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Biomedical subjects

J L Silverstein

Publications and source records attributed to J L Silverstein.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Acting out in group therapy: avoiding authority struggles.

Acting out is the indirect expression of a feeling, wish, or thought through action rather than in words, and is a frequent occurrence in group therapy. Acting out may take obvious forms such as lateness or premature termination, or it may be more subtle, such as rambling, withholding, or avoiding specific affects. Working through occurs as the group confronts the acting-out behavior with curiosity and concern rather than pressure or criticism. When group members themselves address acting out, they are more likely to avoid power struggles with authority figures than when the clinician enforces the rules.

Acting Out↗

Strengthening the links between health sciences information users and providers.

In 1994, the Hospital Library Service Program of the Central New York Library Resources Council conducted a study to evaluate the usefulness, impacts, and potential services of eleven hospital libraries in a four-county area in New York State; determine the degree to which the libraries comply with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standard IM.9.2; and provide recommendations for improved services in the member libraries. Two research instruments were used: a survey for hospital-based health sciences professionals and a survey for hospital-based information providers. Results from the two surveys were compared to determine if users' needs were being filled, and to develop plans for improved information services and products. Fourteen recommendations are made that, if implemented, will support the creation of user-defined information products, enhance the library's profile within the hospital, and exploit resource sharing to reduce costs and enhance coordination.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting as periorbital edema and erythema.

We report two unusual cases of cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting as dramatic eyelid edema and erythema. Neither patient had evidence of systemic or other significant cutaneous involvement. The eyelid edema and erythema were unilateral in one case and bilateral in the other. Both cases responded to therapy with antimalarial drugs.

Antimalarials↗

Dissociation between adenosine receptors and adenylate cyclase in the smooth muscle of guinea pig myometrium.

We have previously demonstrated that adenosine causes contraction of guinea-pig myometrium in a fashion consistent with the presence of a purinergic receptor of the A1 subtype. Incubation of guinea-pig uterine smooth muscle membranes with the stable adenosine analogue [3H]cyclohexyladenosine [( 3H]CHA) resulted in rapid, reversible association of radioligand to saturable sites. The affinity (KD) of the receptor for [3H]CHA determined from kinetic experiments (3.14 nM) is in good agreement with that determined in saturation experiments (KD = 4.5 nM). Scatchard analysis of specific [3H]CHA binding (Bmax = 79 fmol/mg protein) is consistent with a single class of binding sites for [3H]CHA. Computer analysis of competition of [3H]CHA binding by the stereoisomers of phenylisopropyl adenosine, R-PIA (KI = 5.3 nM) and S-PIA (KI = 69 nM), as well as the 5'-substituted analogue, ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA; KI = 4.2 nM) suggest that [3H]CHA binding occurs to a single class of receptors of the AI subtype. Contractile studies employing these agents reveal that the relative order of potency, based on ED50 values, correlates well with the relative order of competition of agonist binding, based on equilibrium binding constants. Direct assay of myometrial adenylate cyclase failed to show that adenosine receptors in this smooth muscle are coupled to adenylate cyclase. We conclude here that a smooth muscle adenosine receptor is not coupled to adenylate cyclase, yet subserves muscle contraction. These data are important in light of recent attempts to classify adenosine receptors as dual regulators of adenylate cyclase.

Adenosine↗

Origins of psychogenic vaginismus.

Case histories of 22 women seeking psychotherapy for psychogenic vaginismus were examined for family patterns. Nearly all of the women had domineering, threatening fathers who were moralistic but also sexually seductive. The parents of these women had high levels of conflict and verbal and/or physical abuse in their marriages. The women with vaginismus were the 'good girls' of their families; obedient, unable to express anger and in constant need of approval. These women tend to choose partners who appear to be the opposite of their fathers; they seem kind, gentle and often passive. Both the women and their partners fear aggression. Women with vaginismus see intercourse as violation or invasion. The symptom serves to protect against violation. Most of the women either witnessed or experienced actual physical violation in their histories.

Adult↗

Cutaneous hypoxia in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Measurement of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TCPO2) is an established and noninvasive way of assessing cutaneous hypoxia. Since the degree of oxygenation modulates fibroblast growth and synthesis, we investigated the presence of cutaneous hypoxia in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS). We measured TCPO2 of the involved skin of the dorsal aspect of the forearm in 33 patients with SS and 16 control individuals (normal subjects and patients with Raynaud's disease). The degree of forearm skin thickness was assessed clinically as mild, moderate, or severe. The TCPO2 measurements were obtained at a sensor temperature of 44 degrees C, which causes maximal vasodilation and eliminates the variables associated with vascular tone. Measurements were recorded while patients were breathing room air or 31% oxygen delivered by a Ventimask system (Baxter Healthcare, Ocala, Fla). We also measured the TCPO2 of the medial aspect of the arm when this site was uninvolved. We found that sclerodermatous skin is hypoxic when compared with the uninvolved skin of patients with SS or control individuals. The TCPO2 values were indirectly related to skin thickness; thus, patients whose skin was severely thickened had the lowest TCPO2 values. There was no correlation of TCPO2 values with pulmonary function tests or arterial oxygen pressure. The TCPO2 levels of patients with Raynaud's disease did not differ from other control individuals. The administration of oxygen increased TCPO2 readings in patients with SS to normal values. We conclude that the thickened skin of patients with SS is hypoxic and suggest that TCPO2 measurements may be helpful in objectively assessing the degree of skin thickness. The hypoxia demonstrated in SS skin may play a role in the modulation of dermal fibroblast proliferation and synthetic activity.

Adult↗

Some unique properties of the deoxyribonucleic acid-bearing portion of the bacterial membrane.

By using the M-band technique we have shown that portions of the membranes of Bacillus megaterium and Escherichia coli vary in their affinity for magnesium-Sarkosyl crystals and in phospholipid composition. The portion to which deoxyribonucleic acid is attached comprises as little as 4% of the total cell membrane, has a particularly high degree of affinity for magnesium-Sarkosyl crystals, and is rich in phosphatidylethanolamine. The M-band fractionation does not depend on the use of lysozyme.

Bacillus megaterium↗

Countertransference in marital therapy for infidelity.

Marital therapy for infidelity may bring up intense countertransference feelings in the therapist. Biases and identifications with one or the other spouse, moralism, and feelings of anger, helplessness, and hopelessness often surface while working with clients dealing with extramarital affairs. When the reactions are conscious they are less likely to interfere in the couple therapy, but when unconscious the work may be negatively affected. This article discusses some pitfalls in marital therapy with infidelity.

Countertransference↗

A plan to overcome resistance to managed care.

A managed-care plan is attempting to reverse New Yorkers' negativity toward managed care. The focus is on giving consumers adequate information and access to allow them to make prudent health care choices.

Attitude to Health↗