bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A validated HPLC‐PDA method for identification and quantification of two bioactive alkaloids, ephedrine and cryptolepine, in different Sida species
Authors: Chatterjee Arnab , Kumar Satyanshu , Chattopadhyay Sunil K.
Published: July 2013

A simple, rapid, accurate and reproducible reverse‐phase HPLC method has been developed for the identification and quantification of two alkaloids ephedrine and cryptolepine in different extracts of Sida species using photodiode array detection. Baseline separation of the two alkaloids was achieved on a Waters RP‐18 X‐terra column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using a solvent system consisting of a mixture of water containing 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and acetonitrile in a gradient elution mode with detection at 210 and 280 nm for ephedrine and cryptolepine, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in a concentration range of 10–250 µg/mL for both the alkaloids with correlation coefficient values >0.99. The limits of detection and quantification for ephedrine and cryptolepine were 5 and 10 µg/mL and 2.5 and 5 µg/mL, respectively. Relative standard deviation values for intra‐day and inter‐day precision were 1.22 and 1.04% for ephedrine and 1.71 and 2.06% for cryptolepine, respectively. Analytical recovery ranged from 92.46 to 103.95%. The developed HPLC method was applied to identify and quantify ephedrine and cryptolepine in different extracts of Sida species. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences of Support Staff with Expanding and Strengthening Social Networks of People with Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: van Asselt‐Goverts A. E. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Hendriks A. H. C. , Frielink N.
Published: July 2013

A supportive social network is crucial for facilitating social inclusion. The social networks of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are often small and typically include very little contact with friends and acquaintances who do not have ID. Professionals can play an important role in strengthening and expanding the social networks of clients. In this study, experiences with interventions aimed at doing this were examined. Six group interviews were held with a total of 27 professionals. The results showed interventions to strengthen social networks (e.g. attention to the maintenance of contact with network members) and interventions to expand social networks (e.g. participation in leisure time activities and working with volunteers). However, a large number of impeding factors was mentioned, such as the limited size of the social networks, characteristics of the client, different perceptions and clients falling between the cracks when it comes to leisure time. The large number of impeding factors shows the strengthening and expansion of social networks to be complicated in actual practice. Recommendations are thus made to strengthen and expand the social networks of clients in an innovative manner which also takes these impeding factors into account. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Transformative Effects of Stigma: Coping Strategies as Meaning‐Making Efforts for Immigrants Living in Greece
Authors: Kadianaki Irini
Published: July 2013

The present article examines the strategies that immigrants living in Greece use to cope with stigma that arises in their interaction with both Greek society and their communities of origin. Drawing on interviews and focus groups conducted with immigrants from a variety of countries, a dialogical analysis illuminates the ways in which immigrants actively negotiate stigmatizing perspectives and transform themselves. Strategies include the deployment of social categories such as those of ‘human being’ and ‘crazy’ person, and concepts such as those of ‘lawfulness’ and ‘fate’. These were used to construct meanings of equality and inclusion into society, to deny responsibility for stigma and to discredit stigma as absurd. They enabled participants to see themselves as proud, equal, self‐dependent individuals who plan actions for social change. The article suggests that coping with stigma should not only be understood in terms of stress regulation, leading to positive or negative outcomes, as suggested by current literature, but as a meaning‐making effort, through which individuals transform the way they see themselves and act within their world. A meaning‐making approach moves away from individualistic, outcome‐oriented explanations to a socially situated perspective on stigma that studies the processes through which social meanings are subjectively perceived as stigmatizing and are used to challenge stigma. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resisting and Conforming to the ‘Lesbian Look’: The Importance of Appearance Norms for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Authors: Huxley Caroline , Clarke Victoria , Halliwell Emma
Published: July 2013

Appearance is one way in which lesbian and bisexual identities and affiliation to lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) subculture can be demonstrated. ‘Butch’ and ‘androgynous’ styles have been used by lesbian women to communicate a non‐heterosexual identity. However, some LGB appearance researchers have argued that there has been a mainstreaming and diversification of lesbian style in the last couple of decades, which has resulted in less distinction between lesbian and straight looks. This research draws on the Social Identity approach to explore contemporary style in lesbian and bisexual communities. Fifteen lesbian and bisexual women took part in semi‐structured interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis. Although some participants reported a diversification of lesbian style, most used the term ‘butch’ to describe lesbian style, and a ‘boyish’ look was viewed as the most common contemporary lesbian style. By contrast, most participants could not identify distinct bisexual appearance norms. The data provide evidence of conflicting desires (and expectations) to visibly project social identity by conforming to specific lesbian styles, and to be an authentic, unique individual by resisting these subcultural styles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Topology, in Model Membranes, of the Core Peptide Derived from the T‐Cell Receptor Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Matalon Erez , Faingold Omri , Eisenstein Miriam , Shai Yechiel , Goldfarb Daniella
Published: July 2013

