Cognitive change process during group cognitive behaviour therapy for depression

Background: This study extended that of Kwon and Oei [Kwon, S.M., Oei, T.P.S., 2003. Cognitive change processes in a group cognitive behavior therapy of depression. J. Behav. Ther. Exp. Psychiatry, 3, 73-85], which outlined a number of testable models based on Beck's cognitive theory of depression. Specifically, the current study tested the following four competing models: the causal, consequential, fully and partially interactive cognitive models in patients with major depressive disorder. Methods: A total of 168 clinically depressed outpatients were recruited into a 12-week group cognitive behaviour therapy program. Data was collected at three time points: baseline, mid- and at termination of therapy using the ATQ DAS and BD1. The data were analysed with Amos 4.01 (Arbuckle, J.L., 1999. Amos 4.1. Smallwaters, Chicago.) structural equation modelling. Results: Results indicated that dysfunctional attitudes, negative automatic thoughts and symptoms of depression reduced significantly during treatment. Both the causal and consequential models equally provided an adequate fit to the data. The fully interactive model provided the best fit. However, after removing non-significant pathways, it was found that reduced depressive symptom contributed to reduced depressogenic automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes, not the reverse. Conclusion: These findings did not fully support Beck's cognitive theory of depression that cognitions are primary in the reduction of depressed mood. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular dynamics characterization of n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside micelle structure in aqueous solution

n-Octyl-beta-D-glueopyranoside (OG) is a non-ionic glycolipid, which is used widely in biotechnical and biochemical applications. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations from two different initial coordinates and velocities in explicit solvent have been performed to characterize the structural behaviour of an OG aggregate at equilibrium conditions. Geometric packing properties determined from the simulations and small angle neutron scattering experiment state that OG micelles are more likely to exist in a non-spherical shape, even at the concentration range near to the critical micelle concentration (0.025 M). Despite few large deviations in the principal moment of inertia ratios, the average micelle shape calculated from both simulations is a prolate ellipsoid. The deviations at these time scales are presumably the temporary shape change of a micelle. However, the size of the micelle and the accessible surface areas were constant during the simulations with the micelle surface being rough and partially elongated. Radial distribution functions computed for the hydroxyl oxygen atoms of an OG show sharper peaks at a minimum van der Waals contact distance than the acetal oxygen, ring oxygen, and anomeric carbon atoms. This result indicates that these atoms are pointed outwards at the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface, form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules, and thus hydrate the micelle surface effectively. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of a model of weight restricting behaviour amongst adolescent girls

Objective: This study examined the validity of a model predicting weight restricting behaviour both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Method: Participants comprised 1207 girls aged from 12 to 14 years. The girls completed self-report questionnaires at three time points over 1-year intervals. Results: The cross-sectional results suggested that weight preoccupation and body dissatisfaction directly predicted weight restricting behaviour. In addition, upset induced by teasing, depressive symptoms, BMI and negative attributional style demonstrated indirect effects on weight restricting behaviour through their effects on body dissatisfaction and/or weight preoccupation. Longitudinally however, only weight restricting behaviour and body dissatisfaction were significant in the prediction of weight restricting behaviour. Discussion: The implications of the results are discussed, together with suggestions for future research. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Rho and smooth muscle cell phenotype

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic modulation from the mature ’contractile’ to a less differentiated ’synthetic’ phenotype involves not only altered expression but also a reorganisation of contractile and cytoskeletal proteins. Objective: To investigate the role of RhoA, a known regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, in SMC phenotypic regulation. Methods: Rho transcription (RT-PCR), expression (Western analysis) and activation (membrane translocation or Rho ’pull-down’ assay) was investigated in cultured rabbit aortic SMC during phenotypic modulation, and under the influence of known SM-regulatory proteins (thrombin, heparin and TGF- β). Rho’s effect on cell morphology was examined by transient transfection of ’synthetic’ state SMC with either constitutively active Rho (Val14RhoA) or its inhibitor, C3 transferase. Results: RhoA transcription was elevated in the first 3 days of primary culture, and protein expression peaked at 2 days post-confluence when SMC return to a more ’contractile’ state. However, RhoA showed augmented activation at three time-points in primary culture: the transition point when SMCs enter logarithmic growth and are highly motile, upon reaching quiescence, and when they return to a more ’contractile’ state. Thrombin, heparin and TGF-β activated RhoA in ’synthetic’ state SMCs. Transfection with Val14RhoA caused a dramatic decrease in SMC size and a reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins, reminiscent of the ’contractile’ phenotype. Specific inhibition of endogenous Rho by C3 transferase resulted in an almost complete loss of contractile proteins. Conclusion: These data indicate that Rho is an important determining factor of SMC functional state.

Long-term clozapine treatment identifies significant improvements in clinical and functioning scales

The majority of clinical drug trials only cover a small number of variables over a short period of time on a small group of people. The objective of this study was to track a large group of people over a long period of time, using a diverse range of variables with a naturalistic design to assess the ‘real world’ use of clozapine. Fifty-three people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia were recruited into a 2-year study which assessed the subjects using the following scales: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), Life Skills Profile (LSP), and Role Functioning Scale (RFS). Discharge, leave, and ward movement rates were also monitored. All subjects were inpatients at a tertiary psychiatric facility. Thirty-three percent of the group was discharged. Seventythree percent moved to less cost-intensive wards, and the leave rate increased by 105”/0. Sixty-seven percent of the study group were identified as responders by the 24-month time point. Twenty-four percent of the group had their CGI scores reduced to 2 or better 0, =O.OOOl). Significant improvements were identified in the RFS (p = 0.02) and LSP (p = 0.0001). Long-term clozapine treatment has identified a significant group of responders on a variety of measures.