Exocrine pancreatic secretion in suckling goats. Adaptative effects of maternal milk and a milk substitute

McNtcp.24 cells are rat hepatoma cells that were made competent to take up conjugated bile acids actively from the culture medium. Treatment of McNtcp.24 cells with certain species of bile acids caused significant changes in cell structure. Incubation of McNtcp.24 cells in medium containing 100 microM taurocholic acid induced a profound alteration of cellular morphology. Very larger vesicles, visible by phase contrast microscopy, were the most prominent feature of bile acid-treated McNtcp.24 cells. Staining of cells with Oil red O and filipin indicated that the vesicles did not contain neutral lipids or free cholesterol. The vesicles remained in the cells after efflux of radiolabeled taurocholic acid from bile acid loaded cells, indicating that these structures are not intracellular stores of bile acids. Electron microscopic analysis of bile acid-treated McNtcp.24 cells confirmed that the vesicles were localized within the cells. Taurine-conjugated bile acid species were generally potent inducers of the morphological changes, although tauroursodeoxycholic acid did not have a significant effect. Unconjugated bile acid species were ineffective or only mildly effective. Bile acid treatment also caused profound alteration of mitochondrial structure. Surprisingly, there was no significant effect on the ability of treated cells to oxidize fatty acids. The bile acid-treated cells remained viable and upon withdrawal of bile acids from the culture medium, the cells returned to normal morphology by 24 h. The morphological changes observed after treatment of McNtcp.24 with bile acids are reminiscent of the morphological changes observed in hepatocytes following induction of cholestasis.     

Distress Tolerance as a Predictor of Early Treatment Dropout in a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

A large percentage of individuals who enter residential substance abuse treatment drop out before completing treatment. Given that early treatment dropout places individuals at an increased risk for relapse, identifying the mechanisms underlying treatment dropout would have several important theoretical and clinical implications. In the current study, the authors examined levels of psychological and physical distress tolerance as a predictor of early treatment dropout in a residential substance abuse treatment facility. In a sample of 122 individuals entering a residential substance abuse treatment facility, level of psychological distress tolerance was predictive of early treatment dropout above and beyond relevant self-report variables. There was no relationship between physical distress tolerance and early treatment dropout. Implications for future studies and treatment development or modification are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New preparation for oral administration of digestive enzyme. Lactase complex microcapsules

Complex microcapsules which could protect therapeutic enzymes from inactivation in both the stomach and intestine were prepared. Thus, semipermeable microcapsules were first formed by enveloping the enzymes within spherical, ultrathin semipermeable membranes. To resist to the gastric juice, the semipermeable microcapsules were further encapsulated by enteric-soluble materials to form complex microcapsules. When the preparation passes into the intestine, the semipermeable microcapsules are released, thus the small molecules of substrates equilibrate rapidly across the semipermeable membrane to be reacted by the enveloped enzymes, and alimentary proteases remain outside. This complex microencapsulated lactase remained over 65% of its activity after 2 h simulation in gastric juice, and over 65% of its activity was retained after 6 h contact with pancreatin-containing simulated intestinal juice. By contrary, unencapsulated lactase lost immediately all of its activity under similar conditions.     

The substitute therapist as transitional object in the treatment of borderline personality disorders.

Focuses on the use of a substitute therapist (ST) as a transitional object for a 20-yr-old female with borderline features during the temporary absence of her psychotherapist. Events before, during, and after the therapist's absence illustrate several issues of continuity and availability of treatment that lead to recommendations for the use of an ST in treating borderline individuals. A major goal of the ST was achieved in that the likelihood of the patient's acting out in some way before, during, and/or after the therapist's absence was minimized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment of psychological disorders among urban children.

