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Biomedical subjects

H Goldman

Publications and source records attributed to H Goldman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The cardiothoracic ratio in AGA and SGA very low birth weight newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Cardiothoracic (CT) ratio is a common measurement used to assess heart size in chest radiographs of pediatric patients, but no recent studies have analyzed the standards for CT ratios in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide improved standards for CT ratios measured from chest radiographs of VLBW (<1500 g) infants, and to compare CT ratios between small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants in this population. DESIGN/METHODS: Among VLBW infants admitted to the Jacobi Medical Center NICU from 2002 to 2004, CT ratios were calculated from anteroposterior supine chest radiographs taken of 54 VLBW infants (18 SGA and 36 AGA group-matched on the basis of birthweight and sex) during the first 24 h of life. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to birthweight, sex, 1-min Apgar score, 5-min Apgar score, intubation status and degree of inspiration. Median GA of the SGA infants was significantly greater than the AGA infants (30 and 27 weeks, respectively; P<0.001). CT ratios among SGA infants were significantly larger than those among AGAs. Using the widest internal width of the bony thorax, the mean CT ratio among SGA and AGA infants was 0.523 and 0.479, respectively (P=0.00102). CONCLUSIONS: VLBW SGA infants have larger CT ratios than VLBW AGA infants, suggesting that existing standards for normal CT ratios may be inappropriate for use among SGA infants.

Female↗

Skeletal fracture associated with androgen suppression induced osteoporosis: the clinical incidence and risk factors for patients with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Limited information exists regarding the long-term risk of skeletal fracture in men on androgen suppression for prostate cancer. In addition, the clinical risk factors predisposing them to skeletal fracture are incompletely defined. We define the long-term risk and clinical risk factors for skeletal fracture in patients with prostate cancer on chronic androgen suppression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 181 consecutive patients with prostate cancer on androgen suppression therapy were evaluated. The primary end point was skeletal fracture. Comprehensive demographic information was gathered, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations with skeletal fracture. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who had survived fracture-free at 5 and 10 years on androgen suppression therapy was 96% and 80%, respectively. The black race (p = 0.009) and increased body mass index (p = 0.024) were identified as protective against androgen suppression associated skeletal fractures. A significant correlation was identified between the duration of androgen suppression and risk of skeletal fracture (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen suppression are at risk for skeletal fracture, and risk increases with the duration of therapy. Slender white men are at greatest risk. Conversely, black men and those with body mass indexes greater than normal (greater than 25 kg/m(2)) are at minimal risk despite a prolonged duration (10 years) of androgen suppression.

Aged↗

Hyperplastic polyp with epithelial misplacement (inverted hyperplastic polyp): a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 19 cases.

Hyperplastic polyps of the colon are the most common type of benign colonic polyp. Rarely, these polyps may show misplaced epithelium within the submucosa, thereby simulating an adenoma with pseudoinvasion or even an adenocarcinoma. In this study, we describe the clinical, pathologic, and immunophenotypic features of 19 hyperplastic polyps with misplaced epithelium to identify potential diagnostic pitfalls and gain insight into their pathogenesis. Routinely processed polypectomy specimens from 12 patients with 19 hyperplastic polyps containing foci of misplaced epithelium were evaluated for a variety of morphologic features including pattern and extent of submucosal involvement, continuity of the submucosal epithelium with the mucosa, presence of recent or remote hemorrhage, inflammation, association of misplaced epithelium with lymphoid aggregates, inflammation, and defects in the muscularis mucosae. Clinical and endoscopic data were obtained and correlated with the histologic findings. Immunoperoxidase stains (ABC method) for collagen IV (basement membrane marker), MIB-1 (proliferation marker), and E-cadherin (intercellular adhesion protein) were performed in all cases. The study group consisted of five males and seven females ranging in age from to 52 to 73 years (mean: 63 y). All of the polyps were located in the rectum or sigmoid colon, and their mean size was 0.5 cm (range: 0.2 to 1.0 cm). Most showed misplaced epithelium in a lobular (26%) or a mixed pattern consisting of lobules and irregularly distributed crypts (63%) that, upon deeper levels, was almost always continuous with the mucosal portion of the polyps (95%). Defects in the muscularis mucosae and splaying of the muscle fibers around misplaced epithelium were seen in all cases. Lymphoid aggregates were present adjacent to foci of misplaced epithelium in 37% of cases. Fresh hemorrhage, vascular congestion, and hemosiderin deposits were present in 79, 53, and 42% of cases, respectively. Strong and uniform staining of the misplaced epithelium for MIB-1 and E-cadherin was demonstrated in all cases, similar to that seen in the lower third of the mucosal portion of the polyps. A continuous collagen IV basement membrane pattern of staining was noted around all foci of misplaced epithelium. Hyperplastic polyps with misplaced epithelium probably occur secondary to trauma-induced protrusion of glands through breaks in the muscularis mucosae. Pathologists should be aware of this entity to avoid diagnostic confusion with other, more serious lesions, such as adenomas with pseudoinvasion or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma.

