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Biomedical subjects

J Klausner

Publications and source records attributed to J Klausner.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Pregnancy after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: perinatal outcome is favorable also for women with relatively high gestational weight gain.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of morbid obesity is increasing steadily among women of reproductive age. In addition to the well-known comorbidities of the disease, it has been shown that the pregnancy outcome for obese women is worse than for women with a normal body mass index. This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes for women who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) because of morbid obesity. METHODS: This prospective, population-based study was conducted in a general surgery clinic of a tertiary hospital serving as a referral center for bariatric operations. All the patients underwent LAGB by the pars flaccida technique. A database containing information regarding age, pre- and postoperative weight and body mass index, weight gain, and LAGB-related or -unrelated complications during pregnancy was constructed for all women of childbearing age who underwent LAGB. A questionnaire was designed to provide perinatal data concerning both mother and neonate. RESULTS: The 74 women enrolled in this study had 81 single tone pregnancies. Their body mass index decreased significantly after LAGB, from 43.3 +/- 5.8 to 30.3 +/- 3 kg/m2 at conception (p < 0.0001). The average time to the first live birth after surgery was 27 +/- 3 months. Band slippage was diagnosed and treated laparoscopically in two patients (2.4%). Weight gain during pregnancy was 10.6 +/- 2.1 kg. The rates of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes were 7.4% and 16% of all pregnancies, respectively. In 17 cases (20%), cesarean section was performed. Delivery occurred after 39.1 weeks of gestation. The mean birth weight was 3.09 +/- 0.5 kg. Major congenital anomalies, postnatal hypoglycemia, symptomatic polycythemia or neonatal death were not recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that LAGB is safe for both mother and newborn during gestation and delivery.

Female↗
PubMed2006

Sex worker health: San Francisco style.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of sex workers accessing care at a peer based clinic in San Francisco and to evaluate predictors of sexually transmitted infections (STI). METHODS: We conducted an observational study of sex workers at St James Infirmary. Individuals underwent an initial questionnaire, and we offered screening for STI at each clinic visit. We performed univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses to assess for predictors of STI in this population. RESULTS: We saw 783 sex workers identifying as female (53.6%), male (23.9%), male to female transgender (16.1%), and other (6.5%). 70% had never disclosed their sex work to a medical provider. Participants represented a wide range of ethnicities, educational backgrounds, and types of sex work. The most common substance used was tobacco (45.8%). Nearly 40% reported current illicit drug use. Over half reported domestic violence, and 36.0% reported sex work related violence. Those screened had gonorrhoea (12.4%), chlamydia (6.8%), syphilis (1.8%), or herpes simplex virus 2 (34.3%). Predictors of STI included African-American race (odds ratio (OR) 3.3), male gender (OR 1.9), and sex work related violence (OR 1.9). In contrast, participants who had only ever engaged in collective sex work were less likely to have an STI (OR 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of sex workers have never discussed their work with a medical provider. Domestic violence is extremely prevalent as is work related violence. Working with other sex workers appears to be protective of STIs. STI prevention interventions should target African-American and male sex workers. Addressing violence in the workplace and encouraging sex workers to work collectively may be effective prevention strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Recombinant activated factor VII (NovoSeven): addition to replacement therapy in acute, uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven) has been used off-label for various conditions. A protocol for its use in acute, uncontrolled life-threatening bleeding, was devised and employed. A haematologist/transfusion specialist was assigned as a member of the team. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data were reviewed and summarized. A scoring system for the assessment and monitoring of coagulopathy was employed. Each parameter of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), platelet number and fibrinogen level was allocated points according to the degree of abnormality. Three scoring levels emerged. RESULTS: Between April 2001 and April 2003, 13 patients received rFVIIa for acute, uncontrolled life-threatening bleeding. Nine of 13 patients remained alive for 15 days or longer after rFVIIa infusion. All patients who experienced a reduction or cessation of bleeding after rFVIIa infusion, also had a lower coagulopathy score after replacement therapy, prior to rFVIIa infusion, compared with their score at rFVIIa request. There was a reduction in the average use of blood products after rFVIIa infusion. The coagulopathy score was statistically predictive of response to rFVIIa and survival. CONCLUSIONS: In an area where very little data exists, we report the usefulness of rFVIIa. We propose that transfusion replacement should aim to correct coagulopathy before infusion of rFVIIa and that a haematologist/transfusion specialist should be involved in the management of these patients. A prognostically significant coagulopathy scoring system is offered.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Differences in the temporal trends of HIV seroincidence and seroprevalence among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients, 1989-1998: application of the serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion.

