Positional bias of general and tissue-specific regulatory motifs in mouse gene promoters

Background: The arrangement of regulatory motifs in gene promoters, or promoterarchitecture, is the result of mutation and selection processes that have operated over manymillions of years. In mammals, tissue-specific transcriptional regulation is related to the presence ofspecific protein-interacting DNA motifs in gene promoters. However, little is known about therelative location and spacing of these motifs. To fill this gap, we have performed a systematic searchfor motifs that show significant bias at specific promoter locations in a large collection ofhousekeeping and tissue-specific genes.Results: We observe that promoters driving housekeeping gene expression are enriched inparticular motifs with strong positional bias, such as YY1, which are of little relevance in promotersdriving tissue-specific expression. We also identify a large number of motifs that show positionalbias in genes expressed in a highly tissue-specific manner. They include well-known tissue-specificmotifs, such as HNF1 and HNF4 motifs in liver, kidney and small intestine, or RFX motifs in testis,as well as many potentially novel regulatory motifs. Based on this analysis, we provide predictionsfor 559 tissue-specific motifs in mouse gene promoters.Conclusion: The study shows that motif positional bias is an important feature of mammalianproximal promoters and that it affects both general and tissue-specific motifs. Motif positionalconstraints define very distinct promoter architectures depending on breadth of expression andtype of tissue.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of catecholamine and cocaine-mediated cardiotoxicity.

Overactivation of the sympatho-adrenergic system is an essential mechanism providing short-term adaptation to the stressful conditions of critical illnesses. In the same way, the administration of exogenous catecholamines is mandatory to support the failing circulation in acutely ill patients. In contrast to these short-term benefits, prolonged adrenergic stress is detrimental to the cardiovascular system by initiating a series of adverse effects triggering significant cardiotoxicity, whose pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and only partially elucidated. In addition to the development of myocardial oxygen supply/demand imbalance induced by the sustained activation of adrenergic receptors, catecholamines can damage cardiomyocytes by fostering mitochondrial dysfunction, via two main mechanisms. The first one is calcium overload, consecutive to β-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase A and subsequent phosphorylation of multiple Ca(2+)-cycling proteins. The second one is oxidative stress, primarily related to the transformation of catecholamines into "aminochromes," which undergo redox cycling in mitochondria to generate copious amounts of oxygen-derived free radicals. In turn, calcium overload and oxidative stress promote mitochondrial permeability transition and cardiomyocyte cell death, both via the apoptotic and necrotic pathways. Comparable mechanisms of myocardial toxicity, including marked oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, have been reported with the use of cocaine, a common recreational drug with potent sympathomimetic activity. The aim of the current review is to present in detail the pathophysiological processes underlying the development of catecholamine and cocaine-induced cardiomyopathy, as such conditions may be frequently encountered in the clinical practice of cardiologists and ICU specialists.

Plasma concentrations of the enantiomers of methadone and therapeutic response in methadone maintenance treatment

Methadone is a 50:50 mixture of two enantiomers and (R)-methadone accounts for the majority of its opioid effect. The aim of this study was to determine whether a blood concentration of (R)-methadone can be associated with therapeutic response in addict patients in methadone maintenance treatment. Trough plasma concentrations of (R)-, (S)- and (R,S)-methadone were measured in 180 patients in maintenance treatment. Therapeutic response was defined by the absence of illicit opiate or cocaine in urine samples collected during a 2-month period prior to blood sampling. A large interindividual variability of (R)-methadone concentration-to-dose-to-weight ratios was found (mean, S.D., median, range: 112, 54, 100, 19-316 ng x kg/ml x mg). With regard to the consumption of illicit opiate (but not of cocaine), a therapeutic response was associated with (R)- (at 250 ng/ml) and (R,S)-methadone (at 400 ng/ml) but not with (S)-methadone concentrations. A higher specificity was calculated for (R)- than for (R,S)-methadone, as the number of non-responders above this threshold divided by the total number of non-responders was higher for (R,S)-methadone (19%) than for (R)-methadone (7%). The results support the use of therapeutic drug monitoring of (R)-methadone in cases of continued intake of illicit opiates. Due to the variability of methadone concentration-to-dose-to-weight ratios, theoretical doses of racemic methadone could be as small as 55 mg/day and as large as 921 mg/day to produce a plasma (R)-methadone concentration of 250 ng/ml in a 70-kg patient. This demonstrates the importance of individualizing methadone treatment.

