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Biomedical subjects

D Bass

Publications and source records attributed to D Bass.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Olive (Olea europea) and privet (Ligustrum vulgare) pollen allergens. Identification and cross-reactivity with grass pollen proteins.

Protein blotting studies showed that three olive pollen components with mol. wts approximately 18-19, 20 and 40 kD can be considered to be major allergens. For privet pollen, the highest recognition frequencies were for allergens of mol. wts approximately 20, approximately 19, approximately 40 and approximately 70 kD. When results with the 62 subjects examined were separated into groups corresponding to their geographical locations, viz. Italy, France and Australia, subjects sensitized to olive, but not other pollens (some Italian subjects), were found to show higher frequencies of recognition of major olive allergens than subjects sensitized to olive pollen via cross-reacting allergens from unrelated pollen sources (the Australian and French subjects). Blotting, adsorption and elution and inhibition studies clearly demonstrated allergenic cross-reactivity (that is, antigenic cross-reactivity detected by IgE antibodies) between olive, privet, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and couch grass (Bermuda grass: Cynodon dactylon) pollen components. As with our previous findings with birch pollen, we conclude that the presence of pollen-reactive IgE antibodies may not necessarily be a true reflection of the sensitizing pollen species.

Allergens↗
PubMed1992

Postsurgical adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy in women with breast cancer and positive axillary nodes: a South-Eastern Cancer Study Group (SEG) Trial.

In a prospective study of 622 women with breast cancer, those with one to three histologically positive axillary lymph nodes were randomised after mastectomy to receive cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m2 orally on days 1-14, methotrexate 40 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8, and fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8 every 28 days for six cycles (CMF x six), or for twelve cycles of the same chemotherapy (CMF x 12). Those with > or = four positive nodes were randomised to one of these two groups or to 5000 cGy of postmastectomy regional radiotherapy (RT) followed by six cycles of the same chemotherapy (RT + CMF x six). With about 10 years median follow-up, there was no significant difference in survival or disease-free survival among the three groups. There was evidence of decreased locoregional recurrence in patients with > or = four nodes who received RT + CMF x six (relative risk 0.53, P = 0.067). Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of > or = four positive nodes (negatively) and the percentage of ideal (full) dose of CMF received (positively) were the strongest factors predictive of survival. This study shows no advantage for 12 over six cycles of CMF chemotherapy in women with breast cancer and positive axillary nodes. There was a suggestion of decreased locoregional recurrence but no improvement in survival with radiotherapy for women with > or = four positive nodes.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Cognitive problem-solving skills training and parent management training in the treatment of antisocial behavior in children.

This study evaluated the effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) and parent management training (PMT) on children (N = 97, ages 7-13 years) referred for severe antisocial behavior. Children and families were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 conditions: PSST, PMT, or PSST and PMT combined. It was predicted that (a) each treatment would improve child functioning (reduce overall deviance and aggressive, antisocial, and delinquent behavior, and increase prosocial competence); and (b) PSST and PMT combined would lead to more marked, pervasive, and durable changes in child functioning and greater changes in parent functioning (parental stress, depression, and overall symptoms). Expectations were supported by results at posttreatment and 1-year follow-up. PSST and PMT combined led to more marked changes in child and parent functioning and placed a greater proportion of youth within the range of nonclinic (normative) levels of functioning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Screening for colorectal neoplasia: a multicenter study in Israel.

We report the design and results of the first Israeli multicenter screening program for colorectal neoplasia. The screening protocol comprised a risk questionnaire, fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. A total of 5,601 individuals were screened in five medical centers, 55% being asymptomatic with low or average risk. Colorectal tumors were found in 12.3% of screenees, the majority being adenomas. The risk for large bowel neoplasia was greatest in persons with a personal history of colorectal neoplasia (neoplasia rate 473.2/10(3)) and was increased in those with inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal tumor, or past history of cured breast cancer. European-born Jews had a 50% greater risk than non-European-born Jews. Persons at high risk were more likely to return for repeat screening than those at low or average risk. However, approximately 15% of persons at high risk actually thought that they were of average risk. Fecal occult blood testing was markedly less reliable than flexible sigmoidoscopy and had a false-negative rate of 84.4%. The results demonstrate that existing medical facilities in Israel can be used to screen at least those individuals with increased risk for colorectal neoplasia.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1991

Symmetric infection of rotavirus on polarized human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells.

