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Biomedical subjects

M Katz

Publications and source records attributed to M Katz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Estimation of health benefits from a local living wage ordinance.

OBJECTIVES: This study estimated the magnitude of health improvements resulting from a proposed living wage ordinance in San Francisco. METHODS: Published observational models of the relationship of income to health were applied to predict improvements in health outcomes associated with proposed wage increases in San Francisco. RESULTS: With adoption of a living wage of $11.00 per hour, we predict decreases in premature death from all causes for adults aged 24 to 44 years working full-time in families whose current annual income is $20,000 (for men, relative hazard [RH] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92, 0.97; for women, RH = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.98). Improvements in subjectively rated health and reductions in the number of days sick in bed, in limitations of work and activities of daily living, and in depressive symptoms were also predicted, as were increases in daily alcohol consumption. For the offspring of full-time workers currently earning $20,000, a living wage predicts an increase of 0.25 years (95% CI = 0.20, 0.30) of completed education, increased odds of completing high school (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.49), and a reduced risk of early childbirth (RH = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: A living wage in San Francisco is associated with substantial health improvement.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2001

Role of the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap preventing Frey's syndrome and maintaining facial contour following superficial parotidectomy.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle flap may play a significant role in reducing the incidence of Frey's syndrome and maintaining facial contour after parotidectomy. Patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy from August 1992 to March 1999 were divided into two groups (N = 26). One group had sternocleidomastoid muscle flap reconstruction. A historical cohort study was designed with the two groups being matched for sex, age, pathology, postoperative radiation, date of surgery, and extent of dissection. The starch iodine test was used to evaluate for gustatory sweating, and the Observer Rated Disfigurement Scale was used to assess facial contour and aesthetics. The results of our study suggest that the sternocleidomastoid flap reconstruction following parotidectomy surgery does not alter the incidence of Frey's syndrome and does not significantly improve facial contour and aesthetics.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of the lactic acid bacteria in ewe's milk and cheese from northwest Argentina.

Indigenous lactic acid bacteria in ewe's milk and artisanal cheese were studied in four samples of fresh raw milk and four 1-month-old cheeses from the provinces of northwest Argentina. Mean growth counts on M17, MRS, and MSE agar media did not show significant differences (P < 0.05) in raw milk and cheeses. Isolates of lactic acid bacteria from milk were identified as Enterococcus (48%), lactococci (14%), leuconostocs (8%), and lactobacilli (30%). All lactococci were identified as Lactococcus lactis (subsp. lactis and subsp. cremoris). Lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (92%) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (8%). Enterococci (59%) and lactobacilli (41%) were isolated from cheeses. L. plantarum (93%), L. acidophilus (5%), and Lactobacillus casei (2%) were most frequently isolated. L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis strains were considered as fast acid producers. L. lactis subsp. cremoris strains were slow acid producers. L. plantarum and L. casei strains identified from the cheeses showed slow acid production. The majority of the lactobacilli and Lactococcus lactis strains utilized citrate and produced diacetyl and acetoin in milk. Enzyme activities (API-ZYM tests) of lactococci were low, but activities of L. plantarum strains were considerably higher. The predominance of L. plantarum in artisanal cheese is probably important in the ripening of these cheeses due to their physiological and biochemical characteristics.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Albumin-dependent digoxin transfer in isolated perfused human placenta.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of albumin (BSA) concentration in perfusion medium on digoxin transfer in isolated perfused human placental cotyledon. STUDY DESIGN: Isolated placental cotyledons from 13 normal human placentas were dually perfused after cannulating artery and vein of the chorionic plate and piercing 4 catheters through the corresponding basal plate with M199 medium enriched with BSA and glucose. Flow rates were 12 and 6 ml/min in the maternal and fetal circuits, respectively. Digoxin was added to the maternal reservoir at a final concentration of 5.51 +/- 1.00 ng/ml. BSA in maternal and fetal perfusate was kept at 3 concentrations: 1, 3 and 5 mg/ml (Groups I, II, III). Transplacental passage of digoxin was calculated from repeated fetal and maternal perfusate samples collected over 3 hours in the 3 groups. Digoxin levels were measured by FPIA (TDx, Abbott). RESULTS: There was no transfer of digoxin from the maternal to fetal compartment when the concentration of BSA was 1 mg/ml. Increasing the concentration of BSA led to a substantial increase in the transfer of digoxin to the fetal compartment. Steady state levels of digoxin in the fetal compartment were 0.61 +/- 0.19 ng/ml at 3 mg/ml of BSA. CONCLUSION: Maternal and fetal serum concentration of BSA affect digoxin transfer in isolated perfused human placentas. Three mg/ml are considered to be the optimal albumin concentration.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Prevertebral abscess with extension into the hip joint.

