bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Prevention with Male Prostitutes and Patrons of Hustler Bars: Replication of an HIV Preventive Intervention
Authors: Miller Robin Lin , Klotz David , Eckholdt Haftan M.
Published: March 2003

The core objectives of this study were to document the process by which a community‐based organization replicated and adapted an experimentally developed intervention to its own use and to explore the effectiveness of that HIV prevention program for male prostitutes and other patrons in New York City “hustler” bars. The intervention model employed was based on previous research with gay men (Kelly, St. Lawrence, Diaz, et al., 1991; Kelly, St. Lawrence, Stevenson, et al., 1992) and inspired by diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 1995). The effects of the current intervention were assessed on a sample of 1,741 male prostitutes and bar patrons. Analyses indicated significant reductions in paid, unprotected sexual intercourse and oral sex following the intervention. Analyses further indicated that the data were partially consistent with the program's model, which specified that norms were the putative mediator of behavior change in the intervention. Also, the intervention's effects varied by bar and by participants' race/ethnicity. Data support the utility of the intervention model for an urban sample of men at high risk for HIV infection. The importance of exploring the mechanisms that underlie the intervention is discussed.
The prevalence of PTSD following the violent death of a child and predictors of change 5 years later
Authors: Murphy Shirley A. , Johnson L. Clark , Chung Ick‐Joong , Beaton Randal D.
Published: March 2003

In this study, we examined the violent death bereavement trajectories of 173 parents by following them prospectively for 5 years after their children's deaths by accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined causes. Using latent growth curve methodology, we examined how the initial level of PTSD and the rate of change over time were influenced by 9 predictors: the deceased children's causes of death, parents' gender, self‐esteem, 3 coping strategies, perceived social support, concurrent levels of mental distress, and an intervention offered in early bereavement. Six of the nine factors predicted initial levels of PTSD: however, only parents' gender and perceived social support predicted change in PTSD over the 5‐year time. Five years postdeath, 3 times as many study mothers (27.7%) met diagnostic criteria for PTSD and twice as many study fathers (12.5%) met diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared with the normative samples.
Newborn screening compared to clinical identification of biochemical genetic disorders
Authors: Waisbren S. E. , Read C. Y. , Ampola M. , Brewster T. G. , Demmer L. , Greenstein R. , Ingham C. L. , Korson M. , Msall M. , Pueschel S. , Seashore M. , Shih E. , Levy H. L.
Published: March 2003

A group of 28 patients with inherited metabolic disease (homocystinuria galactosaemia, maple syrup urine disease and biotinidase deficiency) diagnosed by screening were compared with a group of 17 similar patients identified clinically. The rate of hospitalization was similar for the two groups. The patients diagnosed clinically showed a higher incidence of mental retardation and their parents experienced greater stress and found greater difficulty in meeting their child's needs.
Psychopathology and sexual trauma in childhood and adulthood
Authors: Thompson Kevin M. , Crosby Ross D. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Mitchell James E. , Redlin Jennifer , Demuth Gail , Smyth Joshua , Haseltine Beth
Published: March 2003

This study evaluates the occurrence of psychopathology among 97 women who (1) experienced sexual abuse in childhood only, (2) were raped in adulthood only, (3) experienced both childhood sexual abuse and rape in adulthood, or (4) experienced no sexual trauma. Women were recruited from advertisements and assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview forDSM‐IV(SCID‐I/P) and the Modified PTSD Symptom Scale Self‐Report. Women who reported sexual trauma were significantly more likely to exhibit psychopathology than controls. Being sexually victimized in childhood and raped in adulthood was associated with a particular risk for substance dependence.
Deoxyuridine accumulation in urine in thymidine phosphorylase deficiency (MNGIE)
Authors: Fairbanks L. D. , Marinaki A. M. , Carrey E. A. , Hammans S. R. , Duley J. A.
Published: March 2003

We report the presence of the unusual nucleoside deoxyuridine in the urine of a patient with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) (MIM 603041) due to thymidine phosphorylase (TP:EC 2.4.2.4) deficiency. Thymidine, uracil and thymine were also elevated. We propose that inhibition of thymidylate synthetase by TMP leads to the accumulation of dUMP which may be degraded to deoxyuridine or metabolised to dUTP. Incorporation of dUTP into mtDNA may explain the multiple deletions characteristic of TP deficiency.
Assessment of psychological functioning in adolescent earthquake victims in Colombia using the MMPI‐A
Authors: Scott Ronald L. , Knoth Russell L. , Beltran‐Quiones Monica , Gomez Nelson
Published: March 2003

The earthquake that hit Armenia, Colombia, on January 25, 1999, dramatically impacted the lives of thousands of people, including children and adolescents. This study used the Hispanic MMPI‐A to clinically assess for ongoing psychopathology in a group of 59 adolescent earthquake victims. Their scores on the basic, content, and supplementary scales of the instrument were compared to those of a control group of 62 Colombian adolescents with similar socioeconomic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. The results showed no clinically significant elevations for the earthquake victims indicating that the disaster had not resulted in diagnosable psychopathology. When compared to controls, earthquake victims showed significant elevations on D, Pt, and Sc indicating that they were mildly affected (but within the normal range) by the earthquake. The results are discussed in the context of cultural factors and the contemporary disaster and resiliency literature.
Emotional experiencing in women with posttraumatic stress disorder: Congruence between facial expressivity and self‐report
Authors: Wagner Amy W. , Roemer Lizabeth , Orsillo Susan M. , Litz Brett T.
Published: March 2003

