Personality correlates of homophobia

This study explored the relationship between homophobia and several personality traits (empathy, religiosity, and coping style) in the context of respondents' gender and age. The sample consisted of 714 college students who responded to the Homophobia Attitude Scale (HAS) and personality trait scales. Results revealed that women endorsed fewer homophobic attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors than men and that age was negatively correlated with homophobia. Empathic concern and perspective taking were significantly correlated with lower overall homophobic attitudes, less affect discomfort in regard to gays, and less likelihood to abridge the human rights of gays. Religiosity was significantly correlated with more biased beliefs about the origins of homophobia, greater affective discomfort around gays, less endorsement of human rights for gays, and greater homophobia. Use of denial and isolation as coping styles were positively related to homophobia and use of turning against style was negatively correlated.

Comparison of recent graduates of clinical versus counseling psychology programs

Recent graduates from clinical (N = 65) and counseling (N = 64) psychology programs were surveyed to assess similarities and differences of aspects of their programs and job-related activity. Results revealed only minor differences. Counseling psychologists were more likely to provide group therapy, career counseling and assessment, public lectures and workshops, to have more knowledge of the Strong Interest Inventory, to be more likely to work in university counseling centers, and to endorse humanistic theoretical orientations. Clinical psychologists were more likely to work in medical school settings, to ascribe human behavior to internal states rather than to social causes, and to have greater knowledge of the Rorschach. However, the similarities between the two specialities relative to work setting, theoretical orientation, service, research, and teaching activities, far outweighed these minor differences. Implications of these findings are placed in the context of previous research that has suggested the possible merger of the two specialities.

Publication productivity of clinical and counseling psychologists

Compared the research productivity of clinical versus counseling psychologists and found surprisingly few differences. A serendipitous finding was low productivity across the board and a question was raised about the success of the scientist-practitioner model in both clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs in instilling a research/publication ethic among professional (as opposed to experimental, social, etc.) psychologists.

Lateral diffusion of small compounds in human stratum corneum and model lipid bilayer systems

An image-based technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (video-FRAP) was used to measure the lateral diffusion coefficients of a series of nine fluorescent probes in two model lipid bilayer systems, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and DMPC/cholesterol (40 mol%), as well as in human stratum corneum-extracted lipids. The probes were all lipophilic, varied in molecular weight from 223 to 854 Da, and were chosen to characterize the lateral diffusion of small compounds in these bilayer systems. A clear molecular weight dependence of the lateral diffusion coefficients in DMPC bilayers was observed. Values ranged from 6.72 x 10(-8) to 16.2 x 10(-8) cm2/s, with the smaller probes diffusing faster than the larger ones. Measurements in DMPC/cholesterol bilayers, which represent the most thorough characterization of small-solute diffusion in this system, exhibited a similar molecular weight dependence, although the diffusion coefficients were lower, ranging from 1.62 x 10(-8) to 5.60 x 10(-8) cm2/s. Lateral diffusion measurements in stratum corneum-extracted lipids, which represent a novel examination of diffusion in this unique lipid system, also exhibited a molecular weight dependence, with values ranging from 0.306 x 10(-8) to 2.34 x 10(-8) cm2/s. Literature data showed that these strong molecular weight dependencies extend to even smaller compounds than those examined in this study. A two-parameter empirical expression is presented that describes the lateral diffusion coefficient in terms of the solute's molecular weight and captures the size dependence over the range examined. This study illustrates the degree to which small-molecule lateral diffusion in stratum corneum-extracted lipids can be represented by diffusion in DMPC and DMPC/cholesterol bilayer systems, and may lead to a better understanding of small-solute transport across human stratum corneum.

College students' judgements and perceptions of persons with AIDS from different risk groups

In this analog study, 104 female and 75 male undergraduate students in the United States read 1 of 8 vignettes that described a person who had just received positive HIV antigen results. The vignettes were identical except for the sex of the person described and his or her risk-group membership (gay, heterosexual, injection-drug user, or hemophiliac). After reading the vignette, the participants completed questionnaires assessing (a) responsibility, blame, and personality characteristics of the person described in the vignette; and (b) their own homophobia and knowledge about AIDS. Results revealed that homophobia was a significant covariate that affected participants' perceptions of the person in the vignette. With homophobia as a covariate, the hemophiliac was judged the least harshly, followed by the heterosexual person, the gay person, and the injection-drug user. No gender differences were revealed. The injection-drug user was evaluated the most negatively on the personality characteristics; the other 3 groups were rated similarly. Analyses without homophobia as a covariate revealed significant gender differences, suggesting that prior research findings of gender differences on perceptions of persons with AIDS may be attributable more to differential levels of homophobia than to gender of the rater.

