bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial progenitor cells: characterization, pathophysiology, and possible clinical relevance
Authors: Hristov Mihail , Weber Christian
Published: May 2007

Bone marrow and peripheral blood of adults contain a special sub‐type of progenitor cells which are able to differentiate into mature endothelial cells, thus contributing to re‐endothelialization and neo‐vascularization. These angiogenic cells have properties of embryonal angioblasts and were termed endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In general, three surface markers (CD133, CD34 and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2) characterize the early functional angioblast, located predominantly in the bone marrow. Later, when migrating to the systemic circulation EPCs gradually lose their progenitor properties and start to express endothelial marker like VE‐cadherin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and von Willebrand factor. The number of circulating EPCs in healthy subjects is rather low and a variety of conditions or factors may further influence this number. In the context of possible therapeutic application of EPCs recent clinical studies employing these cells for neo‐vascularization of ischemic organs have just been published. However, the specificity of the observed positive clinical effects, the mechanisms regulating the differentiation of EPCs and their homing to sites of injured tissue remain partially unknown at present.
Endothelial progenitor cells: A source for therapeutic vasculogenesis?
Authors: Rumpold Holger , Wolf Dominik , Koeck Ruth , Gunsilius Eberhard
Published: May 2007

Angiogenesis has been defined as sprouting of blood vessels from pre‐existing vascular structures. Risau and coworkers defined the term vasculogenesis while studying the formation of new blood vessels in embryoid bodies. This process is characterized by the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) to sites of new vessel formation with subsequent differentiation of EPC into mature endothelial cells, extensively proliferating in situ. Data from recent years provided evidence that EPC also exist in the adult and contribute to new vessel formation, a process called postnatal vasculogenesis. The existence of EPC has been convincingly shown in both, animals and humans. They represent a perfect cellular progenitor cell population for the ex vivo generation of EC, which in turn serve as cellular source for therapeutic vasculogenesis or tumor targeting. This review provides an overview on this hot topic of cellular‐based therapeutic concepts and the therapeutic potential of ex vivo generated EPC.
Role of STAT‐1 and STAT‐3 in ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Stephanou A.
Published: May 2007

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury results in the death of irreplaceable cardiac myocytes by a programme cell death or apoptosis. The signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) factors function as modulators of cytokine signaling and sensors responding to cellular stress. Interestingly, many studies have demonstrated that although they have a similar structural organization, STAT‐1 and STAT‐3 have apposing effects on processes such as differentiation or apoptosis. For example, STAT‐1 has been shown to induced apoptosis, whilst STAT3 is able protect cardiac myocytes following ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Many of the effects of STAT‐1 and STAT‐3 involve the direct binding to DNA and transcriptional activation of target genes. However, recent studies have shown that for STAT‐1 some of its effects appear not to require DNA binding. For example, induction of apoptosis by STAT‐1 can be produced by the C‐terminal activation domain in the absence of the DNA binding domain. This therefore, appears to involve a co‐activator effect in which STAT‐1 is recruited to DNA via a DNA‐bound transcription factor. In this regard, it is of interest that STAT‐1 but not STAT‐3 has been shown to interact with p53 and enhance its growth arrest and apoptosis‐ inducing properties. Hence, the finding that STAT‐1 and STAT‐3 can modulate the apoptotic programme both by direct DNA binding or via a co‐activator mechanism and despite their very similar structures, suggests that these related factors may be therapeutic targets against the damage myocardium following I/R injury. Recently, we reported that the polyphenolic agent epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of green tea and a potent inhibitor of STAT‐1 activation, protects the myocardium against I/R injury.
Effects of estrogen and progesterone treatment on rat hippocampal NMDA receptors: Relationship to Morris water maze performance
Authors: El‐Bakri Nahid K. , Islam Atiqul , Zhu Shunwei , Elhassan Adlan , Mohammed Abdul , Winblad Bengt , Adem Abdu
Published: May 2007

Estrogen modulates NMDA receptors function in the brain. It increases both dendritic spine density and synapse number in the hippocampus, an effect that can be blocked by NMDA antagonist. In this study, we investigated the effect of 17β‐estradiol and progesterone treatment on NMDA receptors in ovariectomized rats. Two different doses were used for 10 weeks. Receptor autoradiography was done on brain sections using [3H] MK‐801 as a ligand. Our results showed a significant increase in [3H] MK‐801 binding in the dentate gyrus, CA3 and CA4 areas of the hippocampus of ovariectomized compared to sham operated rats. In addition, we observed similar changes in CA1. 17β‐estradiol treatment in both doses reduced the binding back to the normal level while progesterone treatment did not show any effect. Spatial reference memory was tested on Morris water maze task. Ovariectomy severely impaired spatial reference memory. Estradiol but not progesterone treatment significantly improved the memory performance of the ovariectomized rats. Low dose treatment showed better learning than high dose estrogen treatment. The decrease in the antagonist sites by estradiol treatment could result in an increase in the sensitivity of the hippocampus to the excitatory stimulation by glutamate system and hence the effect of estradiol on learning and memory. The changes of NMDA receptors in the hippocampus support the concept that estrogen‐enhancing effect on spatial reference memory could be through the enhancing of NMDA function.
Molecular and morphologic analyses of expression of ESX1L in different stages of human placental development
Authors: Figueiredo A. L. S. , Salles M. G. F. , Albano R. M. , Porto L. C.
Published: May 2007

