bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clients' reasons for terminating psychotherapy: A quantitative and qualitative inquiry
Authors: Roe David , Dekel Rachel , Harel Galit , Fennig Shmuel
Published: September 2006

Objective. To study private‐practice clients' perspective on reasons for psychotherapy termination and how these are related to demographic and treatment variables and to satisfaction with therapy.

Design. Eighty‐four persons who had been in extended private‐practice psychotherapy which ended in the preceding three years participated in the study. Mean number of months in treatment was 27.70 (SD =18.70).

Method. Assessment included rating scales and open‐ended questions assessing demographic variables, reasons for terminating therapy, and satisfaction with therapy.

Results. Quantitative results revealed that the most frequent reasons for termination were accomplishment of goals, circumstantial constraints and dissatisfaction with therapy, and that client satisfaction was positively related to positive reasons for termination. Qualitative results revealed two additional frequently mentioned reasons for termination: the client's need for independence and the client's involvement in new meaningful relationships.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that psychotherapy termination may at times be required to facilitate the pursuit of personally meaningful goals.
Acknowledging problematic voices: Processes occurring at early stages of conflict assimilation in patients with functional somatic disorder
Authors: Reid Marylou , Osatuke Katerine
Published: September 2006

Objectives. This study elaborates the assimilation model's account of client processes at an early stage (Level 1). This model describes therapeutic change as a gradual assimilation of problematic experiences, or voices, into the client's personality. The Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES; Stiles et al., 1991) measures client's increasing ability to recognize, accept and utilize these previously avoided voices.

Design and methodology. Two researchers rated session excerpts from two psychotherapy cases, where the ‘problematic voice’ (PV) was initially unassimilated. Passages rated at APES Level 1, along with their verbal assimilation descriptions, were later scrutinized for change processes. Voice dynamics within each passage were detailed and reviewed, to hypothesize substage processes representing movement. Both procedures involved a convergence process: raters first independently analysed, then shared their findings over successive rounds.

Conclusions. Across cases, shifts in the quality of negative affect were evident. Anxiety increased throughout this stage, as clients began to sustain exposure to intrusive problematic experiences. Later, Level 1 substages also showed an increase in conscious apperception of dominant voice characteristics including its resistance to experiencing PVs. Together, these relatively subtle changes indicated clients' increasing ability to familiarize themselves with PV qualities and recognize their historic defences against them, prior to identifying and accepting them as part of their personalities.
Course of improvement over 2 years in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Puschner Bernd , Kraft Susanne , Kächele Horst , Kordy Hans
Published: September 2006

Objective. To assess and predict the level and course of symptomatic improvement in psychoanalytic (PAP) and psychodynamic psychotherapy (PD).

Methods. In a comprehensive longitudinal study, the course of improvement of 116 patients in PAP and of 357 patients in PD was tracked over a period of 2 years and analysed via hierarchical linear models.

Results. At baseline, over 90% of the patients reported substantial psychological, physical or interpersonal distress. In both forms of treatment, the course of improvement could be adequately fitted by a linear model. Symptom distress decreased notably within 2 years, with an especially sharp decline before the first formally scheduled therapy session. No significant differences between forms of treatment as to level or pace of symptom improvement could be observed. Prediction of speed of improvement was poor, with initial symptom distress showing the strongest influence while initial helping alliance had no predictive value. When comparing patients who finished their treatment within the 2‐year observation period with those with still ongoing treatments, the former showed quicker symptom improvement.

Discussion. Strategies for the optimal allocation of valuable therapeutic resources should be reconsidered. An adaptive, outcome‐oriented allocation strategy of therapeutic resources is proposed.
A qualitative investigation of problem gambling as an escape‐based coping strategy
Authors: Wood Richard T. A. , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: September 2006

Background. There has been a small but growing body, of largely quantitative research, that has examined problem gambling in the context of poor coping skills. These studies suggest that gambling may be used as an alternative method of coping that some will use to distract themselves from having to deal with problems in their lives.

Objectives. To examine the role that gambling plays in the lives of problem gamblers and the extent to which it may be used as a means of coping.

Design. Fifty problem gamblers, ranging in age from 18 to 63 years, with an average age of 39 years, were interviewed. The focus of the interview was upon the participant's accounts of how their gambling problem had developed and the role that gambling played in their lives. A structured grounded theory approach was utilized.

Results. Following the selective coding process, ‘gambling to escape’ was identified as the core category. This state was achieved through ‘mood modification’, involving fantasies, dissociation and/or changes in arousal. For some problem gamblers seeking mood modification was their primary motivation. For others mood modification was sought as a means to cope with one or two other psychological and/or psychosocial states consisting of ‘filling the void’ and/or ‘avoiding problems’. Two other factors sometimes influenced the need to gamble, either directly through ‘control beliefs’ or through ‘cognitive regret’.

