Serum-derived vitronectin influences the pericellular distribution of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor.

Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEs) were used as a model system to study the nature and origin of protein(s) in the extracellular matrix that bind to type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Matrix samples were fractionated by SDS-PAGE and analyzed by PAI-1 ligand binding and by immunoblotting using antibodies to vitronectin (Vn). PAI-1 bound primarily to two Vn-related polypeptides of Mr 63,000 and 57,000, and both of these partially degraded polypeptides were present in the culture serum. Radiolabeling experiments failed to detect significant Vn biosynthesis by BAEs (less than 0.03% of total), or by human umbilical vein endothelial cells and HT 1080 cells. The binding of PAI-1 to Vn was relatively specific since direct binding studies failed to demonstrate significant interactions between PAI-1 and other matrix proteins (e.g., fibronectin, type IV collagen, laminin, or matrigel). Kinetic studies indicate that PAI-1 rapidly accumulates in the matrix when BAEs are plated on Vn, appearing in the conditioned medium only after a significant lag period (1-2 h). However, no PAI-1 was detected in the matrix when the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated dishes, and there was no lag period for PAI-1 accumulation in the medium. These results indicate that PAI-1 binds specifically to serum-derived Vn in the matrix, and suggest that the composition of both the matrix and serum itself may influence the pericellular distribution of this important inhibitor.

A comparison of males and females who were sexually molested as children.

A 45-item questionnaire was administered to 952 college students. The questionnaire covered the frequency, components, and adult consequences of child molestation in a non-clinical population and provided the basis for comparisons between molested females with and without current sexual problems, and molested females vs. molested males. The male molestation rate was 4.8% with a 3:2 ratio of hetero:homosexual molestation. The female molestation rate was 7.7%. The single significant difference between the two female groups was the negative effect of positive coercion. Significant differences between molested males and females included greater positive coercion and homosexual molestation in males and greater familial molestation and negative consequences of molestation in females. The results were discussed with respect to the role of guilt and the sexual socialization of males and females.

Sexuality during the climacteric.

Menopause is a time of psychologic adjustment as well as of physical change. Its effects are closely related to sexuality, a neglected aspect. Sexual desire may increase, decrease, or remain the same, but the general pattern is one of declining sexual interest and activity with increasing age. The male climacteric is considered a time of decreasing sexual activity and capability, lowered self-esteem, and declining energy. Physical symptoms are milder than in women, and the process if more gradual. Health care professionals involved with menopausal patients should provide factual information and give supportive guidance which will permit women to continue to develop their full sexual potential.

Therapy groups for women sexually molested as children.

A neglected class of sexual assault victims consists of women who were molested as children. In response to their unmet needs, therapy groups composed solely of women who were sexually abused in their childhood have been established. The goals of these groups are twofold: (1) the alleviation of sexual guilt and shame and (2) the clarification of emotional and behavioral consequences of molestation. Ten groups have been conducted, each containing four to six members, comprising an overall total of 50 women. In 97% of the cases, a prior relationship had existed between perpetrator and victim. Treatment consisted of a four-session format. During session I, each group participant described her molestation experiences in detail. Sessions II and III focused on how these experiences have affected the women. Session IV dealt with individual stages of recovery and further treatment plans. Clinical findings included feelings of guilt and depression, negative self-image, and problems in interpersonal relationships associated with an underlying mistrust of men, inadequate social skills, and difficulties in sexual functioning. Evaluations of the therapy groups by the participants indicated that the primary curative component was the sense of identification and emotional closeness instilled by a warm and supportive environment where a common bond was shared.

Sexual dysfunction in women who were molested as children: one response pattern and suggestions for treatment.

A common pattern of women who were sexually molested as children and seek treatment for sexual dysfunction is described. The arousal, rather than the orgasmic, component is involved. The reasons for the evolution of this particular dysfunction are discussed. Treatment should extend the period of sensate focus and address the issues of the woman's anger, her need for control, and her guilt. Excellent results can be achieved in helping the patient to experience physical intimacy and the pleasure of sexual arousal.

Prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy: data on a small sample.

Nineteen mothers of premature infants were interviewed in an attempt to determine a possible relationship between prematurity and orgasmic coitus during pregnancy. Although the limited number of subjects precludes tests of statistical significance and definite conclusions, the findings do suggest possible associations. While there appeared to be no relationship between prematurity and coitus per se during pregnancy, the association of frequent or intense orgasm with prematurity does raise some questions that further investigation might answer. Because of the hazard of prematurity to the subsequent development of the child, further exploration of the possible relationship of prematurity to orgasmic coitus during pregnancy appears warranted.

Written descriptions of orgasm: a study of sex differences.

It has generally been assumed that a male's experience of orgasm is different from a female's experience of orgasm. In this study, a questionnaire consisting of 48 description of orgasm (24 male and 24 female) was submitted to 70 judges. These professionals (obstetrician-gynecologists, psychologists and medical students) were to sex-identify the description to discover whether sex differences could be detected. The judges could not correctly identify the sex of the person describing an orgasm. Furthermore, none of the three professional groups represented in the sample of judges did better than any of the other groups. Male judges did no better than female judges and vice versa. These findings suggest that the experience of orgasm for males and females is essentially the same.

Psychosocial factors in athletic injuries: development and application of the social and athletic readjustment rating scale (SARRS).

The possible role of psychosocial factors in athletics, namely football injuries, is examined. Initially Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) was modified to the Social and Athletic Readjustment Scale (SARRS). Additions to the scale and differences in football players from the general population are discussed. Life change scores over one- and two-year intervals were obtained for college varsity football players. Players suffering major time loss injuries had significantly higher predictive scores than noninjured players.

Contraceptive use among single college students. A preliminary report.

PIP: A 1968 survey of 446 college students ages 19-20 shows only 50% of the sexually active males and 60% of the females consistently use some contraceptive method. Although students know of contraception, their motivation to use it may be weakened by difficulties in securing contraceptives, fear of detection by parents or others, and misunderstanding the risk of pregnancy. Also, attitudes which sanction spontaneity as the appropriate circumstance for premartial intercourse make it difficult to take realistic action to prevent pregnancy.^ieng