Parental smoking and education as determinants of overweight in Israeli children.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for many chronic diseases. Pediatric overweight is an especially severe problem because its childhood onset increases the overall length of exposure to the detrimental effects of overweight, accelerates the onset of chronic disease, and affects children's physical, psychological, and social development. Several parental traits have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for childhood overweight. In our study, we quantified the mutual effects of parental education and smoking on the risk of filial overweight in a large population-based sample of Israeli schoolchildren, adjusting for the effects of age, sex, and immigration status. METHODS: Data were collected in 1997 and 2000 from 8623 Israeli schoolchildren aged 8 to 13 years in two cross-sectional samples. Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) of greater than the 85th percentile for age and sex, and severe overweight was defined as BMI greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex. RESULTS: Mean BMI was positively associated with number of parental smokers for a child. Parental smoking was an independent risk factor for both overweight and severe overweight, with a dose-response relationship between the number of parental smokers and the risk of filial overweight. Children whose parents did not attend college were at increased risk for overweight (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.42) and severe overweight (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09-2.05) compared with children whose parents both attended college. Children with one college-educated parent were at increased risk for severe overweight (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.004-1.71) compared with children whose parents both attended college. CONCLUSION: Parental education and smoking are independent risk factors for filial overweight. Children of less-educated, smoking parents should be targeted for overweight prevention and intervention efforts. These findings should also be included as key messages in adult smoking prevention and cessation campaigns. Parents who smoke should be warned that not only is their own health at stake, but their children are also at increased risk for overweight and its associated diseases.

Can worms defend our hearts? Chronic helminthic infections may attenuate the development of cardiovascular diseases.

The established risk factors for atherosclerosis fail to fully explain the extent and severity of coronary artery diseases in 50% of the patients. Thus, the causative agents and processes, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, are being sought. Notoriously, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular event rates are much lower in developing countries. Clinically, severe infections by intracellular pathogens are widespread mostly in developing countries with poor sanitation, nutrition and massive worm infections. A link between atherosclerosis and helminth infections has never been examined. Based on the present knowledge of immune and infectious mechanisms related to atherosclerosis, it is proposed that chronic helminthic infections can have a significant bearing on the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases. How can helminthic infections affect the cardiovascular risk? (1) Helminths evade or suppress host immune responses, by producing anti-inflammatory and other immunomodulatory molecules. (2) Helminths induce chronic Th2 activation, which can modify cytokine profiles and immunological responses to heat shock proteins, Chlamydia pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus. (3) The chronic Th2 profile may modulate monocyte activation and chemotaxis to inflammatory sites (atherosclerotic plaques). (4) Chronic Th2 activation may lead to a cytokine profile that could be beneficial for attenuation of atherosclerosis development (upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 and downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines). (5) Helminthic infections may reduce plasma LDL level not only by affecting the host nutrition, but also via modulation of naturally occurring antibodies to cholesterol. Studies are needed to clarify these suggestions. If the hypothesis that helminthic infections impact atherosclerosis is correct, it should be taken into consideration in atherosclerosis immunomodulation therapy and especially in the design of vaccines and vaccine trials.

Circadian variation of the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction-isn't the time ripe for cardiovascular chronotherapy?

This study was designed to assess the circadian variation of the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy (TT) in 163 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis of the results suggests the existence of circadian variation in the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy with marked early morning resistance and significantly better late daytime results. There is a strong relationship between the normal physiologic rhythms of biochemical, hemodynamic, and hematologic parameters, observed in patients with CAD and the circadian fluctuations of efficacy of TT. Obviously the efficacy of TT is influenced by more evident impact of chronorisk factors during the early morning hours.

When patients run the show: the Sderot Psychiatric Center's Puppet Theater.

Psychiatric rehabilitation combats the damaging effects of mental illness on living, occupational and social skills, and strives to help patients lead creative and fulfilling lives. Medical and social changes, as well as financial pressure, have all increased the need for community rather than institutional rehabilitation. New philosophical emphases highlight patient self-actualization and empowerment. This paper describes the development of a puppet theater, whose members and artistic director are almost all chronic psychiatric patients; the project has achieved steady sheltered employment status and been awarded the first Zussman-JDC prize by the president of Israel. Interviews with patients elicited major differences between patient perceptions of traditional rehabilitation frameworks and the theater. Theater is more creative than typical sheltered employment opportunities for mental patients, and puppet theater has unique aspects that may be especially suited to their needs. Patients found participation an empowering experience.

