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Biomedical subjects

Z Gimmon

Publications and source records attributed to Z Gimmon.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

The use of amniotic fluid 3-methyl histidine to creatinine molar ratio for the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation.

To determine if the amniotic fluid 3-methyl histidine to creatinine molar ratio (3MH:CR) could prove useful for the antepartum detection of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), the 3MH:CR was determined retrospectively in 3 groups of human amniotic fluids. Group A consisted of amniotic fluids from pregnancies yielding IUGR fetuses whose birth weight was less than or equal to the tenth percentile for gestational age; group B consisted of amniotic fluid from pregnancies yielding infants whose birth weight was greater than the tenth but less than or equal to the 25th percentile for gestational age; group C consisted of amniotic fluids from pregnancies yielding infants whose birth weight was greater than the 25th but less than or equal to the 75th percentile for gestational age. The mean 3MH:CR x 10(-3) for groups A, B, and C were 15.9 +/- 1.9, 5.4 +/- 0.8, and 6.2 +/- 0.5, respectively. The mean 3MH:CR x 10(-3) was statistically different between groups A and B (P less than or equal to .001) and between groups A and C (P less than or equal to .001), but not statistically different between the 2 control groups. Employing an upper limit of normal of 8 for the 3MH:CR x 10(-3), 13 of 15 IUGR neonates were correctly identified as IUGR, and 23 of 27 neonates were correctly identified as being of normal birth weight for gestational age (sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 85.2%, incidence of correct diagnosis 85.7%). No consistent relationship was shown to exist between maternal serum and amniotic fluid 3-methyl histidine level. There was no statistically significant relationship between 3MH:CR x 10(-3) and gestational age. The comparison of the data generated in this study to that obtained with previously reported ultrasonic and biochemical techniques suggests that the amniotic fluid 3MH:CR ratio may prove helpful in establishing the antenatal diagnosis of IUGR, particularly in cases where the gestational age is uncertain.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1981

Blood-brain barrier derangement in sepsis: cause of septic encephalopathy?

Patients with sepsis often manifest disorientation, somnolence, asterixis and coma, symptoms also seen in portasystemic encephalopathy. Altered plasma concentrations of the neutral amino acids and in creased blood-brain transport of these acids may play a role in portasystemic encephalopathy. Plasma amino acids and blood-brain barrier transport of neutral amino acids were investigated in a rat model of abdominal sepsis, cecal ligation and puncture. The blood-brain transport was studied by the technique of Oldendorf with carbon-14-amino acids 12 and 24 hours after the induction of sepsis. In similar groups of animals, isolation of brain capillaries was carried out by the technique of Hjelle and the capillaries were incubated with carbon-14-amino acids to study transport activity. Plasma and brain amino acids were deranged in a fashion similar to the derangements seen in portasystemic encephalopathy, with a decrease in plasma branched chain amino acids and an increase in most neutral amino acids in brain. The changes were most pronounced after 24 hours. The brain uptake of several neutral amino acids was increased in the septic rats, while the uptake of lysine, a basic amino acid, was normal. In the brain capillaries isolated from septic rats, tyrosine and leucine transport was also greater than in sham-operated animals. Elevated neutral amino acids may play a role in the encephalopathy encountered in septic patients similar to its role in patients with portasystemic encephalopathy, as similar mechanisms appear to be operating.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1981

Acid corrosive gastritis. A plea for delayed surgical approach.

Acid corrosive gastritis is infrequently seen. It spares the esophagus and damages the antrum. It causes mucosal ulceration, damages the muscularis and ends in a typical antral stricture. The dynamic perpetuating pathophysiologic events, starting with coagulation necrosis, impose postponement of surgical intervention. Two cases of second degree acid corrosive gastritis are presented. Surgery was performed in both patients, only after dysphagia and vomiting became intractable.

Acids↗
PubMed1980

Cardiac contusion in the patient with multiple injuries.

We have treated 20 patients with multiple injuries and concomitant myocardial contusion. The diagnosis of myocardial contusion was based mainly on serial ECG tracings which showed arrhythmias, dynamic ischaemic patterns or conduction disturbances. The clinical and laboratory findings of cardiac contusion are sometimes indistinguishable from those found in multiple injuries. Furthermore, they are overshadowed by the overt manifestation of cerebral, thoraco-abdominal and skeletal injuries. Awareness and prompt diagnostic measures are essential in the diagnosis of cardiac injury. Strict cardiac monitoring following multiple trauma will prevent serious or even fatal outcome of cardiac injury.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1980

Pneumoperitoneum induced by pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with volvulus of the stomach.

A rare association of pneumoperitoneum induced by pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with chronic mesenteroaxial volvulus of an irreducible stomach in a paraesophageal hiatus hernia is described. The importance of accurate radiologic work-up is emphasized. The possible significance of this association to explain the pathogenesis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Candida infected ascites caused by perforated ulcer.

