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Moshe Rubin

Publications and source records attributed to Moshe Rubin.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Biliary cholesterol crystallization characterized by single-crystal cryogenic electron diffraction.

Cholesterol crystals are the building blocks of cholesterol gallstones. The exact structure of early-forming crystals is still controversial. We combined cryogenic-temperature transmission electron microscopy with cryogenic-temperature electron diffraction to sequentially study crystal development and structure in nucleating model and native gallbladder biles. The growth and long-term stability of classic cholesterol monohydrate (ChM) crystals in native and model biles was determined. In solutions of model bile with low phospholipid-to-cholesterol ratio, electron diffraction provided direct proof of a novel transient polymorph that had an elongated habit and unit cell parameters differing from those of classic triclinic ChM. This crystal is exactly the monoclinic ChM phase described by Solomonov and coworkers (Biophysical J., In press) in cholesterol monolayers compressed on the air-water interface. We observed no evidence of anhydrous cholesterol crystallization in any of the biles studied. In conclusion, classic ChM is the predominant and stable form in native and model biles. However, under certain (low phospholipid) conditions, transient intermediate polymorphs may form. These findings, documenting single-crystal analysis in bulk solution, provide an experimental approach to investigating factors influencing biliary cholesterol crystal nucleation and growth as well as other processes of nucleation and crystallization in liquid systems.

Bile↗

Colonic anastomosis performed with a memory-shaped device.

BACKGROUND: The present study was prompted by our previous successful experience with the compression anastomosis clip (CAC) on animals followed by a study on 20 patients scheduled for colonic resection. METHODS: Sixty patients with colonic cancer were assigned randomly to undergo an anastomosis either with the CAC or a stapler. To perform anastomosis with CAC, the 2 edges of the resected colon are aligned. Two 5-mm incisions are made close to the edges, through which (using a special applier) the CAC, after being cooled in ice water, is introduced in an open position. In response to the body temperature, the clip resumes its original (closed) position, thereby clamping the 2 bowel segments together. At the same time, a small scalpel incorporated in the applier makes a small incision through the clamped walls for the passage of gas and feces. The clip is detached from the applier to be left inside the intestine. The 2 5-mm incisions are sutured. The clip is expelled with the stool within 5 to 7 days, creating a perfect uniform compression anastomosis. RESULTS: Neither group had anastomotic complications such as leakage or obstruction. All the other parameters were better in the study group than in the control patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the CAC for colonic surgery is safe, simple, efficient, shortens operation time, and is almost what we call the "no-touch concept" in surgery and may decrease infection.

Aged↗

The value of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with complicated celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease may be complicated by symptoms that raise the suspicion of small-intestinal malignancy. The objective is to evaluate wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) in complicated celiac disease. METHODS: This is a prospective study at a university referral center. There were 47 patients. The indications for WCE were abdominal pain (57%), cancer surveillance (23%), blood in the stool, or persistent iron deficiency (19%). RESULTS: Findings were consistent with celiac disease in 87%: atrophy (68%), fissuring (62%), and mosaic pattern (19%), extending to the ileum in 34%. Unexpected findings were ulceration in 45% (n = 21), cancer (1), polyps (1), stricture (1), submucosal mass (1), ulcerated nodular mucosa (2), and intussusception (1) were seen in 60%. CONCLUSIONS: WCE has a high yield in complicated celiac disease, by identifying mucosal abnormalities and by excluding adenocarcinoma.

Abdominal Pain↗

Cancer disease predictive diagnosis: BAT/CD3-positive lymphocytes in cancer patients.

BAT is an immune-activating monoclonal antibody produced against Daudi cell membranes and selected for stimulating lymphocyte proliferation. The anti-tumor activity of BAT is related to its immunostimulatory properties. Both T and NK cells mediate the anti-tumor activity of BAT. CD4-positive T cells respond to BAT activation by proliferation and INF-gamma production. The aim of the study was to assess the probability that the BAT monoclonal antibody binding capacity to T cells is a marker for different cancers. Human peripheral blood T cells from colon, breast and prostate cancer patients, as well as healthy volunteer donors, were tested for the percentage of binding to BAT mAb (BAT/CD3 cells) by FACS analysis. All patients were tested before undergoing surgery or treatment, and their diagnosis was confirmed by histology. The results showed that the percentage of BAT monoclonal antibody binding to CD3-positive T cells in the peripheral blood was different in cancer patients with diverse tumor types. We found that lymphocytes from the blood of healthy donors contained 25% BAT/CD3 cells. In colon and breast cancer patients, a significant decrease to 13 and 11% of BAT/CD3 cells was found. In contrast, these cells increased ><50% in patients with prostate cancer. These findings may have a potential diagnostic significance and also assist in the evaluation of strategies for the therapeutic use of BAT for different cancer patients.