The T‐cell receptor–CD3 complex (TCR–CD3) serves a critical role in protecting organisms from infectious agents. The TCR is a heterodimer composed of α‐ and β‐chains, which are responsible for antigen recognition. Within the transmembrane domain of the α‐subunit, a region has been identified to be crucial for the assembly and function of the TCR. This region, termed core peptide (CP), consists of nine amino acids (GLRILLLKV), two of which are charged (lysine and arginine) and are crucial for the interaction with CD3. Earlier studies have shown that a synthetic peptide corresponding to the CP sequence can suppress the immune response in animal models of T‐cell‐mediated inflammation, by disrupting proper assembly of the TCR. As a step towards the understanding of the source of the CP activity, we focused on CP in egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (9:1, mol/mol) model membranes and determined its secondary structure, oligomerization state, and orientation with respect to the membrane. To achieve this goal, 15‐residue segments of TCRα, containing the CP, were synthesized and spin‐labeled at different locations with a nitroxide derivative. Electron spin‐echo envelope modulation spectroscopy was used to probe the position and orientation of the peptides within the membrane, and double electron–electron resonance measurements were used to probe its conformation and oligomerization state. We found that the peptide is predominantly helical in a membrane environment and tends to form oligomers (mostly dimers) that are parallel to the membrane plane.
Molecular‐Scale Imaging of Water Near Charged Surfaces
Authors: Mehlhorn Michael , Schnur Sebastian , Groß Axel , Morgenstern Karina
Published: July 2013

The orientation of water molecules on water bilayers is investigated on Cu(111) by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory. Theory predicts that the application of a field reorients the adsorbed water molecules at a distance of close to a nanometer from the surface. Experimental evidence is presented for this prediction. Furthermore, the process differs strongly between adsorption on two and on three ordered layers. We propose that these results give insight into the behavior of the diffusive layer close to electrodes.
Pristine Carbon‐Nanotube‐Included Supramolecular Hydrogels with Tunable Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Mandal Subhra Kanti , Kar Tanmoy , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2013

Research investigations involving pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their applications in diversified fields have been gathering enormous impetus in recent times. One such emerging domain deals with the hybridization of CNTs within hydrogels to form soft nanocomposites with superior properties. However, till now, reports on the inclusion of pristine CNTs within low‐molecular‐weight hydrogels are very scarce due to their intrinsic feature of remaining in the bundled state and strong repulsive behavior to the aqueous milieu. Herein, the synthesis of a series of amino acid/dipeptide‐based amphiphilic hydrogelators having a quaternary ammonium/imidazolium moiety at the polar head and a C16 hydrocarbon chain as the hydrophobic segment is reported. The synthesized amphiphiles exhibited excellent hydrogelation (minimum gelation concentration (MGC) ≈0.7–5 % w/v) as well as single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) dispersion ability in aqueous medium. Interestingly, the dispersed SWNTs were incorporated into the supramolecular hydrogel formed by amphiphiles with an imidazolium moiety at the polar end through complementary cation–π and π–π interactions. More importantly, the newly synthesized hydrogelators were able to accommodate a significantly high amount of pristine SWNTs (2–3.5 % w/v) at their MGCs without affecting the gelating properties. This is the first time that such a huge amount of SWNTs has been successfully incorporated within hydrogels. The efficient inclusion of SWNTs to develop soft nanocomposites was thoroughly investigated by spectroscopic and microscopic methods. Remarkably, the developed nanocomposites showed manifold enhancement (≈85‐fold) in their mechanical strength compared with native hydrogel without SWNTs. The viscoelastic properties of these nanocomposites were readily tuned by varying the amount of incorporated CNTs.
Effect of Statin Pretreatment on Myocardial Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lyu Ting , Zhao Yichao , Zhang Tuo , Zhou Wen , Yang Fan , He Qing , Yuan Ancai , Yao Tianbao , Pu Jun , He Ben
Published: July 2013

Background

To achieve sufficient myocardial perfusion in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), many adjunctive therapies have been proposed. Previous trials have reported variances in myocardial perfusion improvement for statin pretreatment, which made it inconvincible to confirm the beneficial effects of statins. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether statin pretreatment was effective in improving myocardial perfusion.

Hypothesis

Statin pretreatment could improve myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library databases for studies evaluating the impact of statin pretreatment on myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients receiving PPCI.

Results

Twelve trials were finally included in our meta‐analysis. There were no significant differences in patients' baseline characteristics between the statin pretreatment and control groups. Overall pooled analysis showed that patients in the statin pretreatment groups had significantly better epicardial coronary blood flow (measured by Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade, odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28 to 0.84; measured by corrected TIMI frame count, mean difference: −5.63; 95% CI: −9.66 to −1.6). A trend toward myocardial tissue level perfusion improvement was seen in the statin pretreatment arm rather than the control arm (measured by myocardial blush grade, OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.09).

