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Biomedical subjects

Y Finkelstein

Publications and source records attributed to Y Finkelstein.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Ciguatera-like poisoning in the Mediterranean.

A case of group poisoning from the consumption of the fish Sarpa salpa, caught in the Mediterranean coastal waters of Israel, is presented. Mullets and rabbitfish caught at the same site caused no harm. This is the third case of ciguatera poisoning in the region and the first to be transferred by a fish which is not a Red Sea immigrant. It implies that toxic algae dinoflagellates, originating from the Red Sea, crossed the Suez Canal and found their way to the Mediterranean coastal waters.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Readaptation of the velopharyngeal valve following the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty operation.

We have studied the mechanism of velopharyngeal valving in 27 patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea before and after surgery. The patients were assessed by peroral examination and nasendoscopy. Our observations and findings of the readaptation process of the velopharyngeal valve following the operation show us that its different closure patterns are due to a variable anatomy. A certain compensatory mechanism is possible mainly in the circular pattern and the circular pattern with Passavant's ridge and sagittal patterns. Passavant's ridge is an anatomic variant rather than a compensatory mechanism. The muscularis uvulae is important mainly in nonphonetic activities of the velopharyngeal valve. This information is important for clinical purposes in order to better correct problems associated with velopharyngeal incompetence.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1987

In vitro presynaptic modulation of cholinergic hippocampal activity by pituitary-adrenocortical hormones.

In vivo studies have shown that high blood concentrations of pituitary-adrenocortical hormones can activate the hippocampal cholinergic terminals. Incubation of hippocampal synaptosomal preparations with methylprednisolone, or with ACTH at concentrations comparable to stress-induced high concentrations in plasma, did not have any significant effects on the cholinergic parameters measured under unactivated conditions. In the presence of either high K+ or of ACh, choline uptake was decreased. This decrease was not affected by methylprednisolone. However, methylprednisolone did enhance ACh release both after a previous increase (induced by K+) or a decrease (induced by ACh) of ACh release. In contrast, ACTH had no direct effects on either unactivated or K+-stimulated synaptosomes. Thus, a differential effect was exerted by methylprednisolone on the two presynaptic regulatory mechanisms: choline uptake (no change) and ACh release (increase). We suggest that the activation, observed in vivo, resulted mainly from indirect action of the hormones on the hippocampal cholinergic terminals, in view of the fact that the direct effect in vitro was partial.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1987

Use of human amniotic membrane in otolaryngologic practice.

Human amnion is a readily available allograft with low antigenicity, high antimicrobial potential, and the ability to foster epithelialization. We have used human amniotic membrane in our department for replacing nasal mucosa in Rendu-Osler-Weber disease, as tympanic membrane grafts, and for covering head and neck sites after flap necrosis. Our experience shows moderate success for management of severe epistaxis and excellent results in covering surfaces after flap necrosis. Use of amnion in eardrum perforations was unsuccessful and was discontinued. Properties of human amniotic membrane are listed and its application in the otolaryngologic practice is reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Tension headache treated by anti-inflammatory drug injected into GB 20 acupuncture point.

The anti-inflammatory drug Voltaren (0-(36-dichlorophenyl)-amino acetate) is a relatively new substance in the systemic treatment of various pain inducing diseases related to the musculoskeletal elements. In order to achieve effective results, relatively high dosage, applied P.O.P.R. or I.M. should be used for prolonged periods. The acupuncture methods presented the eastern minded western physician with a detailed list of trigger points which may have abrogated certain painful symptoms when appropriately used by acupuncture maneuvers alone. In the present study the possibility of using the appropriate acupuncture point GB 20 for the injection of Voltaren, in an attempt to relieve stable and prolonged tension headaches, has been considered. Thus, acceptable and combined eastern-western treatment method, if found successful, may be evolved. GB 20 point has been selected because of its effective influence among others, on tension headaches, a highly common and most distressing syndrome poorly treated by conventional approaches in most clinics.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1985

Stress-induced activation of the hippocampal cholinergic system and the pituitary-adrenocortical axis.