The authors compared temporal trends in the prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection based upon 34,866 specimens from patients who attended the San Francisco, California, municipal sexually transmitted disease clinic between 1989 and 1998. HIV infection data were collected during annual blinded HIV serologic surveys. Incidence was determined by applying a serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion that uses both a sensitive and a less sensitive enzyme immunoassay to stored HIV positive sera. The HIV seroprevalence declined from 15.2% in 1989 to 7.2% in 1998 (odds ratio per year = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91, 0.94). Among homosexual men, the HIV prevalence declined from 50.9% in 1989 to 19.9% in 1998 (odds ratio per year = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.88). The pooled seroincidence was 1.6% and did not change significantly over time (odds ratio per year = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.1). The pooled seroincidence among homosexual men was 6.6% per year and remained steady between 1989 and 1998 (odds ratio per year = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.1). During a dramatic, 10-year decline in seroprevalence of HIV infection, the incidence of HIV infection remained remarkably stable.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Peritoneal cultures and antibiotic treatment in patients with perforated appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To question the common practice of sending material for microbiological examination during appendicectomy for perforated appendixes. DESIGN: Uncontrolled retrospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Israel. SUBJECTS: 89 patients who had their perforated appendixes removed. INTERVENTIONS: Appendicectomy and antibiotic treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Whether a change in antibiotic regimen was required after bacteriological identification of bacteria isolated during the operation. RESULTS: In only 43 of the cultures (48%) taken during the operation were bacteria grown, and these were mainly Escherichia coli. In 65 patients (73%) there was no need to change the previously initiated antibiotic regimen, and in 23 (26%) it was changed purely on clinical grounds. In only one patient (1%) was the change the consequence of microbiological testing, as the organisms identified in 42 of the 43 cultures (98%) were sensitive to at least one of the antibiotics that had already been given. CONCLUSION: The practice of culturing samples taken from a ruptured appendix is redundant, because the antibiotic that has already been initiated is effective in most of the patients and the decision to modify the therapeutic regimen is dominated by clinical considerations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Metaperception in cyberspace.

Knowing how others perceive us is an important aspect of social life. "Impression meta-accuracy" is the extent to which we are correct in our assumptions about the impressions others have formed of us. The goal of this study was to compare meta-accuracy of WWW homepage creators to meta-accuracy of people in face-to-face interactions. Because creators of WWW pages have a high degree of control over the information they make available online, they may believe that they accurately know the nature of the impressions they give to other people. However, perceivers of homepages must form impressions without many of the social and context cues that influence judgments in a face-to-face setting, including body language and speaking qualities, and thus their impressions may not match those assumed by the creators of the pages. Our results showed a general tendency for homepage creators to believe the impression they gave to those who viewed their pages was more positive than was actually the case, and this discrepancy was greater than in face-to-face interactions. The source of online inaccuracy seems to lie in people's belief that others develop the same impression of them in both online and offline contexts. In fact, perceivers are significantly influenced by whether the information they are receiving is based on face-to-face interaction or on cues obtained from a WWW homepage. Our data demonstrate that one of the challenges of social life in cyberspace is managing one's online persona to take into account the limitations of metaperception.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Reduction in formation of peritoneal adhesions by methylene blue in rats: a dose response study.