Sense of coherence and job characteristics in predicting burnout in a South African sample

Orientation: Research that considers the effects of individual characteristics and job characteristics jointly in burnout is necessary, especially when one considers the possibility of curvilinear relationships between job characteristics and burnout. Research purpose: This study examines the contribution of sense of coherence (SOC) and job characteristics to predicting burnout by considering direct and moderating effects. Motivation for this study: Understanding the relationships of individual and job characteristics with burnout is necessary for preventing burnout. It also informs the design of interventions. Research design, approach and method: The participants were 632 working adults (57% female) in South Africa. The measures included the Job Content Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The authors analysed the data using hierarchical multiple regression with the enter method. Main findings: Job characteristics and SOC show the expected direct effects on burnout. SOC has a direct negative effect on burnout. Job demands and supervisor social support show nonlinear relationships with burnout. SOC moderates the effect of demands on burnout and has a protective function so that the demands-burnout relationship differs for those with high and low SOC. Practical/managerial implications: The types of effects, the shape of the stressor-strain relationship and the different contributions of individual and job characteristics have implications for designing interventions. Contribution/value add: SOC functions differently when combined with demands, control and support. These different effects suggest that it is not merely the presence or absence of a job characteristic that is important for well-being outcomes but how people respond to its presence or absence.

Double incretin receptor knock-out (DIRKO) mice present with alterations of trabecular and cortical micromorphology and bone strength.

A role for gut hormone in bone physiology has been suspected. We evidenced alterations of microstructural morphology (trabecular and cortical) and bone strength (both at the whole-bone - and tissue-level) in double incretin receptor knock-out (DIRKO) mice as compared to wild-type littermates. These results support a role for gut hormones in bone physiology. INTRODUCTION: The two incretins, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), have been shown to control bone remodeling and strength. However, lessons from single incretin receptor knock-out mice highlighted a compensatory mechanism induced by elevated sensitivity to the other gut hormone. As such, it is unclear whether the bone alterations observed in GIP or GLP-1 receptor deficient animals resulted from the lack of a functional gut hormone receptor, or by higher sensitivity for the other gut hormone. The aims of the present study were to investigate the bone microstructural morphology, as well as bone tissue properties, in double incretin receptor knock-out (DIRKO) mice. METHODS: Twenty-six-week-old DIRKO mice were age- and sex-matched with wild-type (WT) littermates. Bone microstructural morphology was assessed at the femur by microCT and quantitative X-ray imaging, while tissue properties were investigated by quantitative backscattered electron imaging and Fourier-transformed infrared microscopy. Bone mechanical response was assessed at the whole-bone- and tissue-level by 3-point bending and nanoindentation, respectively. RESULTS: As compared to WT animals, DIRKO mice presented significant augmentations in trabecular bone mass and trabecular number whereas bone outer diameter, cortical thickness, and cortical area were reduced. At the whole-bone-level, yield stress, ultimate stress, and post-yield work to fracture were significantly reduced in DIRKO animals. At the tissue-level, only collagen maturity was reduced by 9 % in DIRKO mice leading to reductions in maximum load, hardness, and dissipated energy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the critical role of gut hormones in controlling bone microstructural morphology and tissue properties.

Quantitative genetic analysis of methylxanthines and phenolic compounds in mate progenies

The objective of this work was to determine the contents of methylxanthines, caffeine and theobromine, and phenolic compounds, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, in 51 mate progenies (half-sib families) and estimate the heritability of genetic parameters. Mate progenies were from five Brazilian municipalities: Pinhão, Ivaí, Barão de Cotegipe, Quedas do Iguaçu, and Cascavel. The progenies were grown in the Ivaí locality. The contents of the compounds were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The estimation of genetic parameters by the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and the prediction of genotypic values via best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) were obtained by the Selegen - REML/BLUP software. Caffeine (0.248-1.663%) and theobromine (0.106-0.807%) contents were significantly different (p<0.05) depending on the region of origin, with high individual heritability (ĥ²>0.5). The two different progeny groups determined for chlorogenic (1.365-2.281%) and caffeic (0.027-0.037%) acid contents were not significantly different (p<0.05) depending on the locality of origin. Individual heritability values were low to medium for chlorogenic (ĥ²<0.4) and caffeic acid (ĥ²<0.3). The content of the compounds and the values of genetic parameters could support breeding programs for mate.