The congruence between facial expressivity and self‐report of emotion was examined among 11 women with sexual assault‐related PTSD and 8 women without PTSD, under both a neutral and a sexual assault prime condition. The PTSD group demonstrated some incongruities in emotional responding. Although the PTSD group was as facially expressive as the control group, they reported more arousal to the emotional stimuli. Further, an inverse relationship between negative facial expressivity and self‐report to negative stimuli was found for some variables for the PTSD group only, such that the less expressions they showed facially, the more negative they reported feeling. However, the overall pattern of results suggests fewer significant relationships between expression and experience than predicted.
NOBEL LECTURE: Cyclin Dependent Kinases and Cell Cycle Control
Authors: Nurse Paul M.
Published: March 2003

The discovery of major regulators of the eukaryotic cell cycle is described.
Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women with PTSD: Preliminary findings
Authors: Kubany Edward S. , Hill Elizabeth E. , Owens Julie A.
Published: March 2003

This paper describes a treatment‐outcome study of Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women (CTT‐BW) with PTSD. Derived from psychological learning principles. CTT‐BW emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs and evaluative language in chronic PTSD. CTT‐BW includes trauma history exploration, PTSD psychoeducation, stress management, psychoeducation about dysfunctional self‐talk and self‐monitoring of self‐talk, exposure to abuse reminders, Cognitive Therapy for Trauma‐Related Guilt (E. S. Kubany & F. P. Manke, 1995), and modules on assertiveness, managing contacts with former partners, self‐advocacy strategies, and avoiding revictimization. Thirty‐seven ethnically diverse women were assigned to Immediate or Delayed CTT‐BW. PTSD remitted in 30 of 32 women who completed CTT‐BW. Gains were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. CTT‐BW was efficacious across ethnic backgrounds. Issues related to disseminability of CTT‐BW are discussed.
Genetic Counseling, Reproductive Behavior and Future Reproductive Intentions of People with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Authors: Ponder Maggie , Murton Frances , Hallowell Nina , Statham Helen , Green Josephine , Richards Martin
Published: March 2003

Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) is a complex and variable inherited disorder. The complexity and variability present particular difficulty for genetic counseling. Thirty‐three people with NF1 of reproductive age were interviewed about their experience of genetic counseling, their past reproductive behavior and future intentions. One third reported having had no genetic counseling or not having it until after their first child. In part, this may be due to delay in diagnosis but also indicates poor access to genetic services. Only three people had ever been offered prenatal genetic testing and only one had accepted. Although testing is still technically difficult, the greatest deterrent to uptake of prenatal testing for NF1 is the variability of the disorder. However, six of the 17 people planning future pregnancies would want a test with a view to termination if necessary. Others would welcome testing in order to be prepared but not to terminate. We discuss some of the factors which influence reproductive decision making for people with NF1 and some of the difficulties in genetic counseling in such a variable and complex disorder.
Identification of the Putative Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor (MPR 46) Protein in the Invertebrate Mollusc
Authors: Kumar Nadimpalli Siva , von Figura Kurt
Published: March 2003

Mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR 300) protein was earlier affinity purified on phosphomannan gel from the membrane extracts of whole animal acetone powder of a mollusc, unio, in the presence of EDTA (Udaya Lakshmi, Y., Radha, Y., Hille-Rehfeld, A., von Figura, K., and Siva Kumar, N. (1999) Biosci. Rep. 19:403–409). In the present study we demonstrate that the unio also contains the putative mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR 46) that can be purified on the same gel in presence of divalent metal ions (10 mM each of calcium, manganese, and magnesium), and in the absence of sodium chloride and at pH 6.5. Chicken and Fish cell MPR 46 proteins were purified under these conditions (Siva Kumar, N., Udaya Lakshmi, Y., Hille-Rehfeld, A., and von Figura, K. (1999) Comp. Biochem. & Physiol. 123B:261–265). The authenticity of the receptor is further confirmed by its ability to react with the MSC1 antibody that is specific for MPR 46 protein. Additional evidence for the presence of MPR 46 in molluscs could be obtained by metabolic labeling of mollusc cells Biomphalaria glabrata (Bg cells) with [35S] methionine and cysteine, and passing the labeled membrane extract on phosphomannan gel (at pH 6.5 and 7.0). On elution with mannose 6-phosphate, followed by immunoprecipitation of the column fractions, we identified the putative MPR 46 protein in the Bg cells. When Bg cell MPR 46 was deglycosylated along with chicken MPR 46 (control) both species yielded a single polypeptide corresponding to molecular mass of 26 kDa, suggesting that both contain the same receptor protein.
Family functioning, coping, and psychological adjustment in victims and their families following kidnapping
Authors: Navia Carmen Elvira , Ossa Marcela
Published: March 2003