We present a case of a paravertebral abscess with extension into the hip joint. The presumed conduit of infection in this case is the iliopsoas bursa, which has been shown to provide direct communication between the retroperitoneal space and the hip joint in up to 15% of cadaveric specimens. The patient was treated with emergent open irrigation and debridement of the hip joint, as well as percutaneous drainage of the prevertebral abscess. The patient remains minimally symptomatic at the 2-year follow-up.

Abscess↗
PubMed2001

Lack of prenatal care in a traditional society. Is it an obstetric hazard?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between lack of prenatal care (fewer than three visits at any prenatal care facility) and perinatal complications in the Bedouin parturient population where lack of prenatal care is not associated with absence of prenatal services, substance abuse or marital status. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of all Bedouin women lacking prenatal care (n = 7,601) who gave birth between the years 1990-1997 in the Soroka University Medical Center. The analysis consisted of a comparison of labor and delivery outcomes in women without prenatal care to outcomes in women who had some prenatal care. RESULTS: During the years 1990-1997 there were 36,281 singleton deliveries to Bedouin women at our institution. Of those, 20.9% did not receive prenatal care. Mothers in the no-prenatal-care group tended to be in the extremes of their reproductive cycles (< 18 years, > 35 years) and were of higher parity (P < .001) than those receiving prenatal care. There were more deliveries prior to 32 weeks of gestation in the no-prenatal-care group (2.8%) in comparison to the prenatal care group (1.5%, P < .001) and fewer postterm deliveries (> 42 weeks, P < .01). The incidence of low birth weight (< 2,500 g) in the no-prenatal-care group was higher than in the prenatal-care group (11.2% vs. 8.4%, P < .001). Women who did not receive adequate prenatal care had statistically significantly higher rates of antepartum fetal death (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3, P < .001), intrapartum fetal death (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.2-4.5, P < .03) and postpartum fetal death (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.2-2.1, P < .001). Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the independent contribution of lack of prenatal care to perinatal mortality and to very-low-birth-weight newborns. In both models lack of prenatal care was an independent contributing factor. CONCLUSION: Lack of prenatal care is an independent contributor to perinatal mortality and low birth weight in a traditional society. In light of the high percentage of lack of prenatal care in Bedouin society, special attempts should be made to encourage women to use the available prenatal services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Nonprescription tinted eyewear optical accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: Nonprescription tinted eyewear, commonly referred to as noncorrective sunglasses or plano sun eyewear, often induce measurable amounts of prismatic deviation. With high-wrap eyewear this effect becomes more pronounced. The purpose of this project was to assess the amount of horizontal and vertical prismatic deviation induced by some popular premium plano sun eyewear intended for use by athletes. METHODS: Prismatic deviations for two identical pairs of high-wrap, steep base curve, plano sun eyewear from each of six prominent national brands were measured in both primary gaze and along a peripheral line of sight 30 degrees to the right of straight-ahead. RESULTS: Most of the eyewear induced base-out and base-down prism in each lens in primary gaze. All eyewear induced base-in prism with temporal gaze and base-out prism with nasal gaze at 30 degrees laterally. Most eyewear induced base-down prism with lateral gaze as well. CONCLUSIONS: Plano sun eyewear is often purchased for use in bright environments during visually demanding sports, such as golf, baseball, and volleyball. It is well-documented that athletes possess superior visual function as compared to nonathletes or lesser-level athletes. Further studies are indicated to determine the impact of this prism on the average wearer and the elite athlete.

