the experimental models.

Angiotensin II↗

A device to aid in the application of stereotactic headframes: technical note.

It is sometimes difficult to apply the headframes of stereotactic systems in awake patients who are lethargic or demented or in patients who are very sensitive to the discomfort of local anesthetic injection. A device for external stabilization of the stereotactic system during its application to the head is described. This device, a modification of the Somi brace, is easy to apply, allows for adjustment of the base ring in all planes and provides sufficient stability even in obtunded or uncooperative patients. This device simplifies and makes more precise the application of the stereotactic headframe and may be of considerable utility in stereotactic surgery.

Equipment Design↗

Combined substance abuse and psychiatric disorders in homeless and domiciled patients.

Although homelessness in patients with combined addictive and psychiatric illness is a common problem, little has been reported about the epidemiology of homelessness in this patient population. The authors, in a study of 100 dually diagnosed patients admitted to a large metropolitan psychiatric hospital, found that a large portion of patients (N = 46) were homeless at the time of admission. Alcohol and crack/cocaine were the most frequently used drugs. Interestingly, there were no significant differences on most parameters between those who were homeless and those who were not. The authors observed that among the disadvantaged, inner-city dually diagnosed, many move in and out of the homeless state, seriously compromising their chances for recovery. Self-help treatment programs were more commonly used by homeless than domiciled patients. The homeless population may therefore be amenable to treatment in 12-step groups, as are domiciled patients.

Adolescent↗

The features of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

Features of 10 patients with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy are described. Seven patients suffered from lung disease. Joint symptoms preceded the symptoms of primary disease in four cases. Symmetrical periosteal new bone formation was present in all patients. The theories of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy pathogenesis are discussed.

Adolescent↗