Conclusions. Escape was the prime characteristic of the gambling experience that facilitated the continuation of problem gambling among the interviewed participants. In relation to these findings, the implications for prevention, intervention, treatment and future research are discussed.
When what I wish makes me worse … to make coherence flexible
Authors: Fernandes Eugénia Maria
Published: September 2006

This paper describes a psychotherapeutic constructivist intervention oriented to the resolution of implicative dilemmas, in order to promote personal change. It presents a clinical case study of a client with depression and with some dependent and obsessive functioning. The Repertory Grid Technique was administered along with symptom assessment (SCL‐90‐R) both at beginning and end of the psychotherapeutic process. Exploring themes emerged from Repgrid, several narratives, experiential and metaphoric strategies were used in order to explore and reconstruct meanings associated with the five implicative dilemmas found. The therapeutic process succeeds at solving dilemmas as found in the post‐therapy assessment. This resolution was accompanied by symptom reduction. In conclusion, the utility of implicative dilemmas as a marker to understand the therapeutic impasse and dysfunctional system coherence is discussed, as well as the efficacy of the strategies used in this clinical case concerning its adaptation to working with implicative dilemmas that prevent therapeutic process.
Young people's experiences of individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Authors: Bury Catherine , Raval Hitesh , Lyon Louise
Published: September 2006

Greater emphasis is currently being placed on user involvement in shaping the delivery of mental health services and the need for increasing the evidence base for psychotherapeutic interventions such as individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy (IPP). This qualitative study reports on the range of experiences of six young people aged between 16 and 21 years in undertaking IPP. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to develop an in‐depth understanding of their experiences. The themes identified the young people's initial expectations and concerns about starting psychotherapy, experiences of learning the ropes of therapy and the process and meaning of ending therapy. The affective relationship with the therapist was of particular importance to the young people concerned. Positive experiences of IPP included being listened to and being accepted, and talking and thinking in depth. The power differentials with respect to being a patient were also evident. The paper concludes by suggesting that paying greater attention to young people's views of psychotherapy may improve their initial engagement and help to develop services in more appropriate ways. Qualitative methodologies provide a useful adjunct to conducting process and outcome research in this context.
More than just a place to talk: Young people's experiences of group psychological therapy as an early intervention for auditory hallucinations
Authors: Newton Elizabeth , Larkin Michael , Melhuish Ruth , Wykes Til
Published: September 2006

Objectives.Auditory hallucinations are extremely distressing, particularly when occurring during adolescence. They may be most responsive to psychological intervention during a three‐year critical period following symptom‐onset, but as yet no studies have investigated voices groups for young participants with adolescent‐onset psychosis. The aim of the current study is to explore the experience of group‐CBT amongst a group of young people experiencing distressing auditory hallucinations.

Design.This project was planned and conducted in the tradition of idiographic, qualitative psychology. A small purposive sample was selected, and in‐depth, open‐ended interviews were conducted, in order to generate and explore rich, experiential accounts which are clearly situated and contextualized.

Methods.Eight participants who had completed a cognitive behavioural group intervention were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The transcribed data were analysed according to the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA;Smith, Osborn, & Jarman, 1999).

Results.Two superordinate themes emerged. The first describes experiential features of the respondents' accounts of group therapy. The second theme posits a cyclical relationship between four key factors: the content of the hallucinated voices, the participants' explanations for, and reactions to these voices, and thus, their ability to cope with them.

Conclusions.‘Voices groups’ are appreciated by young people with auditory hallucinations, as sources of therapy, information, and support. These results suggest a number of testable hypotheses about the efficacy of group treatment and its future development.
British outpatient norms for the Brief Symptom Inventory
Authors: Ryan Christian
Published: September 2006

Background. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) is a popular measure of psychopathology frequently used as an outcome measure, but clinicians and researchers have had to rely on normative data based on US samples which may not be appropriate for the British population.

Objectives. The aim was to develop culturally relevant outpatient norms for the BSI that would reflect hypothesized differences between US and UK population in responding to items on the BSI.

Method. BSI and demographic data were collected for 378 patients referred to clinical psychology services in the Midlands, England, during routine practice.

Results. Significantly higher rates of psychopathology were reported by the UK sample than for the normative group reported in the US.

Conclusion. Outpatient normative data for British participants are presented. The study examines the impact of occupational status, age and gender differences on the level of reported distress.
Sources of psychiatric staff members' feelings towards patients and treatment outcome
Authors: Holmqvist Rolf , Armelius Bengt‐Åke
Published: September 2006