The mRNA expression of the ESX1L gene was analyzed by RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization in human normal cytogenetically placentas, of different gestational ages. Our RT‐PCR analysis showed that ESX1L mRNA is expressed from 5 weeks of gestation until term, suggesting a role not only in trophoblast differentiation but also in the maintenance of the villi and microvasculature. We also observed, by in situ hybridization, that ESX1L mRNA is expressed by cytotrophoblast from chorinic plate, syncytiotrophoblast and stromal cells of all terminal, intermediate and stem villi of term placentas. ESX1L mRNA expression was more pronounced in trophoblast cells of terminal villi than in intermediate and sterm villi. In conclusion, ESX1L is expressed during all stages of placental development and is localized to sparse areas of trophoblast in terminal villi in association with cytotrophoblastic cells.
SUMO‐1 modification of MEF2A regulates its transcriptional activity
Authors: Riquelme Cecilia , Barthel Kristen K. B. , Liu Xuedong
Published: May 2007

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors are crucial regulators controlling muscle‐specific and growth factor‐inducible genes. Numerous studies have reported that the activity of these transcription factors is tightly modulated by posttranslational modifications such as activation by specific phosphorylation as well as repression by class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). We hypothesized that MEF2 could also be regulated by covalent modification by SUMO‐1, a reversible posttranslational modification which has been shown to regulate key proteins involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and tumor suppression. In this study, we demonstrate that MEF2A undergoes sumoylation primarily at a single lysine residue (K395) both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that the nuclear E3 ligase, PIAS1, promotes sumoylation of MEF2A. Mutation of lysine 395 to arginine abolishes MEF2A sumoylation and the sumoylation incompetent mutant protein has enhanced transcriptional activity compared to the wild type protein. Our results suggest that protein sumoylation could play a pivotal role in controlling MEF2 transcriptional activity.
Structure‐activity relationships in the murine local lymph node assay for skin sensitization: α,β‐diketones
Authors: Roberts D. W. , York M. , Basketter D. A.
Published: May 2007

The biological activity of skin‐sensitizing chemicals is related to their ability to react, either directly or after metabolic activation, with appropriate skin proteins. For direct acting electrophilic compounds, this ability can be modelled, using the RAI (relative alkylation index) approach, by a combination of electrophilicity and hydrophobicity parameters. Several structure‐activity relationships based on this approach have been reported, but most of them cover guinea pig sensitization test data on what chemists would classify as relatively soft electrophilic chemicals. In the present work, an electrophilicity parameter based on Taft substituent constants is derived for hard electrophiles having a reactive carbonyl group, and is used to calculate RAI values for the analyis of sensitization test data obtained in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) for a series of α,β‐diketones. The sensitization potential of these reactive hard electrophilic carbonyl compounds in the LLNA shows a good correlation with the RAI. Overall, the findings reaffirm our view that physical organic chemistry is the key to understanding why some chemicals sensitize more strongly than others, while some do not sensitize at all, and provide further evidence of the value of the LLNA for SAR studies.
Long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions: a study of patients with positive standard patch tests
Authors: Mancuso G. , Berdondini R. M. , Cavrini G.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of patch test reactions and the frequency of long‐lasting allergic patch test reactions (LLAPTR), and to identify the possible factors related to the development of the LLAPTR. For this purpose, a group of 263 patients positive to 1 or more allergens in the GIRDCA standard series was recruited. Readings were made for each patient 2 and 3 days after patch test application and continued every 2nd and 3rd day until the disappearance of all palpable erythema. The % of LLAPTR out of the total of reactions was high: 17.9%. Kathon CG was the hapten that caused LLAPTR most frequently, with 16 cases, a frequency of 76.1%, and a mean duration of the patch test reactions of 25.4 days. Risk factors investigated were age, sex, atopy, intensity of the patch test reaction and sensitivity to some allergens with the greatest number of positive patch tests. The relative importance of each risk factor was calculated by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. It was found that a Kathon CG sensitivity was the most important risk factor for LLAPTR. 2nd was atopy, followed by strong patch test reaction. Rejected risk factors were sex, age and sensitivity to nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, Disperse Blue 124, fragrance mix and p‐phenylenediamine.
Literatures of Wonder in Early Modern England and America
Authors: Sievers Julie
Published: May 2007