Evaluating three reading tests for use with alcohol and other drug-abusing populations

This study compared three reading tests commonly used in research for screening, descriptive, and educational purposes with alcohol and other drug-abusing individuals. To that end, 82 male and 41 female substance abusers were administered the Slosson Oral Reading Test-Revised, Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised, and the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised in random order. Results revealed that the tests have high concurrent validity, provide approximately the same grade-equivalent level scores, and yield raw scores that, when standardized, do not differ significantly from one another. However, if used for screening purposes, the three tests result in different proportions of subjects meeting specified criteria, particularly at lower grade levels. Specific test selection depends on the purpose of testing. For example, when the entire range of possible scores is of interest, the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised has a distinct advantage, because it has the widest range of grade-equivalent levels. Other considerations for test selection are discussed.

Comparison of PhD programs in clinical and counseling psychology

This survey of training directors of all APA-accredited PhD programs in clinical and in counseling psychology explored differences in curricula, program characteristics, predoctoral internships, and postdoctoral placements between the two programs. Minor differences emerged between the two types of programs with regard to curricular emphases, but these differences are far outweighed by similarities. Implications are discussed and support provided for the conclusion that a merger of the two specialties may be possible and desirable.

Chondrosarcoma of the pelvis. Prognostic factors for 67 patients treated with definitive surgery

BACKGROUND

Chondrosarcoma (CS) most commonly involves the pelvis. Local and systemic failures often result in poor outcome. Prognostic factors that determine patient outcome remain ill-defined.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 67 patients with CS of the pelvis treated by definitive surgery from January 1970 to December 1992. All patients had localized disease including Grade 1 (19 patients), Grade 2 (18 patients), Grade 3 (17 patients), and dedifferentiated (13 patients) tumors. Thirty-two patients underwent a limb-sparing surgical resection and 35 patients underwent hemipelvectomy. Follow-up was available for all patients. The median duration of follow-up for the survivors was 115 months (range, 24-288 months).

RESULTS

At last follow-up, 52% of the patients were disease free, 8% were alive with disease, 36% died of disease, and 4% died of other causes. Nineteen patients (28%) had developed a local recurrence (LR). The median time to LR was 23 months (range, 1-111 months). Independent variables in a multivariate analysis associated with increased risk of LR included inadequate surgical margin, tumor epicenter in the pubis, and high grade histology. LR did not influence overall patient survival. Twenty-three patients (36%) developed distant metastases at a median time of 9 months (range, 1-111 months) postoperatively. Metastases developed in 0% of the patients with Grade 1, 20% of the patients with Grade 2 60% of the patients with Grade 3 and 75% of patients with dedifferentiated CS. On multivariate analysis, histologic high grade was the only significant predictive variable for distant relapse (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The critical issue for a favorable outcome in low grade CS of the pelvis is adequate surgical excision (i.e., negative surgical margin). The high rate of systemic failure in high grade and dedifferentiated CS, despite adequate surgery, emphasizes the need for more effective systemic therapy.

Assessing reading level of drug users for HIV and AIDS prevention purposes

Using the short form of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised and the reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised, the reading abilities of 284 male and 128 female drug users from five sites across the United States were evaluated. All subjects were participants in a National Institute on Drug Abuse HIV/AIDS prevention project aimed at intravenous drug users and cocaine smokers. Results revealed differences in reading abilities among ethnic groups with Native and white subjects having significantly higher reading levels than Hispanic and black subjects. Significant site differences were revealed, with mean grade equivalent scores ranging from 2.7 to 10.1 grades. Across all subjects, the average grade equivalent reading level was 5.8 to 7.7, indicating that the subjects read below the level of 81.5% to 93% of the general population. We provide implications for development of educational materials that are accessible for this population.

Synergistic effects of chemical enhancers and therapeutic ultrasound on transdermal drug delivery