Extreme self-monitoring, fear of hypoglycemia and obsessive-compulsive disorder in type 1 diabetes mellitus: when less is better

Background: Pre-existing psychological factors can strongly influence coping with type 1 diabetes mellitus and interfere with self-monitoring. Psychiatric disorders seem to be positively associated with poor metabolic control. We present a case of extreme compulsive blood testing due to obsessive fear of hypoglycemia in an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Case report: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (anti GAD-antibodies 2624 U/l, norm < 9.5) was diagnosed in a boy aged 14.3 years [170 cm (+ 0.93 SDS), weight 50.5 kg (+ 0.05 SDS)]. Laboratory work-up showed no evidence for other autoimmune disease. Family and past medical history were unremarkable. Growth and developmental milestones were normal. Insulin-analog based basal-bolus regime was initiated, associated to standard diabetic education. Routine psychological evaluation performed at the onset of diabetes revealed intermittent anxiety and obsessivecompulsive traits. Accordingly, a close psychiatric follow-up was initiated for the patient and his family. An adequate metabolic control (HbA1c drop from >14 to 8%) was achieved within 3 months, attributed to residual -cell function. In the following 6 months, HbA1c rose unexpectedly despite seemingly adequate adaptations of insulin doses. Obsessive fear of hypoglycemia leading to a severe compulsive behavior developed progressively with as many as 68 glycemia measurements per day (mean over 1 week). The patient reported that he could not bear leaving home with glycemia < 15 mmol/l, ending up with school eviction and severe intra-familial conflict. Despite intensive psychiatric outpatient support, HbA1c rose rapidly to >14% with glycemia-testing reaching peaks of 120 tests/day. The situation could only be discontinued through psychiatric hospitalization with intensive behavioral training. As a result, adequate metabolic balance was restored (HbA1c value: 7.1 %) with acceptable 10-15 daily glycemia measurements. Discussion: The association of overt psychiatric disorders to type 1 diabetes mellitus is very rare in the pediatric age group. It can lead to a pathological behavior with uncontrolled diabetes. Such exceptional situations require long-term admissions with specialized psychiatric care. Slow acceptation of a "less is better" principle in glycemia testing and amelioration of metabolic control are difficult to achieve.

Governance of Universities and Scientific Innovation

In this chapter the tension between the tendency of scientific disciplines to "diversify" and the capacities of universities to give new scientific fields an institutional "home" is tackled. The assumption is that new scientific fields must find support among scientists and cognitive units of universities in order to be included. As science is a strongly competitive social field, inclusion often meets resistance. It is argued in this chapter that opportunities for new scientific fields to be included depend on the kind of governance regimes ruling universities. A comparison of the former bureaucratic-oligarchic governance model in most European universities with the existing new public management governance model demonstrates that the propensity of universities to include new scientific fields has increased though there might be a price to pay in terms of which fields stand a chance of being integrated and in terms of institutional possibilities for the invention of new ideas.

Diagnostic interview for genetic studies (DIGS): inter-rater and test-retest reliability of alcohol and drug diagnoses

The semi-structured diagnostic interview for genetic studies (DIGS) was developed to assess major mood and psychotic disorders and their spectrum manifestations in genetic studies. Our research group developed a French version of the DIGS and tested its inter-rater and test-retest reliability in psychiatric patients. In this article, we present estimates of the reliability of substance use and antisocial personality disorders. High kappa coefficients for inter-rater reliability were found for drug and alcohol as well as antisocial personality diagnoses and slightly lower kappas for test-retest reliability. Combined with evidence of the reliability of major mood and psychotic disorders, these findings support the suitability of the DIGS for studies of familial aggregation and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders including substance use and antisocial personality disorders.

Transitoriness in cancer patients: a cross-sectional survey of lung and gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Despite earlier diagnosis and advancements in treatment, cancer remains a leading cause of death in the world (13% of all deaths according to the World Health Organization) among men and women. Cancer accounts for approximately 20% of the deaths in the USA every year. Here, we report the findings from a cross-sectional survey of psychosocial factors in lung and gastrointestinal cancer patients. The aim of the study was to explore the associations among transitoriness, uncertainty, and locus of control (LOC) with quality of life. Transitoriness is defined as a person's confrontation with life's finitude due to a cancer diagnosis. A total of 126 patients with lung or gastrointestinal cancer completed eight self-reporting questionnaires addressing demographics, spiritual perspective, symptom burden, transitoriness, uncertainty, LOC, and quality of life. Transitoriness, uncertainty, and LOC were significantly associated with one another (r = 0.3267, p = 0.0002/r = 0.1994, p = 0.0252, respectively). LOC/belief in chance has a significant inverse relationship with patients' quality of life (r = -0.2505, p = 0.0047). Transitoriness, uncertainty, and LOC were found to have a significant inverse relationship with patients' quality of life (transitoriness state: r = -0.5363, p = 0.0000/trait: r = -0.4629, p = 0.0000/uncertainty: r = -0.4929, p = 0.0000/internal LOC: r = 0.1759, p = 0.0489/chance LOC: r = -0.2505, p = 0.0047). Transitoriness, uncertainty, and LOC are important concepts as they adversely influence patients' quality of life. Incorporating this finding into the care of cancer patients may provide them with the support they need to cope with treatment and maintenance of a positive quality of life.

