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Biomedical subjects

R Stern

Publications and source records attributed to R Stern.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Cognitive-behavior therapy for chronically depressed patients. A controlled pilot study.

In a pilot study, 12 chronically depressed outpatients who had been unresponsive to other forms of somatic and psychotherapy were alternately assigned in order of referral either to cognitive-behavior therapy twice weekly for 10 weeks or to a waiting list control condition for 10 weeks (N = 6 per condition). Outcome was evaluated by changes in social skills and depressive affect measured by self-report inventories, independent clinical ratings, and direct behavioral observation. By the end of treatment, the treated group but not the control group had improved significantly in depression, anxiety, and two indices of social skills. At 6-month follow-up, compared to pretreatment, the treated group remained significantly improved in anxiety and the indices of social skills. In our small sample, treated patients did not differ significantly from waiting list controls on any measure of outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Psoriasis and the risk of cancer.

To test the validity of the common hypothesis that patients with psoriasis have an inherently lower susceptibility to cancer, we prospectively studied 1367 patients with severe psoriasis who enrolled in a clinical trial of oral methoxsalen photochemotherapy for treatment of psoriasis for an average of 3.2 yr. The incidence of non-cutaneous cancers and the number of deaths from such cancers were slightly but not significantly higher than that expected for the general population (relative risk = 1.1; standard mortality ratio = 1.3). Among 318 patients (23%) in this cohort who were over 35 yr of age and who lacked appreciable exposure to suspected cutaneous carcinogens, the observed incidence for cutaneous carcinoma was 1.4 times that expected, based on rates for the general population (90% confidence interval = .8 to 2.7). These data suggest that patients with psoriasis have a risk of systemic and cutaneous cancer that is comparable to the risk for the general population.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Fibroblast growth factor modulates synthesis of collagen in cultured vascular endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial cells derived from adult bovine aortic arch can be grown in two ways, either in the presence or absence of fibroblast growth factor. The types of collagen produced by cultures under these two conditions have been compared. In the presence of fibroblast growth factor, cells grow in an orderly fashion, express their normal phenotype and synthesize primarily type III collagen plus collagens types IV and V at a ratio of 10:1:3. Cultures grown in the absence of the factor lose their orderly pattern of growth, lose polarity and normal phenotypic expression. They devote twice the proportion of total protein-synthesizing capacity to collagen, and now synthesize type I in addition to the other collagen types. The ratio of collagen types I:III:IV:V is approximately 30:70:1:13. The kinds of type V collagen chains expressed are also altered. Fibroblast growth factor appears to modulate collagen synthesis, the major component of the extracellular matrix, and indirectly modulates the phenotypic expression of cultured vascular endothelial cells. In atherosclerosis, type I collagen is found in association with the intimal layer. The disorderly growth and the abnormal production of type I collagen by these vascular endothelial cells cultured in the absence of fibroblast growth factor is a model for a number of pathological situations including atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Characterization of collagens synthesized by cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells.

Collagen is the major matrix protein produced by corneal endothelial cell cultures and represented 1% of total protein synthesis. The different types of collagen were determined by a combination of DEAE- and CM-cellulose column chromatography using known internal markers. Type III collagen was the major component both deposited in the extracellular matrix and secreted into the media. The basement membrane collagens, types IV and V, were also found in each compartment, although the latter was associated preferentially with the cell matrix. The ratios of types I:III:IV + V collagens synthesized by corneal endothelial cells were 3:16:1.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Current concepts in the diagnosis of human soft tissue sarcomas.

The surgical pathologist is often called upon to make a rapid decision about the malignant potential of a soft tissue tumor. These tumors have specific stromas that support growth and endow the tumor with unique qualities, as well as being manifestations of the phenotypic expression of tumor cells. Collagen, the major protein of the stroma of tumors, is now recognized as a family of proteins, each a different gene product. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies using antibodies directed against purified stromal components, particularly the different type specific collagens, may soon be available in large quantities. These are potentially useful tools for the surgical pathologist not only in making that important decision, but also for developing a classification scheme for human sarcomas. This scheme will inevitably have a more sound biological basis than those currently used.

Collagen↗
PubMed1981

The effect of occluded ear impedances on the eardrum SPL produced by hearing aids.

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of eardrum and earmold impedance on eardrum sound pressure level (SPL) produced by a hearing aid receiver. Acoustic interactions between receivers and ears occurring at receiver resonances were explored and analyzed. Results with ear simulators showed that the effect of simulator eardrum impedance was increased in regions where ear and receiver impedance approached each other during resonances. Earmold acoustics were also significant factors at frequencies where their impedance were comparable to ear impedances. Resonant frequency shifts of 540 Hz in the region between 800 and 1500 Hz were observed for the range of simulator eardrum and earmold impedances employed, with SPL changes of 10 dB occurring at some frequencies. Results were different for each of the five receivers tested confirming the effect of the receiver characteristics on the eardrum SPL. A subsequent test was performed using real ears with results that agreed substantially with those obtained with the simulators.