This study had two purposes. The first was to assess to what extent psychiatric staff members' feelings towards patients in small psychiatric units could be attributed to (a) the individual staff member's habitual feeling style, (b) stable and consistent feelings towards individual patients (the patient's evocative style) and (c) the interaction between these two factors. The second purpose was to analyse the associations between the proportions of these factors and the average outcome for the patients in the units. The study was based on a previously presented model for analysing sources of staff counter‐transference. The model specifies contributions from the different sources by using two‐way ANOVAs. In the present study, data from 21 psychiatric treatment units for patients with psychosis and personality disorder were used. The results indicated that the staff members' individual habitual feeling style and the interaction between this habitual feeling style and the patient's evocative style contributed most to the variance in staff feelings. Patients' individual evocative patterns contributed less. Positive treatment outcome was mainly negatively associated with contributions to the staff counter‐transference from these sources, implying that fixed patterns in personal feeling style or fixed reaction styles to individual patients had a negative influence on outcome.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for residual depressive symptoms
Authors: Kingston Tara , Dooley Barbara , Bates Anthony , Lawlor Elizabeth , Malone Kevin
Published: September 2006

Objectives. Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a new group‐based intervention for prevention of relapse in recurrent depression which has not been scientifically evaluated regarding its clinical effectiveness for ameliorating residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of MBCT in reducing residual depressive symptoms in psychiatric outpatients with recurrent depression, and to particularly explore the effects of mindfulness techniques on rumination.

Design. The design of this study was a mixed model complex design. Design 1 consisted of a consecutive series of patients. They were assigned to either MBCT or TAU. The independent variables were time and group allocation, and dependent variables were Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Rumination Scale. In Design 2, the TAU group proceeded to complete an MBCT group, and the BDI and Rumination Scale results of the two groups were collapsed.

Method. Nineteen patients with residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode, and who were attending outpatient clinic, were assigned to either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU), with the TAU group then proceeding to complete an MBCT group. Depressive and ruminative symptoms were assessed before, during, and after treatment, and at one‐month follow‐up.

Results. A significant reduction in depressive symptoms was found at the end of MBCT, with a further reduction at one‐month follow‐up. A trend towards a reduction in rumination scores was also observed.

Conclusions. Group MBCT has a marked effect on residual depressive symptoms, which may be mediated through the mindfulness‐based cognitive approach towards excessive negative ruminations in patients with residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode.
Dual relationships between clinical psychologists and their clients: A survey of UK clinical psychologists' attitudes
Authors: Kitson Cathy , Sperlinger David
Published: September 2006

Objectives. To collect information from a large number and broad range of UK clinical psychologists in order to examine the relationships between their attitudes towards dual relationships and various other characteristics, for comparison with the results of previous studies (mainly in the USA).

Design. The study was an anonymous postal survey.

Method. Questionnaires were sent out by the British Psychological Society Direct Mail Service to 1,000 randomly selected full members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (total membership 3,330). The questionnaire covered attitudes in respect of the management of dual relationships, general demographic information and questions about training, supervision and work experience.

Results. Of the questionnaires, 424 (42.4%) were returned with data available for analysis. The results appear to be consistent with other studies and, in general, the expected associations between variables were found. Overall, the dual relationship scenarios were rated as professionally appropriate only in limited circumstances; most consensus was found regarding the inappropriateness of sexual dual relationships.

Conclusions. The findings are discussed in terms of their relationships with previous research. Implications for clinical psychology training and the profession of Clinical Psychology are considered.
Cognitive schemas, defence mechanisms and post‐traumatic stress symptomatology
Authors: Price Jason P.
Published: September 2006

Objective. To identify specific ego defences and core schemas involved in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.

Design. Stepwise regression with predictor models generated from ego defences and core schema variables.

Method. Seventy‐seven participants completed the Impact of Event Scale, the 40‐item Defence Style Questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short‐form).

Results. Four core schemas (Defectiveness, Dependency, Enmeshment and Failure) and three defence mechanisms (Splitting, Rationalization and Projection) were found to be significant predictors in PTSD symptomatology.

Conclusions. The identified core schema and ego defences are seen to be theoretically consistent with present cognitive and psychodynamic conceptualizations of PTSD. The implications for future research are discussed.
Self‐reported defence mechanisms as an outcome measure in psychotherapy: A study on the German version of the Defence Style Questionnaire DSQ 40
Authors: Schauenburg Henning , Willenborg Verena , Sammet Isa , Ehrenthal Johannes C.
Published: September 2006

The psychoanalytically informed construct of ‘defence mechanisms’ is of central importance for the understanding of the dynamics of inner conflicts and the onset of neurotic symptoms. Objective and valid assessment of ‘defence’ is difficult. There are a number of observer rating instruments but only few self‐report questionnaires. The German version of the ‘Defence Style Questionnaire ‐ DSQ 40’ (Andrews, Singh, & Bond, 1993) was examined with regard to its factorial and content validity, and its sensitivity to change during inpatient psychotherapy. One hundred and fifty‐five patients with mixed diagnoses were administered the DSQ 40 and the SCL‐90‐R before and after 3 months of inpatient psychotherapy. Diagnoses were mostly affective and anxiety disorders as well as eating disorders, and there was a high comorbidity of personality disorders. After deletion of some items due to insufficient pairwise item‐intercorrelation or false classification to a defence mechanism by experienced clinicians, we found three stable factors of defence (maladaptive, intermediate‐neurotic and adaptive) consistent with the previous research. After 3 months of therapy, a decrease in maladaptive mechanisms and an increase in adaptive patterns were found, while neurotic mechanisms did not change on average. Our shortened version of the DSQ 40 was shown to be a valid instrument for the assessment of defence mechanisms and change in these mechanisms after psychotherapy. Our design did not permit an assessment of whether or not the change in defence mechanisms was due to the therapeutic treatment.
Stability of the CORE‐OM and the BDI‐I prior to therapy: Evidence from routine practice
Authors: Barkham Michael , Mullin Tracy , Leach Chris , Stiles William B. , Lucock Mike
Published: September 2006