Adult↗

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after kidney transplantation and new onset lymphoma.

A case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after kidney transplantation is reported. The presence of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) before transplantation indicated previous infection with HBV. Eight years after transplantation, a diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma occurred, and the patient was positive for HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen, in association with normal activity of serum aminotransferases. Postmortem liver histology did not show any sign of portal tract or lobular inflammation despite the presence at immunostaining of extensive intranuclear and cytoplasmic positivity for HBcAg, indicating active viral replication. Natural immunity to HBV may not protect against reactivation in patients with a suppressed immune system. In this setting, periodic follow-up of HBV serology in patients at highest risk for HBV reactivation to allow for early diagnosis and prompt treatment with lamivudine is highly recommended.

Aged↗

Surgical clip found in duodenal ulcer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The wide use of surgical clips in laparoscopic surgery has led to a variety of complications. We describe two cases in which a surgical clip was incorporated into a duodenal ulcer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The presenting symptom was acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Both patients were treated endoscopically, and the bleeding stopped after the clip was removed from the ulcer base. Although the mechanism by which a surgical clip migrates into the duodenum is unclear, we recommend meticulous Calot's triangle dissection and removal of any wandering or misplaced clips. Endoscopic removal is recommended when a surgical clip is discovered in a bleeding ulcer.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic management of lap-band slippage.

BACKGROUND: The Lap-Band is generally associated with a low morbidity rate. Although gastric slippage through the band remains a concern, the rate has diminished with new band placement techniques. METHODS: Between November 2000 and June 2002, 198 Lap-Band Systems were inserted in patients in the Houston, Texas, area. 4 of these patients, plus an additional patient whose Lap-Band had been inserted by another surgeon, developed slippages, and in each case the gastric slip was corrected and the band was salvaged and repositioned laparoscopically. To facilitate dissection and repositioning of the band in 3 of these patients, the band had to be unlocked using a simple laparoscopic technique. RESULTS: All patients were discharged the morning following surgery with no complications and good position of the band as evidenced by esophagogram study and resolution of symptoms. After 2 to 12 months follow-up, all 5 patients remain symptom-free and continue to lose weight. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric slippage with the Lap-Band can be managed by laparoscopic salvage and repositioning of the slipped band.

Gastroplasty↗

Laparoscopic repositioning of Heliogast gastric band after anterior slippage.

BACKGROUND: Gastric slippage is a well-described complication of gastric banding. The Heliogast band is equipped with a locking mechanism that enables its straightforward reopening and repositioning. Our experience with Heliogast band salvage after anterior slippage is reported. METHODS: The study sample comprised 418 consecutive patients who underwent 2-step laparoscopic gastric banding with the Lap-Band first (n=235) followed with the Heliogast band (n=183). Gastric slippage was diagnosed by symptoms of dysphagia and vomiting and was confirmed with Gastrografin swallow. Patients who did not respond to conservative treatment were laparoscopically reoperated. In the Heliogast group, the band was dissected free, unlocked, and repositioned. In the Lap-Band group, when reopening proved impossible, the band was removed with or without replacement. RESULTS: 10 patients (2.4%) underwent reoperation for anterior slippage, 5 with a Lap-Band (2.1%) and 5 with a Heliogast band (2.7%). Band repositioning was feasible in all 5 patients in the Heliogast group, but in only one of the patients in the Lap-Band group; in the others, the band was removed. Band repositioning was confirmed radiologically. No postoperative complications were recorded, and all patients were discharged on the first day after surgery. At a median 10 months' follow-up after Heliogast repositioning, all patients had satisfactory weight loss. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heliogast band salvage after anterior slippage is comparatively simple and safe, with excellent postoperative results and no interference with continued weight loss. This constitutes an important means of management for the bariatric surgeon.

Adult↗

[Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer].

The use of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of gastric cancer has not yet met with widespread acceptance. Hence, it should be regarded as still in the developmental phase. We present our experience with laparoscopic gastrectomy in four patients with gastric cancer during the last few months. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. It seems that although it remains a challenging procedure, laparoscopic gastrectomy should be considered as a possibility when planning this procedure.

Adult↗