This study examines the psychological aftereffects of economic extortive kidnapping on families during captivity, and on kidnapped individuals and family members, 2–4, 5–8, and 9–15 months after the release. Fifty‐five kidnapped and released individuals and 158 family members were evaluated through CAPS‐DX, SCL90‐R, FAD, F‐COPES, and a family interview. Captivity was the most stressful period with the highest CAPS and general distress scores. There were no significant differences in psychological distress or in PTSD between the 3 time groups after the release or between kidnapped individuals and their relatives. Correlations among family functioning, coping, and psychological adjustment, during captivity and after the release were analyzed.
Phagocytosis and Phagosome Maturation Are Regulated by Calcium in J774 Macrophages Interacting with Unopsonized Prey
Authors: Tejle Katarina , Magnusson Karl-Eric , Rasmusson Birgitta
Published: March 2003

Phagocytosis by neutrophils, macrophages, and other professional phagocytes requires rapid remodeling of actin. Early phagosomes are surrounded by a rim of F-actin that is disassembled during phagosomoal maturation. Breakdown of periphagosomal F-actin and phagolysosome fusion are calcium dependent processes in neutrophils interacting with serum-opsonized prey, but appears to be calcium independent in macrophages interacting with serum- or IgG-opsonized prey. In the present study, we found that calcium was necessary for phagocytosis, breakdown of periphagosomal F-actin, and phagosomal maturation in J774 macrophages interacting with unopsonized prey. We also observed that lipophosphoglycan (LPG) from Leishmania donovani promastigotes required calcium to exert its inhibitory effect on macrophage phagocytosis and periphagosomal F-actin breakdown. We conclude that calcium is essential for phagocytosis, depolymerization of periphagosomal F-actin, and phagosomal maturation in J774 macrophages interacting with unopsonized prey, as well as for proper functioning of LPG.
Iron Particle Labeling of Haematopoietic Progenitor Cells: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Doche de Laquintane Benoit , Dousset Vincent , Solanilla Anne , Petry Klaus G. , Ripoche Jean
Published: March 2003

We present a method for labeling bone marrow haematopoietic progenitor cells with iron particles. Labeling was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and electron microscopy. Labeling with iron particles could allow the following by imaging techniques of haematopoietic cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions such as the engraftment of haematopoietic progenitor cells or the migration of myelomonocytic cells in inflammatory diseases.
Glucose‐free medium exacerbatesmicrovesicular steatosis in cultured skin fibroblasts of genetic defects of fatty acid oxidation. A novel screening test
Authors: Renaud D. L. , Edwards V. , Wilson G. J. , Tein I.
Published: March 2003

Skin fibroblasts from patients with various fatty acid oxidation defects (FAOD) and four normal controls were subcultured in standard glucose‐containing medium or in glucose‐free medium simulating fasting. The FAOD fibroblasts developed microvesicular steatosis, which was greatly exacerbated in glucose‐free medium. ‘Rescue treatment’ with glucose‐containing medium was performed in the short‐chain L‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase‐deficient (SCHADD) fibroblasts and resulted in a partial resolution of the steatosis and improved cellular viability. Transmission electron microscopy of autopsy specimens from the SCHADD patient demonstrated that most renal interstitial fibroblasts and ∼50% of fibroblasts in the heart had microvesicular steatosis. The demonstration of microvesicular steatosis in parenchymal and/or cultured skin fibroblasts may provide important and cost‐effective screening tools for the detection of genetic defects of fatty acid oxidation.
Emergency management of inherited metabolic diseases
Authors: Prietsch V. , Lindner M. , Zschocke J. , Nyhan W. L. , Hoffmann G. F.
Published: March 2003

Inherited metabolic diseases with acute severe manifestations can be divided into five categories: (1) disorders of the intoxication type, (2) disorders with reduced fasting tolerance, (3) disorders with disturbed energy metabolism, (4) disorders of neurotransmission and (5) disorders in which no specific emergency treatment is available. Diagnostic emergency laboratory evaluation should cover all differential diagnoses that are therapeutically relevant and should always include ammonia, glucose, lactate and acid–base status as well as testing the urine for ketones. These are indispensable for planning and conducting the first steps of metabolic emergency treatment and should be available within 30 min. According to the clinical situation and biochemical derangement, special metabolic investigations must be initiated in parallel. These include acylcarnitine profiling with tandem mass spectrometry (in plasma or dried blood spots) and analysis of amino acids in plasma and of organic acids in urine. The results of all laboratory investigations relevant to the diagnosis of metabolic disorders for which specific emergency therapy exists should be available within 24 h. There is general agreement with regard to some therapeutic strategies that are clearly explained by pathophysiology: in disorders with endogenous intoxication, anabolism must be promoted and specific detoxification measures initiated. In disorders with reduced fasting tolerance, administration of glucose at the rate of hepatic glucose production forms the basis of treatment. Correction of acidosis is a major goal in disorders with disturbed mitochondrial energy metabolism, while glucose supply may have to be limited. Many current therapeutic strategies are based on case reports and personal experiences at different metabolic centres. The aim of devising the ‘best’ management is often hampered by the lack of objective evidence of efficacy.
Simple method for detection of mutations causing hereditary fructose intolerance
Authors: Kullberg‐Lindh C. , Hannoun C. , Lindh M.
Published: March 2003