Background. It is important to know the stability of standard outcome measures prior to therapy over differing periods of time that map onto the realities of waiting times in routine service settings.

Method. We studied 1,684 clients who completed one or both the targeted measures Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measures (CORE‐OM) and Beck Depression Inventory‐I (BDI‐I) two times, at intervals of up to 12 months, prior to beginning psychotherapy. We also selected an additional 1,623 clients who completed the CORE‐OM (N=1,623), BDI‐I (N=980) or both at referral, but had no records of further contact with the service.

Results. There was little change in the mean CORE‐OM or BDI‐I scores between referral and clinical assessment. The test‐retest correlations showed substantial stability on both measures, declining only moderately at the longer intervals studied.

Conclusion. The high test‐retest correlations for periods of up to 6 months suggest that psychological disturbance was both reliably measured by the CORE‐OM and the BDI‐I, and reasonably stable among clients waiting to be assessed. Implications for routine practice are discussed.
Recurrent miscarriage: Psychological and relational consequences for couples
Authors: Serrano Fátima , Lima Maria Luisa
Published: September 2006

Recurrent miscarriage is a rare condition that has been described as a traumatic event for couples. Although symptoms of depression, anxiety and lowered self‐esteem have been related after recurrent miscarriage, little is known about its impact on couple sexuality and on gender differences in attitude and the grief that follow. The objectives of this study are to describe the consequences of recurrent pregnancy loss for the couple's relationship, and explore gender differences in attitudes and grief intensity toward this kind of reproductive failure. Each member of 30 couples with at least 3 recurrent miscarriages answered a set of questionnaires, including the Impact of Events Scale (Horowitz, Wilnwe, & Alvarez, 1979), the Perinatal Grief Scale (Toedter, Lasker, & Qlhadeff, 1988), the Partnership Questionnaire (Hahlweg, 1979) and the Intimate Relationship Scale (Hetherington & Soeken, 1990). Results showed that men do grieve, but less intensely than their partners. Although the couple's relationship seemed to not be adversely affected by recurrent miscarriage, couples described sexual changes after those events. Grief was related to the quality of communication in the couple for women, and to the quality of sex life for men.
Evidence supporting the hypothesis that one of the main functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is mediation of cell stress responses
Authors: Matsumura Fumio , F.A. Vogel Christoph
Published: September 2006

We have previously proposed that one of the major consequences of activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) could be elicitation of ‘cell stress response’ reactions [Matsumura, Biochem. Pharmacol. 66 (2003), 527–540]. This hypothesis was based mainly on the similarity between the toxic symptoms, particularly those related to the wasting syndrome, and those induced by bacterial endotoxins, namely lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vivo, as well as the biochemical and molecular consequences of their toxic actions in vitro. Since the basic action mechanism of LPS as an inducer of cell stress responses (CSR) is known to some extent, including knowledge of their specific receptors (i.e., toll-like receptors) and their signaling process through the inflammatory response messengers, the above comparison offered a good point of reference to this subject. Furthermore, the process of constructing this hypothesis itself has provided us with a good opportunity to give a fresh view on the toxic action patterns of TCDD.
Structure-based specificity mapping of secreted aspartic proteases of Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis using peptidomimetic inhibitors and homology modeling
Authors: Majer Filip , Pavlíčková Libuše , Majer Pavel , Hradilek Martin , Dolejší Elena , Hrušková-Heidingsfeldová Olga , Pichová Iva
Published: September 2006

Secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) of pathogenicCandidaspp. represent a specific target for antifungal drug development. We synthesized a series of peptidomimetic inhibitors with different isosteric groups and modifications at individual positions and tested them with purified Saps fromC. albicans(Sap2p),C. tropicalis(Sapt1p), andC. parapsilosis(Sapp1p). The kinetic parameters indicated that all three proteases prefer binding of inhibitors containing bulky hydrophobic residues between positions P3 and P3′. The most divergent specificity was found for Sapp1p. The sequence alignment of Sap2p, Sapt1p, and Sapp1p, and homology modeling of Sapp1p with the crystal structure of Sapt1p and the complex of Sap2p with a peptidomimetic inhibitor showed that the overall folds of Sap2p, Sapt1p, and Sapp1p are similar. However, the N- and C-terminal loops formed by disulfide bonds between residues 47–53 and 258–292 are significantly shorter in Sapp1p, and a unique insertion following Tyr 129 in Sapp1p results in the formation of a loop that can interact with inhibitor residues. These Sapp1p structural differences might lead to its altered susceptibility to inhibition.
The solution structure of the membrane-proximal cytokine receptor domain of the human interleukin-6 receptor
Authors: Hecht Oliver , Dingley Andrew J. , Schwanter Andreas , Özbek Suat , Rose-John Stefan , Grötzinger Joachim
Published: September 2006