Reports on the prevalence of, treatment for, and factors associated with treatment for serious psychological impairment in urban children aged 6-18. 2 Manhattan samples were studied, the 1st a random cross-section of 1,034 families and the 2nd of 1,000 families receiving welfare (Aid to Dependent Children). A significantly greater number of welfare children were seriously impaired, but the referral rate and long-term treatment rate of children in the 2 samples were similar. Less than 50% of the seriously impaired children were referred, and only 1 in 5 received treatment of 6 mo or longer. Referral rates increased dramatically as mother's education increased, whether she did or did not receive welfare. Families who referred their children were colder, less punitive, and of higher social status. Implications of the findings and possible solutions of the imbalance between treatment and need are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase. Fate in peroxisome biogenesis disorders and identification of the point mutation underlying a single enzyme deficiency

Peroxisomes play an indispensible role in ether lipid biosynthesis as evidenced by the deficiency of ether phospholipids in fibroblasts and tissues from patients suffering from a number of peroxisomal disorders. Alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase, a peroxisomal enzyme playing a key role in the biosynthesis of ether phospholipids, contains the peroxisomal targeting signal type 2 in a N-terminal cleavable presequence. Using a polyclonal antiserum raised against alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase, levels of this enzyme were examined in fibroblast cell lines from patients affected by peroxisomal disorders. Strongly reduced levels were found in fibroblasts of Zellweger syndrome and rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata patients, indicating that the enzyme is not stable in the cytoplasm as a result of defective import into peroxisomes. In a neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy patient with an isolated import deficiency of proteins carrying the peroxisomal targeting signal type 1, the precursor form of alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase was detected at a level comparable to that of the mature form in control fibroblasts, in line with an intraperoxisomal localization. A patient with an isolated deficiency in alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate (DHAP) synthase activity had normal levels of this protein. Analysis at the cDNA level revealed a missense mutation leading to a R419H substitution in the enzyme of this patient. Expression of a recombinant protein carrying this mutation in Escherichia coli yielded an inactive enzyme, whereas a comparable control recombinant enzyme was active, providing further proof that this substitution is responsible for the inactivity of the enzyme and the phenotype. In line with this result is the observation that wild-type alkyl-DHAP synthase activity can be inactivated by the arginine-modifying agent phenylglyoxal. The enzyme is efficiently protected against this inactivation when the substrate palmitoyl-DHAP is present at a saturating concentration. The gene encoding human alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase was mapped on chromosome 2q31.     

Violent juvenile delinquents: Treatment effectiveness and implications for future action.

Traditionally, the juvenile justice system has emphasized the goals of treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders, while protecting them from punishment, retribution and stigmatization. Violent juvenile offenders have posed a challenge to this rehabilitative ideal because of mounting public pressure to ensure societal protection. Juveniles who are perceived as dangerous or persistent in their criminal activity are increasingly transferred to the adult criminal justice system, where they may receive much harsher consequences. Whether violent delinquents can be successfully treated is a key point in the debate regarding the wisdom of this trend in juvenile justice. This article considers the available research to address the policy question of how society should reasonably invest in the treatment of violent juvenile offenders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measurement of digestive disorders in the piglet at weaning and related risk factors

Inputs from the amygdaloid and extraamygdaloid areas terminate in various divisions of the central nucleus. To elucidate the interconnections between the different regions of the central nucleus and its connectivity with the other amygdaloid areas, we injected the anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) into the capsular, lateral, intermediate, and medial divisions of the central nucleus in rat. There were a number of labeled terminals near the injection site within each division. The intrinsic connections between the various divisions of the central nucleus were organized topographically and originated primarily in the lateral division, which projected to the capsular and medial divisions. Most of the connections were unidirectional, except in the capsular division, which received a light reciprocal projection from its efferent target, the medial division. The intermediate division did not project to any of the other divisions of the central nucleus. Extrinsic projections from the central nucleus to the other amygdaloid nuclei were meager. Light projections were observed in the parvicellular division of the basal nucleus, the anterior cortical nucleus, the amygdalohippocampal area, and the anterior amygdaloid area. No projections to the contralateral amygdala were found. These data show that the central nucleus has a dense network of topographically organized intradivisional and interdivisional connections that may integrate the intraamygdaloid and extraamygdaloid information entering the different regions of the central nucleus. The sparse reciprocal connections to the other amygdaloid nuclei suggest that the central nucleus does not regulate the other amygdaloid regions but, rather, executes the responses evoked by the other amygdaloid nuclei that innervate the central nucleus.     

