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Biomedical subjects

N Rojansky

Publications and source records attributed to N Rojansky.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Pregnancy associated with colon carcinoma overexpressing p53.

The development of colon carcinoma during pregnancy is a rare event. However, when colon carcinoma develops during pregnancy it is considered a lethal coincidence due to rapid progression. We report two rare cases of colon adenocarcinoma diagnosed during gestation. Both tumors displayed increased nuclear immunostaining for p53. The increased expression of p53 in tumor cells could indicate that the p53 gene is either mutated or stabilized or alternatively overexpressed as a responses to DNA damage. It is hypothesized that the development of colon carcinoma during pregnancy can be attributed to alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene or gene product on one hand and a maternal immune-tolerant state on the other.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effect of epidural analgesia on duration and outcome of induced labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of epidural block on the duration of labor and maternal and fetal outcome in induced-labor patients. METHOD: 210 women admitted for induction of labor at a level III university hospital, during the year 1991, were studied. Of these, 112 were given an epidural block and 98 served as controls. Outcome measures studied were: induction time and time in labor, c-section and instrumental delivery rates, intra-partum and post-partum complications, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. RESULT: Multiple regression analysis revealed that epidural analgesia, before and after adjustment for confounding factors, significantly prolonged labor time (P < 0.0001) and was associated with an increase in instrumental delivery rates (P < 0.04). A significant reduction in intra-partum complication rate (FHR changes, meconium) was observed (OR = 0.32; P < 0.03), while c-section rate and Apgar scores were not found to be influenced by epidural analgesia. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia, significantly prolongs labor time in induced patients. While instrumental delivery was more prevalent in these parturients, c-section rate was not increased and intra-partum complications were significantly reduced in these patients.

Adult↗

High risk pregnancy outcome following induction of labour.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether induction of labour, performed in a high risk obstetric population, when medically indicated, carries an increased risk for operative delivery and maternal and fetal complications. The secondary goal was to study the effect of the various induction methods used on these outcomes and labour time. STUDY DESIGN: This study was carried out at a level [1] university hospital. A group of 210 women who were induced for various indications, were compared to our general parturient population. Main outcome measures were cesarean section (CS) and instrumental delivery rates, intra-partum and post-partum complications, APGARs 1' and 5' and labour time by induction method. RESULTS: No significant increase in the rates of primary CS (8.6 vs. 7.1%) and instrumental delivery (15.7 vs. 12.7%), were found in the induction high risk group as compared to our general obstetric population. Intra-partum complications and fetal outcome were comparable in both groups. A comparison of methods of induction used (oxytocin, PgE2, Amniotomy) revealed a less favorable outcome with the oxytocin induction method which showed an elevated intra-partum complication rate (P < 0.01) and a tendency toward lower Apgar scores and higher CS rate. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of labour performed in a high-risk obstetric population is safe, carrying no significant increase in CS and neonatal complication rates. Of the three methods of induction used, oxytocin induction showed the least favorable outcome for both mother and her offspring.

Adult↗

Polycystic ovary syndrome. An autoimmune disease?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an autoimmune cause of polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) implicating antiovarian antibodies in the pathophysiology of the syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: This study examined 31 women diagnosed as having PCOD according to internationally recognized criteria and who attended our infertility clinic during 1994-1995. RESULTS: We could not confirm the findings of previous studies. Only one patient in our group with type II diabetes mellitus had antiovarian antibodies present in her serum. CONCLUSION: It seems that an autoimmune mechanism probably is not of prime importance in this multifaceted syndrome.

Adult↗

Differential induction of cell-mediated mineralization in rat marrow stroma by sera from women of low and high risk for vertebral fracture.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the ability of sera to reflect the state of bone metabolism by testing the osteogenic response of mesenchymal cells in culture. Sera of 20 peri- and postmenopausal women were tested before the initiation of hormone replacement therapy. The responding cells were osteoprogenitors (OPC) of rat marrow stroma which normally respond to dexamethasone (DEX) and beta-glycerophosphate (beta GP) by proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization in culture. Instead of DEX, diluted sera (1:50) were applied to rat stromal cell cultures for analysis of their ability to affect cell proliferation, specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and cell-mediated mineralization. The results were compared individually with the respective values of vertebral bone mineral density (BMD), expressed as the number of standard deviations above or below the mean BMD of reference populations (positive or negative Z-score). Serum donors were divided in two; the group with positive Z-scores was considered to have a low risk, and that with negative Z-scores was considered to have a higher risk for vertebral fractures. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the ability of their sera to induce cell proliferation or specific ALP activity. However, sera representing negative Z-scores induced sixteenfold less mineralization than those of positive Z-scores. The scatter of individual mineralization values was highly discriminatory between the two groups (alpha < 0.00). These results indicate that the serum-induced, cell-mediated mineralization in culture might be suitable for initial evaluation of fracture risk and thus deserve further investigation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Heterotopic pregnancy and assisted reproduction--an update.

