PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Zamir

Publications and source records attributed to D Zamir.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Specific inspiratory muscle training in chronic hemodialysis].

Chronic renal failure can result in a variety of conditions leading to muscle weakness. We investigated inspiratory muscle (IM) performance and functional capacity in chronic renal failure before and after specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT). 9 men and 1 woman, ranging in age from 22-78 years, while on chronic hemodialysis received SIMT 3 times a week, for 3 months, while 10 others received sham training. Static inspiratory pressures, IM endurance and functional capacity were reduced in most subjects. Following SIMT, IM performance improved significantly and was associated with improved functional capacity, but not in the control group. We conclude that patients with chronic renal failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have reduced IM performance, and SIMT improves functional capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Less-than-additive epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci in tomato.

Epistasis plays a role in determining the phenotype yet quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping has uncovered little evidence for it. To address this apparent contradiction, we analyzed interactions between individual Lycopersicon pennellii chromosome segments introgressed into an otherwise homogeneous genetic background of L. esculentum (cv. M82). Ten different homozygous introgression lines, each containing from 4 to 58 cM of introgressed DNA, were crossed in a half diallele scheme. The 45 derived double heterozygotes were evaluated in the field for four yield-associated traits, along with the 10 single heterozygotes and M82. Of 180 (45 x 4) tested interactions, 28% were epistatic (P < 0.05) on both linear and geometric scales. The detected epistasis was predominantly less-than-additive, i.e., the effect of the double heterozygotes was smaller than the sum of the effects of the corresponding single heterozygotes. Epistasis was also found for homozygous linked QTL affecting fruit mass and total soluble solids. Although the frequency of epistasis was high, additivity was the major component in the interaction of pairs of QTL. We propose that the diminishing additivity of QTL effects is amplified when more loci are involved; this mode of epistasis may be an important factor in phenotype canalization and in breeding.

Epistasis, Genetic↗
PubMed1996

[Physiotherapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: oscillatory breathing with flutter VRP1].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by sputum production and cough. It has been shown that mucus hypersecretion predisposes to recurrent bronchial infection and that reduction in airway secretions is associated with clinical improvement. Recently a new pipe-shaped device for chest physiotherapy, the flutter VRP1 ("VarioRaw:" Aubonne, Switzerland), was introduced in order to help clear bronchial hypersecretion. We determined the long-term efficacy of daily chest physiotherapy with the VRP1 in COPD and bronchial hypersecretion. 13 men and 7 women with COPD and sputum hypersecretion were studied; 10 were assigned to the physiotherapy group, and 10 to the control group getting sham therapy. After 3 months of physiotherapy, FVC, FEV1 and distance walked in 12 minutes increased in the treated group, but were almost unchanged in the sham-treated group. Arterial blood gases, the maximum voluntary ventilation, and respiratory rate at rest were unchanged in both groups. There was also an overall significant improvement in COPD symptoms in the physiotherapy group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). We conclude that long-term home physiotherapy with the flutter VRP1 is effective in COPD in improving airflow, functional ability and symptoms.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Carinal, adenoid, cystic carcinoma mimicking bronchial asthma].

Bronchotracheal, adenoid, cystic carcinoma is a very rare tumor. Most of its symptoms relate to airway obstruction. We report a 45-year-old woman with a carinal, adenoid, cystic carcinoma who presented with symptoms suggestive of bronchial asthma 2 years prior to diagnosis. No inspiratory flow-volume curve was performed at that time and the patient was treated with inhalation of beta-2 agonists. Early diagnosis of adenoid, cystic carcinoma is important because appropriate surgical treatment results in an excellent prognosis.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1996

[The buried gastrostomy bumper syndrome].

The buried gastrostomy bumper syndrome is one of the rare complications of PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) insertion. It develops when there is a combination of a rigid bumper and a tension build-up between internal and external bumpers. This condition is manifested by complete occlusion of the internal opening of the gastrostomy by mucosa, making it impossible to feed the patient. We report a case in which the PEG was inserted a year prior to the appearance of this rare complication. It was embedded beneath the gastric mucosa and we had difficulty in removing it to insert a new PEG. The bumpers are anchor-like attachments to each end of the gastrostomy, which keep it stationary. The rigid bumper is an integral part of the gastrostomy. However, a "soft" bumper has been developed, but its costliness has restricted its use. In our case the gastrostomy was removed with the aid of the cutting wire of a sphincterotome in light contact with the external tissue.

Female↗
PubMed1995

An introgression line population of Lycopersicon pennellii in the cultivated tomato enables the identification and fine mapping of yield-associated QTL.