OBJECTIVE: To find out if the ability of methylene blue given intraperitoneally to reduce surgically-induced adhesions in rats is concentration dependent. DESIGN: Random, controlled prospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Israel. ANIMALS: Seventy female Wistar rats. INTERVENTIONS: Intraperitoneal adhesions were generated in rats by scraping the anterior wall of the uterine horn. They were then given either saline or serially diluted methylene blue intraperitoneally. Additional rats received identical treatments, but without the serosal damage. OUTCOME MEASURES: Graded formation of adhesions, two weeks later. RESULTS: In the rats treated with methylene blue 1%, adhesion formation was similar to that in sham operated rats and was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in all other groups. CONCLUSION: Methylene blue 1%, and to lesser degree 0.5%, had the best anti-adhesion potential. Lower methylene blue concentrations were only partially effective, and much high concentrations may cause adverse effects.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and related risk behavior in young women living in low-income neighborhoods of northern California.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis and the associated sexual and drug-using behavior among women residing in low-income neighborhoods in 5 northern California counties. METHODS: From April 4, 1996, to January 6, 1998, women aged 18 to 29 years were recruited door-to-door from randomly selected street blocks within 1990 census block groups below the 10th percentile for median household income for each county. RESULTS: Of 24,223 dwellings enumerated, contact was made with residents from 19,546 (80.7%). Within contacted dwellings, 3,560 eligible women were identified and 2,545 enrolled (71.5%). Weighted estimates for disease prevalence were HIV infection, 0.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.4%); syphilis, 0.7% (0.3%-1.1%); gonorrhea, 0.8% (0.3%-1.3%); chlamydia, 3.3% (2.4%-4.8%); herpes simplex virus, type 1, 73.7% (71.6%-76.9%); herpes simplex virus, type 2, 34.4% (29.9%-39.0%); hepatitis A, 33.5% (28.3%-38.7%); chronic hepatitis B, 0.8% (0.3%-1.2%); and hepatitis C, 2.5% (1.4%-3. 6%). Condom use at last sexual intercourse with a new partner was reported by 44.0% (33.9%-54.1%). Injection drug use in the last 6 months was reported by 1.8% (1.0%-2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The Young Women's Survey provided population-based estimates of the prevalence of 8 infectious diseases and related risk behavior within a population for whom data are often difficult to collect. Population-based data are needed for appropriate targeting and planning of primary and secondary disease prevention.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Myofascial face pain. Clinical characteristics of those with regional vs. widespread pain.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study to determine whether there are differences in salient clinical characteristics between patients who have both myofascial face pain, or MFP, and comorbid fibromyalgia, or FM, and patients who have MFP but not FM. METHODS: The authors enrolled in the study 162 female subjects who had histories of MFP. In physical examinations at the time of initial consultation, they recorded facial pain signs and symptoms. At the research interview follow-up (seven years post-consultation), participants were screened for a lifetime history of FM and other health problems. In addition, psychiatric interviewers conducted the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised, to assess each patient's history of depression and other psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: Of the 162 participants, 38 (23.5 percent) reported a history of FM. At the time of treatment for MFP, both the FM and non-FM groups had similar signs and symptoms of MFP. At the time of the research interview follow-up, participants with FM histories were significantly less likely than those without FM histories to report that they were free of MFP. On recall, those with FM histories reported experiencing more symptoms of MFP. Those with FM histories also were more likely to have had major depression and to report somatization symptoms. Finally, those who had FM more commonly had a history of facial pain's interference with social and occupational functioning and had more severe pain than did those without FM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have MFP and a history of widespread pain suggestive of FM are likely to have more persistent and debilitating MFP and to have higher rates of depression and somatization symptoms than those who have no history of widespread pain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Clips and scar as the guidelines for breast radiation boost after lumpectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Breast-conserving therapy in early breast cancer is equally effective as mastectomy, with advantages of cosmesis and quality of life over mastectomy. Local control is improved when entire breast irradiation is combined with a radiation boost to the tumour bed. METHODS: Localization of the tumour bed was compared in 45 consecutive patients using surgical scar and radiopaque clips placed intra-operatively in the lumpectomy cavity. RESULTS: The area (A) of the radiation boost field and volume (V) of the tumour bed, designed on the basis of scar (AS and VS), were 1.4 times larger than those designed on the basis of the clips (AC and VC). AS and VS missed about one-quarter of the tumour bed which had been delineated by clips intra-operatively, while about one-half of it encompassed tissues beyond the AC and VC. CONCLUSIONS: A boost planned by scar dimensions can miss a substantial portion of the tumour bed, compromising local control. On the other hand, a substantial amount of breast tissue beyond the tumour bed can be unnecessarily irradiated, compromising cosmetic treatment results. Thus, the scar provides an inadequate landmark for radiation boost planning in breast-conserving therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Chylothorax following penetrating injury].