PURPOSE: Heterotopic pregnancy, an extremely rare event in the past, has become a common complication of assisted reproduction techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: This serious sequella of IVF/ET or GIFT is probably the result of ovarian hyperstimulation and the transfer of several embryos into the uterus or tubes of a preselected population suffering from mechanical infertility. The techniques and medium used for embryo transfer may also be involved. Delayed diagnosis resulting in rupture, hemorrhage, and emergency intervention with its serious consequences is being reported in nearly half of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for a viable intrauterine pregnancy, however, is good, and these combined pregnancies have produced a living child in about 70% of cases. A High index of suspicion, repeated ultrasounds, and early intervention are mandatory to salvage the viable intrauterine pregnancy and avoid maternal mortality.

Female↗

Predictive score for vaginal birth after cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the relative weight of the different variables that may influence the chances of vaginal birth after one cesarean delivery, with the aim of developing a predictive score for success of such a trial. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study, which covered a 10-year period (1981 to 1990), 471 women who attempted vaginal birth at a level III university hospital after one abdominal delivery were studied as to the subsequent delivery outcome. An attempt to identify possible prognostic factors for success of such a trial was made. RESULTS: A trial of labor was successful in 368 (78.1%) of women and 103 (21.9%) had a repeat cesarean section. Variables of significant predictive value were vaginal birth before cesarean section (odds ratio 1.8), malpresentation (odds ratio 1.9), pregnancy-induced hypertension (odds ratio 2.3), and Bishop score > or = 4 (odds ratio 6.0). Cephalopelvic disproportion and failure to progress did not demonstrate a significant predictive value (odds ratio 0.81) for success or failure in subsequent delivery. In fact, 63.8% of women with this indication have successfully undergone vaginal delivery. Maternal age (odds ratio 0.9) had no bearing on vaginal delivery success rates, whereas both macrosomia (odds ratio 0.2) and intrauterine growth retardation tended to decrease the chances for vaginal birth after cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: A trial of labor after one cesarean section should be encouraged in most women who are willing to attempt it, provided no obstetric contraindication exists. A scoring system that may help to identify women with a greater chance for vaginal delivery is proposed.

Adult↗

RhD genotype determination by single sperm cell analysis.

OBJECTIVE: An Rh-negative woman with preexisting anti-D antibodies may affect some or all subsequent fetuses, depending on the genotype of her Rh-positive partner. Currently, a reliable technique for an absolute determination of RhD genotype is not available. This study was initiated to develop an accurate method for RhD genotyping in men. STUDY DESIGN: RhD genotype was determined by deoxyribonucleic acid amplification of a D-specific sequence in single sperm cell samples. Micromanipulation techniques were used for sampling of single sperm cells, which were further amplified by multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction at the RhD locus. A RhD sequence amplification product was expected in all of the successfully amplified samples from Rh-positive homozygotes, in some of the samples from heterozygotes, and in none of the samples form Rh-negative subjects. RESULTS: RhD genotype was accurately determined in 10 of 10 donors. A total of 132 single sperm cells were analyzed (8 to 17 samples per donor), of which 96 were successfully amplified as assessed by an internal control. As expected, the specific region of the RhD gene was amplified in all, some, and none of the signal-positive sperm samples from Rh-positive homozygotes, heterozygotes, and Rh-negative subjects, respectively, allowing accurate determination of the genotype. CONCLUSION: An accurate diagnosis of the RhD genotype can be attained from single sperm cell analysis by means of polymerase chain reaction and may have major clinical applications in the management of Rh isoimmunization.

Base Sequence↗

Gynecological neoplasias in the patient with HIV infection.

HIV infection has been associated with progressive deterioration of the immune system and the development of opportunistic infections and various malignancies. As more experience has been accumulated on the nature and complications of AIDS, the gynecological implications of neoplasia developing in the HIV-positive patient became apparent. A type of cervical malignancy that takes a very aggressive course is being increasingly reported. Other lower genital tract tumors such as vaginal and vulvar neoplasia are also more prevalent in HIV-positive women and a closer follow-up is probably indicated in these patient population. Gestational trophoblastic disease in AIDS patients has also been reported to be more resistant to chemotherapy and may have a grave prognosis. Finally, nongynecological malignancies such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) may have their first site of appearance in the genital organs, thus simulating gynecological tumors. In this survey, we review the current knowledge accumulated in the English literature, and suggest guidelines for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment by the practicing gynecologist.