Methodologies for mapping of genes underlying quantitative traits have advanced considerably but have not been accompanied by a parallel development of new population structures. We present a novel population consisting of 50 introgression lines (ILs) originating from a cross between the green-fruited species Lycopersicon pennellii and the cultivated tomato (cv M82). Each of the lines contains a single homozygous restriction fragment length polymorphism-defined L. pennellii chromosome segment, and together the lines provide complete coverage of the genome and a set of lines nearly isogenic to M82. A field trial of the ILs and their hybrids revealed at least 23 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for total soluble solids content and 18 for fruit mass; these estimates are twice as high as previously reported estimates based on traditional mapping populations. For finer mapping of a QTL affecting fruit mass, the introgressed segment was recombined into smaller fragments that allowed the identification of three linked loci. At least 16 QTL for plant weight, 22 for percentage green fruit weight, 11 for total yield and 14 for total soluble solids yield were identified. Gene action for fruit and plant characteristics was mainly additive, while overdominance (or pseudo-overdominance) of wild species introgressions was detected for yield.

Breeding↗
PubMed1995

Helicobacter pylori infection in rural settlements (Kibbutzim) in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is accepted as a major cause of type B gastritis, which is strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease. Epidemiological studies have indicated a correlation of HP infection and socioeconomic class. METHODS: To determine the prevalence of HP infection and to evaluate symptoms and risk factors associated with HP infection in a rural population, 377 asymptomatic individuals were studied out of a random sample of 453 people. Subjects were randomly chosen in a ratio of 1:4 of all the adults over 30 years, living in eight communal settlements in Israel. Blood samples were taken and subjects answered a questionnaire in which sociodemographic information, clinical gastrointestinal background and the use of medication were included. A sensitive enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to determine antibodies to HP in serum. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HP infection was 72%. In a multivariant discriminant analysis: age, country of origin and ethnic group were found to be the most closely associated variables for HP infection and the discriminant analysis succeeded in predicting correctly, in 62% of the population, whether they had or did not have HP infection. There was no significant difference with gender, occupation, educational level, blood group, smoking, gastrointestinal symptoms and use of medication. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HP infection was higher than that in industrialized countries, but lower than in developing countries. The prevalence in a rural population was slightly higher than that of an urban population in Israel (65%). The country of origin and ethnic group influenced the prevalence of HP infection and not birth and growing up on the Kibbutz.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Inhaled budesonide therapy for patients with stable COPD.

A significant minority of patients with COPD have favorable response to corticosteroid treatment. In addition, the benefit of corticosteroid treatment may be outweighed by the side effects. Long-term administration of inhaled steroids is a safe means of treatment. We hypothesized that treatment with high-dose inhaled budesonide would improve clinical symptoms and pulmonary function in subjects with COPD, and that the response to inhaled beta 2-agonist will serve to individualize steroid responders. We compared a 6-week course of 800 micrograms/d inhaled budesonide with placebo, separated by 4 weeks when no medication was taken, in a double-blind crossover trial, in 8 patients responding to inhaled beta 2-agonist, and in 22 nonresponders with stable COPD. In six of eight "responders to beta 2-agonist," there was a significant improvement in the FEV1 (defined as > or = 20%) following inhaled budesonide, as compared with placebo. In the 22 "nonresponders to beta 2-agonist," there was no significant improvement in the mean FEV1 (1.41 +/- 0.1 L before, and 1.61 +/- 0.1 L after treatment) with inhaled budesonide or placebo. Over the 6-week course of treatment by either budesonide or placebo, the nonresponders reported similar beta 2-agonist consumption (4.8 +/- 0.2 and 5.0 +/- 0.1 puffs per patient per day, respectively). However, there was a significant difference between the two periods of treatment in the responders as for the mean daily number of beta 2-agonist inhalations (2.4 +/- 0.1 in the budesonide period as compared with 5.3 +/- 0.1 in the placebo period; p < 0.005). We conclude that treatment with inhaled steroids improved spirometry data and inhaled beta 2-agonist consumption in about 25% of patients with stable COPD, and this rate is increased to about 75% in patients who respond to beta 2-agonist inhalation.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1995

[Cardiac lipoma of the septum with systemic and pulmonary emboli].

Cardiac lipoma is an uncommon tumor and is rarely a source of either lung or systemic emboli. A 46-year-old woman hospitalized because of left hemiplegia is presented. CT scan revealed a right temporo-parietal infarction. Chest x-ray showed a left lower lobe infiltrate. Pulmonary perfusion-ventilation scan indicated "high probability" of pulmonary embolism. Because brain and lung emboli are often associated, an echocardiogram was made and a 2 x 2 cm mass in the apical septum was found, confirmed by transesophageal echocardiogram. At operation a septal lipoma was resected. When pulmonary emboli occurs in association with systemic emboli, lipoma of the septum, although very rare, should be considered.

Cerebral Infarction↗
PubMed1995

[Prophylactic inspiratory muscle training before coronary artery bypass graft].

Pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery are a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Respiratory muscle weakness may contribute to the postoperative pulmonary abnormalities. We hypothesized that: inspiratory muscle strength (PImax at RV) and endurance (PmPeak/PImax) decrease following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); that this weakness is associated with impaired pulmonary function tests (PFT), impaired gas exchange and a higher rate of pulmonary complications; and that prophylactic inspiratory muscle training (PIMT) will prevent these changes. 30 candidates for CABG, ranging in age from 33 to 79, were evaluated and randomized into 2 groups: 15 received PIMT using a threshold trainer for 30 min/day for 1 month before operation, while 15 served as controls and received sham training. There was a significant decrease in respiratory muscle function, PFT, and gas exchange in the control group following CABG, while in the trained group these parameters where similar to those before entering the study. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. In addition, 4 (27%) in the control group, but only 1 (7%) in the trained group had postoperative pulmonary complications. We conclude that CABG is followed by significant deterioration in inspiratory muscle function, PFT and arterial blood gases. Decrease in these parameters can be prevented by PIMT, which may also prevent postoperative pulmonary complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Uncommon manifestations of schistosomal colitis in African immigrants].

Schistosomiasis is rare in Israel but very common in Africa. The recent Ethiopian immigration has brought us cases of parasitic diseases unfamiliar to Israeli physicians. 3 cases with uncommon manifestations of colonic schistosomiasis are described. The first had bloody diarrhea for 4 years. The second had co-infection with Salmonella D. The third was diagnosed as having schistosomal colitis on routine sigmoidoscopy, which was performed following diagnosis of rectal carcinoma in her brother.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Transgenic tomato plants expressing the tomato yellow leaf curl virus capsid protein are resistant to the virus.

The tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) gene that encodes the capsid protein (V1) was placed under transcriptional control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and cloned into an Agrobacterium Ti-derived plasmid and used to transform plants from an interspecific tomato hybrid, Lycopersicon esculentum X L. pennellii (F1), sensitive to the TYLCV disease. When transgenic F1 plants, expressing the V1 gene, were inoculated with TYLCV using whiteflies fed on TYLCV-infected plants, they responded either as untransformed tomato or showed expression of delayed disease symptoms and recovery from the disease with increasingly more resistance upon repeated inoculation. Transformed plants that were as sensitive to inoculation as untransformed controls expressed the V1 gene at the RNA level only. All the transformed plants that recovered from disease expressed the TYLCV capsid protein.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Correlation of genetic and physical structure in the region surrounding the I2 Fusarium oxysporum resistance locus in tomato.

The dominant gene I2 confers on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) resistance against the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 2. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) marker, TG105, has recently been found to be tightly linked to I2. The potential for cloning this gene by a reverse genetics approach prompted us to describe in both genetic and physical detail the region surrounding the I2 locus on chromosome 11. We have analyzed patterns of segregation of RFLP markers on chromosome 11 and Fusarium resistance in 140 F2 plants from a cross between Fusarium-resistant and susceptible parental lines. Marker TG105 mapped 0.4 centiMorgan (CM) from I2. Physical analysis of TG105 and its flanking RFLP markers, TG26 and TG36, by pulsed field gradient gel electrophoresis (PFGE) yielded a restriction map for this region encompassing at least 620 kb of the tomato genome. TG105 and TG26 hybridized to the same 175 kb MluI-NruI restriction fragment. We have therefore linked two genetically distinct RFLP markers. Based on the 4.1 cM distance between them, we have assigned a mean value of 43 kb for each cM recombination distance in the vicinity of I2. This local ratio between physical and genetic distances is more than 10-fold below the average for the tomato genome. It should therefore be possible to clone I2 by chromosome walking from TG105.

Fusarium↗
PubMed1991

[Torsade de pointes and use of phenothiazine and diuretic].

A 54-year-old woman with recurrent episodes of syncope fainted on admission. An episode of torsade de pointes was registered on electrocardiographic monitoring. We assume that the combined effects of phenothiazine and of hypokalemia (2.6 meq/l) caused by chlorthalidone provoked the condition. Diuretics should be used with caution in patients on phenothiazines.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed1991

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus: a whitefly-transmitted geminivirus with a single genomic component.

The genome of the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a Bemisia tabaci-transmitted geminivirus, was cloned. All clones obtained were of one genomic molecule, analogous to DNA A of African cassava mosaic virus. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the TYLCV genome showed that it comprises 2787 nucleotides, encoding six open reading frames, two on the virion strand and four on the complementary strand. All of them have counterparts in other geminiviruses. Dimeric copies of the cloned viral genome were introduced into tomato plants by agroinoculation. Severe yellow leaf curl disease symptoms developed in all of them. Effective whitefly-mediated transmission of the virus from agroinoculated plants to test plants demonstrated that the cloned molecule carries all the information needed for virus replication, systemic infection, and transfer by whiteflies. Restriction and hybridization analyses of viral DNA forms in infected plants and viruliferous whiteflies did not support the presupposed existence of a second genomic component. This is the first report of a whitefly-transmitted geminivirus that possesses a single genomic molecule.

Animals↗