Variation in lipoprotein(a) concentrations among individuals with the same apolipoprotein (a) isoform is determined by the rate of lipoprotein(a) production

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein which is similar in structure to, but metabolically distinct from, LDL. Factors regulating plasma concentrations of Lp(a) are poorly understood. Apo(a), the protein that distinguishes Lp(a) from LDL, is highly polymorphic, and apo(a) size is inversely correlated with plasma Lp(a) level. Even within the same apo(a) isoform class, however, plasma Lp(a) concentrations vary widely. A series of in vivo kinetic studies were performed using purified radiolabeled Lp(a) in individuals with the same apo(a) isoform but different Lp(a) levels. In a group of seven subjects with a single S4-apo(a) isoform and Lp(a) levels ranging from 1 to 13.2 mg/dl, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of 131I-labeled S2-Lp(a) (mean 0.328 day-1) was not correlated with the plasma Lp(a) level (r = -0.346, P = 0.45). In two S4-apo(a) subjects with a 10-fold difference in Lp(a) level, the FCR's of 125I-labeled S4-Lp(a) were very similar in both subjects and not substantially different from the FCRs of 131I-S2-Lp(a) in the same subjects. In four subjects with a single S2-apo(a) isoform and Lp(a) levels ranging from 9.4 to 91 mg/dl, Lp(a) concentration was highly correlated with Lp(a) production rate (r = 0.993, P = 0.007), but poorly correlated with Lp(a) FCR (mean 0.304 day-1). Analysis of Lp(a) kinetic parameters in all 11 subjects revealed no significant correlation of Lp(a) level with Lp(a) FCR (r = -0.53, P = 0.09) and a strong correlation with Lp(a) production rate (r = 0.99, P < 0.0001). We conclude that the substantial variation in Lp(a) levels among individuals with the same apo(a) phenotype is caused primarily by differences in Lp(a) production rate.     

Recurrence of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in kidney transplants is associated with increased acute renal failure and acute rejection

We performed 73 kidney transplants in 51 patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSG) ages 18.4 +/- 12.8 (mean +/- SD) years. Recurrence of SRNS, defined by rapid onset of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and/or > 95% epithelial cell foot process effacement with or without the presence of FSG, occurred in 26 grafts in 16 patients. Acute renal failure (ARF) occurred in 16 of 26 (61.5%) grafts with recurrence versus 7 of 47 (14.9%) grafts without recurrence (P < 0.0001). ARF occurred in 4 of 9 (44.4%) living-related donor (LRD) recipients with recurrence and 3 of 21 (12.5%) LRD recipients without recurrence (NS). ARF in cadaver donor (CAD) recipients with recurrence was 12 of 17 (70.5%) versus 4 of 23 (17.4%) without recurrence (P < 0.0001). ARF was also higher in LRD or CAD with recurrence than in a control group of non-SRNS patients matched for age, sex and time of transplantation. Graft survival at one year was lower in patients with recurrence and ARF [4 of 16 (25%)] compared to patients with recurrence and no ARF [9 of 11 (82%), P < 0.01]. There was no difference in graft survival in patients without recurrence who did or did not have ARF. One or more acute rejection episodes occurred in all 16 patients with ARF and recurrence, in all 7 patients with ARF without recurrence, and in 7 of 10 patients with recurrence without ARF compared with only 11 of 40 (28%) of patients with neither recurrence nor ARF (P < 0.0001, < 0.001 and < 0.04, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Longitudinal analysis of physical activity and symptoms as predictors of change in functional limitations and disability in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: This longitudinal, observational study examined changes in physical activity and symptoms as correlates of changes in functional limitations and disability across a 6-month period among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Individuals with MS wore an accelerometer for a 7-day period and completed a battery of measures including the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shephard, 1985), Symptom Inventory (Schwartz, Vollmer, & Lee, 1999), MS-Related Symptom Checklist (Gulick, 1989), and abbreviated Late-Life Function and Disability Inventory (McAuley, Konopack, Motl, Rosengren, & Morris, 2005) at baseline (n = 292) and 6-month follow-up (n = 276). The data were analyzed using panel analysis with latent variables in AMOS 16.0. Results: The standardized coefficients indicated that (a) change in physical activity was associated with residual change in function (β = .22), (b) change in symptoms was associated with residual changes in both function (β = –.29) and disability (γ = –.15), and (c) change in function was associated with residual change in disability (β = .20). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that change in physical activity is associated with change in disability through a pathway that is consistent with Nagi’s (1976) Disablement Model and its extension in individuals with MS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Decreased beta-phenylethylamine in CSF in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentrations of beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) in CSF in patients with Parkinson's disease, and to evaluate the relation between concentration of PEA in CSF and severity of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Using gas chromatography-chemical ionisation mass spectrometry, CSF concentrations of PEA were measured in 23 patients with Parkinson's disease (mean age, 64.0 (SD 8.2) years), of whom three were at Hoehn and Yahr stage II, 11 were at stage III, and nine were at stage IV. Comparison was made with eight patients with neuropathy (mean age, 57.0 (SD 19.2) years) and 12 controls without neurological disease (mean age, 57.6 (SD 4.8) years). RESULTS: Concentrations of PEA in CSF in Parkinson's disease were significantly lower (mean 205 (SD 131) pg/ml) than in patients with peripheral neuropathy (433 (SD 254) pg/ml) and controls (387 (SD 194) pg/ml). The concentrations of PEA in CSF correlated negatively with Hoehn and Yahr stage (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are decreased CSF concentrations of PEA in patients with Parkinson's disease.     