The members of the interleukin-6-type family of cytokines interact with receptors that have a modular structure and are built of several immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type III-like domains. These receptors have a characteristic cytokine receptor homology region consisting of two fibronectin type III-like domains defined by a set of four conserved cysteines and a tryptophan-serine-X-tryptophan-serine sequence motif. On target cells, interleukin-6 (IL-6) initially binds to its cognate α-receptor and subsequently to a homodimer of the signal transducer receptor gp130. The IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) consists of three extracellular domains. The N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domain is not involved in ligand binding, whereas the third membrane-proximal fibronectin-like domain (IL-6R-D3) accounts for more than 90% of the binding energy to IL-6. Here, we present the solution structure of the IL-6R-D3 domain solved by multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy.
A novel proteolytically processed CDP/Cux isoform of 90 kDa is generated by cathepsin L
Authors: Goulet Brigitte , Truscott Mary , Nepveu Alain
Published: September 2006

The Cut-like genes code for multiple isoforms of the CDP/Cux transcription factor. The full-length protein contains four DNA-binding domains: Cut repeats 1, 2 and 3 (CR1, CR2 and CR3) and the Cut homeodomain (HD). The p75 isoform is expressed from an mRNA that is initiated within intron 20 and contains only CR3 and HD. The p110 isoform is generated by proteolytic processing by cathepsin L and contains CR2, CR3 and HD. In the present study, we show that an additional isoform of 90 kDa is expressed in many cell lines of epithelial origin. Mapping experiments with deletion mutants indicated that the N-terminus of p90 is located upstream of CR2, between amino acids 918 and 938. Indeed, p90 and p110 displayed similar DNA-binding and transcriptional activities. The p90 isoform, like p110, was found to be generated by proteolytic processing. The steady-state level of both p90 and p110 correlated with the level of cathepsin L activity. Importantly, co-expression with a cathepsin L mutant that is initiated at downstream AUG sites also stimulated the generation of p90 and p110. These results strongly suggest that p90, like p110, is generated by cathepsin L isoforms that are devoid of a signal peptide.
Gender assignment and the structure of the lexicon
Authors: Conzett Philipp
Published: September 2006

This article provides a general survey of a number of (mostly Indo-European) gender systems. In more recent years, regularities found in those systems have been accounted for by rule-based approaches where gender is assigned on-line by symbolic rules. A critical investigation of those accounts suggests that gender of existing nouns is stored individually, but that there must also be a mechanism that assigns gender to new nouns. It is argued that this behaviour is more adequately accounted for in a network model and it is shown how gender assignment can shed light on lexical structure at large.
On the borderline between lexicon and grammar: confixes in Modern Greek and Italian
Authors: Giannoulopoulou Giannoula
Published: September 2006

This article examines confixes, a type of word-forming elements between lexical stems and affixes. While confixes carry lexical meaning, confixing changes the constituent order in the word so that the internal word structure resembles the constituent order typical of derivation. It is argued that grammaticalization theory is an appropriate theoretical framework for the study of confixes because of its ability to describe the emergence of grammar under historical and contextual pressures. It is shown that confixes represent incipient grammaticalization and that their study from this point of view challenges the langue-parole and synchrony-diachrony dichotomies.
The Role of Capecitabine in First-Line Treatment for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Gelmon Karen , Chan Arlene , Harbeck Nadia
Published: September 2006

Capecitabine is an important drug in the therapeutic armamentarium for metastatic breast cancer. A comprehensive worldwide clinical trial program involving >10,000 patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer has provided evidence for the current treatment strategies. On the basis of data demonstrating consistent activity across several trials in patients with heavily pretreated breast cancer, capecitabine was approved in the U.S. in 1998 for the treatment of patients with metastatic disease resistant to paclitaxel and anthracycline-containing therapy, with later European Union approval for single-agent capecitabine in the metastatic setting. Capecitabine plus docetaxel (XT) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in 2001 on the basis of the large phase III trial comparing XT with docetaxel alone, which showed a survival advantage for combination therapy compared with single-agent therapy. This was shortly followed by European approval for the combination in metastatic breast cancer. The clinical utility of capecitabine in the management of breast cancer is supported by its convenient oral dosing schedule and favorable safety profile, as well as its excellent clinical activity in primary and metastatic breast cancer. Recently, clinical trials have studied single-agent capecitabine as first-line treatment and evaluated other capecitabine-containing combinations with cytotoxic and novel targeted agents.
Selenium bioaccumulation inChlamydomonas reinhardtiiand Subsequent transfer toCorbicula fluminea: Role of selenium speciation and bivalve ventilation
Authors: Fournier Elodie , Adam Christelle , Massabuau Jean-Charles , Garnier-Laplace Jacqueline
Published: September 2006

