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Biomedical subjects

Steven Schwartz

Publications and source records attributed to Steven Schwartz.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Sources of antioxidant activity in Australian native fruits. Identification and quantification of anthocyanins.

Selected native Australian fruits, muntries (Kunzea pomifera F. Muell., Myrtaceae), Tasmanian pepper berry (Tasmanian lanceolata R. Br., Winteraceae), Illawarra plum (Podocarpus elatus R. Br. ex Endl., Podocarpaceae), Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timorense DC. Leenh, Anacardiaceae), Cedar Bay cherry (Eugenia carissoides F. Muell., Myrtaceae), Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell. var. pruriens, Davidsoniaceae), and Molucca raspberry (Rubus moluccanus var. austropacificus van Royen, Rosaceae), were evaluated as sources of antioxidants by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays and compared with blueberry (Vaccinum spp. cv. Biloxi). The total reducing capacity of five fruits was 3.5-5.4-fold higher than that of blueberry, and the radical scavenging activities of muntries and Burdekin plum were 1.5- and 2.6-fold higher, respectively. The total phenolic level by Folin-Ciocalteu assay highly correlated with the antioxidant activity. Therefore, systematic research was undertaken to identify and characterize phenolic complexes. In the present study we report on the levels and composition of anthocyanins. The HPLC-DAD and HPLC/ESI-MS-MS (ESI = electrospray ionization) analyses revealed simple anthocyanin profiles of one to four individual pigments, with cyanidin as the dominating type. This is the first evaluation of selected native Australian fruits aiming at their utilization for the development of novel functional food products.

Anthocyanins↗
PubMed2006

Durability of flexible ureteroscopes: a randomized, prospective study.

PURPOSE: We performed a randomized, prospective, multi-institutional study evaluating the durability of commercially available flexible ureteroscopes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 192 patients were randomized to the use of 7 less than 9Fr flexible ureteroscopes, including the Storz 11274AA and Flex-X, the ACMI DUR-8 and DUR-8 Elite, Wolf models 7330.170 and 7325.172, and the Olympus URF-P3. Information about total and lower pole use time, the number and method of ureteroscope insertion, and they type and duration of accessory instrumentation was recorded. Surgeons were asked to rate the visibility and maneuverability of the instrument on a scale of 0-poor to 10-excellent. RESULTS: The indication for ureteroscopy was upper tract calculi in 87% of cases. Of ureteroscope insertions 97% were performed through an access sheath. The average of number of cases before repair ranged from 3.25 for the Wolf 7325 to 14.4 for the ACMI DUR-8 Elite. Average ureteroscope operative time was statistically longer for the DUR-8 Elite (494 minutes) than for the Flex-X (p = 0.047), and the Wolf 7325 and 7330 (p = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Duration of use before repair for the URF-P3 (373 minutes) was statistically longer than for the Wolf 7325 and 7330 (p = 0.016 and 0.017, respectively). Minutes of use with an instrument in the working channel were significantly more with the DUR-8 Elite and the URF-P3 than the Wolf 7330 (p = 0.017 and 0.008) and 7325 (p = 0.012 and 0.005, respectively). The ureteroscope that experienced the greatest average duration of lower pole use was the URF-P3, while the shortest was the Wolf 7325 (103 vs 20 minutes, p = 0.005). Average minutes of laser use before breakage was significantly longer for the DUR-8 Elite than for the Wolf 7325 (110 vs 21 minutes, p = 0.021) and 7330 (24 minutes, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Currently available less than 9Fr flexible ureteroscopes remain fragile instruments. The DUR-8 Elite and Olympus URF-P3 proved to be the most durable devices.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2006

Case report: the stone-basket nidus.

A 55-year-old man presented with intermittent right-flank pain 6 months after ureteroscopic stone extraction with holmium laser lithotripsy. A distal-ureteral stone was removed that contained fragments of a stone basket. Diligent inspection of endourologic accessories is critical to ensuring no fragments are left in patients, especially when a laser has been used.

Flank Pain↗
PubMed2005

Incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of inhospital heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention: insight from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2).

BACKGROUND: Prior history of heart failure (HF) has been shown to be a predictor of poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clinical predictors of the development of inhospital HF and its prognostic significance after PCI have yet to be defined. In this study, we sought to identify the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of inhospital HF after PCI. METHODS: Using a contemporary registry of consecutive PCIs, the incidence of HF after PCI was identified. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of the development of HF after PCI as well as the impact of HF on inhospital mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of HF after PCI in the overall patient population was 1.4%. Independent predictors of HF were female sex, age > or = 60 years, exceeding a maximum weight- and creatinine-adjusted contrast dose, diabetes, prior HF, prior gastrointestinal bleeding, prior chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of atrial fibrillation, American College of Cardiology type B2 or C vessel, emergency PCI, ejection fraction < 50%, myocardial infarction with or without cardiogenic shock, and repeat angiography. After adjustment for comorbidities, the development of HF was independently associated with an increased risk of inhospital death (adjusted OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.77-3.48). CONCLUSIONS: The development of HF is a relatively uncommon occurrence after PCI and is associated with a poor prognosis. The identification of risk factors for HF could foster the development of interventions aimed toward its prevention in high-risk patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

It's magic: a unique practice management strategy.