Photographic rectification of the graphic documentation of historical and archaeological heritage: The case of the southern facade of the Praetorium tower in Tarragona (Tarraco, Hispania Citerior)

This article details the use of photographic rectification as support for the graphic documentation of historical and archaeological heritage and specifically the southern facade of the Torre del Pretori (Praetorium Tower) in Tarragona. The Praetorium Tower is part of a larger monumental complex and one of the towers that connected different parts of the Tarraco Provincial Forum, the politic-administrative centre of the ancient capital of Hispania Citerioris. It is therefore a valuable example of the evolution of Roman urban architecture. The aim of this project is to provide accurate graphic documentation of the structure to facilitate the restoration and conservation of the tower, as well as to provide a more profound architectural and archaeological understanding of the Roman forum. The use of photographic rectification enabled us to overcome the spatial and time difficulties involved in collecting data caused by the size and location of the building. Specific software made it easier to obtain accurate two-dimensional images. For this reason, in our case, photographic rectification helped us to make a direct analysis of the monument and facilitated interpretation of the architectural stratigraphy. We currently separate the line of research into two concepts: the construction processes and the architecture of the building. The documentation collected permitted various analyses: the characterisation of the building modules, identification of the tools used to work the building materials, etc. In conclusion, the use of orthoimages is a powerful tool that permits the systematic study of a Roman building that has evolved over the centuries and is now in a modern urban context.

De novo T cell generation and cell cycle analysis of CD4 and CD8 T cells during HIV-disease