Treatment effectiveness of anxiety management training in small and large group formats.

The relative efficiency of anxiety management training (AMT) in a large group was compared to AMT in small groups and to a wait-list control. Ss were 67 undergraduates selected on basis of scores on the Trait scale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Immediately after treatment, small-group AMT Ss reported significantly less general anxiety than controls. Follow-up at 7 wks revealed maintenance of this reduction of general anxiety and a further significant improvement on the Psychological Screening Inventory. In all comparisons, large-group AMT was not significantly different from either small group AMT or controls. No other significant differences among groups were found for personality variables, nontargeted anxieties, or grades. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Concentration of pancreatic polypeptide, gastrin, and motilin in the plasma of dogs during the digestive process in pancreatic atrophy

Fasting and postprandial concentrations of pancreatic polypeptide, gastrin and motilin were measured during 2hrs after meat feeding. The byphasic rise of pancreatic polypeptide concentration occurred in 15 and 120 min and increase of gastrin concentration--in 15 min after feeding. Increase of motilin concentration occurred during the second hour. These findings complete our previous data and suggest that hormonal mechanisms involved in postprandial response are maintained even in pancreatic atrophy.     

Motor evacuatory disorders of the digestive tract in the early periods after stomach operations (1. Motor evacuatory disorders of the stomach)

The method of telemetry was used for studying the motor function of the stomach in 60 patients with ulcer disease before operation and in 48 patients at early terms after truncal vagotomy or resection of the stomach. An analysis of 318 cases of similar operations on the stomach was also made. The states of normo-, hypo- and adynamia were documented. A pronounced inhibition of motility of the stomach and its stump were noted during 14 and more days after vagotomy and resection. Under conditions of hypo- and adynamia the evacuatory function was maintained by the positive gastrointestinal gradient of the basal pressure and the peristaltic "pump" effect of the small intestine. The early light motor evacuatory disorders are always of the functional character and disappear by the 5th day after operation. The evacuatory disorders of the moderate and grave degree were functional in 7 from 9 patients after vagotomy and in 9 from 17 patients after resection of the stomach.     

Treatment outcome and maintenance in systematic desensitization: Professional versus paraprofessional effectiveness.

Determined the relative effectiveness of paraprofessionals and well-trained professionals in conducting systematic desensitization. 45 anxious college students were tested with the Test Anxiety Behavior Scale and the Symptom Check List and randomly assigned to a wait-list control group, 3 groups facilitated by experienced behavior therapists, and 3 groups led by paraprofessionals. Results of pretreatment, posttreatment, and 5-mo follow-up measures show that paraprofessionals can achieve outcome and maintenance effects equivalent to those of the more rigorously trained professionals. It is suggested that paraprofessionals can conduct desensitization in a high quality, cost-effective manner, thus reducing the professional case load and adding greatly to the scope of programs offered to the consumer. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gabexate for the prevention of pancreatic damage related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Gabexate in digestive endoscopy--Italian Group

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes and pancreatitis. Gabexate, a protease inhibitor, has been used to prevent pancreatic damage related to ERCP. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-blind comparison of gabexate (1 g given by intravenous infusion starting 30 to 90 minutes before endoscopy and continuing for 12 hours afterward) with placebo (mannitol and sodium chloride, administered in the same fashion). A total of 435 adults scheduled to undergo ERCP and, when indicated, endoscopic sphincterotomy underwent randomization; 17 were excluded from the final analysis for various reasons. The remaining 418 patients (mean age, 60.4 years)--208 in the gabexate group and 210 in the placebo group--were analyzed. Acute pancreatitis was considered to be present if serum amylase or lipase levels (or both) were five times greater than the upper limits of normal in association with the onset of pancreatic pain. RESULTS: After the procedures, 276 patients (66 percent) had elevated pancreatic-enzyme levels; the frequency was similar in the two groups. Mean serum amylase values were higher in the placebo group than in the gabexate group through 24 hours of observation (P=0.03). Twelve patients in the gabexate group and 29 in the placebo group had abdominal pain (6 percent vs. 14 percent, P=0.009). Sixteen patients in the placebo group and five in the gabexate group had acute pancreatitis (8 percent vs. 2 percent, P=0.03). Two patients treated with gabexate and six given placebo had adverse events, all of which resolved. Two patients given placebo died of acute pancreatitis; one was excluded from the evaluation because pancreatitis was present before endoscopy. One patient in the gabexate group died, from a myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic treatment with gabexate reduced pancreatic damage related to ERCP, as reflected by reductions in the extent but not the frequency of elevated enzyme levels and in the frequency of pancreatic pain and acute pancreatitis.     

