Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) parr fed genetically modified soybeans and maize: Histological, digestive, metabolic, and immunological investigations.

Physiological and health related responses to dietary inclusion of genetically modified (GM) full-fat soybean meal (Roundup Ready; GM-soy) and maize (MON810 Bt-maize; GM-maize), as well as non-parental, untransformed lines (nGM-soy and nGM-maize D2), were evaluated in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) parr during the first 8 months of feeding. Significant effects of dietary GM presence were only found in intestinal Na+-dependent d-glucose uptake and SGLT1 protein level in the region pyloric caeca in which the highest values were found in the GM-soy, intermediate in the nGM-soy, and lowest in the standard FM fed groups. Data from this study confirm that GM soybeans (RRS) and maize (MON810) at inclusion levels of about 6% appear to be as safe as commercially available nGM soy and maize in diets for Atlantic salmon parr. Results from studies with higher inclusion levels and with non-modified, isogenic or near-isogenic parental lines as control groups are pending.

Formation and characterization of glutamate dehydrogenase monolayers on silicon supports.

In this paper we have tested two different procedures (the "three-step" and the "four-step" procedures) for the covalent immobilization of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) onto silicon supports. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), fluorescence spectroscopy and an enzymatic assay were used to probe the structure and activity of the immobilized enzyme. Our results demonstrate that coupling through the "three-step" procedure does not significantly affect either the fold pattern or the activity of the enzyme, suggesting that this method could be ideally suited to the development of high quality monolayers for use in enzyme-based planar biosensors.

Immunolocalisation of angiotensin II receptors in icefish (Chionodraco hamatus) tissues.

The monoclonal antibody 6313/G2 raised against the mammalian type I (AT1) angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (Ang II-R) also recognises a component in teleost (eel) tissue preparations that binds radiolabelled Ang II, and has an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.5 and molecular mass of 75 kDa. Immunohistochemical analysis using this antibody showed specific binding sites in eel intestine, kidney, gill and liver sections. The same antibody was used here to evaluate the presence and distribution of Ang II-R in target tissues of the Antarctic teleost icefish (Chionodraco hamatus). Immunocytochemistry of intestine and gill sections showed that the antibody bound to uniformly distributed intracellular sites and cell surface membranes in absorptive cells in the intestine and chloride and pavement cells in the gills. It also stained endothelium and both the longitudinal and circular layers of smooth muscle cells in the intestine. In the kidney, only the tubules in the trunk stained positively while the head (atubular part of the kidney) was negative. In kidney tubules, in contrast with other tissues, the receptor was most concentrated in the cytoplasm underlying the basolateral membranes, with somewhat weaker staining beneath the apical cell membrane. Immunoblotting identified a single component from trunk kidney preparations that focused at pI 5.9 in isoelectric focusing gels and showed a molecular mass of 75 kDa in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The data suggest that, as in other teleosts, Ang II has a physiological role in the icefish.

Predictors of post-rape medical care in a national sample of women.

BACKGROUND: Rape has a negative impact on physical and mental health, health-related behaviors, and health service utilization. Timely medical care is important for preventive services. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a larger 2-year longitudinal study, the National Women's Study (NWS). A total of 3006 adult women participated in the final data collection wave of the NWS. During a structured telephone interview, women who reported a most-recent or only rape incident during adulthood were asked about rape characteristics, reporting to authorities, medical care, and rape-related concerns. The main outcome measures were receipt and timing of medical care received after an adult rape, and factors influencing whether or not medical care was received. RESULTS: Of the sample, 214 (7.1%) had experienced a most-recent or only rape as an adult (aged >/=18), and 56 (26.2%) received rape-related medical care following that incident. The final model multivariable logistic regression indicated that reporting the crime to police or other authorities (odds ratio [OR], 9.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3. 34-26.70) and fear of sexually transmitted diseases (OR, 8.61; 95% CI=3.12-23.72) were significant predictors of receipt of post-rape medical care. CONCLUSIONS: One in five victims reported an adult rape to police or other authorities; these women were nine times more likely to receive medical care than those who did not. Public health efforts are needed to increase the proportion of rape victims who receive immediate post-rape medical care.

Risk factors for adolescent substance abuse and dependence: data from a national sample.

A national household probability sample of 4,023 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years was interviewed by telephone about substance use, victimization experiences, familial substance use, and posttraumatic reactions to identify risk factors for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders--(4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) defined substance abuse/dependence. Age and ethnicity data were available for 3,907 participants. Major findings were (a) adolescents who had been physically assaulted, who had been sexually assaulted, who had witnessed violence, or who had family members with alcohol or drug use problems had increased risk for current substance abuse/dependence; (b) posttraumatic stress disorder independently increased risk of marijuana and hard drug abuse/dependence; and (c) when effects of other variables were controlled, African Americans, but not Hispanics or Native Americans, were at approximately 1/3 the risk of substance abuse/dependence as Caucasians.

A 2-year longitudinal analysis of the relationships between violent assault and substance use in women.