This article surveys seventeenth‐century narratives about ‘wonders’, ‘marvels’, ‘prodigies’, ‘providences’, and ‘remarkables’ and the scholarship that has treated them. Over the past 25 years, narratives about wonders and providences have played an increasingly important role in literary scholarship, the history of science, the history of the book, and the history of popular culture (and especially popular religious culture). The article considers the forms, meanings, and public roles of these ‘remarkable’ texts, and also discusses the scholarly movements that have led to their current prominence in the secondary literature. Although the article limits its focus to early modern texts produced in England and colonial America, it includes a wide range of print formats in which marvels and providences appeared, including cheap print formats such as broadsides and broadside ballads, almanacs, news pamphlets, and early chapbooks; as well as learned texts such as early natural philosophy (science) journals and anthologies published by ministers. The article opens by outlining the nexus of philosophical, political, and cultural developments that prompted an expanded interest in wonders, prodigies, and remarkables among both learned and common people in the period. It then explores the textual corpus itself and the varied rhetorical uses to which wonders were put by writers, publishers, and readers, using the history of Mary Dyer's monster birth for illustration. Finally, it examines the secondary scholarship on these texts.
Shakespeare and the City
Authors: Hansen Adam
Published: May 2007

This article discusses how critics have conceived the relationship between Shakespeare and the city. Discussion necessarily focuses on early modern London, the city where Shakespeare's plays were first produced and received. The plays represent and are conditioned by the institutions and features of this particular city, such as the Court, the suburbs, the market, citizenship and migration. What will become clear, though, is that critics have shown how Shakespeare's plays constructed understandings of these institutions and features. This article also suggests that early modern London is not the only city to which Shakespeare's works relate. Other cities, past and present, actual and imagined, also affect the plays’ production, conception and reception, and their appropriation in media such as film. Surveying and evaluating recent scholarship, this article details some of the socio‐historical contexts of ‘Shakespeare's’ cities, and raises questions for further study. Where appropriate, discussion refers to specific plays, integrating these references into broader models of interpretation.
Coincidence Studies: Developing a Field of Research
Authors: Hammond Brean
Published: May 2007

This article proposes the development of a fledgeling research field, one capable of being pursued in a genuinely interdisciplinary fashion, and to be designated ‘coincidence studies’. The starting‐point explored in this article is that a revealing history of narrative might be written by abstracting coincidence as a particular formal or structural feature of all narrative and conducting a diachronic analysis of its incidence and function over the longue durée. Taxonomy of coincidence according to type, and the synchronic examination of the way in which coincidence is embedded in particular narratives at particular historical moments is another, and complementary, approach to the subject. Contextualising the kinds of coincidence encountered in periods and in individual texts might lead to intelligent generalisations about the nature of, for example, ‘Romantic’ or ‘Postmodern’ use of coincidence. The present article has three objectives: to consider the general scope of such a field; to use my own expertise as an eighteenth‐century scholar to indicate what an examination of the early eighteenth‐century might reveal to the student interested in ‘coincidence studies’, going into very brief close‐up on Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, providing thereby a case‐study of how the synchronic method of analysis might work in a particular case; and thirdly, to offer a brief prospectus for a book that a literary scholar interested in coincidence might write.
Studying the Victorian Novel in Print: Professional Authorship and Idiosyncrasy
Authors: Garcha Amanpal
Published: May 2007

This article surveys recent scholarship about Victorian novels’ place in the nineteenth‐century publishing system. With particular attention to criticism concerning the work of William Makepeace Thackeray, it examines how this scholarship, which reflects a renewed, discipline‐wide interest in book history and media studies, adopts some of poststructuralist theory's ideas; it goes on to show the ways this adoption helps differentiate this new work from a previous generation of scholarship on Victorian book history. It contextualizes this new concern with publication, authorial professionalization, and structures of cultural prestige and legitimation in the Victorian period within the pervasive discourse about academic jobs and professionalization during the 1990s, many of the key words and concepts of which are shared by book‐history criticism. Finally, it suggests directions for future study opened up by this new criticism, arguing that this criticism might help analyze the aesthetic particularity of authors’ works – a topic that has merited little attention, as the last several decades’ theoretical trends have focused on abstract linguistic, ideological, and now, publishing systems.
Lyric Narrative Hybrids in Victorian Poetry
Authors: Morgan Monique R.
Published: May 2007

This article surveys the last decade of work on lyric narrative hybrids in Victorian poetry. The first section addresses prominent Victorian genres which are themselves lyric narrative hybrids: the dramatic monologue, the verse‐novel, and the sonnet sequence. The second section presents studies of individual Victorian poets or poems that emphasize lyric narrative hybridity. The third section broadens the discussion to include general theories of lyric narrative hybrids that are not specific to the Victorian period but that can be fruitfully applied to it. The article concludes by suggesting that the renewed interest in Victorian lyric narrative is part of the broader resurgence of formalist approaches to literature.
Surrogate Versus Couple Therapy in Vaginismus
Authors: Ben-Zion Itzhak , Rothschild Shelly , Chudakov Bella , Aloni Ronit
Published: May 2007

Introduction

Women who do not have a cooperative partner cannot complete the usual therapeutic process in the treatment of vaginismus, because they cannot progress to the stage of practicing the insertion of the man partner's fingers and the insertion of a penis.

