Using Emotion to Foster Acceptance: A Treatment Approach for Family Therapists Working with Transgender Adolescents and their Families

Currently, there is limited research and clinical focus on family therapy with transgender adolescents. When an adolescent discloses his/her transgender identity to his/her family, the family can experience an array of emotions, such as fear, distrust, anger, and sadness, along with confusion and invalidating behavior that can threaten secure attachment among family members. The purpose of this paper is to present a family therapy treatment approach for therapists working with transgender adolescents that is both culturally sensitive to the needs of these families as well as based on a systemic family therapy model. Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a systemic model that is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on using emotion as a key tool in restructuring problematic relational patterns and fostering more secure family bonds. Through the use of a hypothetical case study, this paper aims at illustrating how EFFT can help family members process feelings related to the transgender identity of an adolescent family member and restore their attachment in a manner that strengthens family relationships and bonds.

A INTEGRAÇÃO ORIENTE-OCIDENTE E OS FUNDAMENTOS DO JUDÔ EDUCATIVO

Desenvolvido em 1882 por Jigoro Kano a partir de seus estudos sobre as escolas de jujutsu, o Judô Kodokan surgiu dentro do espaço escolar a partir de três pilares básicos: como método de luta (arte marcial), como método de treinamento físico (educação física), como método de treinamento mental (desenvolvimento moral e intelectual) onde o Do (caminho) é o foco principal a ser ensinado em vista de beneficiar a sociedade. Uma das principais contribuições de Kano foi a transformação de uma prática de luta marcial em um método educativo. Tal processo ocorreu num momento histórico marcado por mudanças sociais no Japão que passou a receber forte influência do mundo ocidental durante a era Meiji. Naquela época os valores, pensamentos, instituições e linguagens orientais e ocidentais circulavam e se fundiam marcando um forte sincretismo em diversos espaços sociais. Teria Jigoro Kano absorvido essas influências ao desenvolver o judô? Essa possível ligação entre o Oriente e o Ocidente, preservando parte da cultura tradicional japonesa e permitindo a influência de pensamentos e práticas ocidentais, possui extrema relevância para a atualidade uma vez que muito se fala em retornar as formulações que deram origem ao Judô. Afinal, que formulações são estas e até que ponto devemos adotá-las sem uma profunda reflexão? No transcorrer da história e, mais precisamente ao final da 2ª guerra mundial, o judô perde boa parte dos conceitos e fundamentos que fazem sua ligação com a linguagem e o pensamento oriental bem como seu significado educativo original em função da sua expansão pelo mundo como prática esportiva. Assim o estudo tem como objetivos: 1) identificar os fundamentos do judô educativo segundo a influência do processo de integração Oriente-Ocidente; 2) Analisar a relação Oriente-Ocidente durante a transformação do Judô de método educativo para prática esportiva; 3) Organizar elementos estruturantes para estabelecer os fundamentos do judô educativo contemporâneo analisando a influência da integração Oriente-Ocidente nesse processo, partindo do modelo sistêmico de pensamento de Jigoro Kano ao elaborar o Judô Kodokan reorganizando suas referências conceituais a partir da Ciência da Motricidade Humana. Trata-se de um estudo teórico, de caráter bibliográfico, que se apropria da antropologia filosófica como suporte metodológico. Os resultados da pesquisa afirmam o processo de integração Oriente-Ocidente na formulação dos conceitos educativo/filosóficos do judô além das transformações dos sistemas simbólicos da luta que apontam sua evolução antropológico-filosófica, desde a prática do Bujutsu (Arte militar sec. XVII) no Japão medieval, até as perspectivas educativas contemporâneas apoiadas na Ciência da Motricidade Humana (CMH).

The management of diversification in a large industrial company

This work is the result of an action-research-type study of the diversification effort of part of a major U.K. industrial company. Work in contingency theory concerning the impact of environmental factors on organizational design, and the systemic model of viable systems put forward by Stafford Beer form the theoretical basis of the vvork. The two streams of thought are compared and found to offer similar conclusions about the design of effective organizations. These findings are taken as the framework for an analysis both of organization structures for promoting innovation described in the literature, and of those employed by the company for this purpose in recent years. Much attention is given to the use of venture groups, and conclusions are drawn on particular factors which may influence their success or failure. Both theoretical considerations, and the examination of the company' s recent experience suggested that the formation of the policy of diversification, as well as the method of implementation of the police, might affect its outcorre. Attention is therefore focused on the policy-making and planning process, and in particular on possible problems that this process could generate in a multi-division company. The view finally taken of diversification effort is that it should be regarded as a learning system. This view helps to expose some ambiguities in the concepts of success and failure in this area, and demonstrates considerable weaknesses in traditional project evaluation procedures.