Conclusions

This present meta‐analysis suggests that statin pretreatment might be effective in improving myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients.
The Cell’s Nucleolus: an Emerging Target for Chemotherapeutic Intervention
Authors: Pickard Amanda J. , Bierbach Ulrich
Published: July 2013

The transient nucleolus plays a central role in the up‐regulated synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) to sustain ribosome biogenesis, a hallmark of aberrant cell growth. This function, in conjunction with its unique pathohistological features in malignant cells and its ability to mediate apoptosis, renders this sub‐nuclear structure a potential target for chemotherapeutic agents. In this Minireview, structurally and functionally diverse small molecules are discussed that have been reported to either interact with the nucleolus directly or perturb its function indirectly by acting on its dynamic components. These molecules include all major classes of nucleic‐acid‐targeted agents, antimetabolites, kinase inhibitors, anti‐inflammatory drugs, natural product antibiotics, oligopeptides, as well as nanoparticles. Together, these molecules are invaluable probes of structure and function of the nucleolus. They also provide a unique opportunity to develop novel strategies for more selective and therefore better‐tolerated chemotherapeutic intervention. In this regard, inhibition of RNA polymerase‐I‐mediated rRNA synthesis appears to be a promising mechanism for killing cancer cells. The recent development of molecules targeted at G‐quadruplex‐forming rRNA gene sequences, which are currently undergoing clinical trials, seems to attest to the success of this approach.
Intermolecular Spin Relaxation and Translation Diffusion in Liquids and Polymer Melts: Insight from Field‐Cycling1H NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Meier Roman , Kruk Danuta , Rössler Ernst A.
Published: July 2013

With the advent of commercial field‐cycling (FC) spectrometers, NMR relaxometry has gained new momentum as a method of investigating dynamics in liquids and polymers. The outcome of FC NMR experiments is spin–lattice relaxation time versus frequency (relaxation dispersion). In the case of protons, due to the intra‐ and intermolecular origin of dipolar interactions, the relaxation dispersion reflects rotational as well as translational dynamics. The latter shows a universal dispersion law at low frequencies, which allows determination of the diffusion coefficientD(T) in addition to the rotational correlation timeτrot(T), that is, FC1H NMR becomes an alternative to field‐gradient NMR spectroscopy. Subdiffusive translation found in polymers can be accessed by singling out the intermolecular relaxation through isotope dilution experiments, and the mean square displacement can then be revealed as a function of time, thus complementing neutron scattering experiments. Likewise, information on reorientational dynamics is provided by the intramolecular relaxation. Assuming frequency–temperature superposition the corresponding correlation functions can be monitored up to eight decades in amplitude and time, which allows thorough testing of current polymer theories.
Difference in the Photophysical Properties of a Perylenetetracarboxylic Diimide Dimer and a Hexamer Linked by the Same Hexaphenylbenzene Group
Authors: Xue Lin , Shi Yan , Zhang Liangliang , Li Xiyou
Published: July 2013

A perylenetetracarboxylic diimide hexamer (6PDI) and a dimer (2PDI) linked with the same hexaphenylbenzene group were prepared, and the structures were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Due to the similar molecular structure of these two compounds, similar interactions between/among the PDI subunits as well as similar photophysical properties are expected. However, the stationary UV/Vis absorption spectra reveal that the interactions among/between the PDI subunits in 6PDI are significantly stronger than those in 2PDI. This can be attributed to blocked rotation along the long axis of the PDI subunits in 6PDI due to steric hindrance of the two neighboring PDI subunits. The stronger interactions among the PDI subunits in 6PDI lead to long‐wavelength emission, which can be assigned to “excimer‐like” excited states. A similar conclusion can also be deduced from the fluorescence quantum yields and the fluorescence lifetimes. Electrochemical studies revealed that interactions between/among the PDI subunits in both 2PDI and 6PDI are still in the range of weak interactions. Ultrafast transient anisotropy decay dynamics revealed that excitation delocalization between the PDI subunits within 2PDI and 6PDI is quick and efficient. More interestingly, delocalization is faster in 6PDI than in 2PDI, probably because of the stronger interactions among the PDI subunits in the former.
Legal controls on cannabimimetics: An international dilemma?
Authors: King L. A.
Published: July 2013

