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As many as 80% of breast cancer patients report significant distress during initial treatment, yet there is little in the way of systematic psychotherapeutic interventions for women coping with the stress of a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. The literature on psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients provides uniform evidence for an improvement in mood, coping and adjustment as a result of group therapy. The present study examined the feasibility of implementing a manualized treatment, supportive-expressive group psychotherapy, in busy oncology practices across the US. This intervention was applied to women with primary breast cancer in a manner which tests not only the efficacy of the approach but also its accessibility to group therapists not previously experienced in its use. One hundred and eleven breast cancer patients within 1 year of diagnosis were recruited from ten geographically diverse sites of the National Cancer Institute's Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and two academic medical centers. Two therapists from each site were trained in supportive-expressive group psychotherapy. Training consisted of participation in a workshop, reading a treatment manual, and viewing explanatory videotapes. Each patient participated in a supportive-expressive group that met for 12 weekly sessions lasting 90 min. Assessment of mood disturbance was made at entry, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results indicated a significant 40% decrease in the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) (ANOVA F [2,174]=3.98, p<0.05). The total symptom score of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was likewise significantly reduced over the 6-month period (F [2, 174]=5.2, p<0.01). Similarly, the total score of the Impact of Event Scale (IES) was significantly reduced (F [2,174]=4.0, p<0.05). There was substantial uniformity of treatment effect across sites. Outcome was independent of stage of disease (I vs. II). We conclude that this treatment program can be effectively implemented in a community setting and results in reduced distress among breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term response of citrus rootstock seedlings to CO2 enrichment was examined in Carrizo citrange [Poncírus trifoliata (L.) Raf. × Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and Swingle citrumelo [P. trifoliata × C. paradisi Macf]. Plantlets 14 weeks old were transferred to outdoor controlled-environment chambers and maintained for 5 months from Feb. 14 to July 21. During this period, new growth (cm) of citrange and citrumelo shoots at 660 μl l-1 was 94 and 69% greater, respectively, than at 330 μl l-1. Total dry weight of both rootstock shoots had increased by over 100%. Growth of few species is affected this markedly by elevated CO2 levels. More carbon was partitioned to above-ground organs in CO2-enriched citrus seedlings. Stem dry matter per unit length was also 32 and 44% greater in citrange and citrumelo respectively. Total leaf area was increased by 124% in citrange and 85% in citrumelo due to greater leaf number and size. Variations in overall relative growth rate appeared to be related to the rapid, sequential, flush-type growth in citrus, in which an entire shoot segment with its associated leaves remains an active sink until fully expanded. RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) activity in leaves of recently-expanded flushes was higher in citrumelo plants grown at 660 vs 330 μl l-1CO2 and changed diurnally for citrange (but not citrumelo) leaves at both CO2 levels. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that positive long-term effects of CO2 enrichment may be greater in species or during growth periods where sink capacity for carbon utilization is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six compounds attractive to the western balsam bark beetle Dryocoetes confusus in laboratory bioassays were isolated by micropreparative gas chromatography from steam distilled phloem oil from subalpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. In the bioassays (1 S)-(-)-α-pinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, (+)-longifolene, ( R)-(-)-myrtenal and trans-pinocarveol were attractive at 1 μg doses to both sexes of beetles. When combined with 10 pg doses of (±)- exo-brevicomin, all except terpinolene increased the responses to exo-brevicomin in an additive manner. In field experiments in British Columbia, none of the isolated compounds alone was attractive to D. confusus in multiple funnel traps. When paired singly or together with a 9 : 1 blend of (+)- exo- and (+)-endo-brevicomin released at 0.2 mg per day, (1 S)-(-)-α-pinene and ( R)-(-)-myrtenal released at 12 and 2 mg per day, respectively, caused a significant increase in response by male beetles over the response to the 9 : 1 blend alone. Myrtenal also increased the response of females. Because it is inexpensive and stable, (1 S)-(-)-α-pinene could be used to improve the sensitivity of pheromone-baited traps for monitoring D. confusus. However the pheromone blend alone is a highly efficacious tree bait, and host tree kairomones would probably not be needed in baits used to manipulate D. confusus infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petrochemical industry (PCI) has undergone profound changes during the last decade and is continuing to adjust to changing world economic conditions. One of the most important of these is the price of crude oil. Although an equilibrated pricing structure remains to be demonstrated, anticipated adequacy of supply and versatile, innovative methods of converting crude and natural gas to high valued products assures it a vital and healthy future. The product areas in which the PCI and the oleochemical industry (OCI) overlap are actually quite small in terms of the total capacity. In those limited areas of overlap, we expect the role of the PCI during the next several years to continue to be cone of a complementary nature. By providing security of supply at competitive prices, it will create confidence and reliability which will benefit both the petrochemical and oleochemical industries. And most significantly, the resources of the petrochemical industry will also allow it to respond to new market conditions, particularly those of accelerated volume needs and specific performance, with the flexibility and creativity which have been its hallmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term response of citrus rootstock seedlings to CO2 enrichment was examined in Carrizo citrange [Poncírus trifoliata (L.) Raf. × Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and Swingle citrumelo [P. trifoliata × C. paradisi Macf]. Plantlets 14 weeks old were transferred to outdoor controlled-environment chambers and maintained for 5 months from Feb. 14 to July 21. During this period, new growth (cm) of citrange and citrumelo shoots at 660 μl l-1 was 94 and 69% greater, respectively, than at 330 μl l-1. Total dry weight of both rootstock shoots had increased by over 100%. Growth of few species is affected this markedly by elevated CO2 levels. More carbon was partitioned to above-ground organs in CO2-enriched citrus seedlings. Stem dry matter per unit length was also 32 and 44% greater in citrange and citrumelo respectively. Total leaf area was increased by 124% in citrange and 85% in citrumelo due to greater leaf number and size. Variations in overall relative growth rate appeared to be related to the rapid, sequential, flush-type growth in citrus, in which an entire shoot segment with its associated leaves remains an active sink until fully expanded. RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) activity in leaves of recently-expanded flushes was higher in citrumelo plants grown at 660 vs 330 μl l-1CO2 and changed diurnally for citrange (but not citrumelo) leaves at both CO2 levels. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that positive long-term effects of CO2 enrichment may be greater in species or during growth periods where sink capacity for carbon utilization is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the monohydroxysterols found in the Δ → Δ isomerase-blocked Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant erg 2, a novel dihydroxysterol, ergosta-8,24(28)-dien-3β,6α-diol, was isolated. This sterol accumulated to the extent of 2.1% of the total sterol fraction when this mutant was treated with 23-azacholesterol, a known inhibitor of the 24-methylene-sterol-24(28)-reductase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