Aldolase B is critical for sugar metabolism, and a catalytic deficiency due to mutations in its gene may result in hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) syndrome, with hypoglycaemia and severe abdominal symptoms. This report describes two cases of HFI, which were identified by intravenous fructose tolerance test and a new RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) test that detects the two most common mutations, A149P and A174D. The method includes PCR of a 224‐base‐pair segment of exon 5, a subsequent 3 h incubation with Cac8I and agarose electrophoresis, which reveals either or both of the mutations in one single reaction. The method might be useful for screening of these mutations, which may account for more than 70% of the mutations causing HFI.
Mutation analysis of the acid ceramidase gene in Japanese patients with Farber disease
Authors: Muramatsu T. , Sakai N. , Yanagihara I. , Yamada M. , Nishigaki T. , Kokubu C. , Tsukamoto H. , Ito M. , Inui K.
Published: March 2003

Farber disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease, characterized by the accumulation of ceramide in tissues due to acid ceramidase deficiency. Here we report the identification of three novel mutations in the acid ceramidase gene from two Japanese patients. Patient 1 showed joint problems at around 10 months of age and the patient is now emaciated, with multiple nodules and mild neurological problems at 10 years of age. Patient 2 had consanguineous parents and showed joint contractures at around 8 months of age. He showed neurological symptoms around 2 years of age and died at 6 years owing to respiratory failure. The diagnosis was made clinically and was confirmed by enzymatic assay of acid ceramidase. Molecular analysis of cultured skin fibroblasts showed normal mRNA levels expressed in both patients. By direct sequencing of cDNA, missense mutations of V97E in exon 4 and G235R in exon 9 were detected in patient 1 and 96delV in exon 4 was homozygously identified in patient 2. These mutations were also confirmed in genomic DNA. Expression of mutated acid ceramidase cDNA in COS‐1 cells showed acid ceramidase activity decreased to 35%, 2% and 37% of control value, respectively. We also found a new polymorphism V369I in exon 14 in the allele from the mother of patient 1. To date, 13 mutations, including our newly identified mutations, have been reported. All these mutations were genetically private and genotype–phenotype correlations could not be made.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and treatment seeking in a national screening sample
Authors: Koenen Karestan C. , Goodwin Renee , Struening Elmer , Hellman Fred , Guardino Mary
Published: March 2003

The behavioral model of service use was employed to identify predictors of mental health treatment seeking and treatment readiness among individual with PTSD (N = 2,713) in data from the 1996 National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day (NADSD). This model examines the contribution of predisposing (age, sex, marital status, race/ethnicity, education), enabling (employment, geographic location), perceived need (interference of symptoms with daily life), and evaluated need (other diagnoses) factors to treatment seeking and treatment readiness for individuals with PTSD. Results indicate that although need factors (interference by anxiety symptoms with daily life, diagnosis of panic disorder) are related to both receiving and readiness for treatment, predisposing (age, marital status, minority race) factors influence which individuals receive treatment for PTSD.
Hazardous alcohol use and treatment outcome in male combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Steindl Stanley R. , Young Ross McD. , Creamer Mark , Crompton David
Published: March 2003

The relationship between alcohol problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unclear. Six hundred and eight combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD were assessed for PTSD symptoms and alcohol problems prior to group cognitive–behavioral treatment. They were reassessed 3 and 9 months after treatment. Participants were classified into low‐risk and hazardous drinkers at each time point. Drinking status at intake did not predict PTSD symptoms at intake or follow‐up. However, drinking status was associated with PTSD symptoms when both were assessed at follow‐up. PTSD arousal symptoms were the only symptom cluster to differentiate drinking groups.
The Sydney Holocaust study: Posttraumatic stress disorder and other psychosocial morbidity in an aged community sample
Authors: Joffe Charmaine , Brodaty Henry , Luscombe Georgina , Ehrlich Frederick
Published: March 2003

We investigated the psychological status and social functioning of Holocaust survivors. From 814 responses to a community survey of Jewish elders (aged 60 years or older), survivors (n = 100), refugees who had not experienced the Holocaust (n = 50), and Australian/English‐born persons (n = 50), were randomly selected for semistructured interview, which included Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) assessment, ratings on the General Health Questionnaire, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Impact of Event Scale, Mini‐Mental Status Examination, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Social Functioning. On all psychological measures, survivors were functioning worse than refugees and Australian/English‐born persons. The 3 groups were similar in social and instrumental functioning. The more severe the trauma the greater the level of psychological morbidity. Despite normal social and daily functioning, psychological morbidity following massive trauma endures.
Is the emotional Stroop paradigm sensitive to malingering? A between‐groups study with professional actors and actual trauma survivors
Authors: Buckley Todd C. , Galovski Tara , Blanchard Edward B. , Hickling Edward J.
Published: March 2003