Absence of systemic toxicity in mouse model towards BaTiO3 nanoparticulate based eluate treatment

One of the existing issues in implant failure of orthopedic biomaterials is the toxicity induced by the fine particles released during long term use in vivo, leading to acute inflammatory response. In developing a new class of piezobiocomposite to mimic the integrated electrical and mechanical properties of bone, bone-mimicking physical properties as well as in vitro cytocompatibility properties have been achieved with spark plasma sintered hydroxyapatite (HA)-barium titanate (BaTiO3) composites. However, the presence of BaTiO3 remains a concern towards the potential toxicity effect. To address this issue, present work reports the first result to conclusively confirm the non-toxic effect of HA-BaTiO3 piezobiocomposite nanoparticulates, in vivo. Twenty BALB/c mice were intraarticularly injected at their right knee joints with different concentrations of HA-BaTiO3 composite of up to 25 mg/ml. The histopathological examination confirmed the absence of any trace of injected particles or any sign of inflammatory reaction in the vital organs, such as heart, spleen, kidney and liver at 7 days post-exposure period. Rather, the injected nanoparticulates were found to be agglomerated in the vicinity of the knee joint, surrounded by macrophages. Importantly, the absence of any systemic toxicity response in any of the vital organs in the treated mouse model, other than a mild local response at the site of delivery, was recorded. The serum biochemical analyses using proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta) also complimented to the non-immunogenic response to injected particulates. Altogether, the absence of any inflammatory/ adverse reaction will open up myriad of opportunities for BaTiO3 based piezoelectric implantable devices in biomedical applications.

A Network model of systemic risk : identifying the sources of dependence across institutions

We design a financial network model that explicitly incorporates linkages across institutions through a direct contagion channel, as well as an indirect common exposure channel. In particular, common exposure is setup so as to link the financial to the real sector. The model is calibrated to balance sheet data on the colombian financial sector. Results indicate that commercial banks are the most systemically important financial institutions in the system. Whereas government owned institutions are the most vulnerable institutions in the system.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines predominate in the brains of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis: A natural model of neuroinflammation during systemic parasitic infection

Visceral leishmaniasis is a multisystemic zoonotic disease that can manifest with several symptoms, including neurological disorders. To investigate the pathogenesis of brain alterations occurring during visceral leishmaniasis infection, the expression of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TGF-β and TNF-α and their correlations with peripheral parasite load were evaluated in the brains of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α were noticeably up-regulated, and IL-10, TGF-β and IL-12p40 were down-regulated in the brains of infected dogs. Expression levels did not correlate with parasite load suggestive that the brain alterations are due to the host's immune response regardless of the phase of the disease. These data indicate the presence of a pro-inflammatory status in the nervous milieu of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis especially because IL-1β and TNF-α are considered key factors for the initiation, maintenance and persistence of inflammation. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Optimal clearance of Sporothrix schenckii requires an intact Th17 response in a mouse model of systemic infection

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Ac2-26 mimetic peptide of annexin A1 inhibits local and systemic inflammatory processes induced by bothrops moojeni venom and the lys-49 phospholipase A2 in a rat model

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Combined systemic and local morpholino treatment rescues the phenotype of the SMA Delta 7 mouse model

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a childhood fatal motor neuron disease caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, currently without effective treatment. One possible therapeutic approach is the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to redirect the splicing of a paralogous gene, SMN2, to increase the production of functional SMN protein. A range of ASOs with different chemical properties is suitable for these applications, including a morpholino (MO) variant, which has a particularly excellent safety, and efficacy profile. We used a 25- nt MO oligomer sequence against the ISS-N1 region of SMN2 (HSMN2Ex7D(-10-34)) with superior efficacy to previously described sequences also in transgenic SMA Δ7 mice. The combined local and systemic administration of MO (bare or conjugated to octa-guanidine) is necessary to increase full-length SMN expression, leading to robust neuropathological features improvement and survival rescue. Additionally, several snRNA levels that are dysregulated in SMA mice could be restored by MO treatment. These results demonstrate that MO therapy is efficacious and can result in phenotypic rescue. These data provide important insights for the development of therapeutic strategies in SMA patients.