15-Aza-24-methylene-D-homocholesta-8,14-dien-3β-ol, an antimycotic agent, at a concentration of 75 ng/ml inhibited ergosterol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 3701 B resulting in the accumulation of an unusual sterol. Experimental data presented indicate that this sterol is ergosta-8,14-dien-3β-ol. The accumulation of the compound is supportive of current models of biosynthetic pathways for sterols in yeast and is consistent with inhibition by the azasterol of the Δ sterol reductase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Satisfaction With and Outcome of Risk Reducing Surgeries Among a Series of BRCA Heterozygotes,' presented at the 21st Annual Education Conference of the National Society of Genetic Counselors held in Phoenix, Arizona in November 2002.

Breastfeeding initiation rates in Australia are high but duration rates fall well below the World Health Organization targets. Return to work is a known factor impacting 6 months exclusive breastfeeding and continuation into the infants second year of life. Work related factors can influence a woman's confidence in maintaining breastmilk supply after return to employment and determine whether she meets her personal breastfeeding goals. This cross-sectional online survey is the first Australian study to explore women's experience of maintaining breastfeeding after return to work, in all work sectors. Results revealed variations across work sectors reflected in worker autonomy and confidence in speaking up about breastfeeding rights. Women who had autonomy or flexibility in planning their workday were more likely to be confident in maintaining breastmilk supply. The main predictors for milk supply confidence and meeting personal breastfeeding goals included having: a suitable place to express milk; confidence in speaking out about rights; a formal return-to-work plan; a supportive workplace; and returning to work after the period of exclusive breastfeeding. This study reveals that supportive workplace environments can lead to increased confidence in maintaining milk supply, extending durations of breastfeeding. Women who are confident in their rights to express breastmilk, or breastfeed at work, are more likely to meet their own breastfeeding goals. Education, and awareness raising, on the rights of breastfeeding women in the workplace, is a gender equity imperative that can improve experiences for breastfeeding women, and, increase manager and co-worker knowledge for creating enabling workplace environments for breastfeeding employees., (© 2023 The Authors. Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction and Aims: Rules concerning the placement of alcohol advertisements (Placement Rules) were added to the industry-managed Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme in November 2017. This study aimed to critically review the Placement Rules and evaluate their ability to effectively regulate the placement of alcohol marketing and provide safeguards for young people in Australia., Design and Methods: An established framework for evaluating the design of an effective self-regulatory system was applied to the substantive content of the Placement Rules and associated regulatory processes. Publicly available documents, including recent Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme determinations, informed the review., Results: The objectives and key terms of the Placement Rules are inadequately defined and narrow in scope, resulting in the dismissal of almost all relevant complaints. Weaknesses identified in the regulatory processes include limited representation from external stakeholders in the development of the Placement Rules, a lack of transparency and independence in the Scheme's administration, and limited monitoring and enforcement options., Discussion and Conclusions: The Placement Rules are unlikely to reduce young people's exposure to alcohol marketing and hence fail to meet public health objectives. This review adds to the body of literature that demonstrates that industry-managed systems fail to effectively regulate alcohol marketing. Government intervention is needed if young people's wellbeing is to be prioritised., (© 2018 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.)

Introduction and Aims: In Australia, most alcohol is sold as packaged liquor from off-premises retailers, a market increasingly dominated by supermarket chains. Competition between retailers may encourage marketing approaches, for example, discounting, that evidence indicates contribute to alcohol-related harms. This research documented the nature and variety of promotional methods used by two major supermarket retailers to promote alcohol products in their supermarket catalogues., Design and Methods: Weekly catalogues from the two largest Australian supermarket chains were reviewed for alcohol-related content over 12 months. Alcohol promotions were assessed for promotion type, product type, number of standard drinks, purchase price and price/standard drink., Results: Each store catalogue included, on average, 13 alcohol promotions/week, with price-based promotions most common. Forty-five percent of promotions required the purchase of multiple alcohol items. Wine was the most frequently promoted product (44%), followed by beer (24%) and spirits (18%). Most (99%) wine cask (2-5 L container) promotions required multiple (two to three) casks to be purchased. The average number of standard drinks required to be purchased to participate in catalogue promotions was 31.7 (SD = 24.9; median = 23.1). The median price per standard drink was $1.49 (range $0.19-$9.81). Cask wines had the lowest cost per standard drink across all product types., Discussion and Conclusions: Supermarket catalogues' emphasis on low prices/high volumes of alcohol reflects that retailers are taking advantage of limited restrictions on off-premise sales and promotion, which allow them to approach market competition in ways that may increase alcohol-related harms in consumers. Regulation of alcohol marketing should address retailer catalogue promotions. [Johnston R, Stafford J, Pierce H, Daube M. Alcohol promotions in Australian supermarket catalogues. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:456-463]., (© 2016 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.)