Aim

To compare traditional couple therapy with therapy utilizing a surrogate partner.

Methods

The study was controlled and retrospective. Data were obtained from the treatment charts of patients who had come to the clinic for treatment of vaginismus. Sixteen vaginismus patients who were treated with a man surrogate partner were compared with 16 vaginismus patients who were treated with their own partners.

Main Outcome Measures

Successful pain-free intercourse upon completion of therapy.

Results

One hundred percent of the surrogate patients succeeded in penile–vaginal intercourse compared with 75% in the couples group (P = 0.1). All surrogate patients ended the therapy because it was fully successful, compared with 69% in the couples group. Twelve percent of the couples group ended the therapy because it failed, and 19% because the couples decided to separate.

Conclusion

Treating vaginismus with a man surrogate partner was at least as effective as couple therapy. Surrogate therapy may be considered for vaginismus patients who have no cooperative partner.
Proposal for Changes in Diagnostic Criteria for Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: Segraves Robert , Balon Richard , Clayton Anita
Published: May 2007

Introduction

Officially sanctioned diagnostic criteria have a major influence on treatment decisions and on how populations are defined for clinical research. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association has had a major influence on research concerning the treatment of sexual disorders and has been criticized on numerous grounds.

Aim

The purpose of this article is to describe the evolution of criteria sets in the DSM and to critically evaluate suggestions for modification of this system.

Method

All living members of the DSM work groups on sexual dysfunction were contacted regarding their recollections of the evolution of criteria sets. Literature concerning diagnostic criteria for the sexual dysfunctions in the DSM, as well as literature suggesting modification of this system, was reviewed.

Main Outcome Measure

Recommendations for changes in the DSM-V system were based upon a review of the evidence concerning optimal criteria for each diagnostic entity.

Results

The original diagnostic system from sexual disorders in the DSM was developed by expert opinion, literature searches, and solicitation of feedback for other experts in the field. There have been minimal changes in the DSM criteria for sexual dysfunctions because of the requirement that there be substantial empirical data before modification of the system would be considered. An international consensus group has suggested major modification in criteria concerning female sexual dysfunctions. There is a growing database that documents the need to change criteria for premature ejaculation.

Conclusion

It is recommended that some of the suggested modifications to the criteria sets for sexual dysfunctions be adopted by the DSM-V committee. It is also recommended that specific criteria related to duration and severity be adopted, in order to clearly distinguish sexual disorders from transient alterations in sexual function related to life stress and relationship discord.
Medical Treatment of Retrograde Ejaculation in Diabetic Patients: A Hope for Spontaneous Pregnancy
Authors: Arafa Mohamad , El Tabie Omar
Published: May 2007

Introduction

Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. Different therapeutic approaches are present, whether medical or surgical, with limited success rates.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to evaluate different drug regimens for the medical treatment of RE in diabetic patients.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-three diabetic patients with RE (23 complete and 10 partial) were included in the study. Patients were given three sequential courses of medical treatment: imipramine 25 mg twice/day, pseudoephidrine 120 mg twice/day, or combination of the two drugs.

Main Outcome Measures

Establishment of antegrade ejaculate in cases with complete RE and improvement of semen quality in case of partial RE.

Results

In cases with complete RE, imipramine was successful in producing antegrade ejaculate in 10 patients (38.5%), while pseudoephedrine was successful in 11 patients (47.8%), and both drugs given together was successful in 16 patients (61.5%). In cases with partial RE, there was significant increase in the antegrade semen sample as regards semen volume, sperm count, total, and progressive motility with imipramine alone, pseudoephidrine alone, and both drugs.

Conclusion

From the present study we can conclude that medical treatment for RE in diabetic patients is a promising method and should be the first line of treatment in these cases.
Antisense and Short Hairpin RNA (shRNA) Constructs Targeting PIN (Protein Inhibitor of NOS) Ameliorate Aging-Related Erectile Dysfunction in the Rat
Authors: Magee Thomas R. , Kovanecz Istvan , Davila Hugo H. , Ferrini Monica G. , Cantini Liliana , Vernet Dolores , Zuniga Freddi I. , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F.
Published: May 2007

Introduction

Over-expression of penile neuronal nitric oxide synthase (PnNOS) from a plasmid ameliorates aging-related erectile dysfunction (ED), whereas over-expression of the protein inhibitor of NOS (PIN), that binds to nNOS, increases ED.

Aim

To improve this form of gene therapy for ED by comparing the electrical field response of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for PIN with that of antisense PIN RNA.

Main Outcome Measure

Both shRNA and antisense RNA gene therapy vectors increased intracavernosal pressure in aged rats.