[Nosocomial infections in internal medicine departments].

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The use of new generation antibiotics of wide spectrum caused a higher rate of virulent infections. AIMS: a) To study the prevalence, pattern and etiology of nosocomial infections in patients hospitalized in departments of internal medicine. b) to determine the characteristics of high-risk patients, deserving special precautions. METHODS: All medical files of patients who were admitted to internal medicine departments during the years 1994-8 were reviewed. All patients with nosocomial infections were included according to specific criteria. RESULTS: Of 2789 medical files, 72 (2.6%) patients, randomly elected had 76 episodes of nosocomial infection. Urinary tract infection (40.8%), pneumonia (32.9%) and sepsis (9.2%) were the most frequent infections. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with nosocomial infections--48.6% compared to 5% in a control group (p < 0.001). E. Coli, Pseudomonas auroginosa, and Staphylococcus Aureus were the most frequent infecting bacteria. Empiric antibiotic therapy was used in 84.7% of the patients. Any bacterial isolation was found in 61.9% of the patients samples (including blood cultures, urine cultures etc). Old age, female gender, prolonged hospitalization, mechanical ventilation and indwelling urinary catheter were found as risk factors for nosocomial infections. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Nosocomial infections in internal medicine departments in Brazilai hospital were found to be less common than previously reported. 2. Five risk factors for nosocomial infections were correlated with a higher prevalence of the disease. 3. Mortality due to nosocomial infections is very common, probably due to inappropriate empiric treatment and high rate of bacterial resistance. 4. Simple preventive measures as well as immediate treatment of nosocomial infection with proper antibiotics are expected to decrease mortality.

Validity of childhood adiposity classification in predicting adolescent overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of children at risk for adolescent overweight can assist in targeting interventions. Uncertainty remains regarding the validity of current body mass index (BMI) reference values in predicting future risk on a population basis. This study aimed to assess the validity of current childhood adiposity classifications in predicting adolescent overweight and obesity among Israeli youth. DESIGN: Historical cohort study. SETTING: School-based childhood health studies and adolescent physical examinations. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3 163 subjects surveyed first at age 8-15 and again at age 17-19. OBSERVATIONS: Age, sex, height, weight and BMI. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and relative risk of childhood adiposity classification. RESULTS: Childhood overweight and obesity showed low sensitivity and high specificity for predicting adolescent overweight and obesity. Positive predictive values were low and varied by age and sex, but negative predictive values were consistently high in both sexes and all ages (range 0.85-0.99). After adjusting for age and sex, both childhood overweight and obesity substantially increased the risk of adolescent overweight (relative risk [RR] 7.03 and 7.20, respectively) and adolescent obesity (RR 24.34 and 28.41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood overweight and obesity are strong risk factors for adolescent overweight and obesity among Israeli youth. Normal weight children were at very low risk for adolescent overweight. These findings suggest that population-based health promotion aimed at maintaining normal weight among children should be given preference over risk-guided approaches targeting weight reduction among obese children.

Is there a limit for the number of in vitro fertilization cycles for an individual patient?

To examine whether and when conception may be achieved in multiple repeated in vitro fertilization cycles, we surveyed the outcome of 2760 consecutive cycles in our unit. The pregnancy rate statistically significantly decreased after the third cycle attempt, but no statistically significant decrease was observed between cycles 4 and 20; an acceptable clinical pregnancy rate/cycle of 15% was achieved between cycles 7 and 20.

GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: their role in patients with an unfavorable prognosis a priori.

In an attempt to examine the influence of the type of GnRH analogue used during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on IVF outcome in patients with an unfavorable outcome a priori, we studied 728 consecutive cycles in patients with repeated IVF failure. In patients with repeated failure, the GnRH agonist group showed significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate compared with the GnRH antagonist group (20.8% vs 14.5%).

ACE2 expression and activity are enhanced during pregnancy.

