bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological Activity of the Suppressor Cells Inducer Factor Secreted by the Jeg‐3 Choriocarcinoma Cell Line
Authors: MARKERT U.R. , MARKERT U.R. , CHAOUAT G. 
Published: October 2003

PROBLEM: We wanted to further study the mechanisms of immune suppression and suppression inducing capacities by choriocarcinoma products, e.g. both crude human choriocarcinoma supernatant (HCS) and especially an active fraction obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from the culture supernatant of the Jeg‐3 human choriocarcinoma cell line, since it appeared by weight and charge criteria to be a different molecular species than the low molecular weight fraction previously isolated from mouse and human term placenta. It was important to know whether the purified material was active in vivo as it was in vitro. Therefore, we tested the effects of HCS in vivo in three systems: prevention of fetal demise in the CBA/J×DBA/2 abortion prone murine mating combination, where the effects of the HPLC purified fraction were also monitored as well as by a cell transfer system, where the suppression is revealed by a local GVH/HVG assay, and finally enhancement the survival of a mildly immunogenic tumor allograft.
METHODS: An active fraction was isolated from HCS by ion exchange HPLC. Female CBA/J were mated with DBA/2 and the influence of 3 intraperitoneal injections of both crude HCS and the active fraction was evaluated by monitoring the percentage of fetal resorptions. Simultaneously, on the day when resorptions were counted, maternal splenocytes from these females were harvested and were injected by the subcutaneous way in C3H/HEJ hind feet. The lymph node reactivity (HVG+GVH) was assessed by [3H]thymidine intake by cells harvested from the draining popliteal lymph nodes. For assessment of influence of HCS on allograft rejection, BALB/b (H‐2b) mice received a subcutaneous injection of allogeneic P815 tumor cells (H‐2d). The influence of HCS injections on tumor survival was analyzed by regular measurements of the mean tumor diameter.
RESULTS: Intraperitoneal injection of HCS reduced fetal resorptions from 24.7 to 13%. Injection of the in vitro active fraction induced the same rate of reduction. The mean intensity of HvG/GvH reaction was 13 400 cpm per lymph node when splenocytes from the control group were injected compared to 2900 cpm when splenocytes from treated mice were used. P815 tumor allografts were completely rejected in all cases after 21 days. Weekly subcutaneous injections of HCS prolonged tumor survival in all cases up to at least 30 days.  CONCLUSION: The fraction isolated from HCS increased very efficiently the survival of allografts as well as those of allogeneic fetuses in a resorption prone murine mating. The choriocarcinoma cell line might prove to be a useful source of immunosuppressive materials, which could otherwise be important for the fetal–maternal tolerance and a successful pregnancy.
Activation of the Novel Prothrombinase, fgl2, as a Basis for the Pregnancy Complications Spontaneous Abortion and Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: KNACKSTEDT M. , DING J.W. , GORCZYNSKI R.M. , LEVY G.A. , CLARK D.A. , KNACKSTEDT M. , ARCK P.C. , HERTWIG K. , DUDENHAUSEN J.W. , COULAM C.B. , AUGUST C. , LEA R. , CLARK D.A. , DING J.W. 
Published: October 2003

