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Biomedical subjects

Z Weizman

Publications and source records attributed to Z Weizman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin(ogen) pattern in reserpinized rat model of cystic fibrosis. Resemblance to humans.

Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) is elevated in cystic fibrosis during early infancy, before exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is fully developed. The recently developed cystic fibrosis mouse model carrying a mutated gene presents only minor pathologic findings in the pancreas. However, the reserpinized rat model shows cystic fibrosis-like defects in various exocrine glands, including the exocrine pancreas. Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) has not been studied yet in this model. The present study explored the plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) pattern and possible mechanisms in this rat model. Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) (RIA), pancreatic juice volume, protein, and trypsin, and pancreas weight were determined in rats treated with reserpine (0.5 mg/kg/day subcutaneously) for four or seven days, following cerulein stimulation (5 micrograms/kg/dose intraperitoneally), versus pair-fed controls. The first of four consecutive 30 min periods revealed peak values in all parameters. Four-day reserpine-treated rats demonstrated significantly higher plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) levels (167.3 +/- 12.8 vs 88.9 +/- 6.1 ng/ml; P < 0.0001) with similar values of pancreatic juice trypsin (8.2 +/- 2.4 vs 6.6 +/- 1.8 units/mg protein; P = NS) and volume (5.6 +/- 1.3 vs 4.2 +/- 1.6 mg/min/g pancreas; P = NS), compared to controls. Rats treated with reserpine for seven days revealed significantly lower values of plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) (39.2 +/- 8.4 vs 66.8 +/- 4.9 ng/ml; P < 0.001), pancreatic juice trypsin (1.9 +/- 0.3 vs 3.2 +/- 0.9 units/mg protein; P < 0.001) and volume (1.6 +/- 0.7 vs 3.1 +/- 0.6 mg/min/g pancreas; P < 0.001) compared to controls. We conclude that the reserpinized rat model resembles human cystic fibrosis as to elevated plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ogen) before exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is fully developed. Since exocrine pancreatic volume secretion is intact at this stage, the mechanism of elevated plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin is probably not due to ductular obstruction. We suggest that this model be studied further in order to investigate other possible mechanisms.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1995

Fatal multiple organ failure following massive hornet stings.

We describe a fatal outcome in a three-year-old child following massive stings by the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis). The primary clinical features were coma, respiratory failure, coagulopathy, renal failure and liver dysfunction. On postmortem the main organs involved were brain, lungs, kidney and liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiology of Crohn's disease in southern Israel.

OBJECTIVES: Crohn's disease in Israel was described in the past as being of low incidence, more common in Europe-America-born Jews than other Jews, and of uncharacteristically low morbidity. However, recent experience has suggested that these premises are no longer correct. METHODS: The records of all hospital and outpatient cases of Crohn's disease in southern Israel for the period 1968-1992 were reviewed. Private family practitioners and specialists were contacted to assure complete case ascertainment. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of Crohn's disease among Jews on December 31, 1992, was 50.6/10(5) (Asia-Africa-born Jews 55.0/10(5), Europe-America-born Jews 58.7/10(5), and the rate was 8.2/10(5) among Bedouin Arabs. The annual incidence rate (1987-1992) was calculated as 4.2/10(5)/yr in Jews (Asia-Africa-born 4.6/10(5)/yr, Europe-America-born 3.9/10(5)/yr). The age of presentation declined progressively over the study period, was lower in Israel-born patients than immigrants, and was lower in ileocolonic versus other sites of disease. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that Crohn's disease has become more common in Jews in Israel, losing ethnic differences of frequency, and that it occurs at a younger age than before. In Arabs, the disease is more rare.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMed1993

Efficacy of herbal tea preparation in infantile colic.

We evaluated the effect of an herbal tea preparation on infantile colic in a prospective double-blind study. The use of tea eliminated the colic in 19 (57%) of 33 infants, whereas placebo was helpful in only 9 (26%) of 35 (p < 0.01). The mean colic score was significantly improved in tea-treated infants. No significant differences were noted between groups regarding number of night wakings.

Beverages↗
PubMed1992

Type of acidosis and clinical outcome in infantile gastroenteritis.

To explore different types of metabolic acidosis in acute gastroenteritis of infancy, and to correlate it with nutritional status and clinical outcome, we examined prospectively 27 consecutive infants admitted with moderate to severe dehydration and arterial blood pH less than or equal to 7.20. Serum anion gap, creatinine, divalent cations (Ca, Mg), and the anionic contribution of total protein, lactate, and phosphate as well as ketones and urine pH, were determined on admission and compared with age-matched controls. Twenty infants (Group A) presented with normal anion gap (13.1 +/- 2.7) associated with hyperchloremia (115.8 +/- 4.2 mmol/L, p less than 0.01) and diminished bicarbonate (9.7 +/- 2.4 mmol/L, p less than 0.01), compared with controls. The other seven infants (group B) demonstrated an increased anion gap (26.7 +/- 3.2, p less than 0.01), associated with significant elevations of lactate (3.4 +/- 0.7 mmol/L, p less than 0.001), total protein (93.4 +/- 12.3 g/L, p less than 0.01), as well as phosphate (2.3 +/- 0.2 mmol/L, p less than 0.01) and creatinine (164.9 +/- 45.1 mumol/L, p less than 0.001), compared with controls. No significant deviations of blood divalent cations or ketones were noted in both groups. Urine pH was less than or equal to 5.5 in all subjects. Analysis of nutritional status and clinical outcome in both groups revealed significant differences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1992