Aged↗

Development of an enhanced anticaries efficacy dual component dentifrice containing sodium fluoride and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate.

A dual-chamber dentifrice, which contains sodium fluoride (NaF) in one component and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (dical) in the other, has been developed. The dentifrice is packaged in a dual-chamber tube and is formulated to deliver 1100 ppm F. A series of studies consisting of in vitro fluoride uptake, in vivo calcium labeling, intraoral remineralization-demineralization, and animal caries studies were performed to support the improved anticaries efficacy of this product in comparison to a sodium fluoride/silica dentifrice (NaF/silica). An in vitro fluoride uptake study comparing 1100 ppm F NaF/dical dentifrice to 1100 ppm F NaF/silica showed that NaF/dical delivered significantly more fluoride than NaF/silica, 3.72 +/- 0.36 micrograms/cm2 versus 2.41 +/- 0.10 micrograms/cm2. A 6-day in vivo brushing study with a 44Ca labeled NaF/dical dentifrice showed that calcium from dical penetrated demineralized enamel and was present in plaque up to 18 hrs since the last brushing. An intra-oral remineralization-demineralization study was performed to evaluate NaF/dical's ability to promote remineralization in comparison to three silica-based dentifrices containing 0, 250, and 1100 ppm F as NaF. The percent mineral changes after treatment were +20.44 +/- 17.14 for NaF/dical, +9.27 +/- 19.53 for 1100 ppm NaF/silica, -1.43 +/- 20.57 for 250 ppm NaF/silica, and -12.36 +/- 32.76 for 0 ppm F/silica. A statistical analysis showed that the dual-chamber NaF/dical dentifrice was significantly more effective than the 1100 ppm NaF/silica dentifrice at promoting remineralization. A rat caries study was performed to evaluate NaF/dical ability to prevent caries in comparison to 1100 ppm F NaF/silica, 250 ppm F NaF/silica, silica, and dical dentifrices. The mean smooth surface caries scores were 1.6 +/- 2.8 for NaF/dical, 5.5 +/- 6.2 for 1100 ppm F NaF/silica, 10.6 +/- 6.2 for 250 ppm F NaF/silica, 13.7 +/- 4.7 for 0 ppm F/silica, and 9.5 +/- 7.8 0 ppm F/dical. A statistical analysis showed that the the dual-chamber NaF/dical dentifrice was superior to all other treatments tested in preventing caries in rats. The dical dentifrice was significantly superior to the silica dentifrice in preventing caries, which indicates that dical alone exhibits anticaries efficacy. In conclusion, individual and cumulative results from the fluoride uptake, intra-oral remineralization-demineralization, and rat caries studies from the dual chamber NaF/dical dentifrice support the improved anticaries efficacy of this product.