Acoustics↗
PubMed1981

Measurement of the velocity of ultrasound in human cortical bone in vivo. Estimation of its potential value in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

Using a method combining the velocity of ultrasound and photon absorptiometry in the human radius in vivo, the authors measured the speed of sound in bone (U) and bone mineral content (BMC). From these measurements and a "simple" bone model, they then computed the bone mineral density, compact bone density, and modulus of elasticity. The accuracy of these parameters and of the bone model is assessed, and normal values for each parameter are given and compared with published values. The authors feel that a combination of U and BMC permits better discrimination between normal and abnormal in patients with osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease than either parameter alone.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Isolation and partial characterization of active polysomes from calcified and matrix-containing tissues.

Polysomes were isolated from calcified and matrix-containing tissues, such as rat calvaria, rat chondrosarcoma and chick embryos. The method of isolation involves preliminary swelling of the tissues in hypotonic buffer containing heparin and cycloheximide. After homogenization, differential centrifugation is used to separate membrane-bound and non-bound polysomes. Each fraction is rehomogenized in the presence of detergent (Triton X-100) and potassium ions (0.25M). Polysomes are harvested by centrifugation through sucrose cushions in the continued presence of high levels of potassium ions and heparin. Total, non-bound, and membrane-bound polysomes prepared in this manner are equally active in protein synthesizing activity in an heterologous cell-free system. The distribution between non-bound and membrane-bound polysomes in the 12 day old chick embryo is 43 and 57 per cent respectively. Sucrose gradient profiles of polypeptide chains on polysomes labeled in organ culture correlate well with the protein synthetic activity of the isolated polysomes. Much of the protein synthetic activity is devoted to collagen. Polysomal fractions obtained from sucrose gradients show preferential incorporation of 3H-proline and nearly 60 per cent of trichloroacetic acid precipitable material is susceptible to collagenase digestion. Products of synthesis are also substrates for collagen specific enzyme, prolyl hydroxylase. The method described in this communication overcomes the inherent difficulties in obtaining active polysomes from calcified and matrix-containing tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Partial characterization of procollagen messenger ribonucleic acid in a murine chondrosarcoma.

Cells from a rat chondrosarcoma in primary suspension culture were used for labeling studies and isolation of RNA. With extended labeling, a distinct fraction of poly(A+)RNA sedimented in the region of 26S on denaturing sucrose gradients. Similar profiles were obtained with labeled poly(A+)RNA isolated from normal cartilage tissues, as well as from chondrocytes in culture. This mRNA coded for collagenous protein when translated in a cell-free system derived from wheat germ. Among the polypeptides synthesized in vitro, one distinctive component of approximately 150,000 daltons was detected by gel electrophoresis. Polypeptides of identical size, sensitive to bacterial collagenase, were also synthesized in vitro by polysomes isolated from the chondrosarcoma.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Procollagens as markers for the cell of origin of human bone tumors.

Cells derived from osteogenic sarcomas and from Ewing's sarcomas, two malignant bone tumors, were examined for the types of collagens they elaborated into the tissue culture media. Type I procollagen was the predominant species from all osteogenic sarcoma cell lines, a finding consistent with bone cell origin. The Ewing's sarcoma cells contained a prominent peak of type III procollagen and resembled the profile of vascular smooth muscle cells. Fibroblasts derived from skin biopsies taken from amputation specimens synthesized both type I and type III procollagens at the expected ratio of approximately 3:1. The examination of matrix proteins may provide a general classification scheme for human sarcomas and permit distinction of one tumor from another, as well as from normal fibroblasts.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed1979

Chromosome changes in a patient achieving complete remission in the acute phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

A patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) had a Philadelphia chromosome (Ph') [t(9q+;22q-)] in all cells and trisomy C in 13% of cells (later determined to be trisomy 8) at the time of diagnosis. After 21 months of intermittent treatment with busulfan, the acute phase developed with the appearance of an additional abnormality (trisomy ? 19). During a complete remission and reconversion to the chronic phase, trisomies 8 and ? 19 DISAPPEARed, although the Ph' remained. Following a period of marked thrombocytosis, a second relapse occurred with the reappearance of both marker chromosomes.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Immunoblastic sarcoma with features of Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with immunoblastic lymphadenopathy.

A patient with immunoblastic lymphadenopathy and features of Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus is presented. Clinical features included generalized lymphadenopathy, rash, alopecia, and synovitis, with associated laboratory abnormalities of a positive antinuclear factor and double-stranded DNA antibodies, positive lupus band test, and hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome included dry eyes and mouth and swollen parotid gland; biopsy results of the accessory salivary glands were positive. At autopsy immunoblastic sarcoma was found that involved the myocardium, which stained for both kappa and lambda light chains by immunoperoxidase techniques.

Aged↗