Since early 2009, over 80 illicitly produced synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists have been notified to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Yet more have been reported in other countries or offered for sale on websites. These cannabinoids typically act as agonists at CB1 receptors, and mimic the effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of Cannabis L. As with other ‘new psychoactive substances’, they have shown the limitations of current drug control procedures. First, the regular appearance of new compounds makes specific listing impractical and overwhelms any attempt to create risk assessments on a substance‐by‐substance basis. Secondly, the lack of human pharmacological and toxicological data hinders any objective attempt to show that synthetic cannabinoids are harmful. The UK has had a long experience of using generic legislation to control groups of compounds. However, cannabimimetic activity arises in a large number of distinct chemical families, and it is clear that generic control can no longer cope with this diversity whilst remaining intelligible to non‐chemists. Analogue control presents further difficulties, and does not appear to offer an acceptable solution. For these reasons, legislatures in many countries are creating novel forms of regulation separate from domestic drug laws. The generic definition of classical cannabinoids, introduced into the UK Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971, also shows signs of weakness. Thus the growing interest in the clinical potential of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is inhibited, at least in the UK, by its unintended status as a Schedule 1 substance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adipocytokine levels in women with anorexia nervosa. Relationship with weight restoration and disease duration
Authors: Terra Ximena , Auguet Teresa , Agüera Zaida , Quesada Isabel Maria , Orellana‐Gavaldà Josep Maria , Aguilar Carmen , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Berlanga Alba , Guiu‐Jurado Esther , Menchón José Manuel , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Richart Cristóbal
Published: July 2013

Objective

Starvation‐induced depletion of fat stores in anorexia nervosa (AN) is known to be accompanied by alterations in some circulating adipocytokines. We analyzed a panel of circulating adipocytokines in women with AN compared with normal‐weight controls and their relation with the disease duration and weight restoration.

Method

We analyzed circulating adipocytokine levels in 28 patients with AN and in 33 normal‐weight controls who were eating healthily. We determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay the circulating levels of total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, lipocalin‐2 (LCN2), leptin, tumor necrosis factor receptor‐II (TNFRII), interleukin‐6 (IL6), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein‐4 (FABP4), ghrelin, and resistin.

Results

The two circulating forms of adiponectin are higher in AN women compared with controls. Both total and HMW adiponectin related negatively to the duration of the disease (r = −0.372, p = 0.033; r = −0.450, p = 0.038, respectively). Furthermore, the lipid binding‐proteins LCN2 and FABP4 are lower in AN compared to the control group. Finally, leptin levels are lower in AN against controls and correlated positively with disease duration (r = 0.537, p = 0.007). Resistin, ghrelin, TNFRII, and IL6 have similar values in both groups, although TNFRII and ghrelin related negatively to body mass index variation at the end of treatment (r = −0.456, p = 0.039; r = −0.536, p = 0.015, respectively).

Discussion

These results suggest there is a need to investigate if changes in adipocytokine levels could serve as weight restoration biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific role of these molecules in the timing of weight restoration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:855–861)
Synthesis of a trans‐Hydrindanone, Precursor for the Preparation of Vitamin D Analogues
Authors: Gándara Zoila , Rivadulla Marcos L. , Pérez Manuel , Gómez Generosa , Fall Yagamare
Published: July 2013

We developed a very efficient and practical method for the large‐scale synthesis of a trans‐hydrindan derivative related to vitamin D, based on the Criegee rearrangement. This ketone is a valuable synthon for the preparation of Gemini‐type vitamin D analogues or other calcitriol analogues modified at C‐20, C‐21 or the D‐ring. Our methodology is superior to those previously reported when considering efficiency and expediency.
Investigation of Protein Binding With All Solid‐State Ion‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Prabhu Alok , Bobacka Johan , Ivaska Ari , Levon Kalle
Published: July 2013

A potentiometric sensor for studying charge based adsorption of proteins was created using a single‐piece polyaniline‐PVC ion‐selective electrode (ISE). Three different ISEs, two for Na+ and one for Cl− ion determination, were studied. The Na+‐ISEs consisted of a neutral calixarene‐based ionophore and one with a charged carrier dinonylnapthalenesulfonic acid (DNNSA) whereas for the Cl− ISE, an anion exchanger tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDDMA+Cl−), was used. The Na+ ISE with DNNSA as the charged carrier was successfully able to discriminate the binding of two different proteins (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme) based on their intrinsic charge.
An All Solid State Potentiometric Sensor for Monohydrogen Phosphate Ions
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kim Dong‐Min , Hyun Myung Ho , Won Mi‐Sook , Shim Yoon‐Bo
Published: July 2013

An all solid state potentiometric sensor using anthracene thiourea derivative as ionophore was developed. It exhibited a near‐Nernstian slope of 30.8±1.0 mV/decade of activity for HPO42− ions in the concentration range of 1.0×10−7–1.0×10−3 M at pH 7.4. It displayed excellent selectivity for monohydrogen phosphate over other anions and the selectivity sequence was determined as HPO42−>SO42−>Cl−>NO3−>OAc−>I−>ClO4−. The developed sensor was evaluated for the analysis of monohydrogen phosphate ions in a standard reference material (SRM 1548) as well as in the potentiometric titration of phosphate ions with a barium chloride solution.
A single-parameter logistic equation for fitting concentration-response curves from standard acute ecotoxicity assays
Authors: Trögl Josef , Benediktová Kateřina , Pilařová Věra , Synek Václav
Published: July 2013

