Mode-specific effects among three treatments for depression.

In the NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP), 250 depressed outpatients were randomly assigned to interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive–behavioral therapy, imipramine plus clinical management, or pill placebo plus clinical management treatments. Although all treatments demonstrated significant symptom reduction with few differences in general outcomes, an important question concerned possible effects specific to each treatment. The therapies differ in rationale and procedures, suggesting that mode-specific effects may differ among treatments, each of which was precisely specified, applied appropriately, and shown to be discriminable. Outcome measures were selected for presumed sensitivity to the different treatments. Findings provided only scattered and relatively insubstantial support for mode-specific differences. None of the therapies produced consistent effects on measures related to its theoretical origins. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of two group treatments for bulimia.

28 18–46 yr old female bulimics, who binged and vomited at least twice weekly, participated in a study to examine the relative efficacy of 2 group treatments (cognitive-behavioral and nondirective) for bulimia. All Ss completed an eating-history questionnaire before treatment to determine the duration and severity of bulimia, and they used standardized food records to monitor their eating and vomiting for 1 wk prior to and 1 wk following treatment. The following questionnaires were administered before and after treatment: Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Personality Inventory, Eating Attitudes Test, an assertion inventory, and an eating disorders inventory. Both treatment groups met weekly for 16 wks. The cognitive-behavioral group was instructed to make specific changes in their eating and vomiting behavior, whereas the nondirective group was given no such instructions. Results indicate that the cognitive-behavioral treatment had fewer dropouts and yielded significantly greater decreases in bingeing and vomiting than did the nondirective treatment. At 3-mo follow-up, 38% of the cognitive-behavioral and 11% of the nondirective Ss continued to abstain from bingeing and vomiting, but these differences were not statistically significant. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of three methods for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone

We compared the performance of three 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone kits: the double antibody method, the coated tube method (ACTIVE), both from Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc. (DSL) and the coated tube method (COAT-A-COUNT) from Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC). The assay performance of the two DSL kits was very similar in terms of sensitivity, intra- and inter-assay precision, linearity of dilution, recovery, and specificity. We also analyzed 190 samples for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone values using the above three kits. Twenty-three subjects were from prepubertal population (ages 1 month-13 years), thirty subjects were normal adult males (ages 20-53 years) and the remaining subjects were females in different phase of menstrual cycle (n = 40), on oral contraceptives (n = 20), post-menopausal (n = 17), or pregnant women in their first, second, or third trimester (n = 60). In addition to these 60 pregnancy samples, we analyzed serial samples from 3 pregnancies. 17 alpha-OHP levels paralleled the progesterone levels in all three kits. Although there was reasonable correlation between the DPC and the two DSL kits, the 17 alpha-OHP values were found to be significantly higher with DPC kit during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy indicating probable interference in the DPC assay by some structurally related steroids present during pregnancy. The DSL assays may be particularly well suited for measuring 17 alpha-OHP levels during pregnancy.     

Comparison of three operations for typhoid perforation

Total obliteration of the esophageal lumen after caustic ingestion is an uncommon event. Esophageal continuity was reestablished using endoscopic resection of scar tissue followed by serial dilatations.     

Comparison of extended versus brief treatments for marijuana use.

Adult marijuana users (N?=?291) seeking treatment were randomly assigned to an extended 14-session Cognitive–behavioral group treatment (relapse prevention support group; RPSG), a brief 2-session individual treatment using motivational interviewing (individualized assessment and intervention; IAI), or a 4-month delayed treatment control (DTC) condition. Results indicated that marijuana use, dependence symptoms, and negative consequences were reduced significantly in relation to pretreatment levels at l-, 4-, 7-, 13-, and 16-month follow-ups. Participants in the RPSG and IAI treatments showed significantly and substantially greater improvement than DTC participants at the 4-month follow-up. There were no significant differences between RPSG and IAI outcomes at any follow-up. The relative efficacy of brief versus extended interventions for chronic marijuana-using adults is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Differential effects of three vocational counseling treatments.

Compared 3 treatments which included 2 self-administering counseling modes, Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS), a modification of the SDS entitled Individual Vocational Planning (IVP), and traditional vocational counseling. 113 undergraduates seeking counseling at a college counseling center were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 treatment or control groups. Pre- and posttest scores were obtained on frequency and variety of vocational information seeking, satisfaction with treatment, and other measures. In addition, differential costs of providing the treatments were examined. Results indicate that all treatments were about equally effective as measured and the college users appeared equally satisfied with them. Cost analysis indicated that the traditional counseling treatment cost 6 times more per S than SDS and 4 times more than the IVP. Low delivery cost and comparable effectiveness provide evidence for the self-administrable treatment modes as additional alternatives to traditional methods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of the effectiveness of various comprehensive treatments for locally advanced breast cancer