The pediatrician and the sexually active adolescent. Treatment of common menstrual disorders

Menstrual disorders in adolescents are a common medical problem. For young adolescents, the onset of menses is a time of dramatic physical and psychological change. Providing education to young women regarding the normal process of puberty helps ease some of the anxiety regarding this change. Health professionals can participate in the education of young women by defining the normal process of puberty and menstruation. Menstrual disorders, such as dysmenorrhea, irregularities in menstrual flow, and premenstrual symptoms, can be effectively diagnosed and treated in the adolescent population.     

Treatment of common ocular allergic disorders; a comparison of lodoxamide and NAAGA

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment of AIDS-related NHL (ARL) has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the CNOP-regimen (cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, and prednison) in combination with G-CSF; and 2) to study the effect of this regimen on HIV-1 viral replication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A phase II study was performed in 21 previously untreated patients with ARL. RESULTS: Based on intention to treat, the response rate was 43%: four complete and five partial remissions. Median survival was only five months. Only one patient had an opportunistic infection during treatment; three patients had localized infections and one episode of septicaemia was seen. Remarkably, during treatment, in 94% of cases p24 antigen levels either remained undetectable or showed a substantial decrease, even though antiretroviral therapy had been discontinued just prior to the first cycle of chemotherapy in all patients. HIV-1 RNA load decreased or remained unchanged in 82% of patients and increased in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate, 1) that the CNOP-regimen in combination with G-CSF, although associated with a low risk of both opportunistic and bacterial infections, can not be recommended in the treatment of ARL; but 2) that G-CSF can be used safely to sustain haematopoiesis in patients with ARL treated with chemotherapy.     

Pilot study on the effectiveness of systematic desensitization with neurologically impaired children with phobic disorders.

A modified version of J. Wolpe's systematic desensitization therapy involving direct confrontation with the fear-inducing stimulus was attempted with 30 neurologically impaired children with phobic symptoms. 2 hypotheses were tested: (a) a nonverbal therapeutic technique not requiring motivation will produce successful symptom reduction for these Ss, and (b) awareness of therapeutic procedure is not necessary for successful results. Both hypotheses were confirmed. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-efficacy as a moderator of information-seeking effectiveness.

The authors assessed previously unexplored processes by which information seeking and self-efficacy contribute to self-regulatory effectiveness in industrial selling. They assessed the synergistic interaction of inquiry and monitoring with respect to role clarity and tested whether this interaction was further moderated by self-efficacy. Results indicated that the role-clarifying effects of feedback inquiry and monitoring were contingent rather than independent. Role clarity increased as the combination of inquiry and monitoring increased. Furthermore, these joint effects were moderated by self-efficacy, such that high-self-efficacy employees were able to effectively use the combination of inquiry and monitoring to clarify role expectations, whereas low-self-efficacy employees were not. Implications for theory, practice, and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment of eating disorders in children and adolescents

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are expressed differently in children and adolescents than in adults. Consequently, diagnostic procedures and multidisciplinary treatments need to be tailored to the unique developmental, medical, nutritional, and psychological needs of children and adolescents with eating disorders. This paper reviews current research outlining the differences between child, adolescent, and adult eating disorders. Research is then reviewed concerning the effectiveness of hospitalization, partial hospitalization, individual dynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and medication for treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related eating disorders in children and adolescents. Specific recommendations are made for practitioners to tailor these treatments to their eating-disordered child and adolescent patients, following a stepped-care, decision-tree model of intervention that takes into account the effectiveness, cost, and intrusiveness of the interventions.