A set of 69 concentration–response curves from 5 acute ecotoxicity assays was fitted with a 2-parameter logistic equation. High correlation between values of regression parameters suggested similar slopes of the curves. This enabled derivation of the empirical single-parameter logistic equation with the sole median effective concentration (EC50) parameter. Such an equation might be useful in the evaluation of lower-quality (preliminary) experimental data and for the reduction of the number of test organisms and of testing costs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2412–2416. © 2013 SETAC
Interaction predictability of opportunistic networks in academic environments
Authors: Ciobanu Radu‐Ioan , Marin Radu‐Corneliu , Dobre Ciprian
Published: July 2013

The ubiquitousness of mobile devices in recent years has led to an ever‐growing interest in mobile networks. One such example is represented by opportunistic networks, which are composed of mobile devices that interact in a store‐carry‐and‐forward fashion. A mobile node stores data and carries it around; when it encounters another node, it may decide to forward the data if the encountered node is the destination or has a better chance of bringing the data closer to the destination. If the encountered node is likely to have a contact with the destination sooner than the data carrier, the data should be forwarded, in order for it to reach its destination with a lower delivery latency. Because nodes in opportunistic networks are carried by humans, their mobility plays a very important role in the behaviour of the network. Therefore, predicting a node's interactions and mobility patterns is paramount to the implementation of efficient routing algorithms. Thus, in this paper we present a mobile interaction trace collected at the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest in the spring of 2012 and analyse it in terms of the predictability of encounters and contact durations. We show that there is a regular pattern in the contact history of a node and we prove that by modelling the time series as a Poisson distribution (with the number of contacts being the Poisson events in a fixed one‐hour interval), we can efficiently predict the number of contacts per time unit in the future. These assumptions are demonstrated both on the trace presented here, as well as on a trace recorded in a different environment, showing that predictability doesn't happen only in strict and controlled situations. Moreover, we analyse the predictability of an opportunistic node's sightings of wireless access points, which can help us discover a user's patterns and behaviour. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient and stable finite element solver of higher order in space and time for nonstationary incompressible flow
Authors: Hussain S. , Schieweck F. , Turek S.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we present fully implicit continuous Galerkin–Petrov (cGP) and discontinuous Galerkin (dG) time‐stepping schemes for incompressible flow problems which are, in contrast to standard approaches like for instance the Crank–Nicolson scheme, of higher order in time. In particular, we analyze numerically the higher order dG(1) and cGP(2) methods, which are super convergent of third, resp., fourth order in time, whereas for the space discretization, the well‐known LBB‐stable finite element pair of third‐order accuracy is used. The discretized systems of nonlinear equations are treated by using the Newton method, and the associated linear subproblems are solved by means of a monolithic (geometrical) multigrid method with a blockwise Vanka‐like smoother treating all components simultaneously. We perform nonstationary simulations (in 2D) for two benchmarking configurations to analyze the temporal accuracy and efficiency of the presented time discretization schemes w.r.t. CPU and numerical costs. As a first test problem, we consider a classical ‘flow around cylinder’ benchmark. Here, we concentrate on the nonstationary behavior of the flow patterns with periodic oscillations and examine the ability of the different time discretization schemes to capture the dynamics of the flow. As a second test case, we consider the nonstationary ‘flow through a Venturi pipe’. The objective of this simulation is to control the instantaneous and mean flux through this device. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial of stepped care cognitive behavioral therapy to prevent recurrence of depression in an older population
Authors: Apil S. R. A. , Spinhoven P. , Haffmans P. M. J. , Hoencamp E.
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study aims to determine the long‐term effect of a stepped care cognitive behavioral therapy prevention program for depression in older people and the factors predicting or moderating outcome.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 136 participants, aged 55 years or older, who had been treated for depression, received during 12 months a stepped care program (SCP) or care as usual (CAU) and were then followed up for a second year. Outcome was defined as the start of a new mental health treatment for depression in a specialized outpatient setting, as recorded in the patients' electronic medical records.

Results

Of the 123 patients, 38 required new mental health treatment. Survival analysis showed that participants in SCP (n = 27) required new treatment significantly more than patients receiving CAU (n = 11). Negative life events in the last year were predictive for new treatment in CAU but not in SCP.

Conclusions

An SCP seems to lower the threshold for new specialized mental health treatment for depression, whereas new treatment in CAU patients occurs more often in reaction to recent life events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of the wintertime Aleutian Low–Icelandic Low seesaw
Authors: Sun Jie , Tan Benkui
Published: July 2013