Acute pancreatitis in children with anticholinesterase insecticide intoxication.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly seen in anticholinesterase insecticide intoxication. A few studies in adults have demonstrated some evidence for pancreatic damage in this poisoning. To see whether this association exists also in children, we conducted a prospective study in 17 consecutive children with typical organophosphate and carbamate poisoning. On admission and following recovery, serum amylase, immunoreactive trypsin, glucose, calcium, urea, creatinine, and arterial blood gas values were determined and compared with those of age-matched control subjects. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 5 subjects. They demonstrated significantly elevated (greater than mean + 2 SD) serum levels of both immunoreactive trypsin (914.0 +/- 317.4 ng/mL, 159.9 +/- 36.4 ng/mL, and 169.7 +/- 41.2 ng/mL, respectively; P less than .01) and amylase (448.0 +/- 264.4 U/L, 152.8 +/- 90.9 U/L, and 56.8 +/- 26.3 U/L, respectively; P less than .001; n = 4), compared with other patients and control subjects. Gastrointestinal symptoms were noted in all 5 subjects, with severe abdominal pain in 2. Such symptoms were evident in only 41% of the other 12 patients. Serum glucose levels were significantly elevated in these subjects compared with others (389.0 +/- 66.2 mg/100 mL vs 180.4 +/- 72.3 mg/100 mL; P less than .01). None had hypocalcemia, renal dysfunction, or acidosis. All had complete recovery. It is concluded that acute pancreatitis is probably not rare in children with anticholinesterase insecticide poisoning. This may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms and hyperglycemia often observed in these patients.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1991

[Potassium permanganate poisoning in infancy].

Potassium permanganate intoxication in 3 infant girls (2.5, 2.5 and 5 months old, respectively) is described. In 2 the toxic solution was mistaken for a vitamin A+D preparation due to package similarity. The main clinical symptoms included restlessness, low grade fever and inflamed oral mucosa with black-brown discoloration. There was leukocytosis with a shift to the left. Complications described by others, such as hepatic and renal damage, upper air-way obstruction, gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding tendency, methemoglobinemia and hemolysis, were not seen in our infants. Management included hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring, oral and gastric water lavage and milk ingestion. Laboratory follow-up included CBC and hepatic and renal function tests. There were no complications, and follow-up revealed no residual abnormalities.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of a new Israel infant soy formula].

A new infant soy formula has recently been developed in Israel and is being produced (Materna Tsimchit, Trima Industries, Kibbutz Ma'aborot). We compared its efficacy with that of a well-known imported soy formula (Isomil, Ross Laboratories, USA) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. 45 normal infants, aged 1-6 months, were monitored for over 2 months after the soy formula was started either because of cow-milk allergy or lactose intolerance. 22 received Materna Tsimchit and 23 Isomil. The study revealed no significant differences between the products with regard to compliance, behavior, symptoms, physical examination (including growth parameters and nutritional assessment), stool characteristics and complete blood counts. We conclude, given the limitations of the present study, that the new Israeli product is as effective as the foreign product.

Growth↗
PubMed1991

Acute pancreatitis in children following envenomation by the yellow scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus.

Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin (ICT), which is a specific and highly sensitive indicator of pancreatic injury, was measured in 14 children with signs of systemic envenomation following a sting by the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. High ICT levels were found in 13 children (93%), indicating that acute pancreatitis is a common complication of envenomation by this scorpion. The pancreatitis may account for the abdominal pain and vomiting commonly seen in scorpion envenomation and may also contribute to the agitation and discomfort noted in young children.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Dermatoglyphic (fingerprint) patterns in celiac disease.

Fingerprints were obtained from 46 patients with celiac disease and compared with those of 46 control subjects matched for sex and ethnic origin. Whorls were more frequent and ulnar loops were less frequent, significantly, in celiac patients than in controls. A digital pattern of four or more whorls was present in 69% of celiac patients, but in only 28% of controls (p less than 0.001). As a diagnostic test, the fingerprint's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 66, 73, 67, and 71%, respectively. Similarly, a pattern of four or less ulnar loops was evident in 44% of celiac patients as opposed to only 19% of controls (p less than 0.005). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 46%, 81%, 62%, and 63%, respectively. We conclude that particular dermatoglyphic patterns are significantly more common in patients with celiac disease than in controls. We therefore suggest that this marker be used as a diagnostic clue, indicating the need for further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Celiac disease: parental knowledge and attitudes of dietary compliance.

Parents of 43 children with celiac disease, 28% of whom were classified as noncompliant, were interviewed. The knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behavior of parents of compliant patients were compared with those of noncompliant patients. Parents of compliant patients are better educated and from a higher social class. Although objective knowledge of the disease is similar in both groups, parents of compliant patients consider themselves adequately informed about the disease and are better able to choose gluten-free items from a menu. Parents of compliant patients are less worried about health in general but are more concerned with possible adverse effects celiac disease might have on the future of their children. Parents of both groups are not significantly different with regard to their understanding of the diet, the tendency to use medical care, and the perception of barriers to compliance or social support. It was concluded that to increase dietary compliance in celiac patients, parents should be guided mainly by the following three purposes: (1) enhancing their subjective evaluation of their own knowledge of celiac disease; (2) improving their practical ability to handle a menu; (3) increasing their anxiety regarding possible long-term adverse effects.

Adolescent↗