PROBLEM: Impaired trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy is linked to spontaneous abortion, and defective invasion in the second trimester to hypertension+proteinuria (pre‐eclampsia). Hypertension developing during the third trimester of human pregnancy represents, in part, a corrective response in the mother to provide adequate placental perfusion for fetal growth when trophoblast has not to invaded and converted the myometrial porprtion of maternal spiral arteries into to low resistance‐high capacitance conduits. Deportation of vesicles from hypoxemic trophoblast is thought to cause hypertension plus proteinuria, vascular damage and a systemic coagulopathy. Trophoblast invasion may be inhibited by local cytokines, such as TGF‐βs but Th1‐type cytokines associated with pre‐eclapmsia and spontaneous abortions (e.g., IL‐1, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ) are not known to inhibit migration at in situ concentrations. Trophoblast invasion is also inhibited by the binding of surface integrins to fibronectin and fibrin, and fibrin production is stimulated by these Th1 cytokines via up‐regulation of prothrombinases(s) such as fgl2 which directly and via TNF‐α‐facilitated inflamation compromise trophoblast cell integrity. We, therefore, asked if fgl2 expression and TNF‐α are increased in first trimester human miscarriage and in third trimester pre‐eclampsia.
METHODS: fgl2 mRNA was detected using in situ hybridization and fgl2 protein by immunohistochemistry. TNF‐α mRNA and protein were similarly tested. The techniques were validated using uterine sections from day 8.5 of CBA×DBA/2 pregnancies, and then were applied to sections of placentae from normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies with and without intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR). Fibrin was detectectd by immunohistochemistry.  RESULTS: Expression of fgl2 protein correlated with fgl2 mRNA expression in mouse uteri and in placentae from normal human pregnancies. Increased expression of fgl2 and TNF‐α mRNA and protein, and increased fibrin deposition was detected in placental trophoblast.  CONCLUSIONS: Activation of fgl2 prothrombinase by Th1‐type cytokines in pregnancy may lead to spontaneous abortion, or in ongoing pregnancy, to pre‐eclampsia and/or IUGR.
Effect of IL‐1β and IL‐6 on Oxytocin Secretion in Human Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: FRIEBE‐HOFFMANN ULRIKE , CHIAO JYE‐PING , RAUK PHILLIP N. 
Published: October 2003

PROBLEM: Infection‐mediated preterm labor results in the production of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Oxytocin (OT) plays a key role in the process of labor. This study investigates the effect of IL‐1β and IL‐6 on intra‐and extracellular OT in human smooth muscle cells and evaluates IL‐1β induced changes in IL‐6 production.  METHOD OF STUDY: Primary cultures of human myometrium, obtained from term pregnant women (n=7) were incubated with either IL‐1β or IL‐6 for 0–24 hr. Intra‐ and extracellular OT peptide concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and IL‐6 mRNA and protein were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS: Both, IL‐1β and IL‐6 led to an increase in OT secretion, which was accompanied by a reduction of the intracellular OT peptide pool. IL‐1β significantly induced IL‐6 mRNA expression and protein secretion, which did not further enhance IL‐1β induced OT secretion.
CONCLUSIONS: The induction of OT secretion by proinflammatory cytokines in human myometrium in vitro, supports the concept of a thus regulated infection‐triggered preterm labor process in vivo.
Impact of intrapartum epidural analgesia on breast‐feeding duration
Authors: Henderson Jennifer J. , Dickinson Jan E. , Evans Sharon F. , McDonald Susan J. , Paech Michael J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground:  Although the labour and delivery outcomes of epidural analgesia have been investigated extensively, the effects on breast‐feeding success are not clearly identified.Aim: To investigate the effects of intrapartum epidural analgesia on breast‐feeding duration.Methods: Nulliparous women enrolled in a randomised trial investigating labour and delivery outcomes of intrapartum epidural analgesia were asked about breast‐feeding outcomes. Breast‐feeding duration was ascertained by a self‐report at 2 and 6 months post‐partum. Breast‐feeding outcomes were analysed as a prospective observational study because of high cross‐over rates (43.4%) in the original randomised controlled trial.Results: A total of 992 women were recruited to the trial with 690 (69.6%) receiving epidural analgesia in labour. Breast‐feeding was initiated by 95% (n = 946). At 2 and 6 months, 625 (63.5%) and 401 (40.7%), respectively, were still breast‐feeding. Intrapartum analgesia (trend P‐value = 0.036), mode of delivery (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001), and smoking in pregnancy (P < 0.001) showed univariate associations with breast‐feeding duration. In the subgroup of women with spontaneous onset of labour and vaginal deliveries, after controlling for other obstetric and demographic factors, epidural analgesia but not narcotic analgesia was significantly associated with reduced breast‐feeding duration (adjusted hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.99).Conclusions: Nulliparous women have a high use of epidural analgesia in labour. Nulliparous women who choose epidural analgesia are more likely to breast‐feed for shorter durations. Further exploration of the factors underlying this association should be undertaken.
Trust and Distress in Three Generations of Rural Australians
Authors: Berry Helen , Rodgers Bryan 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: Social connectedness has been associated with mental health outcomes. One study proposed that social connectedness influences mental health only indirectly because it is associated with a protective factor–trust. Trust is typically measured using the one-item measure in the World Values Survey (WVS). There are methodological difficulties associated with this measure and thus with interpreting findings. The aims of this study are to evaluate two approaches to measuring trust and to elaborate on the relationship between trust and distress. Methods: A random sample of 969 members of a rural community completed an anonymous self-report postal questionnaire including the Organisational Trust Inventory (OTI), the World Values Survey measure and the K10 as a measure of general psychological distress. Results: The OTI produced the more powerful and richer explanation of the relationship between trust and distress. Overall, women reported greater trust than men, and older Australians reported less distress and greater trust than younger people. Greater trust was associated with less distress, but the patterns of association differed between age generations. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of trust for mental health. Generational differences in the extent and meaning of trust have implications for social policy and planning.
Motivations of Catholic Missionaries Working with Australian Aborigines
Authors: Girola Stefano 
Published: October 2003

