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Biomedical subjects

M Ansel

Publications and source records attributed to M Ansel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Intensity and continuity of services and functional outcomes in the rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The intensity and continuity of services delivered to individual clients in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation program were examined in relationship to functional changes in the clients that occurred during the first 12 months of the program. METHODS: Subjects were 41 clients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were admitted to an intensive psychosocial rehabilitation program. Measures of clinical and psychosocial functioning were derived from client interviews administered at baseline and six and 12 months later. Measures of service intensity and continuity came from data gathered daily by staff over 12 months. RESULTS: The results supported the hypotheses that greater intensity and longitudinal continuity of services are related to more client improvement as indicated by reduced rates of hospitalization and improved psychosocial functioning after both six and 12 months. Although clients' symptom levels increased over time, a significant relationship was noted between service intensity and continuity and better symptom outcomes after 12 months. Multiple regression analyses indicated that an average of 22 percent, and as much as 28 percent, of the change in clinical and functional outcomes after 12 months of rehabilitation was explained by the intensity and longitudinal continuity of services. CONCLUSIONS: Clients who received more contact hours with staff and who had fewer gaps in service delivery achieved greater rehabilitative improvement in social, work, and independent-living domains and had fewer days of hospitalization. Based on these findings, clinicians, administrators, and researchers can assume that the intensity and longitudinal continuity of services are important to achieving rehabilitative outcomes in some community-based psychosocial rehabilitation models.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Neuropsychological and psychophysiological correlates of psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia.

This study tested hypothesized relationships between neuropsychological and psychophysiological variables and concurrent levels of clinical and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 40 subjects diagnosed with a chronic schizophrenia spectrum disorder and living in community-based settings. The psychophysiological variables were tonic skin conductance (SC) level, SC reactivity to stressors, and SC response to orienting stimuli. The neuropsychological measures were the Stroop, the Controlled Word Association Test, and four subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (block design, digit symbol, digit span, and arithmetic). The psychosocial variables were measures of symptomatology, independent living, work, and social functioning. The results suggested that higher symptoms were associated with higher resting arousal, lower stress reactivity, status as an electrodermal responder, and deficits in verbal fluency and visuo-motor functioning. The pattern for better social functioning was higher resting arousal, lower stress reactivity, and more responses to orienting stimuli. Higher levels of independent living were associated with better visuo-motor and verbal processing. Increased work functioning was associated with better complex visuo-spatial processing. These findings are discussed in terms of (1) the specificity of associations between psychosocial, psychophysiological, and neuropsychological variables and (2) a holistic perspective toward understanding these relationships and their relevance to rehabilitation in schizophrenia.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1983

Lasers as tools for mycology.

Methods of preparing fungal samples for chemical analysis are briefly considered. The basic principles employed in laser microscopy are outlined. The applications of the technique to mycology and to plant biology are discussed. Such a method allows chemical information to be obtained on the same sample and permits the detection of 74 elements in the periodic system of Mendeleev from lithium (3) to uranium (92). The preparative procedures are evaluated according to general histochemical principles. This technique requires little specimen preparation and has the advantage of not requiring large masses of tissue.

Elements↗
PubMed1980

Observations on the chemical compositions of some pathogenic fungi for humans determined by X-ray microanalysis.

The electron microprobe analyzer was used to study the chemical compositions of some pathogenic fungi for humans. Elementary analysis was based on the characteristic X-ray spectra generated by the electrons passing through the specimens. This is a non-destructive method allowing to perform multiple elementary analysis in the same tissue. In order to increase our understanding of pathogenic fungi, small pieces of fungi tissue were analyzed. The species examined were Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis and Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed1979

Study of allergenic fungi by means of a laser beam.

Laser microscopy was employed to detect some elements of Mendeleev's classification in allergenic moulds for humans. It permits the detection of 74 elements in the periodic system, from lithium (3) to uranium (92). This method requires little specimen preparation and has the advantage of not requiring large masses of tissue.

Fungi↗
PubMed1978

A microanalysis approach to investigate problems encountered in mycology.

X-ray microanalysis has been applied to the study of pathogenic fungi for the acquisition of chemical information. The technique of combined scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive spectrometry is described. The chemical analysis depends on the characteristic x-ray spectrum excited by the electrons passing through the sample. This spectrum is analyzed by x-ray wavelength dispersion using crystal spectrometers. All the elements of the periodic system above beryllium can be detected with good sensitivity.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗
PubMed1977

X-ray microanalysis as applied to fungal tissues.

Analytical electron microscopy combines the techniques of high-resolution electron microscopy and high-sensitivity X-ray microanalysis of samples. Spectrometry of the elements (characteristic X-rays produced by a scanning electron microprobe) was employed to detect some elements of Mendeleev's classification in pathogenic fungi for humans. X-ray microanalysis applied in wavelength dispersive spectrometry was used to study Coccidioïdes immitis, Paracoccidioïdes brasiliensis and Trichosporum cutaneum.

Coccidioides↗
PubMed1975

Advantages of x-ray microanalysis in the field of medical mycology.

A new apparatus, which combines an electron microprobe and a scanning electron microscope, has been used. This apparatus enabled to conduct a systematic elemental analysis of two species among Aspergillaceae. All elements in the periodic table whose atomic numbers lie between boron and uranium can be detected.

Aspergillus↗
PubMed1973

Mycological applications of x-ray microanalysis.

In Aspergillus fumigatus, X-ray microanalysis applied in wavelength dispersive spectroscopy enabled us to detect the presence of calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and magnesium; and in A. niger we detected the presence of calcium, potassium, chloride, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium. These various elements were identified by their K alpha lines.

Aspergillus↗