Animals↗

Service delivery and community: social capital, service systems integration, and outcomes among homeless persons with severe mental illness.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of features of community social environment and service system integration on service use, housing, and clinical outcomes among homeless people with serious mental illness. STUDY SETTING: A one-year observational outcome study was conducted of homeless people with serious mental illness at 18 sites. DATA SOURCES: Measures of community social environment (e.g., social capital) were based on local surveys and voting records. Housing affordability was assessed with housing survey data. Service system integration was assessed through interviews with key informants at each site to document interorganizational transactions. Standardized clinical measures were used to assess clinical and housing outcomes in face-to-face interviews. RESEARCH DESIGN: Structural equation modeling was used to determine the relationship between (1) characteristics of the social environment (social capital, housing affordability); (2) the level of integration of the service system for persons who are homeless in each community; (3) access to and use of services by individual clients; and (4) successful exit from homelessness or clinical improvement. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Social capital was associated with greater service systems integration, which was associated in turn with greater access to assistance from a public housing agency and to a greater probability of exiting from homelessness at 12 months. Housing affordability also predicted exit from homelessness. Neither environmental factors nor systems integration predicted outcomes for psychiatric problems, substance abuse, employment, physical health, or income support. CONCLUSION: Community social capital and service system integration are related through a series of direct and indirect pathways with better housing outcomes but not with superior clinical outcomes for homeless people with mental illness. Implications for designing improved service systems are discussed.

Case Management↗

A pilot open trial of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy for panic disorder.

This is a complete report of an open trial of manualized psychodynamic psychotherapy for treatment of panic disorder, Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PFPP). Twenty-one patients with PD were entered into a trial of twice-weekly, 24-session treatment. Sixteen of 21 experienced remission of panic and agoraphobia. Treatment completers with depression also experienced remission of depression. Improvements in symptoms and in quality of life were substantial and consistent across all measured areas. Symptomatic gains were maintained over 6 months. This report was prepared specifically to describe 6-month follow-up on these patients. Psychodynamic psychotherapy appears to be a promising nonpharmacological treatment for panic disorder.

Adult↗

Successful systems integration strategies: the access program for persons who are homeless and mentally ill.

In 1993, the Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports (ACCESS) federal demonstration program was initiated. Using a quasi-experimental design, the 5-year demonstration program sought to assess the impact of integrated systems of care on outcomes for homeless persons with mental illness. The authors report on which integration strategies were chosen and how their implementation is quantified. Data collected primarily through annual site visits revealed that only two strategies were used by all nine systems. The systems integration strategies employed remained relatively stable over the 5 years. Successful implementation appears to be related to the strategies selected.

Delivery of Health Care, Integrated↗

Disability management, employee health and fringe benefits, and long-term-disability claims for mental disorders: an empirical exploration.

Mental disorders account for a large share of claims and benefit costs in both private and public long-term-disability (LTD) insurance programs. This is the first empirical study to explore factors that may explain variations in private-sector LTD claims incidence and cost across groups of employees. Employee fringe-benefit arrangements, including patterns of coverage for mental health treatment, are found to be important predictors of incidence rates. Award rates for public disability insurance coverage (SSDI) are also strongly related to claims incidence, suggesting that private LTD is an important pathway to SSDI benefits. Some employee disability-management strategies, such as front-line manager involvement and provision of alternative jobs for employees returning from disability leave, are predictive of lower claims rates and/or costs.

Adult↗

Open trial of psychodynamic psychotherapy for panic disorder: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This report contains preliminary data from an open trial of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy for panic disorder. METHOD: Fourteen patients with primary DSM-IV panic disorder completed a 24-session, twice-weekly course of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Other psychiatric treatment was not permitted throughout the 12-week treatment period and the 6-month follow-up. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, treatment termination, and 6-month posttermination follow-up (40 weeks). RESULTS: Statistically significant, clinically meaningful improvements appeared in panic, depression, anxiety, and functional impairment both at treatment termination and at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Psychodynamic monotherapy can be used successfully to retain and treat patients with panic disorder. Psychodynamic interventions warrant further study for patients with panic disorder.

