Showing papers by "Virginia Commonwealth University published in 1977"

Crisis Intervention: A Review of Outcome Research

Abstract: Crisis intervention studies conducted in suicide prevention/crisis intervention programs, in psychiatric settings, and with surgical patients are critically evaluated. In the first area the impracticality of suicide as an outcome measure and the need for shifting evaluation emphasis from crisis worker performance to client behavior change measures is stressed. Also, the virtual impossibility of demonstrating overall program impact on the community and the need for developing internal program evaluation procedures is noted. Studies in psychiatric settings suffer from considerable methodological shortcomings that prohibit definitive conclusions; studies operationally specifying treatment components are greatly needed here. Studies with surgery patients indicate the necessity for developing intervention techniques most appropriate for individuals differing in their typical manner of dealing with stress. In all settings, outcome measures should be appropriate to the situation and logically related to the goals of intervention. In the two decades following Eysenck's (1952) classic survey calling into question the effectiveness of the traditional psychotherapies, the growth in output of research studies of therapeutic process and outcome has been phenomenal (Bergin, 1971; Marsden, 1971). However, crisis intervention, a therapeutic technique that is receiving increasing use, as indicated by the recent proliferation of suicide prevention/crisis intervention centers and telephone hot lines, has gone largely uninvestigated until recent years. This is probably due to the fact that as a clinical technique it does not fall under the rubric of traditional psychotherapy, and since initial attempts at formulations of crisis theory and delineation of technique have not been developed until recently (Aguilera & Messick, 1974; Caplan, 1964; Lieb, Lipsitch, & Slaby, 1973; McGee, 1974; Schulberg & Sheldon, 1968; Taplin, 1971).

Relative capabilities of sarcoplasmic reticulum in fast and slow mammalian skeletal muscles.

Abstract: 1. The calcium uptake capabilities of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the fat-twitch muscles extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and tibialis anterior (TA) of the rat and the extensor digitorum longus of the cat have been compared with the same capabilities of the slow-twitch soleus muscles of the rat and cat. 2. For the ra the Vmax values of sarcoplasmic reticulum from tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus and from soleus muscles were 50, 51, and 10 micronmole Ca2+/g per minute, respectively. 3. For the extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles of the cat the Vmax values were 34 and 5-6 micronmole Ca2+/g per minute, respectively. 4. These data were compared with mechanical data as reported in the literature for the same muscles. The relative calcium uptake capabilities of sarcoplasmic reticulum from slow and fast muscles corresponded closely to the relative rates of relaxation of these muscles.

Coronal positioning of a previously placed autogenous gingival graft.

Abstract: A procedure has been presented, with indications and necessary precautions, for predictably covering the denuded root surfaces of canines and premolars. The results of treating other areas with this technique have been less predictable. An alternate technique for covering denude root surfaces of the same teeth has been described. The alternate technique is more difficult to carry out and the results achieved are not as favorable.

Racial differences in the frequency of Q and C chromosomal heteromorphisms.

Abstract: THE biological and clinical implications of human chromosome heteromorphisms are poorly understood. These heteromorphisms are limited to certain groups, and are heritable1. Consistent variability between people, in both size and staining properties, is observed. This may reflect either structural or biochemical variations. Before chromosome banding procedures, the length of the Y was known to vary from person to person and from one ethnic group to another2. Some autosomal regions were also found to differ in various racial groups3,4. Using Q- and C-banding procedures, we have regions scored were (1) on the long arms (qh) of chromosomes 1,9 and 16; (2) on the short arms (P) of the acrocentric autosomes (13–15 and 21–22); and (3) on the centromere (c) of all other chromosomes. The results indicate significant differences between the samples of black and white children.