When rotavirus infects the mature villus tip cells of the small intestine, it encounters a highly polarized epithelium. In order to understand this virus-cell interaction more completely, we utilized a cell culture-adapted rhesus rotavirus (RRV) to infect human intestinal (Caco-2) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK-1) polarized epithelial cells grown on a permeable support. Filter-grown Caco-2 cells and MDCK-1 cells, producing a transepithelial resistance of 300 to 500 and greater than 1,000 omega . cm2, respectively, were infected from either the apical or basolateral domain with RRV or Semliki Forest virus. Whereas Semliki Forest virus infection only occurred when input virions had access to the basolateral domain of MDCK-1 or Caco-2 cells, RRV infected MDCK-1 and Caco-2 monolayers in a symmetric manner. The effect of rotavirus infection on monolayer permeability was analyzed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance. Rotavirus infection on filter-grown Caco-2 cells caused a transmembrane leak at 18 h postinfection, before the development of the cytopathic effect (CPE) and extensive virus release. Electrical resistance was completely abolished between 24 and 36 h postinfection. Although no CPE could be detected on RRV-infected MDCK cells, the infection caused a transmembrane leak that totally abolished the electrical resistance at 18 to 24 h postinfection. Cell viability and the CPE analysis together with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence data indicated that the abolishment of resistance across the monolayer was due not to an effect on the plasma membrane of the cells but to an effect on the paracellular pathway limited by tight junctions. Attachment and penetration of rotavirus onto Caco-2 cells caused no measurable transmembrane leak during the first hour of infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) pollen allergens: identification by protein blotting and improved detection of specific IgE antibodies.

On the basis of results of an investigation of the effects of different treatments employed, a dialysed and reduced extract of Cupressus sempervirens was separated electrophoretically on sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gels before being transferred and then fixed with glutaraldehyde to nitrocellulose membrane. Probing with sera from 91 subjects allergic to C. sempervirens pollen followed by detection of bound IgE antibodies with [125I]-labelled anti-human IgE revealed 17 IgE-binding proteins in the molecular weight range 14-96 kilodaltons (kDa). One component, of molecular weight approximately 42 kDa, reacted with IgE antibodies in the sera of 81.3% of the allergic subjects and, for each of the subjects, this component bound the greatest quantity of IgE. Almost 50% of the sera recognized only the approximately 42 kDa component, reinforcing the conclusion that this component is the major allergen of C. sempervirens pollen. A comparative study employing C. sempervirens pollen allergen discs prepared commercially or in the laboratory showed that values of the uptakes of [125I]-anti-IgE indicating the presence of pollen-reactive IgE antibodies obtained with the latter discs were consistently higher (means 4.5 vs. 0.88), and that false-negative results were obtained when many sera were used with the commercial discs. The results of this study provide an essential basis for the production of standardized, safe and effective C. sempervirens pollen extract applicable to diagnosis and therapy of cypress pollen allergy.

Allergens↗
PubMed1990

[Screening for colorectal neoplasms].

We screened groups at high risk for colorectal neoplasms, determining the efficacy of the leukocyte adherence inhibition test (LAI) for early detection, in comparison with that of the fecal occult blood (Hemoccult) test and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Those screened included 549 first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer, 190 patients with a past history of colorectal adenoma or carcinoma and 67 with a past history of breast or gynecological cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. 146 normal volunteers served as controls. In 782 of those fully screened during a 3-year period, 121 had adenomas (15.5%) and 5 had invasive cancer (0.6%). The LAI test was positive in 21% of those at high risk and in 7.5% of the controls. The hemoccult test was positive in only 4.8%, but in 1/3 of them neoplasms were found. This predictive value of 33% compares with only 16% for the LAI test. That most of the neoplasms found were adenomas and not invasive cancer may be due to the relative youth of most of those screened. We conclude that the groups studied were indeed at high risk. The LAI test is not sensitive enough to identify benign adenomas but might serve as another risk-market for colorectal neoplasms. Long-term follow-up of those at high-risk with positive LAI tests may prove that we have identified a subgroup truly at risk.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1990

Influenza A virus alters structural and biochemical functions of the neutrophil cytoskeleton.