Methods

PIN small interfering RNA (siRNA), and plasmid constructs for cytomegalovirus promoter plasmid vector (pCMV-PIN), pCMV-PIN antisense RNA, pSilencer2.1-U6-PIN-shRNA; and pSilencer2.1-U6-randomer-shRNA were prepared and validated by transfection into HEK293 cells, determining the effects on PIN expression by Western blot. Plasmid constructs were then injected, followed by electroporation, into the penile corpora cavernosa of aged (20-month-old) Fisher 344 rats and, 1 month later, the erectile response was measured by intracavernosal pressure increase following electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the cavernosal nerve. PIN was estimated in penile tissue by Western blot and real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) measurements were conducted by competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Immunohistofluorescence detected PIN in corporal tissue sections.

Results

In cell culture, PIN siRNA and plasmid-expressed pU6-PIN-shRNA effectively reduced PIN expression from pCMV-PIN. pSilencer2.1-U6-PIN-shRNA corrected the impaired erectile response to EFS in aged rats and raised it above the value for young rats, more efficiently than pCMV-PIN antisense RNA. PIN mRNA expression in the penis was decreased by >70% by the shRNA but remained unaffected by the antisense RNA, whereas PIN protein expression was reduced in both cases, particularly in the dorsal nerve. PIN antisense increased cGMP concentration in treated tissue by twofold.

Conclusion

pSilencer2.1-U6-PIN-shRNA gene therapy was more effective than the antisense PIN mRNA in ameliorating ED in the aged rat, thereby suggesting that PIN is indeed a physiological inhibitor of nNOS and nitrergic neurotransmission in the penis.
TREATING DISTRESSED COUPLES WITH COEXISTING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISORDERS: DIRECTIONS FOR CLINICAL TRAINING AND PRACTICE
Authors: Snyder Douglas K. , Whisman Mark A.
Published: May 2007

Relationship difficulties frequently coexist with significant emotional, behavioral, and physical health problems in one or both partners. Moreover, couple therapists report individual emotional and behavioral disorders as among the most difficult problems that they encounter in clinical practice. In this article, we summarize empirical evidence regarding the association between relationship distress and the onset, course, and treatment of mental and physical health problems. Basedon these findings, we propose five critical implications for clinical training and the practice ofcouple therapy.
TRENDS IN FAMILY THERAPY SUPERVISION: THE PAST 25 YEARS AND INTO THE FUTURE
Authors: Lee Robert E. , Nichols David P. , Nichols William C. , Odom Temple
Published: May 2007

This investigation repeats a survey of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisors done in 1976 and 1986. Despite negative contemporary contextual influences, the AAMFT Approved Supervisor credential is still attractive to the same percentage of the AAMFT clinical membership as formerly and reflects in general the demographic characteristics of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) in clinical practice. Across the last quarter century there hasbeen a steady increase in female AAMFT Approved Supervisors and those with terminal master's degrees. These and other trends are discussed with a view toward what supervision is becoming and what it needs to become.
A PLACE FOR MARRIGE AND FAMILY SERVICES IN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (EAPs): A SURVEY OF EAP CLIENT PROBLEMS AND NEEDS
Authors: Shumway Sterling T. , Wampler Richard S. , Dersch Charette , Arredondo Rudy
Published: May 2007

Marriage and family services have not been widely recognized as part of employee assistance programs (EAP), although family and relational problems are widely cited as sources of problems on the job. EAP clients (N = 800, 97% self‐referred) indicated how much family, psychological/emotional, drug, alcohol, employment‐related, legal, and medical problems troubled them and the need for services in each area. Psychological/emotional (66%) and family (65%) problem areas frequently wererated “considerable” or “extreme.” Both areas were rated as “considerable” or “extreme” by 48.6% of participants. In view of the evidence that marriage and family services can be effective with both family and psychological/emotional problems, professionals who are competent to provide such services have much to offer EAP programs.
COMMON FACTORS AND OUR SACRED MODELS
Authors: Sprenkle Douglas H. , Blow Adrian J.
Published: May 2007

In this article we argue that much of what makes one treatment effective is common to other forms of effective treatment‐both in psychotherapy generally and in marital and family therapy (MFT)specifically. Yet MFT has largely ignored the research on common factors. In this article we present a moderate view of common factors that, while repudiating the extreme position that there isno difference among treatment models, stresses that there are common factors and mechanisms of changethat undergird most forms of successful treatment. These common mechanisms of change should begiven more attention in our field, which has tended to emphasize the uniqueness of our sacred models. We delineate some of the major common factors, review the empirical evidence for them, and discussimplications of adapting a common factors informed approach to family therapy.
BEYOND COMMON FACTORS: MULTILEVEL‐PROCESS MODELS OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Sexton Thomas L. , Ridley Charles R. , Kleiner Amy J.
Published: May 2007