Women experience alarming levels of physical and sexual assault, which may lead to escalation of substance use. Reciprocally, evidence from cross-sectional studies indicates that substance use may increase risk of assault. To date, directionality of this relationship remains unclear. This issue is addressed by the present 3-wave longitudinal study in which a national probability sample of 3,006 women were followed for 2 years. Dependent measures were obtained at each wave of the study and included questions about lifetime and new assault status, alcohol abuse, and drug use. Wave 1 use of drugs, but not abuse of alcohol, increased odds of new assault in the subsequent 2 years. Reciprocally, after a new assault, odds of both alcohol abuse and drug use were significantly increased, even among women with no previous use or assault history. For illicit drug use, findings support a vicious cycle relationship in which substance use increases risk of future assault and assault increases risk of subsequent substance use.

Follow-up results of supportive versus behavioral therapy for illicit drug use.

Follow-up data (mean 9 months) were obtained for 74 subjects who had been treated for a mean of 8 months and 17 sessions in a controlled comparison of Behavioral vs Supportive Counselling for drug abuse. Based on urinalysis, self-report, and family report, all subjects (100%) were actively using drugs at pre-treatment. During the last month of treatment, 81% of the Supportive treatment subjects and 44% of the Behavioral treatment subjects were using drugs at least once. At the follow-up month, drugs were used at least once by 71% of the Supportive vs 42% of Behavioral subjects. When drug use was measured in terms of the number of days of use per month, Supportive counselled subjects did not decrease drug use either by the end of treatment or at follow-up; for Behavioral subjects, drug use decreased by 63% by the end of treatment and by 73% at follow-up. Alcohol use, and days worked/or in school showed a similar pattern of greater improvement for the Behavioral treatment being maintained at the follow-up. These results indicate a substantial treatment-specific reduction of drug usage that endures after treatment is discontinued. The present favorable results appear attributable to the inclusion of family/significant others in therapy and the use of reinforcement contingent on urinalysis results.

Behavior therapy for drug abuse: a controlled treatment outcome study.

82 Ss were studied in a comparative evaluation of a behavioral vs supportive treatment for illegal drug use. Behavioral treatment included stimulus control, urge, control, contracting/family support and competing response procedures for an average of 19 sessions. 37% of Ss in the behavioral condition were drug-free at 2 months, 54% at 6 months, and 65% at 12 months vs 20 +/- 6% for the alternative treatment during all 12 months. The behavioral treatment was more effective across sex, age, educational level, marital status and type of drug (hard-drugs, cocaine, and marijuana). Greater improvement for this condition was also noted on measures of employment/school attendance, family relationships, depression, institutionalization and alcohol use.

The heart of the icefish: bioconstruction and adaptation.

The Channichthyidae or "icefish" represent an intriguing example of extreme adaptation to the stable low temperature and high oxygen content of the Antarctic waters. The lack of respiratory pigments (hemoglobin and myoglobin) in these teleosts is associated with relatively low oxygen consumption and relevant cardio-circulatory adjustments which include large blood volume, increased relative heart weight (cardiomegaly), and very high cardiac output. The heart has the ability to displace large systolic volumes at a low rate and relatively low pressure, with large ventricular fillings (high ventricular compliance), whereas it is incapable of facing increased afterloads. These functional aspects of mechanical flexibility and restrictions of the cardiac pump have been tentatively related to some constructional aspects of the icefish cardiomegaly, particularly, at the whole ventricular level, to the trabeculate type of myo-architecture, and, at the subcellular level, to the conflict in space economy between the exceptionally high mitochondrial densities and the consequent severe reduction in myofibrillar volume. On the basis of this morphodynamic approach, we suggest that the icefish may illustrate how a certain feature (i.e., an architectural cardiac design) common to the suborder and to most teleosts, and apparently with "irrelevant" properties, can become useful for a specialized purpose (i.e., volume pump design); and how, in contrast, the internal machinery construction, because of structural and ultrastructural constraints, may prevent these stenothermal sedentary teleosts from conquering niches requiring more active locomotory habits.

Prevention of post-rape psychopathology: preliminary findings of a controlled acute rape treatment study.

Violent sexual assault such as rape typically results in extremely high levels of acute distress. The intensity of these acute psychological reactions may play a role in later recovery, with higher levels of immediate distress associated with poorer outcome. Unfortunately, post-rape forensic evidence collection procedures may serve to increase, rather than reduce initial distress, potentially exacerbating future psychopathology. To address these concerns, an acute time-frame hospital-based video intervention was developed to: (a) minimize anxiety during forensic rape exams, and (b) prevent post-rape posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic, and anxiety. Preliminary data indicated that (1) psychological distress at the time of the exam was strongly related to PTSD symptomatology 6 weeks post-rape, and (2) the video intervention successfully reduced distress during forensic exams.

Risk factors for rape, physical assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder in women: examination of differential multivariate relationships.

The National Women's Study, a 2-year, three-wave longitudinal investigation, employed a national probability sample of 3,006 adult women to: (a) identify separate risk factors for rape and physical assault, and (b) identify separate risk factors associated with post-rape posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-physical assault PTSD. This investigation differed from previous studies in that it prospectively examined risk factors at the multivariate, as opposed to univariate level. Overall, past victimization, young age, and a diagnosis of active PTSD increased women's risk of being raped. By contrast, past victimization, minority ethnic status, active depression, and drug use were associated with increased risk of being physically assaulted. Risk factors for PTSD following rape included a history of depression, alcohol abuse, or experienced injury during the rape. However, risk factors for PTSD following physical assault included only a history of depression and lower education.