For thousands of years prior to the advent of modern dentistry, magic has been used to entertain, impress, and motivate individuals. Today's dental professionals are using the concept of The Magic of a Healthy Smile through their use of modern clinical techniques and as a means for practice marketing, patient education, and the reduction of patient stress and fear. This article describes how dentists/magicians have incorporated magic into their practices and the benefits of this useful patient management strategy. A script of the "Happy Tooth Magic Show" and resources for dentists to create their own dental magic show are provided.

Child↗
PubMed2003

Assessment for personal and professional success.

This article provides two assessment strategies to help dental professionals determine how close they are to achieving total success in their personal life and dental practice. Total success is defined as achieving and balancing success in three categories: physical health, financial health, and emotional health. By rating answers to questions on a scale from 1 to 5, the reader can determine the level of success they have attained in the various areas of their personal life and in their dental practice. This information may be useful in identifying those areas that need improvement to achieve total and balanced success. Interpretation of the scores and strategies to develop those areas requiring improvement are discussed.

Dentists↗
PubMed2002

Getting to know you.

This article provides an insight on two strategies involved in effectively promoting a dental practice. The strategies contain goals that are centered on name recognition and reputation enhancement. The name of the practice should be easy to pronounce, informative and recognizable. The use of effective marketing tools and activities are presented that facilitate these principles. Participation in the community through a variety of activities, offering quality expertise and maintaining a pleasant demeanor are key to enhancing the reputation of the dental practice and its staff.

Community-Institutional Relations↗
PubMed2002

Managing practice statistics for practice success.

The incorporation of computers into the dental practice has enabled the dentist and staff to quickly access information vital to monitoring practice growth and vitality. Despite the fact this information is available at the click of a mouse, the information available to the dentist and staff is often ignored. Even if an effort is made to assess the data, the dental team is clueless on how to use it to control changing economics in the practice. This is accomplished by charting statistical data collected by the dentist and staff. Compilation of this data enables the dentist and staff to recognize trends that will affect the growth and profitability of the practice and develop strategies that reinforce positive trends and reverse negative trends. This paper discusses the value of using data as a tool for practice management.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Usefulness of a brief assessment battery for early detection of Charcot foot deformity in patients with diabetes.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a significant limb-threatening complication that develops in some patients with long-term diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis is vital to secondary prevention of the destructive process and avoidance of consequent deformity and, ultimately, amputation. The purpose of this study was to determine which historical and physical findings would be more accurate risk factor indicators in those diabetics with and without Charcot foot deformity. A controlled series of tests, historical findings, and physical examinations were performed on 41 patients with diabetes who were Charcot-free and 18 patients with diabetes with known chronic CD of the foot by using inexpensive hand-held instruments in a clinical setting. Physical examination included evaluation of vascular and neurologic characteristics. Historical findings consisted of those normally elicited from systems review or past medical history. The results indicate that simple neurologic testing combined with a thorough patient history were the most beneficial tools to determine diabetics with a higher probability of developing CD. Specifically, history of retinopathy (P <.02), nephropathy (P <.003), and previous foot ulcer (P <.01) were found to be predictive. The neurologic findings of vibratory sensation (P <.001), deep tendon reflexes (P <.05), and the 5.07 (10 g) Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (P <.001) were also highly correlative for the development of Charcot foot deformity. Vascular examinations were found to differentiate poorly between groups. The application of this data may provide for earlier detection of Charcot arthropathy based on the predictive capabilities.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Characteristic trends of lower-extremity complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifaceted, progressive, and potentially devastating disorder generally affecting the extremities. In addition, scant information is available regarding the types of patients who develop lower-extremity CRPS. This is a retrospective chart review study of 64 patients who presented to a pain clinic with CRPS of the lower extremity. The study examined 23 variables broadly classified under demographic characteristics, CRPS characteristics, and healthcare utilization. The sample was found to consist of predominantly white, middle-aged women with CRPS I. Subjective complaints consisted of burning, sharp, throbbing, or aching pain with shooting symptoms. Initial presenting clinical findings included allodynia, edema, erythema, and hyperesthesia. The most common precipitating injuries were blunt trauma of the foot with or without fracture or ankle sprain. The most common inciting surgical events were bunionectomy, tarsal tunnel release, and heel-spur surgery. Referral to the pain clinic was delayed more commonly in trauma patients than in postsurgical patients, with a corresponding increase in pain clinic visits for treatment. This study may act as a guide for physicians treating the lower extremity to aid in the recognition of lower extremity complex regional pain syndrome and its characteristics.

Adolescent↗