The effects of (i) a series of chemical enhancers and (ii) the combination of these enhancers and therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.4 W/cm2, continuous) on transdermal drug transport are investigated. A series of chemical enhancer formulations, including (i) polyethylene glycol 200 dilaurate (PEG), (ii) isopropyl myristate (IM), (iii) glycerol trioleate (GT), (iv) ethanol/pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline in a 1:1 ratio (50% EtOH), (v) 50% EtOH saturated with linoleic acid (LA/EtOH), and (vi) phosphate buffered saline (PBS), as a control, are evaluated using corticosterone as a model drug. LA/EtOH is the most effective of these enhancers, increasing the corticosterone flux by 900-fold compared to that from PBS. Therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.4 W/cm2, continuous) increases the corticosterone permeability from all of the enhancers examined by up to 14-fold (LA/EtOH) and increases the corticosterone flux from the saturated solutions by up to 13,000-fold (LA/EtOH), relative to that from PBS. Similar enhancements are obtained with LA/EtOH with and without ultrasound for four other model drugs, dexamethasone, estradiol, lidocaine, and testosterone. The permeability enhancements for all of these drugs resulting from the addition of linoleic acid to 50% EtOH increase with increasing drug molecular weight. Likewise, the permeability enhancement attained by ultrasound and LA/EtOH relative to passive EtOH exhibits a similar size dependence. A mechanistic explanation of this size dependence is provided. It is suggested that bilayer disordering agents, such as linoleic acid and ultrasound, transform the SC lipid bilayers into a fluid lipid bilayer phase or create a separate bulk oil phase. The difference in diffusivity of a given solute in SC bilayers and in either fluid bilayers or bulk oil is larger for larger solutes, thereby producing greater enhancements for larger solutes.

Presentation format in analogue studies: effects on participants' evaluation

Whether presentation format (video, audio, written transcript, or written transcript with photograph) affects participants' responses to counseling scenarios in an analogue study was examined. After watching a brief counseling session presented in one of four formats, 131 participants completed three instruments measuring counselor credibility and expectations. Results revealed significant differences among the formats on teh COunselor Rating Form (CRF-S; Corrigan & Schmidt, 1983) Trustworthiness and Expertness Scales, with transcripts with pictures rated the highest (higher than videotape and audiotape) and transcripts without pictures rated second highest (higher than video). No significant differences between the presentation formats were revealed on the Expectations about Counseling Questionnaire (EAC; Tinsley, Workman, & Kass, 1980) or 15 Personal Problem Inventory (15PPI; Cash, Begley, McCown, & Weise, 1975). Results suggest that studies using differing formats with the CRF-S are not necessarily comparable and that the four types of analogue approaches may not be interchangeable.

Concurrent validity of the MMPI-2 feminine gender role (GF) and masculine gender role (GM) scales

Since the development of the revised Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellege, & Kaemmer, 1989), no independent studies have been conducted to validate the new GF and GM scales, the only published study being based on the original standardization sample. To determine the concurrent validity of these scales, our study correlated GF and GM with scores obtained from the Bem Sex-Role Inventory, the Sex Role Behavior Scale, and the Sex Role Identity Scale. Because the sex-role literature has suggested numerous personality correlates of masculinity and femininity, the 16-PF was included to assess this dimension of the new scales, as well as measures of social desirability. Results revealed the GF and GM scales to have low internal consistency and low concurrent validity with established sex-role measures. Relative to construct validity, their patterns of correlation with personality measures suggest that GF and GM are more related to personality traits of interpersonal potency and sensitivity, respectively, than to masculinity and femininity. Overall, although the data yielded by these new scales provide additional information over Scale 5, they do not appear to hold as much promise as hoped for.

Synthesis, structure, and antagonistic properties of des-Asn29[D-Trp28,32]NPY(27-36)

We have previously reported that [D-Trp32]NPY and its centrally truncated analogues such as des-AA7-24[D-Trp5,32,Aoc6]NPY can competitively antagonize NPY effects on rat hypothalamus and Y1 (SK-N-MC AND HEL) cells, respectively. In continuation of this work, we performed structure-activity studies with C-terminal decapeptide sequence keeping D-Trp at position 32 to develop lower molecular weight Y1-selective antagonists. This study led to the development of des-Asn29[D-Trp28,32]NPY(27-36), which bound to both Y1 (SK-N-MC, Ki > or = 10 microM) and Y2 (SK-N-BE2, Ki = 1.01 +/- 0.03 microM) receptors. This peptide did not exhibit any agonist activity at Y1 receptors, and exhibited comparable potencies in antagonizing the effects of NPY on the synthesis of cAMP and mobilization of [Ca2+]i in HEL cells. However, in SK-N-MC cells, it was more potent in antagonizing the mobilization of [Ca2+]i than inhibition of cAMP synthesis. Substitution of Nva for Gln34 to increase the hydrophobicity without altering the carbon skeleton substantially increased Y1 affinity (Ki = 0.33 +/- 0.15 microM) and imparted Y1 selectivity (Ki for Y2 affinity = 3.16 +/- 0.50). Moreover, this peptide exhibited good antagonistic potency in HEL cells. 2D NMR studies of des-Asn29[D-Trp28,32]NPY(27-36) revealed the existence of a fairly stable loop-like structure between residues 27 and 32 and a less stable one between residues 32 and 36. The increased Y1 affinity of des-Asn29[D-Trp28,32,Nva34]NPY(27-36) may be due to the stabilization of the 32-36 loop by Nva34. It appears therefore that stabilization of the loop structures in these peptides should result in the development of more potent Y1 receptor antagonists. Our investigations also suggest that HEL cells express a homogeneous population of NPY Y1 receptors whereas SK-N-MC cells express high- and low-affinity Y1 receptors coupled to Ca2+ and cAMP, respectively.