Six professional actors, trained by psychologists and acting coaches to feign PTSD, were covertly enrolled into a treatment outcome study for PTSD with the aim of investigating malingering. During pretreatment assessment, individuals completed an emotional Stroop task. Vocal response latencies to different classes of stimuli were examined for sensitivity to malingering. Actor response latencies were compared to those of 6 nonlitigant PTSD patients and 6 nonanxiety controls. The actor/dissimulation group was able to feign an overall slowing of response latency across stimulus types, similar to the PTSD group. However, they were unable to modulate response latency as a function of stimulus content, a pattern that characterized the PTSD group. The use of information‐processing paradigms to detect dissimulation is discussed.
Factor analysis of treatment response in posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Gaffney Michael
Published: March 2003

Factor analysis is applied to the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to reduce the multidimensional symptom space to 2 dimensions; 1 dimension strongly correlated with depressive symptoms and 1 independent dimension weakly correlated with depressive symptoms. These factors are used to assess whether the effectiveness of an antidepressant medication is due to its antidepressant effect. The treatment is shown to be effective in both dimensions. The factor analysis sheds light on the symptom structure of PTSD, supports PTSD as a distinct psychiatric disorder, and supports the current diagnostic criteria.
Billing and Record‐Keeping for Familial Cancer Risk Counseling: A National Survey
Authors: Bernhardt Barbara A. , Peshkin Beth N. , Kemel Yelena
Published: March 2003

We surveyed 111 genetic counselors providing cancer risk counseling (CRC) in order to document their billing and record‐keeping practices. Of the 75 respondents, billing was generally done under the supervising physician with a wide variation in charges. Follow‐up telephone interviews with 28 counselors who charge patients revealed that billing was usually done using the CPT codes for consultations, and the ICD‐9 diagnostic codes for cancer (if applicable), a medical complaint, or a family history of cancer code. Most counselors exclude some clinical information from the patient's medical record. In consultation notes, 81% of counselors document a discussion of genetic testing, but only 37% document the patient's actual testing decision, and only 19% document test results. In anticipation of increased referrals for CRC, data are needed on the components of a CRC visit, the amount of time required to provide CRC, patient outcomes measures, and charges and reimbursement. The feasibility and advisability of keeping results separate from the patient's medical record also needs to be addressed.
What Determines the Intracellular ATP Concentration
Authors: Ataullakhanov Fazoil I. , Vitvitsky Victor M.
Published: March 2003

Analysis is made of the mechanisms that control the intracellular ATP level. The balance between energy production and expenditure determines the energy charge of the cell and the ratio of [ATP] to the adenylate pool. The absolute ATP concentration is determined by the adenylate pool, which, in its turn, depends on the balance between the rates of AMP synthesis and degradation. Experimental data are discussed that demonstrate an increase in the adenylate pool in response to activation of energy-consuming processes. A hypothesis is proposed according to which variation in the adenylate pool and absolute ATP concentration affords a cell the possibility of additional control over processes fulfilling useful work. A mechanism involved in this regulation is described using human erythrocytes as an example. The hypothesis explains why different metabolic pathways (protein and DNA syntheses, polysaccharide synthesis, and lipid synthesis) use different trinucleotides (GTP, UTP, and CTP, respectively) as an energy source. This allows the cell to independently control these metabolic processes by varying the individual nucleotide pools.
A multivariate model of patients' satisfaction with treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Fontana Alan , Ford Julian D. , Rosenheck Robert
Published: March 2003

Prior studies have concluded that patients' pretreatment characteristics contribute more to their satisfaction with mental health treatment than any other domain. We expand the representation of treatment characteristics in an examination of satisfaction across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Data were drawn from an inpatient (n = 831) and an outpatient (n = 554) study of the treatment of PTSD. We used structural equation modeling to specify and evaluate a model of satisfaction with comparable elements for inpatient and both short and long‐term outpatient treatment. Results indicate that the quality and quantity of patients' participation in treatment were more important to the development of their satisfaction with treatment than their pretreatment characteristics. Among treatment characteristics, the social climate of the inpatient milieu and the focus on war traumas in outpatient therapy had major effects on the quality and quantity of patients' participation and their satisfaction.
Women's Understanding of Their Risk of Developing Breast/Ovarian Cancer Before and After Genetic Counseling
Authors: Hallowell Nina , Statham Helen , Murton Frances
Published: March 2003

Many studies have reported that individuals frequently over‐ or underestimate their risk of developing cancer both before and after they attend genetic counseling for breast and/or ovarian cancer. Using a combination of interviews and written questionnaires, we investigated counselees' understanding of their risk of developing cancer before and after genetic counseling. We demonstrate that although 76% of the sample thought that their risk was elevated relative to women in general, only a small proportion (17%) were willing or able to provide a numerical estimate of their risk of developing cancer before they attended the clinic. Following the consultation, 43% indicated that their risk of developing cancer was lower than they had anticipated. Twenty‐two percent described their risk in absolute rather than relative terms, i.e., that they would definitely (not) develop cancer in the future. The implications of these findings for further research are discussed.
Cyclic AMP Production and Insulin Releasing Activity of Synthetic Fragment Peptides of Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide
Authors: Gault V.A. , Harriott P. , Flatt P.R. , O'Harte F.P.M.
Published: March 2003