Convergence, Ocular↗
PubMed2001

Failed vacuum extraction. Maternal risk factors and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obstetric risk factors associated with a failed trial of vacuum extraction and to assess its pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: All attempted vacuum extractions between the years 1990 and 1998 were identified, and a comparison of successful and failed trials of vacuum extraction in singleton, vertex deliveries was performed. RESULTS: Of 2,111 trials of vacuum extraction, 113 (5.4%) cases were complicated by failed extraction and underwent cesarean section. Those neonates were significantly more likely to be large for gestational age, specifically to weigh > 4,000 g as compared to the controls. Patients lacking prenatal care had significantly higher rates of failed vacuum extraction trials. While cervical and uterine tears were rather rare, parturients who had failed trials of vacuum extraction had significantly higher rates of cervical and uterine tears as compared to those with successful vacuum extractions. This association remained significant after controlling for a previous cesarean section using the Mantel-Hanszel technique. Women from the failed vacuum extraction group had significantly higher rates of postpartum anemia. Pregnancies complicated by failed vacuum extraction had significantly higher rates of intrapartum and postpartum fetal death. Those neonates had significantly higher rates of Apgar scores < 7 at one and five minutes. CONCLUSION: Failed trial of vacuum extraction is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Risk factors associated with such failures are fetal weight and lack of prenatal care. Thus, careful estimation of fetal weight should be performed before the procedure, and estimated fetal weight > 4,000 g might be considered a relative contraindication to vacuum extraction, especially among patients who did not have prenatal care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for antepartum fetal death.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the demographic, maternal, pregnancy-related and fetal risk factors for antepartum fetal death (APFD). STUDY DESIGN: From our perinatal database between the years 1990 and 1997, 68,870 singleton birth files were analyzed. Fetuses weighing < 1,000 g at birth and those with structural malformations and/or known chromosomal anomalies were excluded from the study. In order to determine independent factors contributing to APFD, a multiple logistic regression model was constructed. RESULTS: During the study period there were 246 cases of APFD (3.6 per 1,000 births). The following obstetric factors significantly correlated with APFD in a multiple logistic regression model: preterm deliveries: small size for gestational age (SGA), multiparity (> 5 deliveries), oligohydramnios, placental abruption, umbilical cord complications (cord around the neck and true knot of cord), pathologic presentations (nonvertex) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. APFD was not significantly associated with advanced maternal age. CONCLUSION: APFD was significantly associated with several risk factors. Placental and umbilical cord pathologies might be the direct cause of death. Grand multiparity, oligohydramnios, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, pathologic presentations and suspected SGA should be carefully evaluated during pregnancy in order to decrease the incidence of APFD.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Accidental vaginal incision during cesarean section. A report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Transverse vaginal incision during cesarean section, also known as anterior vaginotomy, is a recognized entity, mostly made unintentionally. CASES: At our institution, four patients underwent a transverse vaginal incision during cesarean section over an eight-year period. In three of them, excessive bleeding required blood transfusion. In one case, only hypogastric artery ligation resulted in bleeding control. None of the patients had subsequent vaginal deliveries. CONCLUSION: The exact incidence of anterior vaginotomy is difficult to evaluate. Accidental vaginal incision occurs mostly following a prolonged second stage of labor but is possible during the first stage. Risk factors include prolonged second stage of labor and an emergency setup. Reported complications resulting from anterior vaginotomy include excessive hemorrhage, with a possible need for hysterectomy, difficult approximation, and bladder or ureter injury. Massive bleeding and multiple blood transfusions occurred in our series as well. Fetal outcome and future obstetric behavior do not seem to be compromised. A high index of suspicion is essential when trying to avoid accidental anterior vaginotomy. Meticulous hemostasis, a search for bladder injury and anatomic closure are mandatory when managing this complication.