RESUME POUR UN LARGE PUBLIC Parmi les globules blancs, les lymphocytes T 004 jouent un rôle primordial dans la coordination de la réponse immunitaire contre les pathogènes et les lymphocytes T CD8 dans leur élimination. Lors d'une infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH-1), non seulement les cellules T CD4 sont les principales cibles d'infections, mais aussi elles disparaissent progressivement tout au long de la maladie. Ce phénomène, appelé aussi épuisement des lymphocytes T CD4, est la principale cause provoquant le Syndrome d'Immunodéficience Acquise (SIDA). Malgré de grands efforts de recherche, nous ne sommes toujours pas en mesure de dire si ce phénomène est dû à un défaut dans la production de nouvelles cellules ou à une destruction massive de cellules en circulation. Dans cette étude, nous nous proposions, dans un premier temps, de comparer la production de nouvelles cellules T CD4 et CD8 chez des individus VIH-négatifs et positifs. Les cellules nouvellement produites portent un marqueur commun que l'on appelle TREC et qui est facilement mesurable. En considérant des paramètres cliniques, nous étions en mesure de déterminer le niveau de TRECs de cellules T CD4 et CD8 dans différentes phases de la maladie. De là, nous avons pu déterminer que le niveau de TREC est toujours plus bas dans les cellules T CD8 de patients VIH-positifs comparativement à notre groupe contrôle. Nous avons pu déterminer par une analyse ultérieure que cette différence est due à une forte prolifération de ces cellules chez les patients VIH-positifs, ce qui a pour effet de diluer ce marqueur. En revanche, la production de nouvelles cellules T CD4 chez des patients VIH-positifs est accentuée lors de la phase précoce de la maladie et largement réprimée lors de la phase tardive. Dans un second temps, nous avons effectué une analyse à grande échelle de l'expression de gènes associés à la division cellulaire sur des lymphocytes T CD4 et CD8 d'individus VIH-¬positifs et négatifs, avec comme contrôle des cellules proliférant in vitro. De cette étude, nous avons pu conclure que les cellules T CD8 de patients VIH-positifs étaient en état de prolifération, alors que les lymphocytes T CD4 présentaient des défauts majeurs conduisant à un arrêt de la division cellulaire. Nos résultats montrent que la capacité à produire de nouvelles cellules chez des patients VIH¬positifs reste active longtemps pendant la maladie, mais que l'incapacité des cellules T CD4 à proliférer peut enrayer la reconstitution immunitaire chez ces individus. ABSTRACT The hallmark of HIV-1 infection is the depletion of CD4 T cells. Despite extensive investigation, the mechanisms responsible for the loss of CD4 T cells have been elucidated only partially. In particular, it remains controversial whether CD4 T cell depletion results from a defect in T cell production or from a massive peripheral destruction. In this study, de novo T cell generation has been investigated by measuring T cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (TRECs) on large cohorts of HIV-negative (N=120) and HIV-1 infected (N=298) individuals. Analysis of TREC levels was performed in HIV-infected subjects stratified by the stage of HIV disease based on CD4 T cell counts (early: >500 CD4 T cells/µl; intermediate: <500>200; late: <200) and by age (20 to 60 years, n = 259). Our data show that TREC levels in CD8 T cells were significantly lower in HIV-infected subjects at any stage of disease compared to the control group. In contrast, TREC levels in CD4 T cells were significantly higher in HIV-infected subjects at early stages disease while no significant differences were observed at intermediate stages of the disease and were severely reduced only at late stages of disease. To investigate further the status of cell cycle in peripheral CD4 and CD8 T cells in HIV-1 infections, we determined the pattern of gene expression with the microarray technology. In particular, CD4 and CD8 T cells of HIV-1 infected and HIV-negative subjects were analysed by Cell Cycle cDNA expression array. The patterns of gene expression were compared to in vitro stimulated CD4 and CD8 T cells and this analysis showed that CD8 T cells of HIV-1 infected subjects had a pattern of gene expression very similar to that of in vitro stimulated CD8 T cells thus indicating ongoing cell cycling. In contrast, CD4 T cells of HIV-1 infected subjects displayed a complex pattern of gene expression. In fact, CD4 T cells expressed high levels of genes typically associated with cell activation, but low levels of cell cycle genes. Therefore, these results indicated that activated CD4 T cells of HIV-1 infected subjects were in cell cycle arrest. Taking together these results indicate that thymus function is preserved for long time during HIV- 1 infection and the increase observed in early stage disease may represent a compensatory mechanism to the depletion of CD4 T cells. However, we provide evidence for a cell cycle arrest of peripheral CD4 T cells that may prevent potentially the replenishment of CD4 T cells. RESUME Les mécanismes responsables de la perte des lymphocytes T CD4 lors de l'infection pas VIH n'ont été élucidés que partiellement. Nous ne savons toujours pas si l'épuisement des lymphocytes T CD4 résulte d'un défaut dans la production de cellules ou d'une destruction périphérique massive. Dans cette étude, la production de cellules T a été étudiée en mesurant les cercles d'excision générés lors du réarrangement du récepteur au cellules T (TRECs) chez des individus VIH-négatifs (N=120) et VIH-1 positifs (N=298). L'analyse des niveaux de TREC a été faite chez sujets HIV-infectés en considérant les phases de la maladie sur la base des comptes CD4 (phase précoce: > 500 cellules CD4/µl; intermédiaire: < 500>200; tardive: < 200) et par âge. Nos données démontrent que les niveaux de TRECs des cellules T CD8 étaient significativement plus bas chez les sujets VIH-1 infectés, à tous les stades de la maladie comparativement au groupe contrôle. En revanche, les niveaux de TRECs des cellules T CD4 étaient significativement plus élevés chez les sujets VIH-1 infectés durant la phase précoce de la maladie, tandis qu'aucune différence significative n'était observée durant la phase intermédiaire et étaient très réduits dans la phase tardive. Dans une deuxième partie, nous avons utilisé la technique des biopuces à d'ADN complémentaire pour analyser la régulation du cycle cellulaire chez les lymphocytes T CD4 et CD8 périphériques lors d'une infection au VIH-1. Des profils d'expression ont été déterminés et comparés à ceux de cellules T CD4 et CD8 stimulées in vitro, démontrant que les cellules T CD8 des sujets VIH-positifs avaient un profil d'expression très semblable à celui des cellules stimulées in vitro en prolifération. En revanche, les lymphocytes T CD4 des sujets VIH-1 positifs avaient un profil d'expression de gène plus complexe. En fait, leur profil montrait une sur- expression de gènes associés à une activation cellulaire, mais une sous-expression de ceux induisant une division. Ainsi, ces résultats indiquent que les lymphocytes T CD4 d'individus VIH-positifs présentent des dérégulations qui conduisent à un arrêt du cycle cellulaire. Ces résultats montrent que la fonction thymique est préservée longtemps pendant l'infection au VIH-1 et que l'augmentation de la quantité de TRECs dans la phase précoce de la maladie peut représenter un mécanisme compensatoire à l'épuisement des cellules T CD4. Cependant, nous démontrons aussi un clair dysfonctionnement du cycle cellulaire chez les cellules T CD4 d'individus infectés par VIH-1 ce qui peut enrayer la reconstitution du système immunitaire.