The uptake of Se by the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the subsequent transfer to the Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea was investigated. The objective was to investigate the bioavailability of algal-bound Se for C. fluminea while taking into account Se speciation and bivalve ventilation. First, uptake rates of waterborne Se (selenite, selenate, and selenomethionine) in the algae during a 1-h exposure period were determined for a range of concentrations up to 2,000 μg/L. Fluxes for selenite uptake were constant in the range of concentrations tested, whereas fluxes for selenate and selenomethionine uptake decreased with increasing concentrations, suggesting a saturated transport system at high concentrations (≈1,000 μg/L for selenate and 100 μg/L for selenomethionine). These data were used to set the algal contamination for the study of trophic transfer to the clam. Three parameters were studied: The Se form, the algal density, and the Se burden in the algae. The results show that for a fixed algal density, an Se-contaminated algal diet does not modify ventilation. In this case, the driving factor for ventilation is the algal density, with ventilation being enhanced for low algal densities. On the basis of ventilatory flow rate measurements and Se burdens in algae, it was found that bioaccumulation of Se in C. fluminea was proportional to the total quantity of Se passing through the whole organism, but with a lesser extraction coefficient for selenomethionine than for the inorganic forms. These results underline the importance of both physiological factors and speciation in understanding the trophic transfer of Se.
Multistep bioassay to predict recolonization potential of emerging parasitoids after a pesticide treatment
Authors: Desneux Nicolas , Ramirez-Romero Ricardo , Kaiser Laure
Published: September 2006

Neurotoxic pyrethroid insecticides are widely used for crop protection, and lethal and sublethal perturbations can be expected in beneficial insects. Under laboratory conditions, the lethal and sublethal effects of deltamethrin on the aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae M'Intosh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were studied at the mummy stage and in emerging adults. Following a multistep bioassay, analyses were aimed at evaluating the effects of deltamethrin at various crucial steps in the recolonization process following a deltamethrin treatment: Parasitoid pupal development (emergence from the mummies), adult survival, and hostsearching capacity. A four-armed olfactometer was used to investigate the effect of deltamethrin on host-searching behavior (a range of concentrations causing 0.4–79.4% mortality was tested), and a Potter tower was used to test the deltamethrin effect with a realistic application method (four concentrations were tested: 0.5, 5.0, 6.25, and 50 g active ingredient [a.i.]/ha). Deltamethrin reduced the percentage of emergence from mummies, but only when exposed to the 50 g a.i./ha concentration. However, for all concentrations tested, the insecticide induced a decrease in longevity after emergence from sprayed mummies and significant adult mortality when parasitoids walked on fresh residues on leaves. Indices were defined and predicted a high mortality and, thus, reduction of recolonization capacities. However, deltamethrin had no effect on orientation behavior toward aphid-infested plants for adults that survived a residual exposure to the insecticide. The impact of deltamethrin on recolonization via pupal emergence and interest in the methodology used are discussed.
Selenium absorption, distribution, and excretion in white sturgeon orally dosed with L-selenomethionine
Authors: Tashjian Diran H. , Hung Silas S.O.
Published: September 2006

The usefulness of a newly developed, combined technique consisting of esophageal intubation, dorsal aortic cannulation, and urinary catheterization to deliver Se orally and to monitor Se uptake, accumulation, and excretion in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was explored. Groups of five yearling sturgeon (1–2 kg) each were intubated with 0 (sham), 250, 500, or 1,000 μg Se/kg body weight in the form of L-selenomethionine, an ecologically relevant organic form of Se. Selenium concentrations in whole blood, plasma, and red blood cells did not change in the sham group but began to rise within 2 h postintubation in the other groups, and levels remained near maximum concentrations throughout the 48-h sampling period. Average urinary Se excretion rates over the entire 48-h period were 0.05, 0.46, 0.61, and 2.15 μg Se/kg/h in sturgeon intubated with 0, 250, 500, and 1,000 μg Se/kg, respectively. Selenium excretion rates were highest within the first 6 h in all treatment groups except the sham group. Selenium concentrations in the liver were positively correlated with the intubated Se dosage.
Body mass and caloric value of the ground beetle (Pterostichus oblongopunctatus) (Coleoptera, Carabidae) along a gradient of heavy metal pollution
Authors: Zygmunt Piotr M. S. , Maryański Maciej , Laskowski Ryszard
Published: September 2006