CNS role: an experience in retitling and role clarification

A LITERATURE REVIEW and survey were undertaken to identify the appropriate titling for individuals in clinical nursing and other advanced practice roles, to establish components in each role, and to determine the educational level necessary for each role. Based upon review and survey results, a CNS task force at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics proposed a change in the titles of nurses in advanced practice at their institution to reflect the American Nurses' Association's definition of advanced practice nursing and recommended graduate level education for these advanced positions. Five specific titles and primary role components were identified: advanced registered nurse practitioners. CNS, education nurse specialist, research nurse specialist, and informatics nurse specialist. Retitling aided in clearly identifying major responsibilities of the position, clarifying role expectations, and creating evaluation tools.

Sex role conflict, social desirability, and eating-disorder attitudes and behaviors

The relationship of conflict between sex role ideology and sex role orientation with eating-disorder behaviors and attitudes was examined. American participants were 321 female college students who completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1974), Sex Role Ideology Scale (Kalin & Tilby, 1978), and Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI; Garner, Olmsted, & Polivy, 1983). The results indicated that conflict between ideology and self-perception had little effect on responses to the Inventory. Instead, students with higher levels of self-rated social desirability and lower levels of masculinity reported higher prevalence of eating-disorder behaviors and attitudes. Analyses of sex role orientation data revealed that participants categorized as undifferentiated had the most pathological responses to the EDI. Overall, the results suggested that social desirability and masculinity, more than sex role orientation or conflict, are strongly related to eating-disorder behavior, perhaps because of a third mediating factor.

Effect of volatile anesthetics on hydrogen peroxide-induced injury in aortic and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Oxidant damage to endothelial cells occurs during inflammation and reperfusion after ischemia, mediated in part by endogenously produced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Previous studies have established a role for increased cytosolic calcium in the mechanism of endothelial oxidant injury, and have suggested that volatile anesthetics may exacerbate oxidant injury in pulmonary endothelium. However, the effect of volatile anesthetics on oxidant injury to systemic arterial endothelial cells, and their effect on oxidant-related changes in cytosolic calcium homeostasis, have not been reported previously.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human aortic and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells were studied. The rate of cell death after H2O2 exposure was determined in cell suspension by propidium iodide fluorimetry and lactate dehydrogenase release. The final extent of cell death 24 h after H2O2 exposure was determined in monolayer cultures by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium reduction. Cytosolic calcium and cell death were determined in single cells using fura-2 and propidium iodide imaging with digitized, multiparameter, fluorescent video microscopy.

RESULTS

In aortic endothelial cells, clinical concentrations of halothane (1.0%) and isoflurane (1.5%) decreased both the rate of cell death and the final extent of cell death after H2O2 exposure, with halothane being more protective. Supraclinical concentrations of halothane (2.7%) and isoflurane (4.0%) were less protective. In pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, halothane and isoflurane had essentially no effect on H2O2-mediated cell death. The protective effect of anesthetic in aortic endothelial cells was not due to an enhanced removal of H2O2 by endogenous enzymes. Hydrogen peroxide exposure caused a large increase in cytosolic calcium well before cell death, and this was moderated by anesthetic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of volatile anesthetics on oxidant injury to endothelial cells may differ between cells derived from systemic and pulmonary vascular beds. Halothane, and to a lesser extent, isoflurane, protects against oxidant injury in aortic endothelial cells. The mechanism of protection may involve modulation of the interaction of H2O2 with vital cellular constituents, and/or amelioration of the toxic increase in cytosolic calcium that follows such interaction.

The effect of the neurolytic agent ethanol on cytoplasmic calcium in arterial smooth muscle and endothelium

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Celiac plexus neurolysis, although effective in relieving pain associated with upper abdominal malignancy, occasionally results in paraplegia. Diffusion of the neurolytic agent to arteries supplying the spinal cord has been postulated as a cause, and previous studies with isolated lumbar segmental arteries have demonstrated contraction in response to ethanol and phenol. The mechanism of this contractile effect is unknown, but a role for insular free calcium (Ca2+i) is suggested by the known involvement of Ca2+i in both smooth muscle vasoconstriction and toxic cell injury. The authors sought to determine whether nontoxic concentrations of ethanol cause a direct elevation of Ca2+i in arterial smooth muscle and endothelium.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human aortic smooth muscle and endothelial cells were studied to determine the direct effect of ethanol independent of interactions with agonists or contractile proteins. Ca2+i levels were determined in single cells with digitized video fluorescence microscopy, using ratio imaging of the Ca2+i-sensitive fluorophore fura-2.