In the current study, we investigated the expression and activity of ACE2 during pregnancy in normotensive and hypertensive rats, focusing on the relative contribution of the uterus and the placentas, the kidney serving as a reference. We used the Sabra rat model of salt-sensitive hypertension. We confirmed a systemic vasodilatory state during the third trimester of pregnancy, as evidenced by a reduction in blood pressure, both in normotensive and hypertensive rats. At the time that blood pressure was reduced, ACE2 was expressed abundantly in the reproductive organs. The relative levels of ACE2 mRNA in the pregnant animal were placenta > kidneys > or = uterus and of ACE2 activity kidney > placenta > uterus. In the uterus and the placenta, ACE2 expression was unaffected by strain, salt-loading, or the level of blood pressure. ACE2 activity in the uterus of the nonpregnant rat was not affected by any of these variables either, but during pregnancy increased in salt-loaded animals. When estimating the total contribution of the uterus to ACE2 mRNA and activity during pregnancy, we found that the amount of ACE2 mRNA increased in both strains irrespective of diet, but that ACE2 activity increased only in salt-loaded animals. We further estimated the relative total contribution of the uterus, placentas, and kidneys to ACE2 expression and activity during pregnancy by adjusting for mass and number of organs and found that the placentas were the major contributors, followed by the kidney and the uterus. We conclude that during pregnancy, the placentas, in particular, but also the uterus, constitute important sources of ACE2, in addition to its normal production in the kidney, leading to an estimated twofold increase in total ACE2 activity. These data are consistent the hypothesis that transient ACE2 overexpression and increased activity during pregnancy may be important in modulating systemic, as well as local hemodynamics in the uteroplacental unit.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection equally improves chronic urticaria with positive and negative autologous serum skin test.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU) with and without positive aulogous serum skin test (ASST). METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with CU were checked for the positivity ASST and H. pylori urea (13)C-urea breath test ((13)C-UBT). Twenty-one patients were with both positive ASST and positive (13)C-UBT (group A), and 24 patients were with negative ASST and positive (13)C-UBT (group B). All patients with positive (13)C-UBT received a 14-day, open treatment with amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. H. pylori eradication was assessed by a second (13)C-UBT after 8 weeks. In control group, 33 patients with CU were included. The effect of H. pylori eradication on CU was evaluated by urticaria activity score (UAS), measured at study entry and at 8 and 16 weeks. RESULTS: At week 8, baseline UAS reduced from 4.7 +/- 1.1 to 2.4 +/- 1.4 (p = .027) in group A and from 4.3 +/- 1.5 to 2.3 +/- 1.2 (p = .008) in group B, without statistically significant difference between the two groups. In control group and in six patients with H. pylori eradication failure, no changes of UAS were noted. CONCLUSION: Eradication of H. pylori infection by triple therapy significantly and equally reduces UAS in CU patients with positive and negative ASST.

The influence of estradiol/follicle and estradiol/oocyte ratios on the outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the ratios of estradiol (E2) to either the number of follicles >14 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration (E2/follicle) or the number of oocytes retrieved (E2/oocytes) during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist (agonist group) and GnRH-antagonist (antagonist group), on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive women aged <35 years admitted to our IVF unit during a 6-year period with normal to high response to COH were retrospectively studied. Ovarian stimulation characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred and pregnancy rate were assessed. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety consecutive IVF cycles were evaluated, 301 in the agonist group and 389 in the antagonist group. The ratios of E2/follicle and E2/oocyte were significantly higher in the agonist group (p < 0.001 for both). Moreover, while pregnancy rates within E2/oocyte ratio of 100-200 pg/ml were comparable between the agonist and antagonist groups, when E2/oocyte ratios were <100 pg/ml or >200 pg/ml, pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the agonist group. Furthermore, no difference in pregnancy rates was observed within the agonist group between different E2/oocytes ratios, while within the antagonist group, higher pregnancy rates were observed when comparing those with E2/oocyte ratio of 100-200 pg/ml with those with E2/oocyte ratio <100 pg/ml or >200 pg/ml. CONCLUSION: While E2/oocyte ratio cannot predict the success of GnRH-agonist protocol, patients undergoing GnRH-antagonist protocol should reach E2/oocyte ratio within the 100-200 pg/ml range in order to achieve the best IVF outcome.

Appropriateness of US and international BMI-for-age reference curves in defining adiposity among Israeli school children.