Female↗

Vaginal birth after cesarean section: current opinion.

Although the current literature attests to the merits of a trial of labor in the patient with a prior cesarean section, some controversies remain. For example, can women with two or more sections be allowed a trial of labor and can patients who undergo a trial of labor receive oxytocin or prostaglandins for induction? Also, do certain indications for previous cesarean section such as relative cephalopelvic disproportion/failure to progress or the diagnosis of breech or twins in the present pregnancy constitute an indication for elective repeat cesarean delivery? These questions along with some other controversies are discussed in the light of newly accumulated data in the English literature and our own experience over the last decade in a major university-based tertiary medical center.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

Estrogen augments serotonergic activity in postmenopausal women.

To investigate the influence of estrogen replacement on serotonergic activity in postmenopausal women, the serotonin agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) (0.5 mg/kg) was given orally to 18 normal postmenopausal women, 11 of whom were also tested following 30 days' treatment with estrogen transdermal patches (estraderm 0.1 mg). Fifteen normal, healthy women of reproductive status served as a control group. Cortisol and prolactin responses to m-CPP were measured. Without estrogen, the prolactin and cortisol responses of postmenopausal women to m-CPP were blunted compared to those of reproductive women. Estrogen replacement increased the hormonal responses. It is suggested that decreased serotonergic activity in postmenopausal women might contribute to their vulnerability to affective disorders. Estrogen replacement therapy might decrease this vulnerability and might add to the efficacy of serotonergic antidepressants when warranted.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Analysis of cell-mediated mineralization in culture of bone-derived embryonic cells with neurofibromatosis.

von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder associated with congenital pseudoarthrosis and with short stature. To examine whether the NF1 phenotype includes functional osteogenic defects, embryonic bone-derived cells affected with NF1 were tested in culture for specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell-mediated mineralization and compared with other embryonic bone derived cells. NF1 showed a relatively higher specific ALP activity, which has further increased in response to dexamethasone + beta-glycerophosphate (beta GP) (Dex medium) coordinately with a decrease in cell proliferation. In In the control group, two samples showed increased ALP activity, one showed decreased activity and the forth one did not show any change in ALP. NF1 cells were distinguished from other cells regarding day 21 mineralization, they did not mineralize when cultured with ascorbate alone in the absence of Dex medium, whereas control cells did mineralize. Adding beta GP resulted in mineralization by NF1 cells but less than in other cells. In addition, NF1 cells responded to dexamethasone by increasing the beta GP-induced mineralization, as opposed to cells from other embryonic bones, which either did not respond or have even decreased mineralization under dexamethasone. Upon cis-hydroxyproline exposure, Dex medium has also distinguished NF1 cell ALP activity from that of other cell origins. Inhibition of respiratory complex II by malonate showed that most embryonic bone-derived cells of 12 weeks gestation are malonate resistant; thus, malonate selection was ineffective. This is in contrast to rat marrow stromal cells previously shown to undergo mineralizing cell enrichment in response to malonate. Exposure to levamisole, of Dex-treated cells, at days 0-11 has inhibited day 21 mineralization in all tested cultures in spite of the increase in day 11-specific ALP activity. Both malonate and levamisole did not distinguish NF1 cells from the osteogenic phenotype of other cells. Essentially embryonic bone-derived cells from 12 weeks gestation, cultured in the absence of beta GP, retained their mineralization capacity, which does not increase under dexamethasone, as distinguished from NF1 cells which require beta GP for mineralization and positively respond to dexamethasone. Therefore, bone-derived NF1 cells may be useful for studying the regulation of the mineralization process.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on weight, body composition, fat distribution, and food intake in early postmenopausal women: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on body weight and composition, fat distribution, and food intake in women entering the climacteric. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Outpatient menopause clinic at a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three early postmenopausal women (44 to 54 years old) were prospectively studied for 1 year. They consisted of two groups: group A, 34 subjects who initiated continuous estrogen and progestin treatment (daily oral conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg), and group B, 29 women who refused hormonal therapy and served as controls. The age, menopausal status, initial anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index [BMI], fat mass, and waist-to-hip girth ratio), and daily food intake (total caloric intake and food composition) were similar in both groups. INTERVENTIONS: Anthropometric measurements were performed before commencement of HRT use and after 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist-to-hip girth ratio, and body composition (the percentage of body fat and water) estimated by means of infrared interactance. Daily food intake was also recorded. RESULTS: The body weight and fat mass increased significantly in both the treatment (73.22 +/- 2.01 [mean +/- SE] to 75.57 +/- 1.12 kg) and the control group (71.45 +/- 3.11 to 73.51 +/- 1.23 kg). However, a significant shift from gynoid to android fat distribution was observed only in the control group (waist-to-hip ratio shifted from 0.80 +/- 0.01 to 0.85 +/- 0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in the treatment group (0.81 +/- 0.01 to 0.82 +/- 0.01). Caloric and macronutrient intake did not change in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that continuous daily estrogen and progestin replacement therapy neither prevents nor increases early postmenopausal weight gain and fat accumulation. However, it does minimize the shift from gynoid to android fat distribution.