Synthetic fragment peptides of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were evaluated for their ability to elevate cellular cAMP production and stimulate insulin secretion. In GIP receptor transfected CHL cells, GIP(4–42) and GIP(17–30) dose-dependently inhibited GIP-stimulated cAMP production (40±8%; p<0.01 and 15±6%; p<0.05, respectively), while GIP(1–16) exerted very weak agonist effects on cAMP production. In the clonal pancreatic β-cell line, BRIN-BD11, GIP(1–16) demonstrated weak insulin releasing activity compared with native GIP. In contrast, GIP(4–42) and GIP (17–30) weakly antagonized the insulin releasing activity of the native peptide (23±6%; p<0.05 and 11±3%, respectively). These data demonstrate the critical role of the N-terminus and the involvement of regions of the C-terminal domain in generating full biological potency of GIP.
NOBEL LECTURE: Protein Synthesis, Proteolysis, and Cell Cycle Transitions
Authors: Hunt Tim
Published: March 2003

The discovery of the role(s) of protein synthesis and degradation in the operation of the cell cycle is described.
Identification and characterization of novel mutations of the aspartoacylase gene in non‐Jewish patients with Canavan disease
Authors: Zeng B. J. , Wang Z. H. , Ribeiro L. A. , Leone P. , De Gasperi R. , Kim S. J. , Raghavan S. , Ong E. , Pastores G. M. , Kolodny E. H.
Published: March 2003

Canavan disease, an inherited leukodystrophy, is caused by mutationsin the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene. It is most common among children of Ashkenazi Jewish descent but has been diagnosed in many diverse ethnic groups.Two mutations comprise the majority of mutant alleles in Jewish patients, while mutations in the ASPA gene among non‐Jewish patients are different and more diverse. In the present study, the ASPA gene was analysed in 22 unrelated non‐Jewish patients with Canavan disease, and 24 different mutations were found. Of these, 14 are novel, including five missense mutations (E24G, D68A, D249V, C152W, H244R), two nonsense mutations (Q184X, E214X), three deletions (923delT, 33del13, 244delA), one insertion mutation (698insC), two sequence variations in one allele ([10T > G; 11insG]), an elimination of the stop codon (941A > G, TAG → TGG, X314W), and one splice acceptor site mutation (IVS1 − 2A > T). The E24G mutation resulted in substitution of an invariable amino acid residue (Glu) in the first esterase catalytic domain consensus sequence. The IVS1 − 2A > T mutation caused the retention of 40 nucleotides of intron 1 upstream of exon 2. The results of transient expression of the mutant ASPA cDNA containing these mutations in COS‐7 cells and assays for ASPA activity of patient fibroblasts indicated that these mutations were responsible for the enzyme deficiency. In addition, patients with the novel D249V mutation manifested clinically at birth and died early. Also, patients with certain other novel mutations, including C152W, E214X, X314W, and frameshift mutations in both alleles, developed clinical manifestations at an earlier age than in classical Canavan disease.
Glutathione synthetase deficiency: Is γ‐glutamylcysteine accumulation a way to cope with oxidative stress in cells with insufficient levels of glutathione?
Authors: Ristoff E. , Hebert C. , Njålsson R. , Norgren S. , Rooyackers O. , Larsson A.
Published: March 2003

Glutathione (GSH) plays a major role in the cellular defence against oxidative stress and other vital cellular functions. It therefore seems inevitable that patients with severe depletion of GSH will not survive. However, at least some with glutathione synthetase (GS) deficiency do. This study was done to determine whether these patients have a mechanism to compensate for their GSH deficiency. Cell‐free extracts of cultured fibroblasts from 9 patients with GS deficiency and 9 control subjects were analysed by HPLC for low‐molecular‐weight thiol compounds. The patients′ cells contained 7.4 nmol of GSH per mg of protein (median; range 2.8–25.2) compared to 33.0 nmol in control fibroblasts (range 26.7–51.4) (p<0.01). On the other hand, the patients′ cells accumulated 18.1 nmol of γ‐glutamylcysteine (γ‐GC) per mg of protein (median; range 6.9–71.7), whereas the control cells contained 0.1 nmol (range 0.05–0.16) (p<0.01). The cysteine concentrations in the patients′ cells were 20.7 nmol/mg protein (median; range 9.4–52.9) compared to 8.9 nmol in control cells (range 3.0–12.4) (p<0.01). Cultured fibroblasts from patients with GS deficiency have low levels of GSH, but instead accumulate γ‐GC. We suggest that γ‐GC, which contains both reactive groups of GSH (i.e. the sulphydryl and γ‐glutamyl groups), can compensate for GSH in the cellular defence against oxidative stress. Thus, γ‐GC may alleviate, but only partly prevent, serious consequences of insufficient GSH levels in affected patients. Since the sum of the levels of GSH and γ‐GC in GS‐deficient cells (median 31.5 nmol/mg protein, range 16.2–79.0) was similar to the level of GSH alone incontrol cells (33.0 nmol/mg protein, range 26.7–51.4), we propose that the cultured fibroblasts may have a mechanism to regulate in a coordinated way the levels of GSH and γ‐GC; for instance, by both compounds acting as feedback inhibitors of γ‐GC synthetase.
Biculturalism and Perceived Competence of Latino Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Birman Dina
Published: March 2003

