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Biomedical subjects

N Baum

Publications and source records attributed to N Baum.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Chromosomal mapping of the MADS-box multigene family in Zea mays reveals dispersed distribution of allelic genes as well as transposed copies.

A linker PCR procedure has been developed for preparing repetitive DNA-free probes from genomic clones, which is especially efficient for members of gene families. Using this procedure as well as standard methods to prepare hybridization probes, chromosomal map positions of MADS-box genes were determined in recombinant inbred lines of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays). It appears that MADS-box genes are scattered throughout the maize genome. While there is evidence that this genomic distribution is representative for plant MADS-box genes in general, the following two other observations probably reflect Zea genome organization. First, at least one family of MADS-box-carrying elements contains line-specific versions, which are present in some maize lines at certain chromosomal positions, but are absent from these loci in other lines. The members of this family resemble transposable elements in some respects. Secondly, the finding of pairs of highly related MADS-box genes which are accompanied by other duplicated markers is a further indication of the ancestral polyploid genome constitution revealed with other markers. The importance of these findings for an understanding of the genomic organization of MADS-box genes and the evolution of the MADS-box gene family is discussed.

Alleles

A practical approach to the evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction. A private practitioner's viewpoint.

There are many changes occurring in the delivery of health care that are economically impacting our urology practices. Certainly, the days of being primarily prostate and TURP doctors are over. Incorporating an impotence component in our practices is an effective method of filling the void left by treating BPH. Treating impotence will not require any significant additional equipment or staff. Not only are there opportunities within our own practices, there are thousands of men suffering from impotence in our communities who need our help and our expertise. Finally, using the two-visit technique, most men can be evaluated and begin a treatment program that will result in a successful resolution to their sexual problem in a cost-effective fashion.

Communication

Chronic testicular pain. A workup and treatment guide for the primary care physician.

Chronic pain syndromes are encountered in every medical practice, and workup can be costly and frustrating. Patients with chronic testicular pain were once referred early to urologists but are now being seen and successfully treated in primary care offices. Referral is usually reserved for diagnosis of questionable testicular masses and for surgery. Antibiotic therapy, often combined with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, may be useful--in some cases even when infection has not been identified. Spermatic cord block and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may help relieve pain, although it often recurs. Antidepressants sometimes relieve pain and alleviate the psychogenic symptoms that may accompany it. Many patients benefit from a program at a multidisciplinary pain-management clinic and should complete one before opiate therapy is prescribed. When all conservative efforts have failed and testicular pain continues to diminish the patient's quality of life, orchiectomy may have to be considered. In general, however, we recommend that surgery be undertaken only when a pathologic condition is found and not for pain relief alone.

Algorithms

Clinical experience with Mentor Alpha I inflatable penile prosthesis. Report on 333 cases.

Penile prostheses are a well-established form of therapy for erectile dysfunction. We report our experience with 333 cases using the Mentor Alpha I inflatable penile prosthesis. With a follow-up period of 15.4 months, there were 25 (7.5%) complications with 15 (4.5%) major complications that required reoperation. We also review the advantages and the procedures for implanting the penile prosthesis on an outpatient basis or a one-day hospital stay.

Adult

Standardization of penile blood flow parameters in normal men using intracavernous prostaglandin E1 and visual sexual stimulation.

The evaluation of vasculogenic impotence by color flow Doppler ultrasound after injection of intracavernous vasoactive agents allows for simultaneous visualization in real time of arterial and venous blood flow. Normal arterial blood flow parameters after prostaglandin E1 injection have yet to be standardized. Our study was initiated to evaluate blood flow parameters in a normal control population after prostaglandin E1 and visual stimulation. A total of 20 healthy male volunteers 45 to 60 years old with histories of normal sexual function was selected. All volunteers were given intracavernous injections of 10 micrograms prostaglandin E1 and received concurrent visual stimulation by means of an erotic video. All patients developed rigid erections with no complications. Using color flow Doppler ultrasound measurements were done before and after prostaglandin E1 injection of right and left superficial and deep cavernous artery diameters, peak blood flow velocities and blood flow volumes. Results (mean plus or minus standard error) showed a significant increase in diameters after prostaglandin E1 in the superficial (20% increase) and deep (70% increase) penile arteries. Blood flow volume increased 3-fold for the superficial penile arteries (from 7.3 +/- 1.4 to 20 +/- 3.5 cc per minute) and 4-fold for the deep cavernous arteries (from 3.8 +/- 1 to 12.5 +/- 1.8 cc per minute). Peak blood flow velocity increased 2-fold (from 22 +/- 3 to 46 +/- 7 cm. per second) for the superficial arteries and 3-fold (from 12.5 +/- 2 to 37 +/- 5 cm. per second) for the deep cavernous arteries. These data suggest control values for normal erectile function in middle-aged men as a 70% increase in deep cavernous artery diameter, a systolic peak blood flow velocity greater than 30 cm. per second and more than 10 cc per minute of blood flow volume. With these standards the clinician may assess, design and follow treatment strategies for vasculogenic impotence.