Adult↗

Comparison of cefonicid and cefazolin prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy.

One hundred and sixty-four patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign diseases were prospectively evaluated. The efficacy and safety of surgical prophylaxis with a single dose of the long-acting cefonicid was compared to the standard three dose regimen of cefazolin. Prophylaxis was successful in 82 of 85 (96.5%) patients receiving cefonicid and in 77 of 79 (97.5%) patients receiving cefazolin. No serious adverse effects were encountered with both drugs. It is concluded that single dose intravenous cefonicid, when given preoperatively, is as safe and effective as the standard multiple dose regimen of cefazolin in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy.

Adult↗

Sonographic evaluation of fetal head extension and maternal pelvis in cases of breech presentation.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether sonographic examination of the fetal head extension, pelvic adequacy and fetal position, could replace the traditional x-ray method in the evaluation of the breech in labor. METHODS: Seventy-two parturients admitted in labor with a breech presentation were prospectively evaluated by a newly proposed ultrasonographic approach. The head extension, obstetric conjugate and fetal attitude obtained were further compared to the gold standard radiologic measurements. RESULTS: A highly significant correlation between ultrasonic and x-ray measurements for the fetal head extension (r = 0.8696; p < 0.0001), obstetric conjugate (r = 0.8931; p < 0.0001), as well as high reliability (95.5%) in diagnosing the breech variant by ultrasound have been found. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic evaluation of breech presentation, as performed by the proposed method, is simple, easy to perform and compares well with the standard radiologic studies. It is suggested that modern ultrasonic technique, which carries no risk of ionizing radiation, may replace traditional x-ray examination of the breech in labor.

Breech Presentation↗

Safety of surgical intervention during the second trimester of pregnancy. A case report.

Surgical and anesthetic interventions during pregnancy are not hazard free. While an increase in fetal resorption and the abortion rate during the first trimester is well documented, a second-trimester intervention is assumed to be relatively safe. A case of acute transient oligohydramnios, fetal growth arrest and limb reduction anomaly following second-trimester abdominal surgery is reported for the first time.

Female↗

Prophylactic antibiotics in abdominal hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The cephalosporins, which have been widely used in gynecologic surgery, are considered by many to be the drug of choice for chemoprophylaxis. However, their benefit in total abdominal hysterectomy has remained controversial. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the commonly used cephalosporins in preventing inflammatory complications which may occur after elective abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A MEDLINE and manual review of the literature from the past 15 years (1977 to 1991), using the terms "prophylactic antibiotics," "abdominal hysterectomy," and "cephalosporins," was performed. Seventeen prospective trials using cephalosporin prophylaxis alone for 24 hours perioperatively were evaluated. A meta-analysis of the 2,752 study and control patients abstracted was performed to compare postoperative infection and febrile morbidity rates. RESULTS: The cephalosporin group as well as the various generations and individual drugs were found to be useful in preventing postoperative infection (p < 0.001). Febrile morbidity, however, was effectively prevented (p < 0.001) by first but not by some second and third generation drugs. Multivariate analysis revealed no advantage for the newer, more expensive second and third generation cephalosporins studied. When adjusted for confounding factors, the number of doses, the amount of the dose, and the route of administration had significant impact on the outcome events. CONCLUSIONS: Chemoprophylaxis with cephalosporins was found to be effective in preventing posthysterectomy infectious complications. A single dose, preoperative injection of first (cefazolin) or second (cefoxitin) generation cephalosporin, when administrated intravenously, has been shown to yield the best, cost-effective clinical results.

Bacterial Infections↗