The septo-hippocampal cholinergic system in rats undergoes rapid activation after acute stress. This is expressed by rapid increases both in high affinity choline uptake and newly synthesized acetylcholine release. Administration of ACTH or corticosterone at a high dose led 10 min later to changes comparable to those observed after acute stress. Choline uptake and acetylcholine release were also elevated 2 days after adrenalectomy. The effects of adrenalectomy could be attenuated by corticosterone, but not by ACTH treatment. The results demonstrate that (a) after short term stress the septo-hippocampal cholinergic system is activated secondary to activation of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis and (b) major changes in circulating corticosterone can modulate the activity of the hippocampal cholinergic synapse.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1985

Dynamics of cholinergic synaptic mechanisms in rat hippocampus after stress.

Changes in high affinity [3H]choline uptake, newly synthesized [3H]acetylcholine release and [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate (QNB) binding were characterized in crude synaptosomal preparations from rat hippocampus immediately after different intervals of immobilization stress and at different times following chronic intermittent stress (2h once daily for 5 days). Choline uptake was increased to 125% of unhandled controls after 10 min of stress, after 2 h it returned to control levels and after chronic stress uptake was reduced to 75% of control. Acetylcholine release was enhanced after all stress intervals. Maximal muscarinic (QNB) binding capacity (Bmax) was increased to 135% of control only after chronic stress, with no change in Kd values. Following chronic stress the changes observed in cholinergic synaptic mechanisms all persist for up to 2 days. Recovery occurred only by the 7th post-stress day. We conclude: presynaptic hippocampal cholinergic terminals are rapidly activated by stressful stimuli and this is expressed by an increase in choline uptake and newly synthesized acetylcholine release; after prolonged periods of stress adaptive changes in the cholinergic terminals are expressed by a reduction in choline uptake and an elevation in the number of muscarinic binding sites; and the chronic stress-induced changes are slow to recover. The results demonstrate that the septo-hippocampal cholinergic system is an integral part of the adaptive response to stress.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of a linear stapler in excision of Zenker's diverticulum.

Zenker's diverticulum is an outpouching of the hypopharyngeal wall through a triangular area of weakness in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The current treatment of choice is a one-stage diverticulectomy, with or without a cricopharyngeal myotomy. Closure of the esophagus after diverticulectomy by conventional suturing techniques may be somewhat difficult and time consuming. In the past 2 decades, use of stapling devices has been suggested in four reports, the largest being a series of four patients. We have used the Proximate disposable linear stapler in seven cases of Zenker's diverticulectomy with excellent results. Operation time was shortened, patient recovery hastened, and no complications were seen. We recommend the use of the stapling device in excision of Zenker's diverticulum.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid gland.

Plasma cell granuloma is a tumor-like lesion consisting of mature plasma cells, sometimes with Russell bodies and reticuloendothelial cells, supported by a stroma of granulation tissue. These tumors are most common in the lungs and were sporadically reported in extrapulmonary sites. A rare case of plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid is reported. The value of immunohistochemical staining is demonstrated.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anatomic study of the otic ganglion in humans.

The presentation in the literature of the anatomy of the human otic ganglion (OG) has not varied much over the past three quarters of a century. Precise, similar descriptions of its size, color, shape, and relation with neighboring structures are portrayed in numerous textbooks and articles. We have carried out a study of the OG in 30 infratemporal fossae of 15 cadavers. Otic ganglia resembling the classic description were found in less than 60% of the cases. In 13%, some thickening could be seen adjacent to the mandibular nerve and in 27%, no definite structure could be observed. Except for a fleeting mention of this occurrence in a textbook from 1927, substantiated by personal communication with an authority in the field, we could find no record of the possible absence of this structure in the available literature. We describe our findings and stress the apparent anatomic variability of the OG. The pertinent literature is reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Antibacterial properties of human amniotic membranes.