A case is presented of ascites infected with candida in a cirrhotic patient. Candida infection of the ascitic fluid and candidemia were found 24 hours after perforation of a gastric ulcer. Combined intravenous therapy with Amphotericin B and 5-Fluorocytosine eradicated the infection within two weeks. The need for comprehensive therapeutic approach in the debilitated patient prone to fungal and bacterial infection is emphasized.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Coronary angiography after traumatic myocardial contusion.

A patient with myocardial trauma following blunt chest injury is presented who returned 4 months later with persistent cardiac symptoms. Left ventriculography showed asynergy of the mid-diaphragmatic surface of the left ventricle while coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries. The value of cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography in patients in whom symptoms persist after traumatic myocardial contusion and in patients in whom additional coronary artery or other cardiac disease is suspected is emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Toxic idiopathic megacolon: fatal outcome in a mentally retarded adolescent.

The case of an 18-year-old mentally retarded boy who had long standing idiopathic megacolon and pica is presented. Acute toxic dilatation of the colon complicating pseudomembranous colitis developed, with a rapidly fatal outcome. No similar case of relatively benign idiopathic megacolon complicated by pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon has been reported. The pathophysiology of this rare combination is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Circulating immunoreactivities of gastrin, glucagon and VIP after jejuno-ileal bypass.

Seven Sprague-Dawley rats (404-440 g) underwent a 90% jejuno-ileal bypass (JIB); the functional loop consisted of 1/3 ileum and 2/3 jejunum with the bypassed loop being anastomosed to the ascending colon. Seven control rats were sham-operated. After 35 days, the rats were fasted 18 hours and venous blood was collected. Immunoreactivity of gastrin, measured with an antibody binding equally to G17 and G34, was higher in the plasma of the JIB (256 +/- 55 SEM pg/ml) than control (85 +/- 9 pg/ml) rats. This agrees with recent human studies but is in conflict with results in less mature rats. VIP levels were not significantly different. Glucagon-like immunoreactivity measured with antibodies specific for the C- and N-terminal regions of the hormone, respectively, were also higher in the JIB (510 +/- 40 and 129 +/- 15 pg/ml) rats.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combined or individual administration of branched-chain amino acids following total hepatectomy in the rat: effects on amino acids and indoleamines in brain.

The effects of infusing leucine, isoleucine, and valine, either singly or together into rats after total hepatectomy were compared. Hepatectomized rats receiving only glucose had high concentrations in plasma of most amino acids, except the branched-chain amino acids; in brain, the concentrations of glutamine, most large neutral amino acids and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were greatly elevated. When all three branched-chain amino acids were infused, the rise in plasma concentration of essential amino acids and tyrosine was significantly reduced. Infusion of isoleucine did not significantly reduce the concentrations of any essential amino acid in plasma while valine reduced lysine, methionine and tryptophan and leucine reduced only methionine. In contrast, all infusions of branched-chain amino acids, either singly or in combination, reduced brain levels of other large neutral amino acids. Infusion of branched-chain amino acids greatly elevated the plasma concentrations of glutamine and alanine and prevented the decrease in brain concentrations of glutamic acid, a neurotransmitter.

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The optimal branched-chain to total amino acid ratio in the injury-adapted amino acid formulation.

Several recent studies have suggested that solutions containing increased amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) might be useful in the treatment of patients with trauma and/or sepsis. In this study we investigated the optimal amount of BCAA in a balanced nutritional solution in an injured rat laparotomy model. The amino acid content of a standard BCAA-enriched amino acid solution was enriched to 40, 45, and 50% by the addition of equimolar amounts of the three BCAA. Rats were infused with either 3.6 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr or with 18 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr with either a 40, 45, or 50% BCAA mixture and evaluated for nitrogen balance, plasma amino acid levels, and levels of plasma blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, albumin, and blood ammonia. Nitrogen balance was negative in rats receiving only 3.6 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr, but was least negative in the group receiving 45% BCAA. Nitrogen balance was positive in groups receiving 18 cal/100 g body weight/24 hr, but was most positive in groups receiving 40 or 45% BCAA-containing solutions. Plasma amino acid patterns were least distorted in the 40 and 45% formulations. Blood ammonia was highest in the 40% BCAA group and plasma albumin was best maintained in the 45% BCAA group regardless of the amount of caloric supply. The results suggest that a 45% BCAA-enriched solution is the most appropriate in this injured rat model.

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Parenteral nutrition-induced anaphylaxis.

A case report of a 4-yr-old child who developed an anaphylactic reaction to parenteral nutrition is presented. Dermal allergy tests demonstrated a sensitivity to Travasol solution and Armour multivitamin 2 solution. This is the first reported case known to us of such a response to elemental parenteral nutrition.

Amino Acids↗