A number of scholars have proposed the common factors perspective as the future direction of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Although intuitively appealing, the case for the common factors perspective is not as clear‐cut as proponents portray. In its current form, the common factors perspective overlooks the multilevel nature of practice, the diversity of clients and settings, and the complexity of therapeutic change. In contrast, comprehensive process‐based change models are analternative to the limitations of common factors. In this article, we consider the limitations of the common factors perspective and propose the necessary and sufficient components and processes that might comprise comprehensive, multilevel, process‐based therapeutic change models in MFT.
COMMON FACTORS ARE NOT ISLANDS—THEY WORK THROUGH MODELS: A RESPONSE TO SEXTON, RIDLEY, AND KLEINER
Authors: Sprenkle Douglas H. , Blow Adrian J.
Published: May 2007

In this article, we respond to Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner (this issue) from three different perspectives. First, we discuss their criticisms as rooted in a portrait of common factors to whichwe do not subscribe. Second, we discuss points of agreement and partial agreement between our twoarticles. Finally, we discuss our areas of clear disagreement with their points of view. In these areas of disagreement we put forth the common factors approach as an empirically supported lens; wediscuss the influence of investigator allegiance on the specficity conclusion; and we challenge the idea that the common factors lens is simple. In conclusion, we illustrate how common factors work through a credible therapy model using functional family therapy as an example.
IMPLICATIONS OF A MODERATED COMMON FACTORS APPROACH: DOES IT MOVE THE FIELD FORWARD?
Authors: Sexton Thomas L. , Ridley Charles R.
Published: May 2007

There are a number of similarities between the moderated common factors proposal of Sprenkle and Blow (this issue) and the multilevel, process‐based therapeutic change presentation of Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner (this issue). Despite these areas of agreement there are fundamental differences in our respective positions. We suspect that these differences are not unique to the respectiveauthors, but instead represent the current debate in the field regarding common factors. In this commentary, we discuss what we think are important issues to have emerged from these articles. Our hope is that the issues we present below will take the debate and discussion one step further.
DEVELOPING CULTURALLY EFFECTIVE FAMILY‐BASED RESEARCH PROGRAMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY THERAPISTS
Authors: Turner William L. , Wieling Elizabeth , Allen William D.
Published: May 2007

Recently, some family scholars have developed greater sensitivity to the relative neglect of families of color in clinical and empirical research. Consequently, a proliferation of research elucidating many nuances of ethnic families has come to the forefront, containing a wealth of knowledge with useful implications for family therapists and other mental health providers. The findings of these studies hold enormously important implications for how family therapists can better engage and accommodate families of color in therapy: In this article we discuss some of the etiological and methodological issues associated with planning, conducting, and disseminating family‐based prevention and intervention research programs with ethnic minority families.
TREATING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE WITHIN INTACT COUPLE RELATIONSHIPS: OUTCOMES OF MULTI‐COUPLE VERSUS INDIVIDUAL COUPLE THERAPY
Authors: Stith Sandra M. , Rosen H. , McCollum Eric E. , Thomsen Cynthia J.
Published: May 2007

An experimental design was used to determine outcomes of a domestic violence‐focused treatment program for couples that choose to stay together after mild‐to‐moderate violence has occurred. Forty‐two couples were randomly assigned to either individual couple or multi‐couple group treatment. Nine couples served as the comparison group. Male violence recidivism rates 6 months after treatment were significantly lower for the multi‐couple group (25%) than for the comparison group (66%). In contrast, men in the individual couple condition were not significantly less likely to recidivate (43%) than those in the comparison group. In addition, marital satisfaction increased significantly, and both marital aggression and acceptance of wife battering decreased significantly among individuals who participated in multi‐couple group therapy, but not among those who participated in individual couple therapy or the comparison group.
ENACTING RELATIONSHIPS IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: A CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF AN ENACTMENT
Authors: Davis Sean D. , Butler Mark H.
Published: May 2007

Enactments are a potential common clinical process factor contributing to positive outcomes in many relational therapies. Enactments provide therapists a medium for mediating relationships through simultaneous experiential intervention and change at multiple levels of relationships—including specific relationship disagreements and problems, interaction process surrounding these issues, and underlying emotions and attachment issues confounded with those problems. We propose a model of enactments in marriage and family therapy consisting of three components—initiation operations, intervention operations, and evaluation operations. We offer a conceptual framework to help clinicians know when and to what purpose to use this model of enactments. We provide an operational description of each component of an enactment, exemplifying them using a hypothetical clinical vignette. Directions for future research are suggested.
STUDENT‐FACULTY PERCEPTIONS OF MULTICULTURAL TRAINING IN ACCREDITED MARRIGE AND FAMILY THERAPY PROGRAMS IN RELATION TO STUDENTS'SELF‐REPORTED COMPETENCE
Authors: Inman Arpana G. , Meza Marisol M. , Brown Andraé L. , Hargrove Byron K.
Published: May 2007

Although the marriage and family therapy field's recent attention to multicultural issues is laudable, there appears to be little clarity on what constitues an effective multicultural competence. The field countinues to be challenged at different levels‐traning, practive, research, the setting of the standards and the work of the commission on Accrediation for Marriage for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, and the goals and strategic plan of the American Association for Marriage and family Therpy Board. This study focused on assessing the extent of multicultural integration at different levels of traning and the relationship between such training and student's perception of their own multicultural competence.
REVIEWS
Authors: Harris Steven M.
Published: May 2007

REVIEWS:Kasser, T., & Kanner, A. D. (Eds.). (2004). Psychology and Consumer culutre: The struggle for a good life in a materialistic world.