Immunomodulator-induced resistance against herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: SummaryAdult mice were protected from mortality after intraperitoneal infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 by prophylactic treatment with the immunomo-dulators, Corynebacterium parvum, Coryne-bacterium acnes, or pyran. Treatment with pyran, but not with the corynebacteria, also increased the survival time of mice after local genital (intravaginal) infection with the virus. Treatment with levamisole or glyco-gen was ineffective against either virus infection. Levamisole and C. acnes were also ineffective against herpes simplex virus infection in suckling and weanling mice, while pyran was slightly effective. Silica treatment, to suppress macrophage function in vivo, increased the susceptibility of mice to herpes simplex infection by 10- to 100-fold. The increased susceptibility induced by silica was associated with early, sustained viral replication in the visceral organs. Although silica treatment markedly suppressed host resistance to herpes virus, this treatment did not inhibit the antiviral activ...

In vitro studies with miconazole and miconazole nitrate

Abstract: The in vitro activity of miconazole and miconazole nitrate against a variety of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi was studied using an agar dilution procedure. 28 dimorphic pathogens were tested: Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis were the most susceptible with inhibition of all strains at 0.5 ug/ml of either compound. Coccidioides immitis was somewhat more resistant requiring 1 or 2 ug/ml for inhibition, while 4 isolates of Sporothrix schenckii required 2 to 4 ug/ml for complete inhibition. All strains of Cryptococcus neuformans were susceptible to 1 ug/ml or less. Most strains of Candida albicans were resistant to less than 16 ug/ml; other species of Candida were inhibited by 4 ug/ml or less. Torulopsis isolates gave a range of MIC’s from 0.5 ug/ml to 16 ug/ml for inhibition. Of 15 dematiaceous isolates tested, all but two were inhibited at 4 ug/ml or less. A brief discussion of the possible clinical usefulness of miconazole is given.

Laser Pulses and the Generation of Acoustic Transients in Biological Material

Abstract: Laser radiation, in addition to possessing unique optical properties such as spatial and temporal coherency, minimum angular beam divergence, polarization, and monochromaticity, may also provide a source of radiant energy of extremely high instantaneous power. Presently available laser sources operated in the Q-spoiled or giant-pulse mode produce megawatts of power in pulses of 20–50-nsec duration. Recently developed mode-locked lasers produce picosecond pulses with associated powers in the gigawatt range. That such high-transient-power densities may be generated from sources with relatively moderate total energy output (i.e., on the order of a few joules) suggests that unique power density—dependent effects must be considered in the evaluation of the effects of such radiation on physical or biological systems.

Carcinogen activation by human liver enzymes in the Ames mutagenicity test.

Abstract: Liver post-mitochondrial supernatants derived from 10 individuals were used as the source of metabolic activation for carcinogens in the Ames quantitative mutagenicity test using Salmonella typhimurium TA 100. The liver samples were obtained from brain-dead donors and autopsy cases. The ability of human enzymes to activate aromatic amines ranged from undetectable to highly active for 2-acetylaminofluorene. None of the samples exhibited any ability to activate benzidine. A generally low activity was observed in the capability of human enzymes to activate the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene. Most samples were positive for activating 4-nitrobiphenyl. However, the highest mutagenic activity in the presence of human enzymes was consistently observed for aflatoxin B 1 and sterigmatocystin. These results indicated that (a) human enzyme systems, like rodent systems, are more effective in inducing mutagenic activity from mycotoxins than aromatic amines and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and (b) samples derived from different individuals exhibited considerable variation in the ability to activate carcinogens belonging to a same class of compound.

Empathy, Locus of Control and Anxiety in College Students:

Abstract: To investigate the correlations between empathy, locus of control, and anxiety 59 college students were administered Hogan's (6) empathy scale, Spielberger's (12) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Rotter's (10) locus of control scale. Empathy correlated significantly with both state (—.36) and trait (—.36) anxiety while locus of control correlated with trait anxiety only (.36). There was no significant correlation between empathy and locus of control. Correlations were discussed with respect to previous research and theoretical implications.

Empathy and socialization in first and repeat juvenile offenders and normals.

Abstract: The present study examined empathy and socialization in delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles. From 32 first offenders, 16 repeat offenders, and 19 normals who were administered Hogan's empathy scale and the socialization scale of the California Psychological Inventory, groups of 16 subjects matched on age and race were compared. Results indicated that the three groups did not differ on empathy but that each of the three groups differed on socialization. Results are discussed in terms of potentially identifying recidivists and the efficacy of therapist-trained empathy.