OBJECTIVE: Auditory testing is not routinely performed within 4-6 weeks after stapedotomy, because hearing acuity is thought to be transiently depressed. In rare circumstances, postsurgical auditory and vestibular complaints may lead one to test hearing soon after stapedotomy. The early postoperative effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) lasers, which now are routinely used to perform stapedotomies, have not been reported. The purpose of this report is to present normative data for auditory thresholds measured within 2 weeks of laser stapedotomy. STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a prospective, unblinded study. SETTING: The study was conducted at three academic medical centers. PATIENTS: Thirty-six subjects undergoing 38 stapedotomies for otosclerosis by 5 surgeons participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Behavioral audiometry was performed using standard techniques beginning before surgery and continuing through > 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The CO2 laser was used in 26 stapedotomies and the KTP laser was used in 12. Nine cases were revision procedures. Bone conduction pure-tone averages and speech discrimination scores did not worsen during the early postoperative period. Bone conduction at 250 and 4,000 Hz dropped slightly within the first 2 weeks (-4.3 and -6.7 dB) but recovered thereafter. Bone conduction at 1,000 Hz actually improved within the first week after surgery (+6.2 dB, p = 0.021). Significant improvements in air conduction thresholds (and air-bone gap) were seen at the second week and late audiometry. The results for CO2 and KTP laser-treated groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear function is not significantly depressed in the early postoperative period after laser (CO2 or KTP) stapedotomy.     

Predictors of treatment efficacy in a clinical trial of three psychosocial treatments for adolescent depression

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors of treatment outcome across treatments, as well as those associated with differential treatment response. METHOD: One hundred seven adolescent outpatients, aged 13 to 18 years, with DSM-III-R major depression were randomly assigned to one of three manual-based, brief (12 to 16 sessions) psychosocial treatments: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), systemic-behavioral family therapy, or nondirective supportive therapy. Those with good and poor outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Continued depression was predicted by clinical referral (versus via advertisement) and was in part mediated by hopelessness. Other predictors of depression were comorbid anxiety disorder and higher levels of cognitive distortion and hopelessness at intake. Achievement of clinical remission was predicted by a higher level of self-reported depression. Poorer functional status was predicted by a higher level of initial interviewer-rated depression. Comorbid anxiety and maternal depressive symptoms predicted differential treatment efficacy. CBT's performance continued to be robust with respect to nondirective supportive therapy, even in the presence of the above-noted adverse predictors. CONCLUSION: Predictors of poor outcome may give clues as to how to boost treatment response. Subjects who come to treatment for clinical trials via advertisement (versus clinical referral) may show more favorable treatment responses. CBT is likely to be a robust intervention even in more complex and difficult-to-treat patients.     

Comparison of three methods for determining aflatoxins in melon seeds

The suitability of 3 methods for determining aflatoxins in melon seeds was examined. The first 2 are the Contaminants Branch (CB) method and the Best Foods (BF) method, both official methods for determining aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut products. The third method, the modified CB method-Rapid Modification of the Cottonseed (CB-RCS-Mod) method, devised in this work, was derived by combining steps from the CB method and the Rapid Modification of the Cottonseed method. The CB method was superior to the other 2 methods for quantitation of aflatoxins. It gave better recoveries and cleaner extracts that exhibit less fluorescent interference for thin-layer chromatography (TLC) than the BF method. Also, its solvent efficiency was better than that of the CB-RCS-Mod method. With the CB method, recoveries from spiked samples were 85.0% for aflatoxin B1 and 90.0% for aflatoxin B2. Recoveries of G aflatoxins were more variable, averaging 90.0% for aflatoxin G1 and 72.5% for aflatoxin G2. Total aflatoxin recovery was 86.5% for the CB method. At a low aflatoxin contamination level (8 micrograms B1/kg sample), aflatoxin B1 was detectable by the CB method but not by the BF method. Detection of aflatoxins in BF method sample extracts by TLC was not improved by the use of chloroform-acetone-water (88 + 12 + 1), benzene-ethanol-water, or ether-methanol-water (96 + 3 + 1) in place of the standard chloroform-acetone (88 + 12) developer. Use of ether-methanol-water (96 + 3 + 1) for detecting aflatoxins by TLC in the CB method extracts increased interference compared with the standard chloroform-acetone (88 + 12) developer.     

Comparison of three formulations of alpha-chloralose for immobilization of Canada geese

Haptoglobin is a hemoglobin-binding antioxidant showing a genetic polymorphism with three types: Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1, and Hp 2-2. The Hp 2-2 type has been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. We investigated vitamin C metabolism in vivo and in vitro according to haptoglobin type in a study group of 135 healthy volunteers. Serum vitamin C concentrations were associated with haptoglobin type, showing lowest values in serum from Hp 2-2 subjects (P < 0.01). Renal threshold for L-ascorbic acid was within the normal range and metabolization to oxalate was not different among haptoglobin-type groups. Serum concentrations of other endogenous antioxidants (uric acid, bilirubin, albumin, ceruloplasmin, and total antioxidative status) were not different among haptoglobin-type groups. In vitro experiments showed a lower stability of L-ascorbic acid in blood from subjects with the Hp 2-2 type (P < 0.01). L-Ascorbic acid depletion in vitro was inversely related to haptoglobin concentration (r = -0.738). The results of this study indicate a higher rate of L-ascorbic acid oxidation in Hp 2-2 carriers because they have less protection against hemoglobin-iron driven peroxidation.     