Adult↗

p27 expression in inflammatory bowel disease-associated neoplasia. Further evidence of a unique molecular pathogenesis.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 is a negative regulator of the transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, protects against inflammatory injury and promotes epithelial differentiation. Because p27 protein has been shown to be abnormally expressed both in dysplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus and in sporadic colorectal adenomas, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate p27 expression in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated dysplasia and carcinomas. Normal, inflamed, and transitional mucosa, sporadic adenomas, and sporadic colonic carcinomas were studied as controls. In normal colonic epithelium p27 expression was restricted to the superficial, terminally differentiated cells. In colitic and inflamed diverticular mucosa p27 was expressed in the base of the crypts in 86 and 70% of cases, respectively. Similarly, in transitional mucosa adjacent to sporadic carcinomas p27 was expressed in the base of the crypts in all cases. Strong p27 expression extended more frequently from the base of the crypts to superficial cells in IBD-associated dysplasia than in sporadic adenomas (P < 0.007). Twenty of 20 (100%) IBD-associated carcinomas showed low p27 expression (<50% nuclei positive) compared to 6 of 20 (30%) stage-matched sporadic colorectal carcinomas (P < 0.001). We conclude (i) aberrant p27 protein expression in inflamed and IBD-associated nondysplastic mucosa is indistinguishable from that found in transitional mucosa adjacent to sporadic carcinomas; (ii) p27 is overexpressed in dysplastic lesions, perhaps as an attempt to counterbalance proliferative stimuli; and (iii) IBD-associated colorectal carcinomas have significantly lower p27 expression, commonly associated with poor prognosis, than stage-matched sporadic colorectal carcinomas. These findings further substantiate the existence of divergent molecular pathogenetic pathways between these types of carcinomas and suggest an intrinsically more aggressive behavior of IBD-associated colon carcinomas compared to sporadic ones.

Cell Cycle↗

A germline hMSH2 alteration is unrelated to colonic microsatellite instability in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Recently, a polymorphism in the hMSH2 DNA mismatch repair gene has been associated with the development of dysplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. This polymorphism is of interest because DNA mismatch repair defects result in alterations in microsatellite stability. The current study was designed to determine whether this hMSH2 polymorphism associates with the development of microsatellite instability and dysplasia in UC patients. The hMSH2 genotype of 96 UC patients was determined by direct DNA sequencing. In addition, we examined 363 samples of colonic mucosa from 93 of these UC patients for microsatellite mutation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at eight loci. Three cases had insufficient DNA for microsatellite instability studies. The hMSH2 polymorphism was identified in 13 of the 96 patients examined (13.5%). The polymorphism was observed in 7 of 46 patients with dysplasia (15.2%), and in 6 of 50 patients without dysplasia (12.0%). Microsatellite instability was identified in 35 tissue samples (25 regenerative, one indefinite for dysplasia, eight dysplasias, and one invasive carcinoma) from 26 patients. Two patients with microsatellite instability had the hMSH2 alteration. The 11 remaining patients had the hMSH2 polymorphism, but no evidence of microsatellite mutations with any of the markers tested. We were unable to confirm the previously reported findings that the specific germline hMSH2 alteration represents a marker for increased risk of dysplasia in patients with UC, nor is it responsible for the development of microsatellite instability in these patients.

Carcinoma↗

Case management models for persons who are homeless and mentally ill: the ACCESS demonstration project. Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports.

Persons who are homeless and mentally ill present unique challenges to service providers and human service systems. In vivo case management approaches such as assertive community treatment (ACT) have shown promise in engaging this population. This paper explores case management models employed within the ACCESS program, a five year, 18-site demonstration program enriching services for homeless persons with serious mental illness. We describe the implementation of case management with ACCESS programs and determine the extent of variation across sites using a measure of fidelity to ACT. While programs reported using four models, much similarity was found among programs on multiple dimensions.

