Biomedical subjects

S Breznitz

Publications and source records attributed to S Breznitz.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Immunoalienation. A behavioral analysis of the immune system.

Immunoalienation denotes the process through which the definition of self, as defined by the immune system, progressively deviates from the genetically determined definition of self. The mechanisms responsible for immunoalienation are discussed in light of the available evidence. The different kinds of immunoalienation are analyzed, and their theoretical as well as practical implications to disease, tumors, and transplant biology are briefly discussed.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗

PubMed2000

Denial of HIV/AIDS and preventive behaviour among Israeli adolescents.

A national sample of 1082 Israeli adolescents, aged 14-18, was questioned on the following topics: Respondents' sexual habits and HIV/AIDS prevention behaviours, HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes, and six kinds of HIV/AIDS-related denial. The main results showed that infrequent condom use was associated with a high level of denial, denial of personal relevance and of responsibility being the most salient. These results suggest that denial may constitute a major factor in HIV/AIDS-related risk behaviours, with implications for intervention programmes aimed at adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Experimental induction and termination of acute psychological stress in human volunteers: effects on immunological, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and psychological parameters.

The present research investigated the effects of controlled experimental manipulations of stress on biological and psychological reactions. Fifty young adult male volunteers were exposed to a 12-min period of stress induced by the threat of an unavoidable, painful electric shock. A 12-min period without this threat preceded or followed the stress period. Blood was drawn during the 4th and the 12th minute of each period. Anticipatory threat led to significant elevations in the proportions and cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, plasma epinephrine levels, pulse rate, and reported level of tension, and to a reduction in the CD4/CD8 ratios. The no-threat period induced a return to baseline values for epinephrine, pulse rate, and tension, and lower than baseline levels for cytotoxic activity of NK lymphocytes, within a similarly short time span. The findings underline the rapidity with which physiological changes may transpire in the course of a brief and acute period of psychological stress, and the rapidity of their reversal upon relief from the stressor.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Studies in psychoneuroimmunology: psychological, immunological, and neuroendocrinological parameters in Israeli civilians during and after a period of Scud missile attacks.

Twenty-two male volunteers in Jerusalem were subjected to a battery of psychological tests at the height of the Iraqi Scud missile attacks on Israeli cities during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and again after the cessation of hostilities. Venous blood samples were taken at each time point. The separated mononuclear cells and plasma were cryopreserved, and a spectrum of immunological and neuroendocrine assays were performed on the preserved samples. Psychological testing indicated levels of anxiety were higher during the war than they were after the war ended, and both anxiety and anger during the hostilities were significantly elevated in comparison with prewar data. During the war, specific war-related pressures were greater than everyday pressures, and problem-focused coping was more evident than emotion-focused coping. Natural-killer cell activity and cell-mediated lympholysis were significantly elevated during the war, as were plasma levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, neurotensin, and substance P. The only biological test parameter found to be reduced during the war period was mononuclear cell thymidine incorporated in nonstimulated cultures.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1991

War-related stress. Addressing the stress of war and other traumatic events.

A task force on war-related stress was convened to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of psychological, psychosocial, and psychosomatic disorders associated with the Persian Gulf War and other extreme stressors facing communities in general. The task force focused on the return home, reunion, and reintegration of service personnel with their families and work. Although the Persian Gulf War was won with relative ease, negative psychological sequelae may develop in some individuals because of the stress of war, family disruption, financial difficulty, and changes in family routines. Typical stress reactions and modes of coping that are usually unsuccessful or destructive were outlined, and suggestions were made for monitoring these. In addition, guidelines for successful coping were developed. Special attention was given to children's reactions and needs. Recommendations were made for outreach and intervention on the policy, systems (e.g., schools, businesses, governmental agencies), family, and individual levels.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1985