Comparison of drug and behavioral treatments of essential hypertension.

Studied 36 hypertensives (aged 35–60 yrs) twice/wk for 8 wks under 1 of the 4 following conditions: blood pressure (BP) biofeedback, Benson's relaxation response, drug treatment, and a control procedure consisting of the home self-monitoring of BP. Extensive baseline, treatment, and follow-up assessments were obtained of home BP recordings and psychophysiological variables in the laboratory (heart rate, BP, skin conductance, breathing rate, and frontalis muscle tension). Ss also completed psychological tests that included the MMPI and Jenkins Activity Survey. Drug treatment (main diuretics) was found to be markedly superior to all of the behavioral procedures in the regulation of BP in home recordings. With regard to laboratory measures of BP, biofeedback was as effective as drugs and more effective than relaxation or the self-monitoring control procedure in lowering diastolic but not systolic BP. In addition, neither the relaxation response nor the control procedure had any effect on the regulation of BP. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of three different methods for measuring classical pathway complement activity

A 30-year-old man was referred as an acute case for keratitis. Two days earlier he had had photorefractive keratectomy for myopia at another clinic; a bandage contact lens was placed over the eye, but prophylactic antibiotics were not prescribed. The keratitis was treated with gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin) and chloramphenicol eyedrops. Scrapings from the cornea showed nonhemolytic streptococci. Two and a half months later, visual acuity was finger counting because of gross distortion of the corneal contour. The combination of a bandage contact lens and the lack of prophylactic antibiotics may have been the source of bacterial keratitis.     

Comparison of three different methods for radiolabelling human activated T lymphocytes

The purpose of this study was to determine both the selenium (Se) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets from 51 healthy Japanese individuals. The Se levels (mean +/- SD) of plasma, erythrocytes and platelets were 117.4 +/- 15.7 micrograms/L, 0.954 +/- 0.159 microgram/g hemoglobin, and 4.93 +/- 1.52 ng/mg protein, respectively, and GSH-Px activity was 318 +/- 50 U/L, 18.0 +/- 5.0 U/g hemoglobin, and 0.142 +/- 0.035 U/mg protein, respectively. There was a negative correlation between age and the platelet Se level in men (r = -0.761, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation between the plasma and platelet GSH-Px activities in women (r = 0.663, p < 0.001).     

Comparison of three major meta-analytic approaches.

Three major meta-analytic approaches have been developed and applied to integrate empirical research. A comparison of their statistical formulas suggested that they should yield different answers to the meta-analytic questions of central tendency, variability, and prediction by moderators. These frameworks were used to analyze systematically differing databases and showed that, although the techniques of L. V. Hedges and I. Olkin (1985) and of R. Rosenthal and D. Rubin (e.g., 1978, 1988; Rosenthal, 1991) tended to produce reasonable and convergent results, the results of J. E. Hunter, F. L. Schmidt, and G. B. Jackson (1982; Hunter & Schmidt, 1990) often diverged from the other 2 frameworks. For example, consistent with the law of large numbers, finding more studies with the same result is less likely to occur because of chance alone; the Hedges and Olkin and the Rosenthal and Rubin approaches confirmed this prediction, but the Hunter et al approach did not. The distinct tendency of the Hunter et al framework to produce results that violate conventional expectations suggests that it should be used with caution. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of three trap types for monitoring insect populations in stored grains

Three trap types--probe, cone, and sticky--were used to monitor insect populations infesting shelled maize, Zea mays L., housed in galvanized steel storage bins. Sticky traps were suspended in the headspace 1 m above the grain mass, probe traps were inserted into the grain near the top and bottom of the grain mass, and cone traps were positioned at the surface of the grain mass. Although there was some overlap, each trap type was rather specific in the range of insect species trapped. Probe traps positioned near the grain surface trapped mostly Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Cynaeus angustus (LeConte); whereas those positioned near the bottom of the grain mass trapped mostly Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. Cone traps caught mostly Typhaea stercorea (L.), Cryptolestes spp., and Ahasverus advena Waltl. Sticky traps caught primarily stored-product moths [Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)] and A. advena. In addition to catching pest species, cone traps also caught hemipteran predators and hymenopteran parasitoids, and sticky traps caught large numbers of parasitoids. Although probe traps caught smaller numbers of several pest species than cone traps, these traps generally detected the presence of these species at the same time as cone traps, in addition to trapping other species that were not detected at all in cone traps. Therefore, a combination of sticky traps in the grain bin headspace and probe traps positioned just below the grain surface is probably most efficient for monitoring the presence of pest and beneficial insect species in grain storage. If pests cannot be eliminated from the space beneath the false floor of a grain bin, probe traps set at the bottom of the grain mass should provide the best early warning of infestation by species colonizing a grain mass by this route.