Transfer of Training in Behavior Modification Programs: An Evaluative Review

Abstract: A selective review of behavior modification programs, which emphasized procedures for programming transfer of training and response maintenance, was undertaken. The principle focus was to evaluate the effectiveness of generalization techniques utilized with exceptional children and to enumerate several points for maintaining performance in the classroom. The role of self-management skills was also discussed, but it was conlcuded that logistical constraints and motivational impediments present in most special education classrooms prevent the emergence of widespread self-regulatory programming at this time. The most influential factors in programming transfer of training and response maintenance were found to be varying stimulus conditions, parent training, and peer programming.

Organ Localization in Mice Challenged with a Typical Candida albicans Strain and a Pseudohyphal Variant

Abstract: Summary Localization of yeast-like and pseudohyphal cells of Candida albicans in various organs of AKR mice was examined following experimental fungemia. Relatively greater numbers of yeast-like than pseudohyphal organisms were cleared from the blood by the liver while more pseudohyphal than yeast-like cells localized in the lungs. Cells of both C. albicans forms disappeared more rapidly from the lungs than from the liver. Few cells of either form localized in the spleen or kidneys but the yeast cells found initially in the kidneys increased in numbers between 24 and 96 hr following injection. These data support the premise that disseminating systemic C. albicans infections are more likely to be initiated by the yeast-like form of the microorganism. The data also indicate that the lungs may play a vital role in innate host resistance against vascular dissemination of C. albicans.

A probability-based formula for calculating interobserver agreement

Abstract: Estimates of observer agreement are necessary to assess the acceptability of interval data. A common method for assessing observer agreement, per cent agreement, includes several major weaknesses and varies as a function of the frequency of behavior recorded and the inclusion or exclusion of agreements on nonoccurrences. Also, agreements that might be expected to occur by chance are not taken into account. An alternative method for assessing observer agreement that determines the exact probability that the obtained number of agreements or better would have occurred by chance is presented and explained. Agreements on both occurrences and nonoccurrences of behavior are considered in the calculation of this probability.

Examination of fungal growth and aflatoxin production on marihuana

Abstract: Under favorable growth conditions,Aspergillus flavus andA. parasiticus produced aflatoxins on marihuana. Cultures ofA. flavus ATCC 15548 produced both aflat oxin B1(AFB1) and G1(AFG1). The production of AFG1 was substantially greater than that of AFB1. Cultures ofA. flavus NRRL 3251 andA. parasiticus NRRL 2999 produced only AFB1. All natural flora cultures tested negative for aflatoxins. NoAspergilli sporulations were observed in these cultures. In the cultures inoculated with known toxigenic fungi, the highest mean level for total aflatoxins was 8.7 μg/g of medium. Marihuana appears not to yield large quantities of these mycotoxins but sufficient levels are present to be a potential health hazard for both the user and the forensic analyst who is in daily contact with such plant material. Careful processing, storage, and sanitation procedures should be maintained with marihuana. If these conditions are disregarded due to the illicit status of marihuana, the potential for mycotoxin contamination must be considered.

Altering arousal in humans by varying ambient sensory conditions

Abstract: Reaction times of 6 male and 6 female college students were used as a measure of arousal under different levels of ambient sensory stimulation. Subjects were tested under conditions of light-quiet, light-noise, dark-quiet and dark-noise with a non-signalled reaction-time task using a tactile stimulus. All sensory conditions were presented to each subject in a counterbalanced order and replicated in a second session 3 to 8 wk. later. Significant main effects were noise and replication. Improvement in performance across replication was related to the sex of the subject. White noise and level of illumination interacted to produce the typical U-shaped function. Results are discussed in terms of their relevance for research using behavioral and physiological measures of arousal.