Objective: To investigate the cultural and theological presuppositions that have influenced the attitudes of Catholic missionaries towards Australian Indigenous people. Methods: Analysis of missionary literature and Papal missionary encyclicals. Findings: ‘Charitable institutions’ such as hospitals, orphanages and schools, were seen as instrumental to the diffusion of Catholicism. In extreme cases, this brought an interpretation of disease as a ‘providential gift’. More often, it fostered the idea that spiritual rewards — better achieved in an ‘artificial’ context of isolation — were more important than the fulfilment of material needs. Missionaries decided priorities in advance, in accordance with the assumption that ‘savages’ were children, and had to be treated as such. Conclusions: The Vatican has recently reaffirmed the superiority of Catholicism over other religions. There is a need for the Catholic Church to move towards a greater acceptance of religious pluralism.
The Aboriginal Concept of Time and its Mental Health Implications
Authors: Janca Aleksandar , Bullen Clothilde 
Published: October 2003

Objective: To explore the Aboriginal concept of time and discuss its impact on the assessment and management of Indigenous mental health problems in Australia. Conclusions: The Aboriginal concept of time differs from the Judeo-Christian perception of time in that Aboriginal people do not perceive time as an exclusively ‘linear’ category (i.e. past-present-future) and often place events in a ‘circular’ pattern of time according to which an individual is in the centre of ‘time-circles’ and events are placed in time according to their relative importance for the individual and his or her respective community (i.e. the more important events are perceived as being ‘closer in time’). Such an important difference in perception of time contributes to the limited applicability of standard assessment procedures in psychiatry and creates numerous difficulties in providing culturally appropriate mental health services to Aboriginal people in Australia.
Healing Traditions: Culture, Community and Mental Health Promotion with Canadian Aboriginal Peoples
Authors: Kirmayer Laurence , Simpson Cori , Cargo Margaret 
Published: October 2003