Effect of Combined Systemic and Local Morpholino Treatment on the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Δ7 Mouse Model Phenotype

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal motor neuron disease of childhood that is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene. Currently, no effective treatment is available. One possible therapeutic approach is the use of antisense oligos (ASOs) to redirect the splicing of the paralogous gene SMN2, thus increasing functional SMN protein production. Various ASOs with different chemical properties are suitable for these applications, including a morpholino oligomer (MO) variant with a particularly excellent safety and efficacy profile. OBJECTIVE: We investigated a 25-nt MO sequence targeting the negative intronic splicing silencer (ISS-N1) 10 to 34 region. METHODS: We administered a 25-nt MO sequence against the ISS-N1 region of SMN2 (HSMN2Ex7D[-10-34]) in the SMAΔ7 mouse model and evaluated the effect and neuropathologic phenotype. We tested different concentrations (from 2 to 24 nM) and delivery protocols (intracerebroventricular injection, systemic injection, or both). We evaluated the treatment efficacy regarding SMN levels, survival, neuromuscular phenotype, and neuropathologic features. RESULTS: We found that a 25-nt MO sequence against the ISS-N1 region of SMN2 (HSMN2Ex7D[-10-34]) exhibited superior efficacy in transgenic SMAΔ7 mice compared with previously described sequences. In our experiments, the combination of local and systemic administration of MO (bare or conjugated to octaguanidine) was the most effective approach for increasing full-length SMN expression, leading to robust improvement in neuropathologic features and survival. Moreover, we found that several small nuclear RNAs were deregulated in SMA mice and that their levels were restored by MO treatment. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that MO-mediated SMA therapy is efficacious and can result in phenotypic rescue, providing important insights for further development of ASO-based therapeutic strategies in SMA patients.

Waddlia chondrophila induces systemic infection, organ pathology, and elicits Th1-associated humoral immunity in a murine model of genital infection

Waddlia chondrophila is a known bovine abortigenic Chlamydia-related bacterium that has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in human. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how W. chondrophila infection spreads, its ability to elicit an immune response and induce pathology. A murine model of genital infection was developed to investigate the pathogenicity and immune response associated with a W. chondrophila infection. Genital inoculation of the bacterial agent resulted in a dose-dependent infection that spread to lumbar lymph nodes and successively to spleen and liver. Bacterial-induced pathology peaked on day 14, characterized by leukocyte infiltration (uterine horn, liver, and spleen), necrosis (liver) and extramedullary hematopoiesis (spleen). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of a large number of W. chondrophila in the spleen on day 14. Robust IgG titers were detected by day 14 and remained high until day 52. IgG isotypes consisted of high IgG2a, moderate IgG3 and no detectable IgG1, indicating a Th1-associated immune response. This study provides the first evidence that W. chondrophila genital infection is capable of inducing a systemic infection that spreads to major organs, induces uterus, spleen, and liver pathology and elicits a Th1-skewed humoral response. This new animal model will help our understanding of the mechanisms related to intracellular bacteria-induced miscarriages, the most frequent complication of pregnancy that affects one in four women.

Physiological and haematological findings and clinical observations in a model of acute systemic anaphylaxis in Dirofilaria immitis-sensitised cats

Objective This study aims to understand the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis in Dirofflaria immitis-sensitised cats by analysing objective physiological and haematological measurements after challenge. Design Nineteen healthy D immitis-naive cats were sensitised using weekly injections of aluminium hydroxide-adjuvanted D immitis antigen, administered subcutaneously over 6 weeks. After sensitisation, cats (n = 16) were anaesthetised and challenged with intravenous D immitis antigen. A control group (n = 3) was sham-challenged using intravenous sterile 0.9% saline. Systolic blood pressure (measured non-invasively/indirectly), respiratory rate, degree of dyspnoea, blood 0, saturation, expired CO2, and heart rate and were measured immediately before and at 10 to 15 min intervals after challenge until terminal apnoea occurred or euthanasia at 140 mins post-challenge. Blood was collected for complete blood count immediately before and at 10, 20 and 35 mins after challenge. Clinical observations were recorded as they occurred. Results Antigen-challenged cats were divided into two groups: acute (apnoea occurred within 25 mins of challenge) and subacute (breathing at 25 mins after challenge). In both groups, the degree of dyspnoea increased and blood O-2 saturation and blood pressure decreased. Respiratory rate increased in the subacute group. Expired CO2 decreased in both Ag-challenged and control groups. Haematocrit increased in the subacute group. Neutrophil count decreased in the acute group and platelet count decreased in the subacute group. Eosinophil count decreased in the subacute and control groups. Sustained dyspnoea and gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis in the antigen-challenged cats. Conclusions Intravenous challenge with D immitis antigen in sensitised cats results in dyspnoea, hypoxaemia and systemic hypotension accompanied by haemoconcentration.