Accidents↗
PubMed2001

Appropriateness of pediatric admissions to a tertiary care facility in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Appropriateness of hospital admission has both clinical and economic relevance, especially in light of the growing pressure for increased efficiency of health services utilization. In Israel, the number of referrals and use of the emergency room continue to rise along with an increase in hospital admissions and the number of inappropriate admissions. Using evaluation protocols, such as the Pediatric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol, international studies have shown that 10-30% of hospital admissions are medically unnecessary. Inappropriate hospitalizations have an economic impact as well as medical and psychological effects on the child and the family. OBJECTIVES: To assess the extent and characteristics of inappropriate pediatric admissions to a tertiary care facility in Israel. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study using chart review of pediatric admissions to Soroka University Medical Center on 18 randomly selected days in 1993, and evaluated the appropriateness of admissions using the PAEP. RESULTS: Of the 221 pediatric admissions 18% were evaluated as inappropriate. The main reason for such an evaluation was that the problem could have been managed on an ambulatory basis. Inappropriate admissions were associated with hospitals stays of 2 or less days, children older than 1 year of age, Jewish children, and self-referrals to the pediatric emergency room. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment and identification of characteristics of inappropriate hospital admissions can serve as indicators of problems in healthcare management and as a basis for improving quality of care and developing appropriate medical decision-making processes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Preparing for elimination of congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS): summary of a workshop on CRS elimination in the United States.

The goal of eliminating indigenous rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United States in the near future is now within reach, because rubella incidence has been sustained at record-low levels since the mid-1990s. Effective prevention strategies to eliminate CRS and rubella require improvement in the surveillance of CRS and congenital rubella infection (CRI). The purpose of the workshop was to review rubella and CRS epidemiology, as well as current clinical, diagnostic, and laboratory practices, to determine whether new strategies are needed to achieve and document CRS elimination. Workshop participants agreed that surveillance for CRS must be strengthened, particularly through augmented laboratory capabilities, and the case definition for CRS must be revised to reflect the current scientific information available. Further studies of methods are needed to identify high-risk populations and geographic areas for rubella and CRS and to enhance identification of infants with CRS.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

"Emergency" granulopoiesis in G-CSF-deficient mice in response to Candida albicans infection.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein believed to play an important role in regulating granulopoiesis both at steady state and during an "emergency" situation. Generation of G-CSF and G-CSF receptor-deficient mice by gene targeting has demonstrated unequivocally the importance of G-CSF in the regulation of baseline granulopoiesis. This study attempted to define the physiologic role of G-CSF during an emergency situation by challenging a cohort of wild-type and G-CSF-deficient mice with Candida albicans. Interestingly, after infection, G-CSF-deficient mice developed an absolute neutrophilia that was observed both in blood and bone marrow. In addition, 3 days after Candida infection increased numbers of granulocyte-macrophage (GM) and macrophage (M) progenitors were observed in the bone marrow of G-CSF-deficient mice. Of the cytokines surveyed, interleukin (IL)-6 levels in serum were elevated; interestingly, levels of IL-6 were higher and more sustained in G-CSF-deficient mice infected with C albicans than similarly infected wild-type mice. Despite the higher levels of serum IL-6, this cytokine is dispensable for the observed neutrophilia because candida-infected IL-6-deficient mice, or mice simultaneously deficient in G-CSF and IL-6, developed neutrophilia. Similarly, mice lacking both G-CSF and GM-CSF developed absolute neutrophilia and had elevated numbers of GM and M progenitors in the bone marrow; thus, G-CSF and GM-CSF are dispensable for promoting the emergency response to candidal infection. (Blood. 2000;95:3725-3733)

Animals↗