REVIEWS:Hargragve, D., & Pifitzer, F. (2003). The new contextual therapy: guiding the Power of give and take.

REVIEWS:Silverstiein, L. B., & Goodrich, T. J. (Eds.). (2003). Feminist family therapy: Empowerment in social context.

CLARIFICATION:The review of Kaethe Weingarten's bookCommon Shock‐Witnessing Violence Every Day: How We are Harmed, How We Can Heal, by Charette Dersch (Journal of marital and Family Therapy,
WORKING WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN CLIENTS: CONSIDERING THE “HOMEPLACE” IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY PRACTICES
Authors: Burton Linda M. , Winn Donna‐Marie , Stevenson Howard , Clark Sherri Lawson
Published: May 2007

In this article, we discuss perspectives on the “homeplace” that are important to consider in marriage and family therapy involving African American clients. The homeplace comprises individual and family processes that are anchored in a defined physical space that elicits feelings of empowerment, rootedness, ownership, safety, and renewal. Critical elements of the homeplace include social relationships that shape individuals' and families' sense of social and cultural identity. We draw on our ethnographic and clinical research with African American families in urban and rural settings to describe typical schisms between therapists and African American clients when communicating about the homeplace. We also explore the impact of homeplace disruptions on experiences of “yearning.” Recommendations for integrating a homeplace perspective into therapy practices are provided.
THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY: UNDERSTANDING CAREGIVING IN AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES AT THE END‐OF‐LIFE
Authors: Turner William L. , Wallace Beverly R. , Anderson Jared R. , Bird Carolyn
Published: May 2007

This research is based on in‐depth ethnographic interviewas and focus groups with 88 African American family caregivers from various regions of the United States during a stressful time in their family development‐caregiving at the end‐of‐life‐and the grieving during the aftermath. The study employed a stratified purposeful sampling strategy. Subjects were African Americans from the Northern, Southern, and Midwestern United States. Forman care is complicated by the distrust that many African Americans hold toward the health care system, which has resulted from years of exclusion, racism and discrimination. The findings highlight the importannce of hearing from African American families to gain an understanding of what services, including family therapy and other psychotherapy, they will need during this process.
IS BOWEN THEORY VALID? A REVIEW OF BASIC RESEARCH
Authors: Miller Richard B. , Anderson Shayne , Keala Davelyne Kaulana
Published: May 2007

In th last 15 years, a substantial number of studies have tested the theoretical validity of Bowen family systems theory. A review of this basic research provided empirical support for the relationship between differentiation and chronic anxiety, marital satisfaction, and psychological distress. Bowen's assumption that couples with the same level of differentiation marry was not supported. His specific theories of sibling position and triangulation also received little empirical support. Research on multigenerational transmission has generally ignored Bowen's theoretical perspective, and more research needs to test Bowen's claim that his theory is universal. In addition, researchers still need to examine the effect of differentiation on child functioning, physical health problems, and adaptability.
THE CORE VARIABLES OF SYMBOLIC‐EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Mitten Tammy J. , Connell Gary M.
Published: May 2007

Symbolic‐experiential therapists have been criticized for not adequately operationalizing symbolic theory and empirically validating their methods. Although pioneering researchers have noted that the task of studying and evaluating humanistic therapies is complex, we agree that all therapists need to eb held accountable for their intervantions. Int this article we identify the core variables underlying symbolic‐experiential therapy that emerged from a research study using grounded theory. The inductively derived conceptual framework for symbolic‐experiential therapy included: (a) Gegnerating an interpersonal set; (b) creating a syprasystem; (c) stimulating a symbolic context; (d) activating stress within the system; (e) creating symbolic experience; and (f) moving out of the system.
CULTURAL DISSONANCE AMONG GENERATIONS: A SOLUTION‐FOCUSED APPROACH WITH EAST ASIAN ELDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Authors: Lee Mo Yee , Mjelde‐Mossey LeeAnn
Published: May 2007