The driving mechanism for the wintertime (December–March) Aleutian Low–Icelandic Low (AL‐IL) seesaw is investigated with National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data for 1948–2009. It is shown that the AL and the IL are dynamically linked through the eastern Pacific wave train (EPW) and that both the EPWs and the stratospheric polar vortex are found to work cooperatively to produce a significant AL‐IL seesaw. In general, it is found that wave reflection by the polar vortex is crucial for the formation of the AL‐IL seesaw. However, when the EPWs are extremely strong, the AL‐IL seesaw appears to be caused primarily by horizontal wave propagation. It is further shown that the Pacific center of the traditional Arctic Oscillation pattern is present when the AL‐IL seesaw is active, but it disappears when the AL‐IL seesaw is absent.
Promoting innovation and excellence to face the rapid diffusion of Novel Psychoactive Substances in the EU: the outcomes of the ReDNet project
Authors: Corazza Ornella , Assi Sulaf , Simonato Pierluigi , Corkery John , Bersani Francesco Saverio , Demetrovics Zsolt , Stair Jacqueline , Fergus Suzanne , Pezzolesi Cinzia , Pasinetti Manuela , Deluca Paolo , Drummond Colin , Davey Zoe , Blaszko Ursula , Moskalewicz Jacek , Mervo Barbara , Furia Lucia Di , Farre Maggi , Flesland Liv , Pisarska Agnieszka , Shapiro Harry , Siemann Holger , Skutle Arvid , Sferrazza Elias , Torrens Marta , Sambola F. , van der Kreeft Peer , Scherbaum Norbert , Schifano Fabrizio
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The recent emergence of new psychoactive compounds (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)) has raised prominent challenges in the fields of drug policy, substance use research, public health and service provision. The Recreational Drugs European Network project, funded by the European Commission, was implemented to improve the information stream to young people and professionals about effects/risks of NPS by identifying online products and disseminating relevant information through technological tools.

Methods

Regular multilingual qualitative assessments of websites, drugs fora and other online resources were carried out using the Google search engine in eight languages from collaborating countries. These included the following: the UK, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Spain. Products were tested and prevention messages were developed and disseminated via technological tools such as interactive websites, SMS alert, social networking (Facebook, Twitter), Multimedia (You Tube), Smartphone applications (iPhone) and virtual learning environments (Second Life).

Results

The Recreational Drugs European Network project established itself as the first Europe‐wide prevention programme designed for NPS based on the efficacy of novel information and communication technology‐based forms of intervention. More than 650 NPS products and combinations were identified; relevant information was disseminated to target population and advice was given to both European Union/international agencies and national policy makers.

Conclusions

Web‐monitoring activities are essential for mapping the diffusion of NPS and the use of technological tools can be successfully incorporated in specific prevention programmes. Furthermore, the involvement of multi‐disciplinary international partnerships was and continues to be fundamental for responding to such a prominent challenge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor vascularization is critical for oncolytic vaccinia virus treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Ottolino‐Perry Kathryn , Tang Nan , Head Renee , Ng Calvin , Arulanandam Rozanne , Angarita Fernando A. , Acuna Sergio A. , Chen Yonghong , Bell John , DaCosta Ralph S. , McCart J. Andrea
Published: July 2013

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) represents a significant clinical challenge for which there are few treatment options. Oncolytic viruses are ideal candidates for PC treatment because of their high tumor specificity, excellent safety profile and suitability for peritoneal delivery. Here, we described the use of vvDD‐SR‐RFP, a recombinant vaccinia virus, in xenograft and syngeneic models of colorectal PC. Colorectal cancer cell lines were highly susceptible to vvDD‐SR‐RFP replication and cytotoxicity. Intraperitoneal delivery of vvDD‐SR‐RFP on Day 12 to mice with colorectal carcinomatosis significantly improved survival whereas survival was not improved following virus treatment on Day 8, when tumors were smaller. Immunohistochemistry revealed early tumors had a poorly distributed network of blood vessels and lower proliferation index compared to later tumors. Virus infection was also restricted to tumor rims following Day 8 treatment, whereas it was disseminated in tumors treated on Day 12. Additionally, direct infection of tumor endothelium was observed and virus infection correlated with a loss of endothelial staining and induction of cell death. Our results demonstrate that tumor vasculature has a critical role in virus delivery and tumor response. This will have significant implications in the clinical setting, both in understanding timing of therapies and in designing combination treatment strategies.
Setting the House on Fire: The Melbourne Interview With Salvador Minuchin
Authors: Stagoll Brian
Published: July 2013

Brian Stagoll interviewed Minuchin via satellite in front of a conference plenary audience at the Inaugural Pan Pacific Family Therapy Congress in Melbourne, 2001. Minuchin looks back over his working life, and weaves the various leaders of the family therapy field in the US into an ‘American Quilt’. He also responds to questions about his own impact on the field, and his prediction that by 2000, family therapy would be triumphant.
Extended Dialogue About Significant Developments: Manualising Systemic Family Therapy: The Leeds Manual
Authors: Allison Stephen , Perlesz Amaryll , Pote Helen , Stratton Peter , Cottrell David
Published: July 2013

Steve Allison and Amaryll Perlesz review a systemic family therapy manual developed at the Leeds Family Therapy and Research Centre. Responding to the critique, Helen Pote gives an account of the manual's history, and its reception in the UK.
Practice Experience and Theory Boundaries: An Argument for Theory Diversity in Family Therapy
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: July 2013