Alprostadil

Evaluation of urinary incontinence in the elderly.

Urinary incontinence affects millions of elderly American men and women. This paper reviews the causes of urinary incontinence and the evaluation that can be easily accomplished as an outpatient with minimal expense and morbidity.

Aged

Putting the 'manage' into managed care.

Managed care is part of our modern medical vocabulary just like Medicare and Medicaid were 20 years ago. Other areas of the country are significantly impacted by managed care. Now the concept of businesses and industries representing large numbers of patients and potential patients have become an integral component of nearly every physician in Louisiana. Most physicians are out of their "comfort zone" when contracts with managed care providers are discussed. This article provides guidelines for selecting and solving problems with managed care providers.

Louisiana

Treatment of urinary incontinence in the elderly.

Urinary incontinence affects millions of American men and women. Treatment consists of drug therapy, exercises, mechanical devices, surgery, and injection therapy. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment modalities for this common medical problem.

Female

Urinary incontinence. Not a 'normal' part of aging.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects millions of elderly men and women and their caregivers. Evaluation of incontinence is easy and inexpensive and does not require hospitalization. A basic evaluation consists of history taking (including a review of drug use), physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing. Urodynamic evaluation may also be necessary. Treatment may consist of behavior modification techniques (eg, Kegel exercises, biofeedback, bladder retraining), use of a mechanical device or pharmacologic agent, or surgery. Should medical and surgical methods fail, alternatives are available to ensure patients' well-being and comfort.

Aged

Carcinoma of the prostate. Treating disease that has metastasized.

Common manifestations of metastatic carcinoma of the prostate are bone pain, spinal cord compression, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Prostate-specific antigen represents a useful marker to monitor tumor progression and response to therapy. Until recently, no therapy was available to prolong survival in these patients. Now, the use of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (leuprolide acetate [Lupron]) plus an antiandrogen (flutamide [Eulexin]) to provide total androgen blockade has demonstrated a 25% increase in survival time.

Antigens, Neoplasm

Kidney stones. How to identify the cause and prevent recurrence.

Up to 10% of Americans will have a kidney stone at some point in life. The challenge for physicians is to reduce the high recurrence rate of this painful condition. To this end, Drs LaPorte and Baum propose an outpatient diagnostic workup that cost-effectively pinpoints the type of stone present. They also outline medical measures that help prevent recurrent stone formation.

Calcium

Evaluation of hematuria.

Hematuria is an important sign that indicates the presence of a pathologic condition in the genitourinary tract. Causes can be categorized by where in the urinary tract the problem is located--above the kidney, in the kidney or one of its structures, or below the kidney. Another category is false hematuria, such as urine that has been discolored by intake of a certain food or drug. A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory studies, followed by more sophisticated diagnostic tests chosen on the basis of the assembled clues, can establish the diagnosis in most cases. Patients rarely have to be hospitalized or undergo invasive procedures for assessment of hematuria.

Female

Iatrogenic chordee following insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis.

Chordee deformity is a rare complication following insertion of the inflatable penile prosthesis through a penoscrotal incision. The deformity occurs as a result of failure to inflate and deflate the device and to maintain the penis against the abdomen in the immediate postoperative period. When this occurs it can be corrected by incision of the fibrous scar and replacement with synthetic graft material.

Humans

Urinary incontinence in women. Evaluation in the primary-care office.

Urinary incontinence in women is common and can be a significant social problem. The most common type is stress incontinence, caused by displacement of the bladder neck and urethra and experienced during activities that increase intraabdominal pressure. Other types are urge, overflow, and mixed incontinence. Diagnosis of the type and cause can usually be made using simple, cost-effective office procedures. Nonsurgical treatment is often successful and may consist of pharmacologic management, intermittent self-catheterization, Kegel exercises, and use of a mechanical device.

Female