At five sites located along a metal-pollution gradient in southern Poland, we collected, during the spring and summer of 2000, more than 1,200 individuals of the ground beetle (Pterostichus oblongopunctatus) to examine the relationship between pollution level and body mass. Animals from one additional sampling in May 2001 were used to measure body caloric value to verify whether metal pollution has an effect on the energy content of the body. The study sites were located in an area with a history of zinc and lead mining and smelting dating back to medieval times. Metal concentrations in the humus layer ranged from 200 to 9,600 mg/kg of zinc, 120 to 1,600 mg/kg of lead, and 3 to 82 mg/kg of cadmium. We found a significant increase in body mass with increasing pollution level. The beetles from all sites collected near the end of the season were lighter. However, no statistically significant trend in body caloric value was detected. We suggest that the high metal tolerance of the species, combined with altered interspecies competition at the polluted sites, is responsible for the positive correlation between soil metal concentration and body mass.
Environmental temperature changes uptake rate and bioconcentration factors of bisphenol A in tadpoles of Rana Temporaria
Authors: Honkanen Jani O. , Kukkonen Jussi V.K.
Published: September 2006

Toxicokinetics of radiolabeled (14C) bisphenol A was studied in the common frog (Rana temporaria) at two experimental temperatures (7 and 19°C). The growth rate of the tadpoles during the 96-h experiment was very slow at 7°C, but the weight of tadpoles almost tripled at 19°C. At all tested exposure concentrations (0.2, 1.5, 10, and 100 μg/L), conditional uptake rate constants (ku) were 69 to 82%, and elimination rates (ke)79 to 90% lower, at 7°C than at 19°C. On the contrary, bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were higher at 7°C than at 19°C. Total accumulated bisphenol A per individual was higher at 19°, which is in agreement with higher ku at 19°C. Exposure concentrations did not have any constant effect on BCFs at the two temperatures. The results of the current experiment suggest that higher temperature increases uptake and total amount of chemical in frog tadpoles but does not necessarily lead to higher BCFs. High temperature may have increased the growth rate more than the uptake rate, resulting in a net dilution of bisphenol A in tadpole tissues. The observed difference in BCFs also could be a result of temperature-induced changes in allometric relationships (increased surface area to volume ratio) and/or more effective elimination in more developed tadpoles at high temperature.
Contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers and persistent organochlorines in catfish and feed from Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Minh Nguyen Hung , Minh Tu Binh , Kajiwara Natsuko , Kunisue Tatsuya , Iwata Hisato , Viet Pham Hung , Tu Nguyen Phuc Cam , Tuyen Bui Cach , Tanabe Shinsuke
Published: September 2006

Commercial feeds for aquaculture and catfish samples were collected from the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and selected persistent organochlorines, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), chlordane-related compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The most abundant contaminants were DDTs, with concentrations ranging from 10 to 700 ng/g lipid weight, followed by PCBs (1.0–80 ng/g), CHLs (<0.01–8.2 ng/g), PBDEs (0.12–3.7 ng/g), HCHs (<0.03–5.1 ng/g), and HCB (<0.07–3.2 ng/g). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers were detected in all samples, suggesting their widespread contamination in the region. However, PBDE contamination levels in the present catfish specimens were low in comparison to levels worldwide. Interestingly, residue levels of all the contaminants were significantly higher in catfish collected near a municipal dumping site compared to farmed catfish. This suggests that runoffs from the dumping site during floods and rains may have brought pollutants to the surrounding areas. Contamination pattern in aquaculture feeds revealed elevated levels of PCBs and PBDEs in samples from foreign companies, perhaps implying their higher residues in some imported ingredients. Congener profiles of PBDEs and PCBs demonstrated similarity between the farmed catfish and the aquaculture feeds, suggesting these feeds as a major source of pollution to the farmed catfish. On the other hand, the PBDE and PCB profiles in the dumpsite catfish are clearly different from those of the farmed catfish, revealing their exposure to different sources. Risk assessment showed significantly higher intake of the contaminants by people who eat catfish cultured near the dumping areas. Further investigation regarding fate and occurrence of the contaminants in dumping sites is necessary.
An evaluation of cause-effect relationships between polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and sediment toxicity to benthic invertebrates
Authors: Fuchsman Phyllis C. , Barber Timothy R. , Lawton Jennifer C. , Leigh Katrina B.
Published: September 2006

Cause-effect sediment-quality benchmarks for the protection of benthic invertebrates are needed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to support predictive risk assessments and retrospective evaluations of the causes of observed sediment toxicity. An in-depth evaluation of PCB aquatic toxicity and organic carbon partitioning was conducted to predict sediment effect concentrations using the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) approach. This evaluation was limited to invertebrate toxicity data, because PCBs may exert toxicity to invertebrates and fish via different toxicological mechanisms. As a result of differences in organic carbon partitioning among PCBs of differing levels of chlorination, the estimated EqP benchmarks increase with increasing degree of chlorination for various commercial and environmental PCB mixtures. Studies of spiked sediment toxicity using PCBs were reviewed, and their results generally were consistent with EqP predictions. Additionally, toxicity and benthic community data were reviewed for eight PCB-contaminated sites; these data also showed agreement with EqP predictions. None of these lines of evidence supports previously proposed, empirical sediment-quality guidelines for PCBs. Reasons for the lack of agreement between cause-effect and association-based benchmarks are discussed, and areas of future research to further refine EqP predictions for PCBs are identified.
Embryonic exposure to o,p′-DDT causes eggshell thinning and altered shell gland carbonic anhydrase expression in the domestic hen
Authors: Holm Lena , Blomqvist Alexandra , Brandt Ingvar , Brunström Björn , Ridderstråle Yvonne , Berg Cecilia
Published: September 2006