Clinical significance of sleep apnea disorders after implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator in patients with cardiac disease and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia

The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and to evaluate prospectively the possible influence of SRBD on arrhythmia recurrence and circadian arrhythmia variation as well as on cardiac mortality during long-term follow-up. Forty consecutive ICD recipients with cardiac disease and a documented history of spontaneous, life-threatening, ventricular tachyarrhythmias underwent full-night polysomnography and were followed for 2 years. In 16 of 40 patients (40%), SRBD were diagnosed (Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 10); in 9 of these 16 patients (56%) central sleep apneas (CSA) occurred (in 8 of these 9 patients in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration). Seven of the 16 patients with SRBD (44%) revealed obstructive sleep apneas (OSA). AHI was 32 +/- 15 (12-60) in patients with CSA and 32 +/- 27 (11-86) in patients with OSA. Patients with and without SRBD were comparable concerning left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA classification, cardiac disease, ICD indication, and concomitant medication. ICD registered ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 10 of 24 patients (42%) without SRBD, in 4 of 9 patients (44%) with CSA, and in 3 of 7 patients (44%) with OSA. The numbers and circadian variation of episodes registered during follow-up in patients without SRBD, with OSA or CSA were comparable (14 +/- 25, median 4 vs 15 +/- 15, median 7 vs 4 +/- 5, median 2.5). The 2-year cardiac mortality was highest in patients with CSA (4/9 (44%) vs. 0/7 patients (0%) with OSA vs 3/24 patients (12.5%) without SRBD. Thus, the prevalence of SRBD in patients with chronic heart failure and a history of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias is high (40%) and the occurrence of CSA seems to be predictive for cardiac mortality in these patients. An influence of moderate SRBD on arrhythmia recurrence and circadian variation of spontaneous sustained tachyarrhythmic events could not be demonstrated.     

Lipoprotein(a) concentration and molecular weight of apolipoprotein(a) in patients with cerebrovascular disease and diabetes mellitus

Plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations are genetically determined, and hyper-Lp(a)-emia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis. To study the implications of Lp(a) in cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), we examined plasma Lp(a) levels and molecular weights of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] in 118 patients with CVD, and 125 cases with DM. Although mean Lp(a) concentrations were higher in those cases with atherothrombotic brain infarction than in those with brain hemorrhage and lacunar infarction, the difference was not statistically significant. Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in the DM cases treated with insulin and in those treated with oral hypoglycemic agents than in those on diet therapy alone, suggesting that insulin and oral agents modulate apo(a) expression. Lp(a) concentrations correlated significantly with the low-molecular-weight isoforms of apo(a) in all CVD and DM groups.     