Das GRADE-System: ein internationaler Ansatz zur Vereinheitlichung der Graduierung von Evidenz und Empfehlungen in Leitlinien. [The GRADE System: an international approach to standardize the graduation of evidence and recommendations in guidelines]

Clinical practice guidelines have become an important source of information to support clinicians in the management of individual patients. However, current guideline methods have limitations that include the lack of separating the quality of evidence from the strength of recommendations. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group, an international collaboration of guideline developers, methodologists, and clinicians have developed a system that addresses these shortcomings. Core elements include transparent methodology for grading the quality of evidence, the distinction between quality of the evidence and strength of a recommendation, an explicit balancing of benefits and harms of health care interventions, an explicit recognition of the values and preferences that underlie recommendations. The GRADE system has been piloted in various practice settings to ensure that it captures the complexity involved in evidence assessment and grading recommendations while maintaining simplicity and practicality. Many guideline organizations and medical societies have endorsed the system and adopted it for their guideline processes.

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle: correlation of MR and CT findings with histology and chemical analysis.

Eight patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle were examined with CT and MR. In six, surgical resection was performed and the material was subjected to histologic evaluation; the concentrations of trace elements were determined by particle-induced X-ray emission. Stereotaxic aspiration was performed in two. The investigation showed that colloid cysts are often iso- or hypodense relative to brain on CT (5/8), but sometimes have a center of increased density. Increased density did not correlate with increased concentration of calcium or other metals but did not correlate with high cholesterol content. Colloid cysts appear more heterogeneous on MR (6/8) than on CT (3/8), despite a homogeneous appearance at histology. High signal on short TR/TE sequences is correlated with a high cholesterol content. A marked shortening of the T2 relaxation time is often noticed in the central part of the cyst. Analysis of trace elements showed that this phenomenon is not related to the presence of metals with paramagnetic effects. Our analysis of the contents of colloid cysts does not support the theory that differing metallic concentrations are responsible for differences in MR signal intensity or CT density. We did find that increased CT density and high MR signal correlated with high cholesterol content.

The power of support: an exploration of the mentoring relationship

Tutkimuksen pääasiallisena tavoitteena on selvittää ne moninaiset näkökulmat, joita mentori sekä mentoroitava läpikäyvät osallistuessaan mentorointiohjelmaan. Tutkimuksen avulla pyritään myös selvittämään vastaavanlaisen tuen saannin tehokkuutta sekä mentoroinnin sisältäminen elementtien hyödyllisyyttä. Pyrkimyksenä on myös selvittää sekä ymmärtää ne dynaamiset mentorointiprosessin ominaisuudet molempien prosessiin osallistuvien tahojen näkökulmasta. Tutkimuksen teoriaosuudessa käsitellään mentorointia, mentorointiin liittyviä vuorovaikutussuhteita sekä näihin liittyviä eri näkökulmia. Teoria koostuu monipuolisesta, kansainvälisestä sekä kotimaisesta kirjallisuudesta. Tutkimuksen aineiston keruu suoritetaan puolistrukturoiduilla avoimilla haastatteluilla, jotka suoritetaan järjestämällä kahdenkeskisiä teemahaastatteluita. Mentorointisuhteella on todettu olevan voimakas vaikutus siihen osallistuvien henkilöiden elämään. Mentorointisuhteen tarkoituksellisuus on tullut todettua myös kun itse vuorovaikutussuhde on osoittautunut hyödylliseksi osallistujille. Mentoroitavilla on odotuksia, että mentorit täyttävät seuraavanlaisia rooleja: neuvonantaja, roolimalli sekä mahdollisesti tukea antava ystävä. Kaikissa läpikäydyissä tapauksissa mentori pystyi tarjoamaan jonkun näistärooleista mentoroitavalle. Mentoroitava, puolestaan, otti tämän tuen vastaan jahyötyi siitä.