RESULTS

In aortic smooth muscle cells, initial Ca2+i was 98 +/- 41 nM (n = 59 cells). Histamine (10 microM) as a positive control caused an increase in Ca2+i, as expected. Ethanol alone, at doses of 2-5% (v/v) also caused a sustained elevation in Ca2+i of physiologically significant magnitude. Ethanol at doses of 5% or lower did not cause any visibly apparent injury within 30 minutes. In contrast, 10% or higher ethanol doses quickly caused membrane blebbing, a sign of toxic injury, followed by cell death within 20 minutes. Aortic endothelial cells were more resistant to ethanol than smooth muscle cells, in terms of both Ca2+i elevation and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol, even at nontoxic concentrations, has a direct effect on aortic smooth muscle Ca2+i, large enough to be associated with significant vasoconstriction. The findings suggest a possible role for pharmacologic agents that preserve Ca2+i homeostasis in protecting against neurolysis-induced paraplegia, although additional study is required before clinical application is appropriate.

Permeation of steroids through human skin

The permeabilities of many steroids through human skin have been previously measured and reported in the literature. Analysis of these data reveals that significant discrepancies exist between the measurements of Scheuplein et al. and those of other groups. Six of the 14 steroids which were examined by Scheuplein et al., aldosterone, corticosterone, estradiol, hydrocortisone, progesterone, and testosterone, have also been examined by other groups. For each of these steroids, the permeability measurements of Scheuplein et al. are lower than those reported by other groups by factors of between 5.0 and 77. Eight independent measurements of the permeability of estradiol are in good agreement with one another, but are greater than the value reported by Scheuplein et al. by factors of between 11 and 20. Several possible sources of experimental error, including the variability of the skin samples, the differences in the experimental temperature, the establishment of steady-state conditions, the use of radiolabeled drugs, and the skin preparation technique, have been considered and do not appear to account for the magnitude of the observed discrepancies nor for the fact that the data of Scheuplein et al. are consistently lower than those reported by other groups.

How reliable is computerized assessment of readability?

To assess the consistency and comparability of readability software programs, four software programs (Corporate Voice, Grammatix IV, Microsoft Word for Windows, and RightWriter) were compared. Standard materials included 28 pieces of printed educational materials on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome distributed nationally and the Gettysburg Address. Statistical analyses for the educational materials revealed that each of the three formulas assessed (Flesch-Kincaid, Flesch Reading Ease, and Gunning Fog Index) provided significantly different grade equivalent scores and that the Microsoft Word program provided significantly lower grade levels and was more inconsistent in the scores provided. For the Gettysburg Address, considerable variation was revealed among formulas, with the discrepancy being up to two grade levels. When averaging across formulas, there was a variation of 1.3 grade levels between the four software programs. Given the variation between formulas and programs, implications for decisions based on results of these software programs are provided.

Proposed cation-pi mediated binding by factor Xa: a novel enzymatic mechanism for molecular recognition

Factor Xa (FXa) is an important serine protease in the blood coagulation cascade. Small synthetic competitive inhibitors of FXa are under development as potential anticoagulants. To better understand FXa structural features and molecular recognition mechanisms, we have constructed three dimensional models of FXa-inhibitor complex structures via a new search approach that samples conformational space and binding space simultaneously for DABE and DX-9065a, two bis amidinoaryl derivatives that are among the most potent and selective FXa inhibitors reported to date. We find the most probable binding modes for the two inhibitors to be a folded conformation, with one distal amidino group extending into the S1 pocket, forming a salt-bridge with FXa Asp-189, and the other positively charged group fitting into the S4 subsite, and stabilized by a cation-pi interaction. We propose as a hypothesis that the cavity-like S4 subsite formed by the three pi-faces of the aromatic residues Tyr-99, Phe-174 and Trp-215 is sufficiently rich in pi electrons that it is not only a hydrophobic pocket, but also forms a cation recognition site. This proposed cation-pi binding mechanism is one of the first proposed for enzymatic molecular recognition, and for which experimental verification can be obtained without any complicating charge compensation mechanism. Our models provide plausible explanations of the structure-activity relationships observed for these inhibitors, and suggest that cation-pi interactions may provide a novel mechanism for molecular recognition.