We describe a 19-year-old man with 9 stab wounds of the chest. Initial evaluation revealed paraplegia at the D-10 level and bilateral hemothorax. 2 days after admission right-sided chylothorax was diagnosed. Fasting and total parenteral nutrition resulted in complete clearance. Chylothorax can cause major metabolic consequences, but prompt treatment results in full recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Shedding kinetics of soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors after systemic TNF leaking during isolated limb perfusion. Relevance to the pathophysiology of septic shock.

We examined the kinetics of shedding of the soluble TNF receptors (TNF-Rs) in response to TNF leakage during isolated limb perfusion procedures and correlated them to the resulting hemodynamic effects. Shedding of the TNF-Rs started 7 min after TNF leakage into the systemic circulation. Three waves of shedding were observed peaking at 1, 8-12, and 48-72 h both in vivo and in cell cultures. The soluble receptors prolonged the half-life of TNF in the systemic circulation to 2.5-6 h. Excess shedding of the p75 compared with p55 TNF-Rs was noted during the first wave. The amount and speed of shedding of the p75 TNF-Rs were proportional to the serum TNF levels (P < 0.001). A maximal shedding capacity was attained only during the first wave of shedding, at TNF concentrations of approximately 1.5 ng/ml. Above this level, the linearity between TNF and its soluble receptors was lost. TNF-induced hypotension coincided with the initial imbalance between the concentrations of TNF and its soluble receptors. Despite the spontaneous correction of this imbalance at 8-12 h, the hemodynamic and biochemical alterations persisted and were further aggravated at 18 h, suggesting that other factors induced earlier by TNF are responsible for the perpetuation of the hemodynamic instability. This study may provide the basis for a more physiological therapeutic approach to TNF neutralization in septic shock patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Reduction of surgery-induced peritoneal adhesions by methylene blue.

BACKGROUND: The possible involvement of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), and reports of protective effects of antioxidants, led us to test the effectiveness of methylene blue and NO synthesis inhibitor in reducing adhesion formation. METHODS: Generation of adhesions in rats, by scraping the anterior uterine horn wall, was followed by intraperitoneal administration of saline methylene blue, or N alpha-t-BOC-omega-nitro-L-arginine. Additional rats received identical treatments, but without the serosal damage. Two weeks later, formation of adhesions was quantitatively graded. RESULTS: Adhesions were found in <5% of the rats with the sham surgery, regardless of treatment. In the experimental group, >95% of the rats treated with saline or NO synthetase inhibitor had severe adhesions, in contrast to 5% of the methylene blue treated rats. Severity of adhesion was lower in the methylene blue group (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Methylene blue was very effective in preventing formation of peritoneal adhesions. Its activity is probably through inhibition of free-radical generation and not of nitric oxide action.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Methylene blue prevents pulmonary injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of methylene blue, an inhibitor of oxygen radicals, on lung injury caused by reperfusion of ischemic tissue. METHODS: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced in rats by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 hour. Thereafter, the experimental group was administered 1% methylene blue intraperitoneally and the control group received saline. After 4 hours, pulmonary histopathologic features were assessed, and lung wet-weight to dry-weight ratios and tissue xanthine oxidase were determined. RESULTS: The control group suffered from severe pulmonary parenchymal damage, compared with slight damage in the experimental group. The number of sequestered neutrophils was significantly higher in the control group (319 +/- 60 polymorphonuclear cells per 10 high-power fields) than in the methylene blue-treated group (91 +/- 8 polymorphonuclear cells per 10 high-power fields; p < 0.001). The wet-weight to dry-weight ratio was significantly increased in the saline-treated rats compared with the methylene blue-treated group (6.19 +/- 0.28 vs. 5.07 +/- 0.21; p < 0.001). Xanthine oxidase activity was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Methylene blue attenuated lung injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Inhibition of oxygen free radicals may be the protective mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Recommended guidelines for optimal design of a plastic surgery service during mass casualty events.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the pattern of plastic surgery (PS) team intervention during the first 12 hours after a mass casualty blast. METHODS: The records of 272 civilians injured from 1994 to 1997 in Tel Aviv were reviewed. Patients' injuries were classified according to the nature of their PS injury and the type of PS intervention. The procedure time and number of plastic surgeons involved were recorded in 20-minute intervals. The average and standard deviation of the peak demand (PD) timing for PS intervention were calculated. Linear correlation between the PD and the total number of wounded transferred to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center was evaluated by the correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A distinct "double-peak" and five phases pattern of PS team intervention were observed. A linear correlation and a 1:5 ratio were found between the total number of wounded transferred to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and the PD for PS intervention. CONCLUSIONS: PS involvement has a predicted pattern related to the patient volume. Guidelines based on the conclusions drawn from this study can ensure an ordered, efficacious level of PS care during these events. A triple team plan is suggested, and adjustments in medical resources according to the specific nature of the event are described.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Effect of the somatostatin analogue octreotide on experimental pancreatitis in rats.