The present study investigated acculturation to the Hispanic and American cultures and self‐perceptions of competence among 123 Latino immigrant adolescents. The study tested a contextual model of biculturalism by examining whether different acculturation styles predicted perceived competence in life spheres with different cultural demands. Perceived competence was assessed using Harter's (1988) Self‐Perceptions of Competence Profile for Adolescents for the life spheres of school, peers (both Latino and non‐Latino), and global self‐worth. In addition, an analogous scale to assess perceptions of competence in the family was constructed for that sphere. The study found some support for a contextual model of acculturation. Acculturation to American culture predicted positive self‐perceptions of competence with American peers, while acculturation to Hispanic culture predicted positive self‐perceptions of competence with Latino peers. Perceived family competence, however, was predicted by acculturation to American rather than Hispanic culture. Results with respect to biculturalism are tentative, with a trend relating biculturalism to positive self‐perceptions of global self‐worth. However, because many of the conditions stipulated by the model were not met, results with respect to biculturalism raise questions about current approaches to operationalizing the construct.
Academic Achievement of African American Preadolescents: The Influence of Teacher Perceptions
Authors: Seyfried Sherri F.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with the academic success of predominantly, middle‐class African American preadolescent students. This study proposed an ecological model that considered the interaction of family environment, teacher perceptions of social skills, and student characteristics. The estimated model explained 58% of the variance in grade point average. Path analysis revealed three direct effects on grade point average, (a) grade level (negative), (b) teacher perceptions of social skills, and (c) academic ability. Findings revealed that teacher perceptions of social skills was a stronger predictor of grade point average than academic ability. Two indirect effects on grade point average were found. The first indirect effect was negative: gender predicted academic ability, which predicted teacher perceptions of social skills, which predicted grade point average. The second indirect effect was positive and it was from ability to teacher perceptions to grade point average. Implications for policy and practice are made that suggest a collaborative model of school counseling designed to “promote” the social and academic competence of African American students. Interventions that enhance teacher practices are also suggested.
Out on Campus: Sexual Orientation and Academic Climate in a University Context
Authors: Waldo Craig R.
Published: March 2003

Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students often “come out” in university settings, empirical studies have demonstrated that these environments are often hostile toward them. The current paper posits that such hostile contexts adversely affect their educational experiences. Results from a survey of a stratified random sample of 1,927 undergraduate and graduate students on a scale measuring perceptions of academic climate (General Campus Climate) supported this claim: LGB students had more negative perceptions of a variety of campus factors. In addition, a scale measuring perceptions of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Campus Climate found that LGB students were more likely than heterosexuals to perceive the campus as inhospitable to LGB people. Women and racial and ethnic minorities were also more likely to rate the LGB climate as hostile. Finally, data from two scales measuring attitudes believed to influence these perceptions yielded gender, racial/ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation differences in theoretically meaningful directions. Results indicate that LGB students often experience the university in more negative ways than heterosexual students, and that certain campus communities— particularly women and racial/ethnic minorities—are more aware of this negativity and contribute to it less because of their relatively more progay attitudes. Implications for how to improve LGB students' experiences are discussed.
Alcohol and Drug Use, and Depression Among Hispanic Men in Early Adulthood
Authors: Zayas Luis H. , Rojas Mary , Malgady Robert G.
Published: March 2003

Community research and clinical practice have shown that alcohol and drug use and depression are interrelated. Among Hispanics, acculturation may play a role in these relationships. To investigate these relationships as well as alcohol‐related problems, we interviewed 288 Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Colombian men in early adulthood. No significant differences emerged in the proportions of abstainers across the three groups. Colombians drank significantly more frequently and had more alcohol‐related problems than Dominicans. Dominicans were at least risk for and least likely to have alcohol‐related problems. Puerto Ricans were much more likely to use drugs than the other Hispanic men. Drug use was associated with an increased likelihood of heavy drinking which, in turn, increased the risk of drug use and depression. Acculturation decreased the risk of drug use. Results are discussed in terms of implications for community psychology research and interventions.
Remaining Radical? Organizational Predictors of Rape Crisis Centers' Social Change Initiatives
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Baker Charlene K. , Mazurek Terri L.
Published: March 2003

