The effect of Tetraneura ulmi L. galling process on the activity of amino acid decarboxylases and the content of biogenic amines in Siberian elm tissues.

Tetraneura ulmi (L.), a member of Eriosomatinae subfamily, is one of the gall-forming aphids occurring on elms. Sap-sucking behaviour of founding mothers results in the formation of new plant organs. This study documents the changes in the content of plant biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, tryptamine, spermine and histamine) and key enzymes of their biosynthesis: lysine decarboxylase (LDC), tyrosine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in galls and other parts of Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) leaves during the galling process. The direction and intensity of these changes for particular amines and enzymes were dependent on the stage of gall development and part of the galling leaf. Generally, the amine content tended to increase in gall tissues during the 1st and 2nd period of the galling process and decreased in later phases. LDC and ODC activities were markedly enhanced, especially in gall tissues at the initial stage of the galling process.

Induced proteolysis within the bird cherry leaves evoked by Rhopalosiphum padi L. (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea).

The objectives of this study were to elucidate the impact of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) feeding on functioning of the proteolytic machinery in bird cherry leaves. Biochemical analyses proved that R. padi feeding in tissues of primary host stimulated activity of the two major fractions of proteinases (extracted at the optimal pH values: 5.0 and 7.0). Additionally, it has been demonstrated that aphids' feeding on bird cherry led to a decline in levels of albumins and globulins (main protein fractions in P. padus leaves). The opposite tendency, regarding the amounts of these protein fractions was ascertained at the phase of disappearance of R. padi population on tested shoots. Furthermore, it is reported that an increase in activity of the analysed enzymes and a decline in the content of tested protein fractions, were proportional to density of aphid individuals developing on P. padus side shoots. It is hypothesized that long-term R. padi feeding may lead to intensifying the catabolic processing of proteins by the activated proteolytic machinery in bird cherry leaves. The multi-level biological functions of endogenous plant proteinases and their significance in triggering the defense reactions in aphid-infested plant tissues are discussed.

Changes in activity of lysine decarboxylase in winter triticale in response to grain aphid feeding.

Changes in lysine decarboxylase (LDC) activity caused by Sitobion avenae (F.) feeding on two winter triticale cultivars (cvs) were studied. The aphid fecundity and values of intrinsic rate of natural increase showed that cv Witon was less susceptible to S. avenae than cv Tornado. The grain aphid feeding on more susceptible triticale caused a decrease in the LDC activity, with exceptions of root tissues after two weeks of the feeding. In case of less susceptible cv Witon reduction of the LDC activity was observed only during initial period of S. avenae feeding. Later the aphid infestation induced activity of the LDC within tissues of cv Witon.

[Single use insulin injector evaluated by patients (questionnaire study)]. / Jednorazowy wstrzykiwacz insuliny w ocenie chorych (badanie ankietowe).

The aim of the study was the analysis of perception of the disposable pen injector HumaJect by diabetic patients. Selected features of the insulin delivery systems were evaluated, and on that basis, the comparison between HumaJect and other insulin injectors was made. Research material was collected in questionnaires filled out by doctors after interviewing patients who were using HumaJect for at least one month. 1802 diabetic individuals aged 9 to 88 participated in the study. HumaJect was ranked "very good" (which is the highest possible rank) by 71% of patients. Among specific features, the highest ranks were assigned to "Ease of dose setting", "Dosing range" and "Disposable form". Most of patients assigned higher ranks to HumaJect than to other insulin delivery systems. 89% of patients indicated desire to continue treatment with this injector.

The interface between psychoanalytic theory and the practice of psychoanalysis.

In my opinion there is invariably an element of contamination in tandem with elucidation. The complex interface between the theoretical and practical sides of the analytic process requires a kind of "double bookkeeping." This results from our need to put our theoretical game plan or strategy on hold when the patient has the floor. This holding pattern prevails when we respond to the patient within the clinical interactional field. Once we take the lead for an exploration, or interpretation, our attention is focused on the impact of our question or comment on the patient. In turn, we need to respond to the patient's data without pigeonholing. As practicing analysts, we function as professionals without wearing a particular persona akin to the masks of antiquity. We are who we are and we operate in an ambience of resonance with the patient. Self-monitoring is a basic requirement for our work. None of us is free of foibles and peculiarities that the patient notices sooner or later. A degree of pluralism does not prevent us from using a theoretical frame of reference to enable us to have a flexible strategy geared to the individual patient. As noted earlier, in the quest for knowledge our assumptions regarding reality are constantly challenged. In that respect, psychoanalytic and scientific theories are more alike than different when we use them as bases for knowledge; they make it harder to tolerate those occasions when we somehow come to know what works without knowing factually why it works the way it does.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The genesis and nature of self-esteem.

Self-esteem is defined as a positive image of oneself based on a fair appraisal of one's assets and liabilities. It represents a longitudinal as well as a transactional, cognitive phenomenon that is considered to be a key target area for all forms of psychotherapy. The construct of self-esteem is preferred to the model of the "conflict-free sphere" of Ego psychology since in the author's opinion it provides a broader observational platform and a potentially more reliable source for clinically valid data. Clinical illustrations of the vicissitudes of self-esteem are offered. The primary purpose of this article is to encourage the systematic exploration of self-esteem as a means of better understanding a vital ingredient of human behavior without making it the exclusive focus in psychotherapeutic activities.

Problem patients or troublemakers? Dynamic and therapeutic considerations.

The article addresses itself to patients who are of above-average difficulty to deal with and who set up a variety of therapeutic obstructions. The scale of disruptive and counterproductive actions on the part of certain patients is extremely broad and represents a psychopathology per se rather than a specific psychiatric diagnosis. A grouping of ten categories covering clinical manifestations seen in problem patients is offered. Dynamic factors pertaining to the described symptoms are discussed. Brief reference is made to Sullivan's construct of malevolent transformation and Freud's tenet of the negative therapeutic reaction. Several case illustrations are offered indicative of a variety of problem-patient situations in the process of psychotherapy. Finally, a few general considerations about working with particularly difficult patients are added. Special reference is made to various ways of setting limits as well as to the particular role of countertransference in the broadest sense of the term.