Objective: To identify issues and concepts to guide the development of culturally appropriate mental health promotion strategies with Aboriginal populations and communities in Canada. Methods: We review recent literature examining the links between the history of colonialism and government interventions (including the residential school system, out-adoption, and centralised bureaucratic control) and the mental health of Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Results: There are high rates of social problems, demoralisation, depression, substance abuse, suicide and other mental health problems in many, though not all, Aboriginal communities. Although direct causal links are difficult to demonstrate with quantitative methods, there is clear and compelling evidence that the long history of cultural oppression and marginalisation has contributed to the high levels of mental health problems found in many communities. There is evidence that strengthening ethnocultural identity, community integration and political empowerment can contribute to improving mental health in this population. Conclusions: The social origins of mental health problems in Aboriginal communities demand social and political solutions. Research on variations in the prevalence of mental health disorders across communities may provide important information about community-level variables to supplement literature that focuses primarily on individual-level factors. Mental health promotion that emphasises youth and community empowerment is likely to have broad effects on mental health and wellbeing in Aboriginal communities.
Emotional and Social Wellbeing: National Policy Context
Authors: Roxbee Lesley , Wallace Clinton 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: This paper provides an overview of the national policy in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and emotional and social wellbeing. Conclusions: The limited available evidence suggests that mental health disorders are more prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, a situation related to the unique historical, cultural and social situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Community-based mental health services are not adequately available, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in inpatient mental health care. A range of program and policy initiatives have been undertaken to address this situation, including both the development of specific Aboriginal community controlled emotional and social wellbeing services and the reform of specialist mental health services. These initiatives have been supported by a range of policy initiatives at Commonwealth, State and Territory levels. Inadequate coordination between sectors in implementing programs and policies has hampered delivery of services. The current development of a national strategic framework for emotional and social wellbeing aims to increase partnerships between the sectors, and to motivate governments to provide more resources to address the issue. Support from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is valuable in moving this agenda forward.
Towards an Outcome-Based Mental Health Policy for New Zealand
Authors: Krieble Todd 
Published: October 2003

Objective: This paper outlines efforts to shift New Zealand's mental health policy from a service input based strategy to an outcome based strategy. Methods: A New Zealand mental health outcome framework has been created as the basis for the development of outcome philosophies and outcome measurement from (i) cultural, (ii) consumer, (iii) clinical, and (iv) public investment perspectives. Results: A full medium/long-term program of outcome development and implementation is underway within the new framework. Conclusions: New Zealand has had unprecedented levels of service development in the last decade. These gains are being consolidated but considerable work is required to ensure greater emphasis on outcomes. Current and future strategies are being aligned to support the move to an outcome based strategy.
Social Determinants of Health, the ‘Control Factor’ and the Family Wellbeing Empowerment Program
Authors: Tsey Komla , Whiteside Mary , Deemal Audrey , Gibson Teresa 
Published: October 2003

Objective: To explore links between the social determinants of health, the ‘control factor’, and an Aboriginal empowerment program. Methods: The evidence that rank or social status is one of the most important determinants of health is briefly presented. This is followed by a critique of the Australian policy and intervention framework for tackling and reducing social inequalities. The concept of ‘control’ as an important element in addressing social determinants of health is examined next and the Family Wellbeing empowerment program is analysed to illustrate how the concept of control might be operationalised at program or intervention level. Implications for health practitioners are identified. Results: By providing a safe group environment for participants to explore sets of critical questions about themselves, their families and communities, through the process of participatory action research, Family Wellbeing has demonstrated its potential to ‘enable’ Indigenous people to take greater control and responsibility for their situation. While program participants first address personal and immediate family issues, evidence is emerging of a ripple effect of increasing harmony and capacity to address issues within the wider community Conclusions: The social determinants of health are complex and multi-layered and so addressing them needs to involve multilevel thinking and action. The control factor is only one element, albeit an important one, and Family Wellbeing is providing evidence that ‘control’ can be addressed in Indigenous settings. For empowerment programs to achieve their full potential, however, there is a need to ensure that such programs reach a critical mass of the target group. It is also imperative that policy-makers and practitioners take a longer-term approach, including properly resourced longitudinal studies to document and enhance the evidence base for such interventions. As health practitioners it is vital we consider our work within this broader context, creatively seek to enhance linkages between services and programs, and support processes for change or intervention at other levels.
What's Driving Involuntary Treatment in the Community? The Social, Policy, Legal and Ethical Context
Authors: Brophy Lisa , McDermott Fiona 
Published: October 2003