Lipoprotein(a) and inflammation in human coronary atheroma: association with the severity of clinical presentation

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was the investigation of the in vivo role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and inflammatory infiltrates in the human coronary atherosclerotic plaque and their correlation with the clinical syndrome of presentation. BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) is an atherogenic and thrombogenic lipoprotein, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes. Lipoprotein(a) induces monocyte chemoattraction and smooth muscle cell activation in vitro. Macrophage infiltration is considered one of the mechanisms of plaque rupture. METHODS: This study of atherectomy specimens investigated the in vivo role of Lp(a) at different stages of the atherogenic process, and its relationship with macrophage infiltration. We examined coronary atheroma removed from 72 patients with stable or unstable angina. Specimens were stained with antibodies specific for Lp(a), macrophages (KP-1), and smooth muscle cells (alpha-actin). Morphometric analysis was used to quantify the plaque areas occupied by each of the three antigens, and their colocalization. RESULTS: All specimens had localized Lp(a) staining; the mean fractional area was 58.2%. Ninety percent of the macrophage areas colocalized with Lp(a) positive areas, whereas 31.3% of the smooth muscle cell areas colocalized with Lp(a) positive areas. Patients with unstable angina (n = 46) had specimens with larger mean plaque Lp(a) areas than specimens from stable angina patients (n = 26): 64.4% versus 47.7% (p = 0.004). Unstable angina patients with rest pain (n = 28) had greater mean plaque Lp(a) area than unstable angina patients with crescendo exertional pain (n = 18): 71.1% versus 52.4% (p < 0.001). Mean KP-1 area was 31.2% in unstable rest angina versus 18.3% in stable angina (p = 0.05); alpha-actin area was greater in stable (48.5%) and crescendo exertional angina (48.8%) than in rest angina (30.4%). The strongest correlation between plaque KP-1 and Lp(a) area was in unstable rest angina (r = 0.88, p < 0.001), and between alpha-actin and Lp(a) areas in the crescendo exertional angina (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lipoprotein(a) is ubiquitous in human coronary atheroma. It is detected in larger amounts in tissue from culprit lesions in patients with unstable compared to stable syndromes, and has significant colocalization with plaque macrophages. A correlation of plaque alpha-actin and Lp(a) area suggests a role of Lp(a) in plaque growth.     

Associations between skeletal muscle properties, physical fitness, physical activity and coronary heart disease risk factors in men

High physical fitness and physical activity are associated with favourable lipid levels, especially a high level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A person's skeletal muscle properties, metabolism and percentage of different muscle fibres (ST-%), which may modify coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, such as serum insulin, obesity and serum sex hormones may also influence his fitness level and leisure-time physical activity. We studied the associations of physical fitness, physical activity and ST-% with serum lipids and lipoproteins in 72 healthy men. Their parameters were compared with those of 20 men with defined CHD. Significant interrelationships between ST-%, fitness and leisure-time physical activity index (LTPAI) were observed. Multiple regression analysis showed that ST-%, fitness and leisure-time physical activity explained about 32% of the variation in HDL-C in the healthy men. In healthy men ST-% correlated positively with fitness (r(s) = 0.62, P < 0.001) and with LTPAI (r(s) = 0.62, P < 0.001). Fitness level also correlated significantly with LTPAI (r(s) = 0.81, P < 0.001). Serum insulin showed negative associations with ST-% (r(s) = -0.63, P < 0.001) and fitness (r(s) = -0.54, P < 0.001) and LTPAI (r(s) = -0.62, P < 0.001). Free fraction of testosterone correlated negatively with serum HDL-C level (r(s) = -0.34, P < 0.01), with fitness (r(s) = -0.41, P < 0.001) and with LTPAI (r(s) = -0.54, P < 0.001). In sedentary men with the lowest fitness and physical activity the mean of ST-% (45%) was similar to that in CHD patients (44%). However, ST-% in men in the highest tertile of physical activity and fitness (68%) was significantly higher than in CHD patients and in men in the lowest tertile of physical activity and fitness. Skeletal muscle enzyme activity in lipid metabolism was significantly lower in both CHD patients and in sedentary and low-fit men than that in fitter and physically active men. The present data imply that skeletal muscle properties are important determinants of risk profiles, such as physical activity, fitness and serum lipid and lipoprotein patterns. Although fitness is a graded, independent predictor of mortality from CHD, a relatively high fitness level is not enough. This was clearly observed in the clustering analysis, in which the healthy men, according to their ST-%, fitness, leisure-time physical activity and serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), fell into three natural groups: (i) Inactive men with lowest ST-% (mean 42%), lowest fitness (10.7 METs) and lowest HDL-C (1.36 mm/l); (ii) Fit men with high ST-% (66%), high fitness (14.5 METs) and moderately high HDL-C (1.54 mol/l); (iii) Active men with high ST-% (66%), highest fitness (14.9 METs) and highest serum HDL (1.83 mmol/l). The results support the idea that both fitness and physical activity give further protection against CHD by modifying risk factors. Our findings also suggest that skeletal muscle properties should be considered in the studies which assess CHD risk factors and their modifications especially in the field of health-related fitness.     