This paper addresses the relationship of family therapy to its own knowledge, and the relationship between theory and practice experience. An argument is made that family therapy has related oppositionally not only to outside knowledges, but also to its own knowledge in its successive and frequent knowledge shifts. This oppositionality had led to a dominant story which downplays themes of continuity in our own development of theory. It has also fuelled a momentum toward purity and anti‐eclecticism. Postmodernist thinking within family therapy has both allowed and disallowed the space for theory diversity, and there has been a similar paradox with respect to attention to lived experience. The paper begins and ends with a discussion of three pieces of practice experience and leads to a plea for theory diversity in family therapy in the interests of meeting the complex demands of practice.
Evidence Based Practice — Is it good for you?
Authors: Campbell Alistair
Published: July 2013

This article is the first in a series which aim at ‘unpacking’ some of the concepts and controversies involved in ‘evidence based practice’ (EBP). It is critically important for clinicians to be able to understand EBP, because there is a growing likelihood that the politics of EBP will be used to construct the ways in which we are expected to provide services in our workplaces. Although EBP looks relatively benign, the whole area reveals some very disturbing aspects. I invite readers of the Journal to begin a dialogue with me and with each other about EBP and whether it is possible, or even desirable, to embrace this practice within a systemic framework.
Specific Cases, Techniques and Approaches; Narrative Behaviour Therapy? Integration in Practice1
Authors: Griffin Michael
Published: July 2013

This is a clinically‐oriented paper which seeks to describe the integration of narrative and cognitive‐behavioural approaches in working with children and adolescents. It is suggested that a CBT model can be augmented by typical narrative manoeuvres. For example, it is often helpful to relieve children as quickly as possible of the ‘problem‐saturated story’ with which they and their parents enter therapy. The narrative approach of ‘externalising the problem’ can achieve this within the first session, and helps the family to a) find a good working relationship with the therapist, b) clarify goals, and c) embrace the possibility of change. The use of CBT and narrative therapy in conjunction is illustrated by a case study of obsessive compulsive disorder in a young adolescent girl.
Adoption and Family Therapy
Authors: Goodwach Raie
Published: July 2013

The aim of this article is to sensitise family therapists to adoption. A major assertion of the paper is that adoptive families are different from biological families. The family therapy context is a natural framework for examining these issues, as adoption affects and alters both birth and adoptive families, and adoption‐related problems occur within the context of the extended family system. The differences between intra‐racial (socially‐motivated) and inter‐racial adoptions are discussed, as well as the differences between closed and open adoptions. The study of families affected by adoption provides a model for other family forms, such as stepfamilies, foster families and families who form through new birth technologies.
When Can Mediation Contribute? An Application to Therapy
Authors: Lidchi Victoria Gabrielle
Published: July 2013

This article discusses the relationship between systemic therapy and mediation. Concepts and techniques drawn from facilitative problem‐solving mediation are described in terms of their usefulness in understanding and intervening in certain types of conflict that emerge in systemic work. Their use is illustrated with a case example.
Practice‐based Research Networks: Opportunities in Family Therapy?
Authors: Campbell Alistair
Published: July 2013

I would like to continue the discussion of practice‐based research networks (PBRNs). I will provide more detail on what I mean by PBRNs and describe some of the features of existing networks. I will argue that research networks could be a valuable tool for family therapists. But, I also point out that the establishment of the mechanisms and culture necessary for PBRNs to function effectively takes considerable commitment from clinicians and their professional organisations. I will also remount my hobbyhorse and give a more specific account of my thoughts about the use of the internet to provide the necessary infrastructure for these networks.
Thinking about the Therapeutic Relationship: Emerging Themes in Family Therapy
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: July 2013

Both practice experience and empirical research underline the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the process and outcomes of therapy. Through its first thirty years, family therapy paid very little attention in its theory to the therapeutic relationship, yet in the wake of the postmodernist influence, the topic is now firmly back on the agenda. This paper reviews and explores recent thinking in family therapy about the therapeutic relationship: the adoption of collaborative and therapist‐present descriptions; the development of ideas about the positions of curiosity and not‐knowing; the re‐emphasis on therapist listening and witnessing; practices of transparency and the wider consideration of the therapist's use of self; the use of psychoanalytic ideas and a beginning engagement with impasse and failure. Though these different themes form no coherent whole, the paper concludes with a discussion of their contribution to understanding the therapeutic relationship, and the continuing challenge for our theory to describe the richness and complexity of practice.
Systemic Therapy and the World Cup: Systemic Couple Therapy and Depression
Authors: Stagoll Brian
Published: July 2013

Reviewing Elsa Jones and Eia Asen's Systemic Couple Therapy and Depression, the author reports also on the discussion which followed systemic therapy's participation in the London Depression Intervention Trial.
Family Therapy — An Enduring Passion: An Interview With Michael Locke
Authors: Lobsinger Chris , Locke's Michael
Published: July 2013

