Biomedical subjects

K L Alexander

Publications and source records attributed to K L Alexander.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1991

Detection of antibody responses and delayed dermal hypersensitivity with Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast and mycelial lysate antigens.

Yeast cell lysate and mycelial lysate antigens prepared from one strain (T-58) of Blastomyces dermatitidis were evaluated with respect to the detection of antibodies and delayed dermal hypersensitivity. Comparable ELISA sensitivity values were evidenced with the two antigens when assayed against serum specimens from dogs with blastomycosis, sera from non-infected dogs residing in endemic and non-endemic areas for blastomycosis and sera from rabbits that were hyperimmunized with B. dermatitidis antigens. Specificity determinations with anti-Histoplasma capsulatum rabbit sera indicated that both reagents exhibited only minimal cross-reactivity; the mycelial antigen was slightly more specific than the yeast phase reagent. Similar sensitivity and specificity results were experienced when the two antigens were used to detect delayed dermal hypersensitivity in guinea pigs previously sensitized with B. dermatitidis or H. capsulatum.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Beginning school math competence: minority and majority comparisons.

This article uses a structural model with a large random sample of urban children to explain children's competence in math concepts and computation at the time they begin first grade. These 2 aspects of math ability respond differently to environmental resources, with math concepts (reasoning) much more responsive to family factors before formal schooling begins than is computation. In this sample, blacks and whites are equivalent in terms of computational and verbal skills as measured by the California Achievement Test at the start of grade 1. However, there is a significant difference of about a quarter of a standard deviation favoring whites over blacks in terms of math concepts (reasoning skills). Both black and white children of all socioeconomic levels respond to parents' psychological resources: net of ability or other factors, children score higher if parents expect them to do well. Socioeconomic resources in the home also help both groups. In particular, the parent being a high school graduate as opposed to a dropout is important. When parents' material and psychological resources are taken into account, family configuration (solo motherhood vs. other types) has no discernible effects on either type of math performance.

Achievement↗

PubMed1978

Glaucomatous cupping--appearance, pathogenesis, detection.

Increased optic disc cupping has long been associated with glaucoma. In this paper the appearance, pathogenesis, and detection of glaucomatous cupping is reviewed. Emphasis is given to the increase in cup-disc ratio and appearance of the peripapillary area as being diagnostic of glaucomatous atrophy. The vascular theory for producing these changes is outlined and represents the most comprehensive attempt at explaining the changes of the disc in glaucoma.

Glaucoma↗

PubMed1977

Four clinical techniques in cup/disc ratio estimation.

Four clinical techniques for estimating cup/disc ratio were compared. Small differences in magnitude of the cup/disc ratio were found with each technique studied. In addition, a mean cup/disc ratio of between 0.22 and 0.30 was found for the subjects studied. The clinical utility of four funduscopic examination methods is reviewed.

Glaucoma↗