Activation of a retroviral membrane fusion protein: soluble receptor-induced liposome binding of the ALSV envelope glycoprotein

Cellular aspects of remodeling in intact arteries have not been fully investigated, mainly due to the lack of an appropriate methodology that allows for simple measurements. The aim of this study was to develop a method based on laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), compare it with previous methodology, and apply it to the study of remodeling in hypertension. The morphology of mesenteric resistance arteries from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) was determined with wire myography on one segment with a standardized diameter setting (0.9[d100]) and with perfusion myography on a second segment from the same artery at the calculated equivalent pressure. The second segments were stained with the nuclear dye Hoechst 33342 (live tissue) or propidium iodide (fixed tissue) and measured with LSCM and MetaMorph software. Compared with wire myography, perfusion myography showed similar differences from those previously reported. Compared with LSCM, perfusion myography showed a similar lumen but significantly smaller wall thickness in both live and fixed tissue, probably due to measurement underestimation. In the study with LSCM, arteries from SHRSP compared with those from WKY showed (1) reduced lumen, (2) altered cell density that was significantly increased in the adventitia, decreased in the media, and unchanged in the intima, (3) significantly increased medial volume, (4) significantly smaller endothelial cell nuclei, and (5) adventitial-like cells in the media. We conclude that (1) LSCM is a reliable and straightforward method to study morphology in intact vessels, (2) it provides new information on the cellular changes in remodeling, (3) adventitia might play an active role in the process of remodeling in hypertension, and (4) endothelium "remodels" in hypertension.     

Lipoprotein(a) levels in the Japanese population: influence of age and sex, and relation to atherosclerotic risk factors. The Jichi Medical School Cohort Study

The authors studied the distribution of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels with stratification for age and sex, as well as the relation between Lp(a) and atherosclerotic risk factors in a large Japanese population between 1992 and 1993. The subjects were 1,235 males and 1,762 females over 30 years old. Lp(a) was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lp(a) levels were higher in females than in males. The increase in Lp(a) with age was statistically significant, and the proportion of subjects with Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dl also increased with age. In the obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) > 26), Lp(a) levels were lower than in the non-obese subjects (BMI < or = 26) (p < 0.01 in males; p < 0.05 in females). Male alcohol drinkers had lower Lp(a) levels than nondrinkers (p < 0.05). Age, low density lipoprotein subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [Lp(a) x 0.3], and fibrinogen level were all positively correlated with Lp(a) in both sexes. Alcohol consumption (g/day) and triglycerides were inversely correlated with Lp(a) in males, while total cholesterol subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [Lp(a) x 0.3], high density lipoprotein, and factor VII were positively correlated in females. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that triglycerides in males and BMI and fibrinogen in females were significant independent variables. The authors conclude that Lp(a) level is affected by various factors, such as alcohol drinking, BMI, sex, and age, and is not only correlated with lipid levels but also with hemostatic factors such as fibrinogen and factor VII.     