Case Management↗

Allergic esophagitis in children: a clinicopathological entity.

Infiltration of esophageal epithelium by eosinophils is seen in reflux esophagitis and allergic gastroenteritis. This study was performed to identify differences between patients with acid reflux esophagitis and those with non-acid reflux, possibly allergic, esophagitis. Intraepithelial eosinophils were demonstrated in posttherapy esophageal biopsy specimens in 28 children treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These patients were divided into three groups based on their response to treatment and the results of esophageal pH probe monitoring. Eleven patients (Group A) had incomplete clinical response and normal pH probe monitoring results. Ten patients (Group B) had incomplete response but did not have pH probe monitoring. These two groups formed the index population. Seven patients (Group C) had clinical improvement with GERD therapy and abnormal pH probe monitoring characteristic of GERD; they constituted the control population. Clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features were evaluated to detect differences between index and control populations. Dysphagia, food impaction, failure to thrive, peripheral eosinophilia, and abnormal allergen skin test results were detected only in Group A and B patients. Biopsy specimens of the distal 9 cm of the esophagus, after GERD therapy, contained larger numbers of eosinophils in Groups A and B than in Group C as shown on high-power fields (HPF) (A: 31/HPF +/- 19.5; B: 28/HPF +/-23.7; versus C: 5/HPF +/-6.7; p = 0.009). Eosinophil aggregates were identified only in Groups A and B (p = 0.07). Eosinophils located preferentially in the superficial layers of the squamous epithelium were noted only in Groups A and B (p = 0.02). Group A and B patients demonstrated clinical improvement when given antiallergic therapy. The authors identified a group of pediatric patients characterized by an allergic history, lack of adequate response to GERD therapy, normal esophageal pH probe monitoring results, and large numbers of eosinophils in esophageal biopsy specimens obtained after GERD treatment. On the basis of these features, the authors propose that these patients represent examples of allergic esophagitis.

Child↗

Mental health benefit limits and cost sharing under managed care: a national survey of employers.

Mental health services experts suggest that managed care diminishes the need for arbitrary benefit limits and consumer cost-sharing. Data from 577 health plans were used to test the hypotheses that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and carve-out plans are less likely to use benefit limits or service exclusions, have more generous limits, and have lower cost-sharing requirements than non-HMOs and non-carve-out plans. The results show that HMOs were more likely to use service exclusions and did not make less use of benefit limits. Carve-outs were less likely to use some coverage exclusions. Comparisons of the stringency of limits and cost-sharing provisions did not show consistent differences.

Cost Sharing↗

Services to families of adults with schizophrenia: from treatment recommendations to dissemination.

OBJECTIVE: Data from the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team project were examined to determine the extent to which families of adults with schizophrenia receive services and whether training staff in the provision of family services increases service availability. METHODS: For patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, paid claims for family therapy were identified in 1991 in a nationally representative sample of Medicare data and one state's Medicaid data. In a field study in two states, 530 patients were asked about services received by their families. A quasiexperimental dissemination of a family intervention was done at nine agencies; staff at four agencies received a standard didactic presentation, and staff at five received that standard presentation paired with intensive training. RESULTS: In the representative national Medicare sample of 15,425 persons with schizophrenia, .7 percent (N=108) had an outpatient claim for family therapy. This figure was 7.1 percent in the Medicaid sample of 5,393 persons with schizophrenia in one state. Of the 530 patients in the field study who reported having contact with their families, 159 (30 percent) reported that their families had received information, advice, or support about their illness, and 40 (8 percent) responded that their families had attended an educational or support program. At the four agencies where staff received only didactic training, no changes in family services were found after one year. Three of the five agencies where staff participated in intensive training enhanced their family services. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of families of persons with schizophrenia receive information about the illness from providers. Implementation of model family interventions is possible with considerable technical assistance. A gap exists between best practices and standard practices for families of persons with schizophrenia.

Adult↗

State policy and funding of services to families of adults with serious and persistent mental illness.