Somatostatin and its analogue octreotide have a profound inhibitory effect on the endocrine and exocrine secretions of the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine. Previous studies have been inconclusive about the possible therapeutic effect of somatostatin and its analogues in the treatment of pancreatitis. This study assessed the effect of the long acting somatostatin analogue, octreotide, in two models of experimental pancreatitis in rats. Necrotizing pancreatitis was induced by pancreatic injection of 5 ml taurocholate, 5% in male Wistar rats. In a second model mild edematous pancreatitis was induced by intravenous injection of caerulein at a supramaximal dose, 6 micrograms/kg/hr, for 5 hr. Compared to untreated rats, treatment with octreotide either prior to or following the induction of necrotizing pancreatitis resulted in less hypocalcemia (P < 0.05) and acidosis (P < 0.05), and prevented the increase in pancreatic weight (P < 0.05). Amylase levels remained high. After 20 days, there was less pancreatic damage, lower mortality rates (P < 0.05), and increase in body weight (P < 0.05). In the model of milder pancreatitis, octreotide treatment attenuated the increase in pancreatic weight (P < 0.05) and pathological damage (P < 0.05). We concluded that the somatostatin analogue octreotide has a beneficial effect in the treatment of experimental acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Preliminary report of a prospective randomized study of octreotide in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies on the effect of octreotide in the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis have presented controversial results. Since January 1992, we have been conducting a prospective randomized study on the clinical effect of octreotide in severe acute pancreatitis, at three hospitals in Israel. STUDY DESIGN: The entering criteria included three or more of the Ranson's prognostic signs and computed tomographic findings of severe pancreatitis. Patients were randomly assigned to conservative treatment either with or without octreotide (0.1 mg injected subcutaneously three times a day). The end points of the study included: complication rate (adult respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], sepsis, renal failure, pseudocyst, fistula, and abscess), length of hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: During the first two years (from January 1992 to December 1993), 51 patients entered the study. After evaluation, 13 patients were excluded due to failure to meet the entering criteria, incomplete data, or incorrect diagnosis. Of the remaining 38 patients, 19 were assigned to octreotide (treatment group) and 19 to conservative treatment alone (control group). The two groups were matched with regard to age, sex, etiology, and severity of disease. The complication rate was lower in the treatment group compared with the control group with regard to sepsis (26 compared with 74 percent, p = 0.004) and ARDS (37 compared with 63 percent, p = 0.1). The hospital stay was shorter in the treatment group compared with the control group (17.9 compared with 34.1 days, p = 0.02). Death occurred in two patients in the treatment group and six patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although some of the parameters did not reach statistical significance, these preliminary results suggest that octreotide may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis. This study is scheduled to continue for two more years.

Abscess↗