(R)-alpha-lipoic acid-supplemented old rats have improved mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative damage, and increased metabolic rate

A diet supplemented with (R)-lipoic acid, a mitochondrial coenzyme, was fed to old rats to determine its efficacy in reversing the decline in metabolism seen with age. Young (3 to 5 months) and old (24 to 26 months) rats were fed an AIN-93M diet with or without (R)-lipoic acid (0.5% w/w) for 2 wk, killed, and their liver parenchymal cells were isolated. Hepatocytes from untreated old rats vs. young controls had significantly lower oxygen consumption (P<0. 03) and mitochondrial membrane potential. (R)-Lipoic acid supplementation reversed the age-related decline in O2 consumption and increased (P<0.03) mitochondrial membrane potential. Ambulatory activity, a measure of general metabolic activity, was almost threefold lower in untreated old rats vs. controls, but this decline was reversed (P<0.005) in old rats fed (R)-lipoic acid. The increase of oxidants with age, as measured by the fluorescence produced on oxidizing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin, was significantly lowered in (R)-lipoic acid supplemented old rats (P<0.01). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were increased fivefold with age in cells from unsupplemented rats. Feeding rats the (R)-lipoic acid diet reduced MDA levels markedly (P<0.01). Both glutathione and ascorbic acid levels declined in hepatocytes with age, but their loss was completely reversed with (R)-lipoic acid supplementation. Thus, (R)-lipoic acid supplementation improves indices of metabolic activity as well as lowers oxidative stress and damage evident in aging.     

Aging and directed forgetting in episodic memory: A meta-analysis.

In this meta-analysis, we examined the effects of aging on directed forgetting. A cue to forget is more effective in younger (d = 1.17) than in older (d = 0.81) adults. Directed-forgetting effects were larger (a) with the item method rather than with the list method, (b) with longer presentation times, (c) with longer postcue rehearsal times, (d) with single words rather than with verbal action phrases as stimuli, (e) with shorter lists, and (f) when recall rather than recognition was tested. Age effects were reliably larger when the item method was used, suggesting that these effects are mainly due to encoding differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy prevents ischemia-induced lethal arrhythmias. Beneficial effect of angiotensin II blockade

To evaluate the preventive effect of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on sudden cardiac death (SCD), the incidence of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VT/Vf) after left coronary artery occlusion in Langendorff preparations was studied in the following five groups: (1) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) without treatment (SHR-N), (2) SHR treated with captopril (SHR-C), (3) SHR treated with the angiotensin II receptor antagonist TCV-116 (SHR-A), (4) SHR treated with hydralazine (SHR-H), and (5) Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Although blood pressure was equally lowered in all treated groups, SHR-C and SHR-A but not SHR-H showed regression of LVH. The incidence of VT/Vf was 5% in WKY rats, 63% in SHR-N (P < .005 versus WKY rats), 0% in SHR-C, 10% in SHR-A, and 45% in SHR-H (P < .05 versus WKY rats). Further evaluation of the effect of TCV-116 revealed that SHR treated with a low dose of TCV-116 (1 mg/kg per day) showed a decrease in left ventricular mass with only a little decrease in blood pressure and that the incidence of VT/Vf was reduced in association with the degree of regression of LVH. Electrophysiological study using microelectrode techniques revealed that in the LVH groups (SHR-N and SHR-H), the action potential duration (APD) of the left ventricular papillary muscle was more prolonged than in WKY rats, whereas APD shortened to a greater extent during superfusion with a hypoxia/no-glucose solution. APD showed no difference in the regression groups (SHR-C and SHR-A) compared with the WKY group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The efficacy of intensive individual play therapy for chronically ill children.

Examined the effectiveness of play therapy for children (aged 7-11 yrs) diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Specifically, the intent of the study was to determine the effectiveness of an intensive play therapy intervention in (a) reducing symptoms of anxiety in children with IDDM, (b) reducing the overall behavior difficulties in children with IDDM, (c) increasing healthy adjustment in children with IDDM, (d) increasing diabetic's children's adherence to their diabetic regime, and (e) having an impact on these emotional and behavioral symptoms over time. The experimental group comprised 9 boys and 6 girls. Analysis of covariance revealed that the children in the experimental group significantly improved their adaptation to their diabetes following intensive play therapy. Results indicate that intensive play therapy may be an effective intervention for children diagnosed with IDDM. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