A survey of state mental health programs was conducted to determine the extent to which states are facilitating the delivery of services to families of adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Of the 44 responding states, 73 percent did not have a policy about the types of services delivered to families, but 80 percent reported that they funded a family support intervention. The large majority of interventions supported by the states were family-to-family programs such as those sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. This study draws attention to the gap in services by mental health professionals to families and underscores the importance of the advocacy movement in obtaining funding and support for services to families.

Adult↗

Bladder histological changes associated with chronic indwelling urinary catheter.

PURPOSE: Chronic urinary catheters induce histological changes in the bladder with time. The exact etiology of these changes is postulated to arise from inflammation and local tissue response. We elucidate the incidence of nonmalignant histological change in bladder biopsies of patients with chronic indwelling urinary catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 7 years 208 spinal cord injured patients underwent bladder biopsies as part of a surveillance program for vesical malignancy. All patients had chronic (more than 8.5 years) indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheters as definitive management for neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Biopsies were obtained from 4 to 6 sites within the bladder, including areas that were visually abnormal. All samples were routinely fixed with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and interpreted by an experienced pathologist. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were identified with malignancy, including 10 with squamous cell carcinoma, 5 with transitional cell carcinoma and 2 with adenocarcinoma. Nonmalignant changes occurred in 48 patients (23%) with keratinizing squamous metaplasia or cystitis glandularis, each of which is considered a premalignant lesion. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge our study represents the largest group of spinal cord injured patients to undergo biopsy evaluation after chronic catheter use. A spectrum of inflammatory and proliferative pathological conditions were identified, which were predominantly inflammatory and squamous. The need to survey ongoing transitional mucosal changes in this population is underscored by the spectrum of histological abnormalities and the significant occurrence of malignant pathologies in our patients.

Cystitis↗

Loss or altered subcellular localization of p27 in Barrett's associated adenocarcinoma.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 is a negative regulator of the cell division cycle. It is expressed at the highest levels during the quiescent (G0) and prereplicative (G1) phases, and its degradation is required for entry into the S phase. Because lack of p27 is associated with aggressive behavior in a variety of tumors of epithelial and lymphoid origin, we used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to evaluate the expression of p27 in metaplastic and dysplastic Barrett's epithelium and to assess its prognostic significance in Barrett's associated adenocarcinoma (BAA) of the esophagus. In metaplastic Barrett's epithelium, p27 protein and mRNA were restricted to the superficial third of glands in all cases and extended to the lower third in 4 cases. In contrast, expression of p27 message and protein was both increased and full-thickness, in the 23 cases with high-grade dysplasia adjacent to BAA and in carcinoma in situ. Although all invasive carcinomas had elevated levels of p27 mRNA, 45 (83%) of 54 invasive carcinomas had low p27 protein levels (<50% positive tumor cells). Low p27 protein correlated with higher histological grade (P < 0.0001), depth of invasion (P = 0.0120), presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.05), and survival (P = 0.0197). In addition to the nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining of p27 was noted in 11 of 23 (48%) of cases of dysplasia and in 14 of 54 (26%) adenocarcinomas and confirmed, in a subset of cases, by subcellular fractionation of protein lysates obtained from fresh tumor tissues. Cytoplasmic localization of p27 was also associated with decreased survival (P = 0.0239). Loss of p27 conferred poor prognosis independently of proliferative index, as assessed by Ki-67 (MIB-1) immunostaining, which was not significantly different in survivors versus nonsurvivors. These results show that: (a) distribution of p27 message and protein parallel one another in metaplastic and dysplastic Barrett's epithelium, suggesting transcriptional regulation of the gene in the nonneoplastic setting; (b) p27 is inactivated in the majority of BAA as a result of either post-transcriptional modification or altered subcellular localization; and (c) loss of the cell cycle inhibitor p27 is associated with parameters of aggressive behavior and unfavorable outcome in BAA.

Adenocarcinoma↗