CBT Specific Process in Exposure-Based Treatments: Initial Examination in a Pediatric OCD Sample.

Cognitive-Behavioral theory and empirical support suggest that optimal activation of fear is a critical component for successful exposure treatment. Using this theory, we developed coding methodology for measuring CBT-specific process during exposure. We piloted this methodology in a sample of young children (N = 18) who previously received CBT as part of a randomized controlled trial.

Addressing HIV Risk Behavior Among Pregnant Drug Abusers: An Overview.

Both sex- and drug-related HIV risk behavior are common among pregnant drug abusers. In the absence of intervention, these behaviors are likely to continue throughout pregnancy, placing the women and their unborn children at risk of contracting HIV. Drug treatment programs have been found to have limited impact on these behaviors.

Regulation of neuroprotective activity of myocyte-enhancer factor 2 by cAMP-protein kinase A signaling pathway in neuronal survival.

The transcription factor myocyte-enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) has been shown to be required for the survival of different types of neurons. However, the death- or survival-inducing second messenger pathways that regulate MEF2 activity remain to be fully elucidated. Membrane depolarization by KCl induces neuronal survival that is dependent upon MEF2-mediated gene transactivation.

Alcohol Use Among Depressed Patients: The Need for Assessment and Intervention.

For many depressed patients, drinking may interfere with the successful treatment of their depression. Even among patients whose alcohol use does not rise to the level of an alcohol-use disorder, drinking can have a deleterious effect on depression and depressive symptoms and may dampen the impact of treatment for depression. However, subclinical drinking may not be addressed during the course of psychological or psychiatric treatment for depression.

The role of neutrophil-derived oxidants as second messengers in interleukin 1beta-stimulated cells.

The role of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) as potent agonist of the PMN respiratory burst signal transduction cascade has been described. We hypothesized that this phenomenon is self-limiting and that polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) might provide feedback regulation on the IL-1beta surface receptor (IL-1betaR)-G-protein-effector enzyme transducing tripartite complex that ultimately leads to NADPH oxidase activation. Therefore, we separately assessed either baseline or IL-1beta-induced activation of each member of the IL-1betaR-G-protein-phospholipase D (PLD) or IL-1betaR-G-protein-phospholipase C (PLC) signaling systems in the presence or absence of one of several specific ROI scavengers/antioxidants.