丙醇-硫氰化钾-氯化钠-水体系析相萃取分离铂

研究了铂在丙醇-硫氰化钾-氯化钠-水体系中的析相萃取行为及与一些金属离子分离的条件。结果表明,丙醇的水溶液在氯化钠的作用下可分成醇/水两相,在分相过程中,Pt(Ⅳ)与硫氰化钾生成的[Pt(SCN)₆]^2-可与质子化的丙醇 [PrOH₂]⁺形成离子缔合物[Pt(SCN)₆]^2-·2[PrOH₂]⁺而被丙醇相完全萃取。当溶液中丙醇、硫氰化钾和氯化钠分别为30%(V/V)、6.0×10^2- mol/L和0.16 g/mL时,Pt(Ⅳ)的萃取率达到98.2%以上,而试液中的Mo(Ⅵ)、Ce(Ⅲ)、Ni(Ⅱ)、V(Ⅴ)、Cr(Ⅲ)、Ag(Ⅰ)、Mn(Ⅱ)、Mg(Ⅱ)、Cd(Ⅱ)、Ga(Ⅲ)、Fe(Ⅱ)和Al(Ⅲ)几乎不被萃取,从而实现了Pt(Ⅳ)与这些金属离子的分离。方法应用于Ni-Pt/Al₂O₃催化剂中铂的分离萃取和测定,测得结果与参考值基本一致,相对标准偏差(RSD,n=5)为2.3%。     

Does linguistic input play the same role in language learning for children with and without early brain injury?

Children with unilateral pre- or perinatal brain injury (BI) show remarkable plasticity for language learning. Previous work highlights the important role that lesion characteristics play in explaining individual variation in plasticity in the language development of children with BI. The current study examines whether the linguistic input that children with BI receive from their caregivers also contributes to this early plasticity, and whether linguistic input plays a similar role in children with BI as it does in typically developing (TD) children. Growth in vocabulary and syntactic production is modeled for 80 children (53 TD, 27 BI) between 14 and 46 months. Findings indicate that caregiver input is an equally potent predictor of vocabulary growth in children with BI and in TD children. In contrast, input is a more potent predictor of syntactic growth for children with BI than for TD children. Controlling for input, lesion characteristics (lesion size, type, seizure history) also affect the language trajectories of children with BI. Thus, findings illustrate how both variability in the environment (linguistic input) and variability in the organism (lesion characteristics) work together to contribute to plasticity in language learning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy With Chinese American Clients: Cautions and Modifications.

The purpose of this article is to examine the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in working with Chinese American clients with a focus on exploring the potential weaknesses and providing modifications for effective therapy with this population. The contents include (a) an overview of CBT, (b) Chinese American cultural values, (c) parallels between Chinese cultural norms and philosophy of CBT, and (d) cautions and modifications when applying CBT to Chinese American clients. Because of its high level of compatibility with Chinese values, beliefs, and cultural characteristics, CBT, with a few modifications, appears to be a viable model when working with Chinese American clients in a short-term therapy setting or in the beginning phase of therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Aging and lineup performance at long retention intervals: Effects of metamemory and context reinstatement.

Young (18–30 years) and older (62–79 years) adults (N?=?96) engaged in a 20-min live interaction with the future target in a lineup task. One month later, participants were interviewed about the events in the prior encounter (with or without context reinstatement), and then they saw a target-present (TP) or target-absent (TA) lineup. The lineup was followed by the Benton Face Recognition Test (A. Benton, A. Sivan, K. Hamsher, N. Varney, & O. Spreen, 1994), which correlated positively with accuracy in TP, especially for young adults. False identification in TA was associated with (a) higher scores on a memory self-efficacy scale and (b) higher recall of information about the initial event, although only for seniors. Results suggested that age-related increases in false identification generalize to ecologically valid conditions and that seniors' performance on lineups is negatively related to verbal recall as well as to self-reports of satisfactory experiences with memory in life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Suicide among patients with diagnoses of anxiety reaction or depressive reaction in general medical and surgical hospitals.

Analysis of records of Veterans Administration general medical and surgical patients with anxiety or depressive reactions, ? of whom had committed suicide and ? of whom were matched nonsuicidal controls, showed that the 2 groups were significantly differentiated on each of 23 feeling and behavior items. Also most of the cases could be categorized in patterns, called: (1) object-loss, suicides with severe interpersonal conflicts; (2) involutional, suicides with insult to their psychological integrity; (3) medical, controls with physical problems; (4) egoistic, both suicides and controls with few ties to society; or (5) preegoistic (tentatively identified), younger controls who were possibly in an earlier stage of the egoistic syndrome. An important measure against suicide is evidence that the hospital staff is interested in, and concerned about, the patient. (18 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)