Relationship of depression with measures of social functioning in adult drug abusers.

The present study describes the relationship between depression and several measures of social functioning--including employment, criminal activity, incarceration, marital functioning, and alcohol and drug use--in a population of adult drug abusers. Our investigation extends past work in this area by specifically investigating the effects of depression (as opposed to simple substance use) on social and interpersonal functioning. Predictably, elevated levels of depression were associated with increased use of hard drugs and alcohol, greater levels of institutionalization, reduced attendance at work or school, and lower overall rates of marital satisfaction. Consistent with previous reports, level of marijuana use was not related to severity of depression. It appears that depressed substance abusers experience significantly more social, vocational, and interpersonal dysfunction than their nondepressed counterparts. It is proposed that the efficacy of existing treatment programs for adult drug abusers will be enhanced through the addition of strategies to assess and ameliorate depression.

Remedying the Achilles heel of behavior research and therapy: prescriptive matching of intervention and psychopathology.

Recent calls for eclecticism in clinical practice have been fueled by the putative limitations of behavioral techniques in treating a variety of psychological problems. However, calls for such integration do not appear to be justified for two related reasons. First, the precise conditions under which behavioral interventions are and are not effective have not yet been adequately delineated. Consequently, rejection of behavioral interventions in favor of relatively indiscriminate application of cognitive strategies is premature. Second, behavior therapy has as its hallmark a thorough grounding in inductive empiricism, while cognitive/dynamic theories are wholly based in deductive rationalism. As a result, wholesale acceptance of alternative theories and techniques by behaviorists is both inconsistent and retrogressive. Cognitive interventions have their place, but only when cognitive distortions have been specifically identified. Therefore, refinement of behavioral treatments into prescriptive interventions is warranted. The parameters of prescriptive behavior therapy are described in this paper.

Social skills training in a depressed, visually impaired older adult.

A multiple baseline design was used to assess the effects of social skills training (SST) in a 65-year-old woman suffering from major depression and severe macular degeneration. Responses to role-played scenarios requiring assertiveness, in vivo request for assistance and social involvement, self-reported assertiveness, depression, and happiness were repeatedly recorded during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. Results showed progressive improvement in targeted social skills with SST in both clinic and home settings. Concurrent with enhanced levels of social skill were dramatic decreases of depression to a nonclinical level. Improved skill levels and diminished Geriatric Depression Scale scores were maintained during the 7-month follow-up period, except at the 6 month assessment after which booster treatment was applied to reinstate maximum improvement.

Social skills training for depressed, visually impaired older adults. A treatment manual.

Late-onset visual impairment due to cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy afflicts approximately 10% of people older than 65, and often results in depression and social dysfunction. Whereas the majority of sighted older adults are active participants in their community, individuals suffering from progressively worsening vision experience heightened levels of isolation and reduced social support, and participate in fewer reinforcing recreational activities. This article describes our social skills training package for the treatment of depressed, visually impaired, older adults. Our treatment focuses on increasing the frequency and level of assertiveness with which visually impaired older adults interact with each other. In addition to specified treatment methods, our empirically derived program employs standardized assessment measures to evaluate therapeutic progress. Sessions are implemented to reinforce efforts to apply social skills in the environment and reestablish skills that have begun to fade.

Violent assault, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Risk factors for cigarette use among adult women.

Cigarette smoking may be conceptualized as a strategy to cope with negative affect. Therefore, rates of cigarette use might be expected to be greater in individuals experiencing events that produce negative affect, such as assault. To test this hypothesis, a national sample of 3,006 women aged 18 and older was assessed for lifetime and current cigarette use, previous history of physical and sexual assault, lifetime and current incidence of depression, and lifetime and current incidence of PTSD. Results indicated that the odds of active smoking in women with a lifetime history of assault were 1.82 times those of women with no previous history of assault. Similarly, risk of active cigarette use in women with a previous history of depression or PTSD was 2.22 and 1.34 times those of women with no depressive or PTSD history, respectively. Recent assault, current PTSD, or current depression status were not associated with increased cigarette use.

Health impact of interpersonal violence. 1: Prevalence rates, case identification, and risk factors for sexual assault, physical assault, and domestic violence in men and women.

This integrated series of three articles deals with the relationship between interpersonal violence and health. In the first article, the scope of the problem, the prevalence of interpersonal violence, and information on rates of violent crime in specific subgroups of people are outlined. The role of the treating physician and other health professionals in failing to identify cases of assault-related illness is considered, as are the factors that place individuals at increased risk of assault. In the second article, the impact of interpersonal violence on physical and mental health is reviewed, and the results of basic and applied clinical research into acute and chronic emotional and physical sequalae are discussed. The third article includes an outline of implications for research, training, and clinical practice using behavioral techniques in treating victims of interpersonal violence.