Uptake and Incorporation of Glucose and Mannose by Whole Cells of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

Abstract: Glucose uptake by whole-cell suspensions of the obligate anaerobe Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was two- to fourfold higher under aerobic conditions than during incubation under atmospheres of N(2) or H(2) gas. The O(2)-stimulated uptake activity was lost rapidly (>70% in 5 h) when cell suspensions were incubated aerobically, but this loss was prevented by the addition of crude catalase. Catalase had no apparent effect on cell viability during these incubations. Glucose uptake activity was strongly inhibited by a 10-fold excess of mannose or galactose but not by methyl-alpha-d-glucoside, fructose, or lactose. Both glucose and mannose were rapidly incorporated into polyglucose after uptake. The O(2)-stimulated glucose uptake was not inhibited by cyanide, azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol, or 2-N-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide. However, p-chloromercuribenzoate, menadione, and sodium fluoride inhibited uptake by 88, 67, and 55%, respectively. All attempts to detect phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphotransferase activity for glucose, methyl-alpha-d-glucoside, and 2-deoxyglucose were negative. The bacteria contained hexokinase activity and a complete glycolytic Embden-Meyerhof pathway.

Measuring Student Scholastic Effort: An Economic Theory of Learning Approach.

Abstract: Wetzel asserts that “… using levels of achievement as the dependent variable may miss the major benefits of a particular teaching method, namely less effort and time spent studying economics and additional leisure time …” He then discusses the McKenzie-Staaf model, which is derived from the work-leisure model of wage theory, and asks if it is possible to construct an “effort variable.” Wetzel's paper reports the results of an attempt to develop an “effort variable” and examine its relationship to certain student characteristics. In fact, three different “effort variables” were constructed and tested. Both the results and the techniques employed should be of interest to all economic education researchers.

The pineal complex and its relationship to other epithalamic structures

Abstract: The pineal complex of rodents is made up of a pineal gland which developmentally always originates from the area between the habenular and posterior commissure and a pineal sac which is continuous wit

Value of Concomitant Sympathectomy in Aortoiliac Reconstruction: Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study

Abstract: • The efficacy of concomitant lumbar sympathectomy in improving results of aortoiliac reconstruction was assessed by a prospective, randomized study of 51 patients undergoing operation for occlusive or aneurysmal disease. Sympathectomy was performed on 50 limbs, while 52 extremities served as controls. Sympathectomy resulted in a significant reduction in foot vascular resistance determined by plethysmography. However, the procedure had no effect on leg circulation, assessed by ankle/arm pressure indices determined by Doppler ultrasound. In the sympathectomy group, there were three early postoperative amputations for ischemia, despite patent grafts. In the control group, there was one late graft occlusion, caused by progressive atherosclerotic disease. Although sympathectomy may improve pedal circulation, the procedure does not appear to improve the results of aortoiliac reconstruction. ( Arch Surg 112:1325-1330, 1977)

Cell size, macromolecular composition, and O2 consumption during agitated cultivation of Naegleria gruberi.

Abstract: Cell size, macromolecular composition, carbohydrate utilization patterns, and O2 concentrations were measured throughout the growth stages of Naegleria gruberi in agitated culture in a complex medium. Biphasic logarithmic growth occurred during the intial 83 hr of growth and the mean generation time was 7.0 hr and 19 hr during initial and secondary log growth stages, respectively. The maximum yield was 5 X 10(6) amebae/ml. The pH rose rapidly (1 pH unit) during the secondary log growth phase (52-83 hr) and continued into the stationary growth phase (83-120 hr). Dry weight, total protein, carbohydrate, and RNA per ameba increased just before the secondary log growth phase. RNA increase 31% to 35% per ameba at the end of each phase of log growth. DNA increased approximately 2-fold throughout the different growth phases. Average cell size increased 90% during biphasic log growth then decreased during stationary phase. O2 tension decreased from 100% to 18% of saturation during the biphasic growth phase, then increased during stationary growth to near 100% saturation. Glucose and total carbohydrate assays showed little utilization of those substrates throughout the growth stages. Naegleria gruberi presumably has a predominantly aerobic metabolism, also its metabolism may change during the different growth phases.