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Biomedical subjects

B Pryor

Publications and source records attributed to B Pryor.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Identification of virulence mutants of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans using signature-tagged mutagenesis.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen of patients whose immune system has been compromised due to viral infection, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or tissue transplantation. As many as 13% of all AIDS patients suffer a life-threatening cryptococcal infection at some time during the course of their HIV disease. To begin to understand the molecular basis for virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans serotype A, we have employed signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) to identify mutants with altered virulence in a mouse model. The critical parameters of signature-tagged mutagenesis in C. neoformans are explored. Data are presented showing that at least 100 different strains can be mixed together in a single animal with each participating in the infection and that there is no apparent interaction between a virulent strain and an avirulent strain in our animal model. Using signature-tagged mutagenesis, we identified 39 mutants with significantly altered growth in a competitive assay. Molecular analyses of these mutants indicated that 19 (49%) contained an insertion in the actin promoter by homologous recombination from a single crossover event, creating a duplication of the actin promoter and the integration of single or multiple copies of the vector. Analysis of the chromosomal insertion sites of those mutants that did not have an integration event in the actin promoter revealed an approximately random distribution among the chromosomes. Individual challenge of the putative mutants in a mouse model revealed five hypovirulent mutants and one hypervirulent mutant.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

A test of Monroe's Motivated Sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change.

The experiment examined Monroe's Motivated Sequence, an organizational pattern commonly taught in basic speech courses for its effects on attitude change and ratings of comprehensibility of messages. Treatment groups of 21, 23, and 24 participants read one of three versions of a persuasive message that advocated a $50 fee increase to improve parking facilities on campus. One version represented Monroe's five-step sequence, a second version reversed the five steps, and a third randomly ordered the steps. A control group of 22 read a message unrelated to the parking issue. Analysis showed no differences in attitude change across the four groups. The Monroe sequence condition did produce significantly higher ratings of comprehensibility on one of four comparisons.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Postexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus: frequency of initiation and completion of newly recommended regimen.

Recent evidence demonstrating the efficacy of zidovudine, as well as experience with protease inhibitors, led to revision of recommendations for occupational exposures to human immunodeficiency virus-infected blood. At our hospital, this resulted in significant increases in rates of reported exposures and prophylaxis initiation. Among 10 healthcare workers given three-drug, protease-inhibitor-containing regimens, five completed 4 weeks, two completed 4 weeks of two drugs, and three stopped due to intolerance. Three workers missed work due to side effects.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1998

Impression formation as a function of male baldness.

A computer-morphing procedure was used to produce a "full cranial hair" photograph for comparisons of perceptions by 96 undergraduates of a photograph of a naturally bald 30-yr.-old man on 13 dependent measures derived from 30 semantic differential scales. Analysis showed the full-hair condition was rated significantly more dominant, dynamic, and masculine than the bald condition. While the model was also perceived as younger in the full-hair condition, there was no difference in mean ratings of attractiveness between photographs.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Apprehension about communication and human resilience.

This study examined the relationship between scores on two personality characteristics, apprehension about communication and resilience, from 200 elementary school teachers from several counties who completed the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension and the Personal Resilience Questionnaire. Scores on the two measures correlated -.33, which accounts for 10% of the common variance.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of apprehension about communication in China and the United States.

A translated version of the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension was administered to 688 students at four Chinese colleges and universities. The data were compared with American norms established by McCroskey in 1982 and with the responses of 177 students at a large state university in Florida. The Chinese sample reported a significantly higher mean score on apprehension about communication than the Americans. The findings were discussed with reference to cultural differences.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cancer screening in primary care: strategies for your office. A program of the Connecticut Division of the American Cancer Society.

Primary-care physicians' compliance with cancer screening guidelines has been in general unsatisfactory. Mailings have not had the desired effect upon these busy physicians who are preoccupied with many other issues. The Ohio Division of the American Cancer Society developed a program of in-office cancer screening education of primary-care physicians which resulted in a significant improvement in compliance to cancer screening guidelines. The Connecticut Division of the American Cancer Society has pursued this concept with their own program of visits targeted at physicians and their office staffs. A description of this program, which is still in its initial phases, is presented. The impact will be evaluated in due time, however additional volunteers to conduct these visits are needed.

Connecticut↗