In traditional East Asian cultures, high value is assigned to family harmony and filial piety coupled with the expectation that elders will be honored and obeyed. A lifetime of such expectations shapes how elders perceive their role and status in the family. Problems can arise when younger, less traditional, generations do not share these expectations. This article describes a solution‐focused approach that facilitates the family in creating a beneficial harmony in situations of cultural dissonance. Family members are empowered to draw on personal strengths in which multiple worldviews and values of individual members are recognized, incorporated, and negotiated.
ESTIMATING THE COST OF DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY UNDER MEDICARE
Authors: Christenson Jacob D. , Crane D. Russell
Published: May 2007

In this article, we investigated the estimated cost to the Medicare program for covering psychotherapy services provided by marriage and family therapists (MFTs). Historical trends were identified by using psychotherapy cost and utilization data for the years 1999‐2001. Using these trends, projections for the years 2002‐2006 were made with MFTs included as providers. Employing this methodology, the 5‐year estimated net increase and gross increase in cost due to the provision of psychotherapy services by MFTs was found to be approximately $10.5 million (or $2.1 million per year) and $13.9 million (or $2.8 million per year), respectively. This represents an increase of less than 1/2 of 1% of the Medicare mental health budget, and less than .0015% of Medicare expenditures overall.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL SECTION: THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE–BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS IN COUPLE AND FAMILY THERAPY
Authors: Dattilio Frank M.
Published: May 2007

Marriage and family therapists' perspectives on cognitive–behavior family therapy (CBFT) have seen major changes over the years. The focus on cognitions and behaviors in treatment is now widely embraced by marriage and family therapists because of the effectiveness of the approach and its flexibility and integrative potential. This article provides an introduction to the special section and a brief history and overview of the application of CBFT to the field and some of the benefits it can provide to the growing and ever‐challenging area of couples and family therapy.
RELATIONSHIP STANDARDS AND MARITAL SATISFACTION IN CHINESE AND AMERICAN COUPLES
Authors: Epstein Norman B. , Chen Fuguo , Beyder‐Kamjou Irina
Published: May 2007

Samples of urban community couples in Shanghai, China, and suburban U.S. couples were administered measures of relationship adjustment and personal standards regarding characteristics of couple relationships. There were few gender differences in adherence to relationship standards but many differences between Chinese and U.S. couples. Fewer cultural differences existed in degree of couple consensus on relationship standards, but both adherence to standards and couple consensus on standards were associated with partners' levels of marital adjustment. Implications of the findings for clinical assessment and intervention with distressed couples, in particular for Western therapists working with Chinese couples whose standards may conflict with goals and methods of couple therapy, are discussed.
PUBLICATION PATTERNS OF FACUTLY IN COMMISION ON ACCREDITATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Authors: Hawley Dale R. , Gonzalez Chris
Published: May 2007

Journal articles published by faculty in Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) programs from 1998 to 2002 were analyzed to determine patterns regarding the amount and type of research conducted by this group. Fifty‐eight percent of the articles were identified as research. Slightly more than 10% of these dealt with clinical processes and outcomes. Forty percent of studies reported a specific source of funding. Twenty‐nine percent of research articles used qualitative methods, with percentages rising over the course of time. Results suggest the average number of publications per faculty member was relatively low, particularly for senior faculty. Implications for these findings are discussed.
STUDYING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: METHODLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES
Authors: Northey William F.
Published: May 2007

In this article, I present data from two waves of research on demographic characteristics and practice patterns of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) conducted in 2000 and 2002. The research focuses on the methodological and technological issues in studying this population. Specifically, an online survey with MFTs obtained lower response rates and was therefore more expensive relative to phone and mail methods. Questions about evidence‐based therapies (EBTs) were asked two different ways with significantly different results based on how the questions were phrased. A discussion of the relative advantages and disadvantages of using different survey methodologies and consideration of issues pertinent to studying EBTs are included.
SUPERVISING FAMILY THERAPY TRAINEES IN PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL SETTINGS: CONTEXT MATTERS
Authors: Edwards Todd M. , Patterson Jo Ellen
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this article is to identif y and describe four essential skills for effective supervision of family therapy trainees in primary care medical settings. The supervision skills described include: (1) Understand medical culture; (2) Locate the trainee in the treatment system; (3) Investigate the biological/health issues; and (4) Be attentive to the self‐of‐the‐therapist. Recommendations are also made to help supervisors become better prepared for the questions medical family therapy trainees bring to supervision.
BURNOUT AMONG MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Authors: Rosenberg Tziporah , Pace Matthew
Published: May 2007

Burnout is a syndrome consisting of physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from negative self‐concept, negative job attitudes, and loss of concern for clients. This research study explores potential predictors and prevalence of burnout among marriage and family therapists (MFTs). It evaluates the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to establish its applicability to MFTs. Our sample of 116 Clinical Members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy responded to a mailed questionnaire including demographic information and the MBI. Overall, our sample reported low‐to‐moderate ranges of burnout. Differences were noted in degrees of burnout across job settings. Predictors of clinician burnout include hours worked per week and job setting. Factor analysis indicates that the MBI is an appropriate assessment tool for measuring burnout among MFTs. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.