Amniotic membranes are widely used in a multitude of surgical applications and have been shown to reduce bacterial counts and promote healing in infected wounds. Antibacterial properties of amniotic fluid are well documented and the presence of many potentially antibacterial factors has been demonstrated. No such factors have yet been found in amniotic membranes. We have applied a direct disc-diffusion susceptibility test to try to establish the possible existence of such a factor. Amniotic membranes did not inhibit five bacterial species when tested at 3 X 10(6) and 3 X 10(8) colony forming units/ml. However, complete growth inhibition of all organisms was seen immediately under the amniotic membrane discs. These results support the hypothesis that the antimicrobial effect of amniotic membranes in vitro is due to their close adherence to the wound surface.

Amnion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Antidotal therapy of severe acute organophosphate poisoning: a multihospital study.

Out of 859 consecutive cases treated for exposure to organophosphate (PO) insecticides, 53 were included in the study. Criteria for inclusion were severe OP poisoning necessitating artificial ventilation, intensive care monitoring and treatment according to a standard protocol. The protocol was based on relatively high doses of obidoxime, relatively low doses of atropine and overriding with a pacemaker in cases of ventricular arrhythmias and prolonged Q-T interval. Seven patients died during hospitalization. Thirty-two patients (60%) had major central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Five (9.4%) presented severe psychiatric sequelae. Twenty-two patients (41.5%) presented cardiac arrhythmias. Five (9.4%) had liver dysfunction. High frequency of cardiac arrhythmias was observed in patients who received high cumulative doses of atropine and obidoxime; impairment of liver functions was significantly higher in patients who received high cumulative doses of obidoxime. We conclude that each drug should be titrated separately: atropine dosage should be adjusted to the severity of tracheobronchial secretions and bronchospasm, while full doses of obidoxime are justified for the period before "aging" sets in.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cutaneous manifestations of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in young children.

We evaluated the anatomic distribution and pattern of skin involvement in 155 pediatric patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura treated in our center over the last 20 years. Of these, 120 (77.4%) presented with cutaneous signs; only 10% of them had no leg involvement. Seven patients (4.5%) had edema of the hands, feet, or face. The mean age of this subgroup was 9.2+/-2.2 months, compared to 6.8+/-2.3 years for the entire group (p < 0.05). Skin biopsies were performed in 18 of these patients, including the 7 with edema, to confirm the clinical diagnosis. All biopsy specimens showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, with IgA deposits in two and C3 deposits in one. It is important that clinicians keep in mind that an atypical presentation of Henoch-Schönlein purpura is not unusual.

Biopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Guttate psoriasis following Kawasaki disease.

Guttate psoriasis developed in a 3.5-year-old boy during the course of Kawasaki disease (KD). The pathogenesis of this unusual complication may be production of superantigens, which is also considered to be a cause of KD.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eliminating the Toynbee phenomenon in patients with nasal packs.

Nasal packing is a common procedure in otolaryngology, but is not a completely innocuous procedure. Besides aggravating mouth breathing, complete nasal obstruction results in an annoying Toynbee phenomenon. In patients with bilateral anterior nasal packing, we recorded high pressure gradients in the nasopharynx and, in consequence, in the middle ear. Patients in whom rubber tubes were inserted between the gauze layers of the anterior nasal packs suffered no such inconvenience and showed no such gradients. Our work proves the value of using these tubes for pressure equalization when nasal packs are necessary.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reduction of salivary flow with Scopoderm TTS.

Scopoderm transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) is a form of application permitting programmed release of scopolamine through the skin into the bloodstream. Scopoderm TTS is indicated for prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. The most common side effect associated with its use is dryness of the mouth. We have been using Scopoderm TTS for reducing salivary flow in patients with sialorrhea or with difficulties in swallowing normal amounts of salivary secretions. Good results were achieved with minimal discomfort from adverse effects. We recommend the use of Scopoderm TTS in selected cases of sialorrhea and drooling, preoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing surgery of oral, laryngeal, and pharyngeal lesions.

Administration, Cutaneous↗