Effective surveillance of trends in paediatric overweight and obesity requires the establishment of valid cutoff values to identify children at risk. In Israel, standard values for childhood BMI-for-age are currently based on growth charts published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the appropriateness of using US reference values in populations outside the US is questionable, due to inherent differences in ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic status. We recorded data from 9,988 children aged 6-12 selected by random cluster sampling within the framework of school-based health surveys conducted in Israel during the years 1997 and 2000. We constructed population-specific centile BMI-for-age curves valid for Israeli children, and compared these curves to current standard US and international reference values. Curves were constructed using LMS statistical curve smoothing methods. The data set of Israeli schoolchildren produced reference centiles substantially different than those based on US children. Israeli reference values were closer to centile curves published by the International Obesity Task Force. In conclusion, local and national health planners should recognize the intrinsic limitations associated with the use of "standard" reference values in defining paediatric overweight and obesity in dissimilar populations. The results of this large population-based study highlight the need for population-specific BMI-for-age reference values, in order to accurately describe the prevalence of paediatric overweight and obesity.

Ten-year trends in obesity among Israeli schoolchildren: 1990-2000.

AIM: To analyze trends in childhood body mass index (BMI) in Israel between 1990 and 2000, and to determine the proportion of obese children using US and population-specific reference values. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 13 284 second- and fifth-grade schoolchildren were collected, including age, sex, height, weight, country of birth, and time since immigration. Age- and sex-specific BMI means and centiles were calculated, and the prevalence of obesity was determined using Israeli and US reference values. RESULTS: BMI values at the 95th centile increased monotonously over time in all age and sex categories. Between 1990 and 2000, 95th centile values increased by 12.7% and 11.8% among second-grade boys and girls, respectively. Among fifth-grade children, 95th centile values increased by 10.2% and 8.4%, respectively. Among second graders in 2000, 11.4% of both boys and girls exceeded the BMI value recorded at the 95th centile in 1990. Among fifth-graders in 2000, 10.7% of boys and 11.1% of girls exceeded the 1990 BMI reference value (p for all comparisons < 0.001). The proportion of obese children increased over time using both Israeli and US reference values. CONCLUSION: This substantial increase in childhood obesity poses a serious health threat, and requires implementation of suitable public health interventions.

BiPAP ventilation as assistance for patients presenting with respiratory distress in the department of emergency medicine.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive ventilatory support (NIVS) is intended to provide ventilatory assistance for a wide range of respiratory disturbances. The use of NIVS for treatment of respiratory distress may be applicable in the emergency department (ED). It may prevent endotracheal intubation and, likewise, may favorably influence the course of the patient's hospitalization, depending on the primary disease or ventilatory disturbance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress presenting in the ED. METHODS: A prospective, uncontrolled, nonrandomized, nonblind study enrolled 30 patients. They were cooperative and hemodynamically stable, aged over 18 years, and presented with acute respiratory distress as defined by predetermined criteria. They were connected to a BiPAP machine through a face mask, using an initial pressure of 8/3 cm H(2)O, which was gradually raised to 12/7 cm H(2)O inspiratory positive airway pressure/expiratory positive airway pressure. Standard drugs, inhalation and oxygen therapies were administered as needed. The BiPAP was disconnected either upon relief of respiratory distress or on deterioration of the patient's condition. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients in the study, 19 had cardiogenic pulmonary edema, four had acute asthma, three had exacerbation of COPD, three had pneumonia and one had malignant pleural effusion. BiPAP was instituted subsequent to failure of standard therapies. Twenty-six patients were classified as responders to the BiPAP ventilation and four as nonresponders (three patients were intubated after 1 hour and one patient 24 hours, post BiPAP). The total length of stay (LOS) in the ED was 3-5 hours and the mean LOS in hospital was 4.1 +/- 1.5 days, versus 6.5 +/- 1.2 days in LOS reports of similar patients in the same hospital during 1999, who did not undergo BiPAP ventilation. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We found BiPAP ventilation simple, safe, effective and well tolerated by patients in respiratory distress. The rate of endotracheal intubation after successful BiPAP ventilation was low. In carefully selected patients with respiratory distress, BiPAP ventilation may successfully replace endotracheal intubation.

Multiple-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after pacemaker implantation treated by thrombolysis.

This report describes a patient who suffered multiple-vein thrombosis following permanent pacemaker implantation and developed a pulmonary embolism while on anticoagulation treatment, which was successfully treated by thrombolytic therapy.