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Biomedical subjects

C Horwitz

Publications and source records attributed to C Horwitz.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Comparison of seroprevalences of human herpesvirus-6 and -7 in healthy blood donors from nine countries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to register antibody prevalences of HHV-7 in various locations of the world in comparison to the closely related HHV-6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sera of healthy blood donors from nine countries in five continents were titered by indirect immunofluorescent assays using HHV-6 infected HSB2 and HHV-7 infected SupT1 cells. RESULTS: Antibody prevalence for HHV-7 is high (75-98%) in practically all countries except for Northern Japan (44%), with no simple correlation to elevated HHV-6 antibody titers. There were regions of low, intermediate and high mean antibody titers against HHV-7 such as 78.5-91.3 for Belgium, Israel, Japan, USA and Australia, 175.4-182.6 for Mexico and Cologne/Germany, and 389.2 for South Africa for which geographic characteristics may be responsible. CONCLUSION: HHV-7, similar to HHV-6, is a widespread human herpesvirus with elevated antibody titers in the healthy human population essentially everywhere. The data warrant further studies to evaluate its possible pathologic potential, preferentially in persons with defective immune responses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Dietary habits and colorectal cancer incidence in a second-defined kibbutz population.

The incidence of colorectal cancer in Israel is highest in European- and American-born immigrants. This is believed to be related mainly to their dietary habits. To investigate this issue further, we compared the diets of a sample of members of a well-established kibbutz (BA), which was settled by immigrants of European origin, with the diets of an age- and sex-matched sample of European-born residents of Tel-Aviv and of a previously studied kibbutz (GB). The diet of the people of kibbutz BA compared with those in Tel-Aviv was significantly lower in poultry and significantly higher in polyunsaturated fats; it also had a higher polyunsaturated/saturated fats ratio. Compared with both the Tel-Aviv residents and the kibbutz GB members, the kibbutz BA members had a significantly lower intake of saturated fats; they also had a higher intake of dietary fiber, available carbohydrates, calories, and many minerals and vitamins. However, the incidence of colorectal cancers in the kibbutz BA population was slightly, but non-significantly, higher than expected, based on age, ethnic group, sex, and calendar year-specific national incidence rates. These results are in contrast to our earlier study in which we found that kibbutz GB had less colorectal cancer than expected; thus, the results of the current study are presently unexplained.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Gallstones and diet in Tel Aviv and Gaza.

To study the possible association between diet and gallstones we investigated these two variables in two populations in Tel Aviv and Gaza with presumed differences in both. Gallstones were more frequent in Jews in Tel Aviv than in Arabs in Gaza, 12.1% versus 3.8% (p less than 0.001). This difference was fully accounted for by the 60+ age groups in both populations. There were no significant differences in the frequency of gallstones among the 20-39 and 40-59 age groups. Numerous and marked differences in diet composition were found between both populations. Energy, carbohydrate and fiber intake was higher in Gaza. The consumption of unsaturated fats was greater in Gazans and their P/S ratio was higher, 0.92 versus 0.70 in Tel Aviv. Beef and fish were usually eaten in Gaza while poultry was more frequently consumed in Tel Aviv. There were also differences in vitamin and mineral consumption. It cannot be determined which, if any, of these dietary differences is related to the lower frequency of gallstones in the older population of Gaza. Alternatively it could be the diet eaten in Gaza many decades ago, presumably poorer in protein and fat, which is responsible for these differences.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Should we worry about animal growth promoters?

Estrogens and compounds with estrogenic activity have been used for many years as animal growth promoters and to synchronize estrus in cows. The resorcylic acid lactones (RALS), which include zearalenone, are being used increasingly for these purposes. These estrogenic mycotoxins, now produced commercially, have teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. There is some evidence that their residues could remain in certain organs at the time the animal products come to market, and this may be of medical significance.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1982

Serum zinc and taste acuity in Tel-Aviv patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Serum zinc levels and taste acuity were determined in patients with Crohn's disease, those with ulcerative colitis, and normal controls. All serum zinc values were within the normal range but significantly lower in the Crohn's disease patients as compared with controls. The taste threshold for salt was significantly impaired in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. These findings were less than expected and may be explained by the relatively high zinc intake normal for the Tel-Aviv population and relate indirectly to the high intake of refined carbohydrate that occurs in Crohn's disease patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

The low incidence of colorectal cancer in a "high-risk" population: its correlation with dietary habits.

In Israel, the incidence of colorectal cancer is highest in European-American-born Jews, although this incidence is lower than that found in European-born Jews living in the United States. A significantly lower-than-expected incidence was found in a specific kibbutz established by immigrants of European origin. Matched population samples from this kibbutz and the city of Tel Aviv revealed significant differences in dietary habits. The kibbutz members ate more unavailable carbohydrate and ascorbic acid and had a higher dietary polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P/S) ratio than the city dwellers. Both groups ate more crude fiber, less saturated fat, and less beef than has been reported from American and European countries. This kibbutz diet seems to have prevented large bowel cancer, parallels the "prudent" diet of Wynder, and possibly indicates the feasibility of colorectal cancer prevention.

Colonic Neoplasms↗
PubMed1976

Systematic instruction in interpretive aspects of laboratory medicine.

It is increasingly important for physicians to develop competence in ordering and interpreting laboratory tests. A review of the literature revealed no formal discussion of systematic instruction in the interpretive aspects of laboratory medicine. The goals, organization, instructional approaches, and assessment of a course offering such instruction are described here. Students are expected to develop an algorithmic approach to ordering and interpreting laboratory tests in the course of diagnosing and managing clinical problems in the major areas of medicine. Instructional approaches include lectures, case problem-solving sessions, and independent study. There has been an exponential growth in the number of students electing to take this course. Students respond enthusiastically to most aspects of the course. They are rated significantly higher on appropriate criterion measures in subsequent clinical electives than students who have not had such formal instruction in laboratory medicine during the senior years.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