Michael has been involved in family therapy since 1975. He is a past president of the Queensland Association for Family Therapists (QAFT), and for fifteen years was an assessor for the ANZJFT. During this time he has been steadily training, and conducting his practice. Mike's involvement at Centacare has made him part of one of the longest‐running reflecting team projects in Brisbane. The interview with Michael was playful, unpredictable and free from stifling earnestness. Chris Lobsinger interviewed Michael Locke in late November 2002.
Beyond Behaviour — The Importance of Communication and Connection in Parenting ‘Defiant’ Children: Pilot Study and Program
Authors: Stiefel Ingeborg , Renner Philomena
Published: July 2013

Parents of children with defiant behaviour are frequently encouraged to establish clear behavioural expectations and consistency. Yet parental exhaustion, the constancy of the child's demands, and the child's push for control may compromise the success of the behavioural approach, leaving the family and therapist to search for other methods. This paper introduces parenting strategies developed as part of the ‘C Plus C — K Program’ for parents of primary school aged children (age range 5–12 years) with major behavioural problems. The program encourages parents to utilise relationship‐building parenting strategies. It is anticipated that over time, the child will develop self‐regulatory ability in situations of stress, leading to a reduction in problem behaviour. Preliminary data suggests that the program may be effective in achieving this aim. C Plus C strategies are illustrated with a fictional vignette based on common parenting situations.
Welcome to the Real World of Clinical Research
Authors: Stiefel Ingeborg , Carpenter Jane , Liu Priscilla , Meyer Shaune , Hamilton Margaret
Published: July 2013

Perhaps we should take a deep breath! We have successfully gained approval from three Area Health regions for a multi‐centre study, which assesses the effectiveness of a group program for parents of children with challenging behaviour. Each Ethics Committee had to have its say, and change a few things, but we were able to jump their hurdles without (we thought) over‐complicating a relatively no‐frills project. We were also extremely lucky that the project had received funding from the Centre for Mental Health. Without funding, it would have been difficult to afford essential research goodies, such as questionnaires at $2.50 per form, or even paper, adding up to several thousand dollars.
Therapy with Lesbian Couples
Authors: Telford Liz
Published: July 2013

Speaking as a therapist and a heterosexual, the author discusses her work with lesbian couples. She suggests that necessary components of good therapy are the therapist's awareness of his or her own views, fears and assumptions about homosexuality, and an understanding of the ways that society, including the world of therapy, still subjugates same sex relationships. Working with lesbian couples raises challenges that are pertinent to the wider issue of the redefinition of couple therapy in a society where the couple relationship itself is being redefined.
Towards Developing a Family Therapy for Melanesia
Authors: Orathinkal Jose , Vansteenwegen Alfons
Published: July 2013

Our principal objective is to call the attention, primarily of Australian‐New Zealand family therapists, to the relevance and the urgency of developing, promoting and providing family and/or couple therapy in the Melanesian context. We emphasise the need to take into consideration Melanesian worldviews, values and social systems. We discuss a traditional ‘mediation‐reconciliation ritual’ model of solving family or couple conflicts, and also point to some of the immediate situations in which a family therapist could intervene. A few recommendations are also made for how the academic context could be utilised to develop Melanesian family therapy.
A Quick Guide to Research Methods
Authors: Campbell Alistair
Published: July 2013

In a hurry to understand that piece of research? Can't remember your undergraduate statistics lectures? Don't worry! Refer to this handy‐dandy quick reference for making sense of research design! Seriously. Too often when I am reading a research paper, terms are used which are either unfamiliar or ring only faint bells of recognition. I would like to have the capacity to remember everything I was taught, but apart from having a very bad memory, I am also beginning to suspect that it is actually better practice to check terms out even if I think that I remember what they mean.
Working with a Couple After Violence: Reflections on a Differentiation‐Based Approach
Authors: Gray Ian
Published: July 2013

McGoldrick and Carter (2001) observe that interventions in a differentiation‐based approach such as detriangling are often counterintuitive. In an attempt to understand the counterintuitive nature of a differentiation‐based approach, I draw on Schnarch and others to reflect on the nature of paradox, integrity and differentiation. I discuss implications for work with a couple after violence, and I conclude that differentiation can be understood as a personal, social, or even master virtue. The paper moves backwards and forwards between a case example, and reflections on theory.
Five Useful Questions in Couples Therapy
Authors: Madden Michael
Published: July 2013

This article describes an approach to couples counseling in which the use of questioning is the major therapeutic intervention. It describes my journey from using questions to gather information to employing questions as clinical interventions in their own right. It notes that small questions can change the tone, mood and direction of the session, while bigger questions open up the social and moral context of couple life. Five examples of these ‘bigger’ questions are described. I conclude that successful questions open up new areas for discussion, avoid a narrow ‘problem’ focus, and stimulate yet more questions.