Influenza A virus (IAV) has previously been shown to alter chemotactic, oxidative, and secretory functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). Because of the role of cytoskeletal proteins in these processes, studies were carried out to determine if IAV altered the PMNL cytoskeleton. PMNL were incubated with buffer of IAV, stimulated with f-met-leu-phe (FMLP), fixed and stained with NBD-phallacidin (NBD-Ph) and studied by flow cytometry. Mean F-actin fluorescence was increased 18% in virus treated cells pre-FMLP stimulation and 13% 5 and 10 min post-FMLP (P less than .03); no significant difference in F-actin fluorescence was noted in virus treated PMNL 15-30 s post-FMLP compared to control cells. PMNL exposed to the same conditions were solubilized and actin content was determined following SDS-PAGE of triton insoluble precipitates. Increased actin was recovered from virus treated compared to buffer treated cells before and after FMLP stimulation in the 8,000g precipitates (P less than .001). Immunofluorescent microscopy studies of F-actin distribution were done in PMNL stained with NBD-Ph following FMLP stimulation for 10 min. These studies showed an increased lamellipod F-actin/uropod F-actin ratio in PMNL pre-incubated with IAV compared to controls (4.6 vs. 1.0; P less than .025). Phosphorylation of specific cytoskeletal proteins was examined after immunoprecipitation. IAV alone altered phosphorylation of both vimentin and vinculin, and in stimulated PMNL virus led to decreased phosphorylation of vimentin and vinculin. These data show distributional and biochemical effects of IAV on PMNL cytoskeletal proteins, indicating additional targets for IAV interference in the PMNL signal-transduction-function process.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1990

Empirical and clinical focus of child and adolescent psychotherapy research.

The present study evaluated the characteristics of research on child and adolescent psychotherapy. Published studies (N = 223) of psychotherapy from 1970 to 1988 were codified to characterize research, clinical, and methodological characteristics. The major results indicate that (a) treatment research focuses almost exclusively on the impact of treatment techniques with scant attention to influences (child/adolescent, parent, family, therapist) that may moderate outcome and (b) several characteristics of the children/adolescents and methods of treatment delivery and approaches depart markedly from those evident in the practice of treatment. Priorities for treatment research to place clinical practice on firmer empirical footing are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Immunization with baculovirus-expressed VP4 protein passively protects against simian and murine rotavirus challenge.

A baculovirus-expressed VP4 protein derived from the simian rhesus rotavirus (RRV) was used to parenterally immunize murine dams. VP4-immunized dams developed high levels of neutralizing antibodies against RRV and low levels of cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against human strains Wa, ST3, and S2 and animal strains SA-11, NCDV, and Eb. Newborn mice suckled on VP4-immunized dams were protected against a virulent challenge dose of the simian strain RRV and against murine rotavirus Eb. The cross-reactive nature of the serum-neutralizing response generated by VP4 immunization and the protective efficacy of the immunization suggest that recombinant-expressed VP4 proteins should be considered as viable vaccine candidates.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

An evaluation of arbaprostil at multiple doses for the treatment of acute duodenal ulcer: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled international trial.

Six hundred and thirty patients were enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluating two arbaprostil dosages (25 micrograms and 50 micrograms) qid for 4 wk for the treatment of acute duodenal ulcers. The healing rates in the placebo, 25-micrograms, and 50-micrograms treatment groups were 39%, 51%, and 60%, respectively. Smoking was found to adversely affect the healing rates in all the treatment groups. Pain severity was less with either arbaprostil treatment. The only side effect found was diarrhea: 10%, 14%, and 32% in the placebo, 25-micrograms, and 50-micrograms treatment groups, respectively. Severe diarrhea occurred in 1% of those patients who received the 50-micrograms dosage regimen, but in none of the other two groups. Arbaprostil at these two dosage levels, when given for 4 wk, appears to be a safe and efficacious agent for the treatment of acute duodenal ulcers.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relationship therapy in the treatment of children referred for antisocial behavior.