The mechanism for contaminant-induced eggshell thinning in wild birds remains to be clarified. It is generally assumed, however, that it results from exposure of the adult laying female. We have reported that embryonic exposure to the synthetic estrogen ethynylestradiol (EE2) results in eggshell thinning in the domestic hen. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eggshell thinning can be induced following in ovo exposure to a bioaccumulating estrogenic environmental contaminant, o,p′-DDT. Ethynylestradiol was used as a positive control. Domestic hens exposed in ovo to o,p′-DDT (37 or 75 μg/g egg) or EE2 (60 ng/g egg) laid eggs with thinner shells than the control birds. The hens from these exposure groups also had a significantly reduced frequency of shell gland capillaries with carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, a key enzyme in eggshell formation. The decreased number of capillaries with CA activity suggests that a developmentally induced disruption of CA expression in the shell gland was involved in the eggshell thinning found in this study. Egg laying was not affected in hens exposed embryonically to 37 or 75 μg o,p′-DDT/g egg, whereas it was inhibited in hens exposed to higher doses. Decreased lengths of the left oviduct and its infundibulum were seen after embryonic treatment with o,p′-DDT or EE2. In addition, o,p′-DDT exposure resulted in right oviduct retention. The results support our hypothesis that eggshell thinning in avian wildlife can result from a functional malformation in the shell gland, induced by embryonic exposure to estrogenic substances.
Temporal changes of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities and lysosome accumulation in intestine of fish on chronic exposure to dietary benzo[a]pyrene: Linking EROD induction to cytological effects
Authors: Yuen Bonny B.H. , Au Doris W.T.
Published: September 2006

Temporal changes of intestinal and hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities and quantitative changes of secondary and tertiary (e.g., 2°/3°) lysosomes in enterocytes were compared for the juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides) on chronic exposure to foodborne benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) at two environmentally realistic levels (0.25 and 12.5 μg/g fish/d) over a four-week exposure and four-week depuration period. Intestinal EROD induction was rapid (within 3 d) and sustained in the BaPexposed fish, while a fast recovery (within one week) was observed on withdrawal of BaP intake. A dose-response relationship was demonstrated between intestinal EROD activities and the levels of foodborne BaP. Conversely, hepatic EROD induction was weak and subsided rapidly in the exposed fish, signifying that hepatic EROD activity is not a good indicator of oral intake of BaP. Significant increase of 2°/3° lysosomes, as measured by Vv(lysosome, mucosa), was detected in young enterocytes of fish in the highdosing group (12.5 μg/g fish/d) at exposure day 3 and persisted until recovery week 2. Importantly, intestinal EROD activity was significantly correlated to 2°/3° lysosome accumulation in enterocytes (r = 0.571, p < 0.001). These results further corroborate our earlier findings that induction of EROD activities in fish do not merely indicate exposure to BaP but also are correlated to harmful biological effects. We recommend the use of these two biochemical and cytological changes in intestines as specific biomarkers to indicate current and recent exposure of fish to BaP via oral intake.
Comparison of response to 17β-estradiol and 17β-trenbolone among three small fish species
Authors: Seki Masanori , Fujishima Saori , Nozaka Toshiki , Maeda Masanobu , Kobayashi Kunio
Published: September 2006

Three small fish species, medaka (Oryzias latipes), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), and zebrafish (Danio rerio), were exposed to an estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), and an androgen, 17β-trenbolone (TB), for 21 d under flow-through conditions to compare the susceptibility among these three small fish species to the substances. Effects on gross morphology, including secondary sex characteristics and gonadosomatic index, as well as on blood or liver vitellogenin (VTG) levels were assessed. In E2 exposures, significant increases in estrogenic activity were observed in both sexes of all three fish species. The lowest-observedeffect concentrations (LOECs) of E2 for VTG induction in males of medaka, fathead minnow, and zebrafish were less than or equal to 8.94, 28.6, and 85.9 ng/L, respectively. In TB exposures, we observed masculinization of secondary sex characteristics in females as a result of the androgenic activity of TB in medaka with a LOEC of 365 ng/L and in fathead minnow with a LOEC of 401 ng/L. We also found VTG reduction in females of all three fish species. These results suggest that the susceptibility of medaka to estrogenic chemicals may be higher than those of fathead minnow and zebrafish and that the susceptibility of medaka to androgenic chemicals may be almost equal to that of fathead minnow in the 21-d fish assay.