Rape crisis centers have undergone significant changes since their birth during the feminist movement of the 1970s. As has happened with many other radical social movements, there is growing evidence that the antirape movement has become more institutionalized. This research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the current structure and functions of a national random sample of 168 rape crisis centers. An organizational‐level model predicting involvement in three types of social change activities was tested: (a) participation in public demonstrations to raise awareness about sexual assault; (b) political lobbying for violence against women legislation; and (c) primary prevention programs to eliminate sexual violence against women. Results of logit modeling suggested that how long a rape crisis center had been in existence moderated the relationships between organizational characteristics and involvement in community activism. Findings of this study suggest that although many of today's centers bear little resemblance to the grass‐roots collectives of years past, rape crisis centers have been remarkably adaptive in weathering changing political climates to continue to provide comprehensive services for rape victims.
Tracking Substance Abusers in Longitudinal Research: Understanding Follow‐Up Contact Difficulty
Authors: Walton Maureen A. , Ramanathan Chathapuram S. , Reischl Thomas M.
Published: March 2003

Studies examining follow‐up contact difficulty provide useful information for planning longitudinal studies and for assessing the validity of follow‐up data. Contact difficulty was examined among 96 substance abusers following substance abuse treatment. Interview completion rates at the 3‐month and 6‐month follow‐ups were 93 and 97%, respectively. The extent of contact efforts required to complete follow‐up interviews varied substantially but tended to be greater at the 3‐month follow‐up than at the 6‐month follow‐up. Contact difficulty was related to reuse of substances at the 3‐month and at the 6‐month follow‐ups with reusers requiring greater contact efforts than abstainers. None of the baseline individual and contextual variables examined significantly predicted level of contact effort at follow‐ups. Attrition‐related validity implications are discussed along with practical suggestions for planning tracking efforts.
Core Elements of Developmental Epidemiologically Based Prevention Research
Authors: Kellam Sheppard G. , Koretz Doreen , Mościcki Eve K.
Published: March 2003

In the early 1990's, important progress was documented in prevention research on mental and behavioral disorders, with recommendations for a prevention research agenda. One of the earliest implementation efforts was the workshop, “A Scientific Structure for the Emerging Field of Prevention Research,” sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and The Johns Hopkins University Prevention Research Center, and held in Baltimore, Maryland, in December of 1994. The purpose of the workshop was to merge three perspectives from the traditionally disparate areas of epidemiology, life course development, and intervention trials technology into an integrated, interdisciplinary effort that would define a scientific structure enabling rapid advancement in prevention science. As a consequence of that workshop, the papers were written that are contained in this and the next special issue on prevention of theAmerican Journal of Community Psychology.This first paper is a description of the salient features of developmental epidemiologically‐based prevention research. Beyond the above three perspectives, we discuss the role of developmental and intervention theories; measurement of implementation, mediators, and moderators, including multi‐stage sampling and measurement; the central role of multilevel growth modeling; concepts of attributable risk and prevented fraction; proximal/distal modeling and effect sizes; and partnerships between researchers and communities.
Computer‐Mediated Social Support: Single Young Mothers as a Model System
Authors: Dunham Philip J. , Hurshman Alan , Litwin Elaine , Gusella Joanne , Ellsworth Christine , Dodd Peter W. D.
Published: March 2003

Forty‐two single mothers with young infants were given access to a computer‐mediated social support (CMSS) network concerned with parenting issues. The network operated 24 hours per day over a period of 6 months. It permitted public message exchanges, private e‐mail, and text‐based teleconferencing for as many as 8 participants at any one time. During the 6 month intervention, the 42 women accessed the network over 16,670 times. Individual differences in participation were significantly associated with indices of social isolation from peers. A descriptive analyses of the messages exchanged on the network disclosed that 98% of the replies to concerns posted in the public forum provided positive social support. The majority of the supportive replies fell into the category of emotional support, followed in order by informational and tangible support. Both the self‐report data following the intervention, and qualitative data extracted from online discussions indicated that close personal relationships and a sense of community developed in this novel social environment. Finally, an analysis of pretest–posttest changes in the level of parenting stress revealed that mothers who participated regularly in this CMSS community were more likely to report a decrease in parenting stress following the intervention.
Pathways of Economic Influence on Adolescent Adjustment
Authors: Conger Rand D. , Conger Katherine Jewsbury , Matthews Lisa S. , Elder Glen H.
Published: March 2003

An important part of a science aimed at the prevention of human dysfunction involves the development of empirically based models that identify processes of risk for or protection from emotional distress or behavioral problems over time. The present study developed and evaluated such a model that proposed two pathways through which family economic pressure was expected to influence change in adolescent internalizing symptoms (depression and anxiety) during the period from the eighth to the tenth grades. A total of 377 rural families in a midwestern state provided data for the analyses. The results were generally consistent with the conceptual model in that family economic pressure increased adolescent perceptions of family economic hardship, which, in turn, reduced the adolescent's sense of control or mastery over time. Lowered mastery was associated with increases in emotional distress. Also consistent with the model, prior levels of mastery appeared to reduce the magnitude of economic stress experienced by the adolescent, whereas prior emotional distress intensified the economic stress process. Although gender differences were found in these processes, the overall pattern of results suggests that girls and boys are both at risk for internalizing problems when families experience economic pressure. Implicatios of the findings for the dvelopment of effective preventive interventions with financially stressed families in rural areas are discussed.