Objective:Involuntary treatment in the community has become an increasing and accepted part of the landscape of mental health service delivery. Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) or Outpatient Commitment (OPC) may be understood to be an inevitable consequence of the process of deinstitutionalisation and an acceptance that many clients are at constant risk in the community and may require long-term involuntary treatment. However, there are important social, economic and political imperatives influencing CTOs; this article explores these driving forces and identifies the concerns of the critics of involuntary treatment in the community. Methods:Using the concept of force field analysis, the driving and restraining forces surrounding the development and implementation of CTOs are identified. Results: All Australian states and territories now have provision for involuntary community treatment. However, despite an increasing reliance on, and to some extent, acceptance of, the validity of involuntary community treatment in mental health, these developments are not uncontested. Consumer groups, legal advocates and service providers have questioned the use of involuntary treatment in the community and identified various concerns, including the potential for human rights abuses, ethical dilemmas and doubts regarding effectiveness. Conclusions: The paper concludes by arguing for stronger evidence base to support the use of CTOs. In doing so it focuses on the social, policy, legal and ethical context within which CTOs are implemented.
Refuge or Retrauma? The Impact of Asylum Seeker Status on the Wellbeing of East Timorese Women Asylum Seekers Residing in the Australian Community
Authors: Reesp Susan 
Published: October 2003

Objective: To summarise findings from interdisciplinary research into the experiences of East Timorese women asylum seekers residing in the Australian community, and specifically to highlight the effects of prolonged asylum seeker status on wellbeing. ‘Wellbeing’ was defined as a holistic state that includes psychological, physical, spiritual, social and cultural welfare and contentment. Methods: A qualitative multimethod data collection tool comprised semi-structured interviewing of East Timorese women asylum seekers, questionnaires to professional workers assisting East Timorese asylum seekers at the community level, and an analysis of secondary source material. Results: Insecurity of tenure and living with the fear of forced removal from Australia was found to have significantly affected and dangerously compromised the wellbeing of the asylum seekers. The findings further revealed a flaw in current social policy with respect to the length of time asylum seekers could reside in the community without adequate supports, services and avenues for social inclusion. Conclusions: The research illustrated the necessity for faster processing of claims for asylum seeker status, recognition of the effects of torture and trauma on asylum seekers in policy, and consequently immediate access for asylum seekers to essential and gender specific supports and services. The research provides evidence to support the East Timorese asylum seekers’ claim to permanent status in Australia on humanitarian grounds.
Effects of the spin trap‐α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (PBN) in transient forebrain ischaemia in the rat
Authors: PAHLMARK K. , SIESJÖ B. K. 
Published: October 2003

The free radical spin trap α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (PBN) has previously been shown markedly to reduce infarct size in permanent or transient focal ischaemia in rats. The mechanisms of action have not been clearly defined, but data obtained in focal ischaemia suggest microvessels or mitochondria as targets. Since microvascular dysfunction and/or mitochondrial failure are probably not the immediate causes of delayed neuronal damage following forebrain ischaemia in rats, we induced 15 min of two‐vessel occlusion ischaemia in anaesthetized rats, and assessed brain damage by histopathological techniques 7 days later. Animals were treated either before (30 min) or after ischaemia (30 min or 6 h) with PBN or its vehicle. Other animals received a more soluble PBN analogue (2′‐sulfonyl PBN), and received the drug 30 min prior to 12 or 15 min of ischaemia.PBN reduced neuronal necrosis in the neocortex when given 30 min post‐treatment, but not when given before or 6 h after ischaemia, and it failed to reduce damage to the CA 1 sector of the hippocampus, or the caudoputamen. The sulphonyl derivative of PBN failed to reduce damage in any region.The results provide important hints as to the action of PBN. It is tentatively concluded that the nitrones ameliorate either the microvascular dysfunction or the mitochondrial failure, which could be the crucial events leading to infarction in focal ischaemia, but that they have only a weak effect on the mechanisms that yield selective neuronal necrosis in transient ischaemia of brief duration.