Cassane-type diterpenes from Caesalpinia minax induce apoptosis in pituitary adenoma: structure–activity relationship,ER stress and Wnt/β-catenin pathways

Plant-derived natural products have been the highly significant sources of novel antitumor agents. The cassane-type diterpenes of genus Caesalpinia have been reported to bear antiproliferative activities toward different types of cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the antineoplasmic activities of 16 natural origin cassane-type diterpenes isolated from the CHCl₃ extract of the seeds of C. minax in pituitary adenomas cells and identified caesalpin G (CAG) showed the strongest cytotoxicity. Moreover, we further investigated the structure–activity relationship and molecular mechanism of these derivatives systematically. The results confirmed the unsaturated lactone-type ring, hydroxyl at C-7, and alkenyl at C-11 or C-14 functionality as critical for anticancer activity in this family of natural products. In addition, the mechanism experiments also demonstrated unfolded protein response and ER stress and Wnt/β-catenin pathway were involved in the CAG-induced apoptosis.     

The quest for connection in interpersonal and therapeutic relationships

Objective: This paper focuses on the need for connection as a common core theme at the heart of both close relationships and therapeutic relationships and explores ways to connect these two research domains that have evolved as separate fields of study. Bowlby's attachment theory provides a strong conceptual and empirical base for linking human bonds and bonds in psychotherapy. Method: The growing body of research intersecting attachment and psychotherapy (1980–2014) is documented, and meta-analytic studies on attachment–outcome and attachment–alliance links are highlighted. Results: Five ways of studying attachment as a variable in psychotherapy are underscored: as moderator, as mediator, as outcome, client–therapist attachment match, and as process. By integrating conceptualizations and methods in studying relational narratives of client–therapist dyads (Core Conflictual Relationship Theme), measures of alliance, and client attachment to therapist during psychotherapy, we may discover unique client–therapist relational dances. Conclusions: Future fine-grained studies on how to promote core authentic relational relearning are important to clinicians, supervisors and trainers, who all share the common quest to alleviate interpersonal distress and enhance wellbeing. Directions for advancing research on interpersonal and therapeutic relationships are suggested. Learning from each other, both researchers of close relationships and of psychotherapy relationships can gain a deeper and multidimensional understanding of complex relational processes and outcomes.     

EEPP: Conclusions,Implications and Future Directions

Early childhood is an important time for the promotion of healthy development and the prevention of mental disorders in adult life. In the context of the need to understand and design universally accessible promotional and preventative services for children, the European Early Promotion Project (EEPP) was developed as an innovative service implemented and evaluated in five European countries. Previous chapters in this special issue have detailed the components of the project, its outcomes for the primary health care professionals (PHCPs) and the families who were involved, and an evaluation of the costs. Here we draw together the major findings, assess the success of the project and discuss its contribution to the field of primary prevention.     

Brief report: How adolescent personality moderates the effect of love history on the young adulthood romantic relationship quality?

This study examined the effect of previous romantic relationship involvement on later romantic relationship quality and tested whether adolescents' personality type (i.e., overcontrollers, undercontrollers, resilients) moderated this link. We answered our research questions in a sample of 320 Dutch participants (213 girls) who had a romantic relationship when they were 21 years old. At 12 years of age, their personality types were identified. At 21 years of age, participants reported their current romantic relationship quality (i.e., commitment, exploration, and reconsideration) and indicated the number of romantic relationships they had before. No main effects of the number of romantic relationships on current romantic relationship quality were found. There were significant interaction effects between personality types and the number of romantic relationships on romantic relationship quality. With more romantic relationship experiences, undercontrollers committed less to and explored less in their current romantic relationship. No such link was found for resilients and overcontrollers.     

Reduced quality of life in living kidney donors: association with fatigue, societal participation and pre-donation variables

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) of living kidney donors on average is good, but some donors experience a low HRQoL after donation. This study assessed the prevalence of reduced HRQoL and explored associations with pre‐ and post‐donation variables. 316 donors (response rate 74%) who donated a kidney between 1997 and 2009 filled in a questionnaire. HRQoL was measured using the Short‐Form 36; fatigue using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory; societal participation using the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation‐Participation. Donors on average had better HRQoL than the general population. However, 12% had a reduced physical (PCS) and 18% a reduced mental (MCS) HRQoL. Donors with reduced HRQoL reported greater fatigue (P < 0.01), lower societal participation (P < 0.01) and showed a trend towards statistical significance in experiencing more donor–recipient relationship changes (P = 0.07). Prior to donation, donors with reduced PCS had a higher BMI (P < 0.05) and more often smoked (P < 0.05). Donors with reduced MCS had higher expectations (P < 0.05). Reduced HRQoL is associated with higher BMI, smoking and higher expectations prior to donation. These results may be used to develop a screening instrument to select donors at high risk for reduced HRQoL.     

II. A Brief Introduction to the thought of Armando B. Ferrari

This paper describes the work of Armando Bianco Ferrari whose central tenet is the very direct relationship between the body (Concrete Original Object) and the mind to which it gives rise, but which is also mind's first and essentially only real object. Ferrari's approach offers an important avenue of approach to the treatment of psychosis, psychosomatic illness and anorexia, for instance, as is recorded in a by now growing Anglophone literature. The direct relationship between body and mind is in contrast to the object relations model in which this relationship is mediated through the breast. The paper starts with a short biological sketch of Ferrari's life before describing his theoretical position. This is largely concerned with the relationship between the mind and its body, the so‐called ‘vertical axis’, and that with the external world which he calls, the ‘horizontal axis’. The relationship between body and mind is achieved through the means of a ‘contact net’ (as opposed to Bion's contact barrier) and the evolution of ‘language registers’ out of patterns of bodily experience. Ferrari's formulation also involves modifications of the ways he conceives the ego and the oedipal situation (‘Oedipal constellation’), especially in the light of what he takes to be an innate femininity and masculinity in either sex, as well as the way in which he frames ideas about health and illness. The fact that the emphasis is directed towards the subject's direct apperception of the sensational and emotional life of his body rather than one mediated exclusively via the object involves a parallel shift away from the transference as always necessarily central to interpretation, without of course dispensing with it or suggesting that it is not ubiquitous. This is one of the various clinical implications of Ferrari's model which is discussed before offering an illustrative clinical vignette, and finally relating Ferrari's thought to some other current theoretical and clinical formulations.     

Mrs. Doubtfire Mentoring Program: Helping Children in Residential Care Transition to Bedtime

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted for the Mrs. Doubtfire mentoring program designed to connect volunteers with young children (6–11 years) in residential care to help with the bedtime transition and develop positive relationships with caring adults. Details of the program are provided. Positive effects on the agency, staff, volunteers, and children are discussed. Mrs. Doubtfire provides an innovative approach to meeting needs of children in residential care while also building strong community relationships and dedicated volunteers.