The present study evaluated alternative treatments for children (N = 112, ages 7-13) referred for severe antisocial behavior. Children were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: problem-solving skills training (PSST), problem-solving skills training with in vivo practice (PSST-P), which included therapeutically planned activities to extend training to settings outside of treatment, or client-centered relationship therapy (RT). PSST and PSST-P children showed significantly greater reductions in antisocial behavior and overall behavior problems, and greater increases in prosocial behavior than RT children. These effects were evident on measures obtained immediately after treatment and at a 1-year follow-up, and on measures of child performance at home and at school. PSST-P children showed greater changes than PSST children on measures of functioning at school at posttreatment, but these differences were no longer evident at follow-up. Children in both PSST conditions showed significant reductions in deviant behavior and improvements in prosocial behavior from pretreatment to follow-up, whereas RT children tended to remain at their pretreatment level of functioning. Notwithstanding the significant improvements, comparisons with nonclinic (normative) samples revealed that the majority of youth remained outside of the normal range of deviant behavior. Possible directions for improving treatment for antisocial youth are highlighted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Longitudinal impact of interhousehold caregiving on adult children's mental health.

The wear-and-tear hypothesis of caregiving (the longer care provided, the more psychological strain on caregivers) was examined using panel survey data from 112 adult children providing interhousehold care to an impaired elderly parent. Measures included subjective caregiving stress and perceived caregiving effectiveness ("wear") and depression and affect balance ("tear"). Contrary to the hypothesis, data revealed variability in children's adaptation to caregiving, improvement rather than deterioration being the norm. In a recursive path model, both subjective stress and perceived effectiveness were significant predictors of changes in depression. Depression was not significantly related to duration of caregiving. Discussion suggests that future researchers consider other types of caregivers and care settings, factors predicting variability in caregivers' adaptation over time, and changes as well as stability in care arrangements.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Limited value of leukocyte adherence inhibition in screening for colorectal neoplasia in high-risk groups.

A study of 191 screenees at high risk for colorectal neoplasm was undertaken to evaluate the value of the leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) test in detecting colorectal neoplasms. All screenees underwent total colonoscopy and LAI test. Results show that 94/191 (49.2%) screenees had neoplasms. Overall LAI positivity was 18.3% (35/191), which was highly significant, versus an asymptomatic comparison group (7.5%, 11/146). LAI test sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were, respectively, 19.8, 82.7, 45.7, and 58.5%. In this study the LAI test was not found to be a sensitive screening test for colorectal neoplasms. However, as the LAI test result was a significant finding within the study group, it may possibly be a risk factor and identify a subgroup that will require careful prospective evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Hematologic changes induced by intravenous administration of diacetoxyscirpenol in pigs, dogs, and calves.

Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) was given IV to pigs (0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg of body weight), cattle (0 and 0.5 mg/kg), and dogs (0 and 0.5 mg/kg). Blood was collected and hemograms were done at 0.5-hour intervals for 8 hours. The animals were euthanatized at 8 hours after treatment, and bone marrow samples were taken and examined by light microscopy. Moderate to severe necrosis of bone marrow hematopoietic elements was found in animals given DAS. The sequential increase in the type and number of abnormal cells in the blood suggested a successive destruction of the hematopoietic elements. A marked left shift in the neutrophil population was found in animals given DAS. Metarubricytes and large platelets were found in the blood of animals given DAS. Lymphocytes were replaced with immature cells. Pathologic changes were most severe in the pigs given a dosage of 1.0 mg of DAS/kg. The order of species sensitivity to DAS was pigs greater than dogs much greater than cattle.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Parent, teacher, and hospital staff evaluations of severely disturbed children.

Evaluations of parents, teachers, and hospital staff were compared using measures of deviance, improvement, and outcomes for short-term psychiatric inpatient children. Measures were completed at inception and termination of hospitalization and at a one-year follow-up. Evaluations by parents and community teachers differed from those by hospital staff, and pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations reliably predicted child functioning at home and, to a lesser extent, at school one year later.

Adaptation, Psychological↗