Cationic disulfide-functionalized worm gels.

The recent development of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has facilitated the rational synthesis of a range of diblock copolymer worms, which hitherto could only be prepared via traditional post-polymerization processing in dilute solution. Herein we explore a new synthetic route to aqueous dispersions of cationic disulfide-functionalized worm gels. This is achieved via the PISA synthesis of poly[(glycerol monomethacrylate-stat-glycidyl methacrylate)]-block-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (P(GMA-stat-GlyMA)-PHPMA) block copolymer worms via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of HPMA. A water-soluble reagent, cystamine, is then reacted with the pendent epoxy groups located within the P(GMA-stat-GlyMA) stabilizer chains to introduce disulfide functionality, while simultaneously conferring cationic character via formation of secondary amine groups. Moreover, systematic variation of the cystamine/epoxy molar ratio enables either chemically cross-linked worm gels or physical (linear) primary amine-functionalized disulfide-based worm gels to be obtained. These new worm gels were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, aqueous electrophoresis and rheology. In principle, such hydrogels may offer enhanced mucoadhesive properties.

Differential efficiency of expression of humanized antibodies in transient transfected mammalian cells.

Transient transfections are commonly used in the preliminary assessment of comparative levels of expression, biologic activity, and affinity of recombinant antibody molecules, but apparent expression levels can vary up to 200-fold. We have compared the expression levels of various humanized antibodies and "mixed and matched" heavy and light chains in transiently transfected CHO cells using replicate, small-scale transfections within single or replicate experiments to control for variation in transfection efficiency. We have found that each antibody is expressed with a characteristic efficiency, determined by a combination of factors including the level of light-chain synthesis, heavy- and light-chain "compatibility," and CDR/framework interactions to provide a compact Fv module.

Two group therapy models for clients with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and personality disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The relative effectiveness of two types of group therapy-the disease-and-recovery model and the cognitive-behavioral model-was examined in a public inpatient and outpatient setting with consumers who had a dual diagnosis of a personality disorder and a substance use disorder. Outcomes in four areas of problem severity were measured: alcohol use, drug use, social and family relations, and psychological functioning. METHODS: Using a quasiexperimental group design, 19 subjects in an inpatient mental health facility and 19 in a public outpatient facility were randomly assigned to the two experimental groups. The groups met three times a week for 12 weeks, and specific group leadership protocols were used. A third group at each setting received usual group treatment. Diagnoses of all subjects were verified using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. The Addiction Severity Index measured changes in problem severity. RESULTS: In the inpatient setting, subjects in both experimental groups had significantly improved social and family relations compared with the usual-treatment group; no posttest changes in the other three areas were noted. In the outpatient setting, cognitive-behavioral group therapy was significantly more effective than the other two group approaches in reducing alcohol use, improving social and family relations, and enhancing psychological functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the severity of mental health consumers' substance abuse problems can be substantially decreased in several areas in an outpatient public setting. In an inpatient setting, the use of either group therapy model was more effective in reducing problem severity than using no specific model.

Supports for community-based mental health care: an optimistic review of federal legislation.

For the past 50 years, federal legislation has been a key force in shaping the delivery of public mental health services. This article describes and summarizes recent relevant federal legislative initiatives and analyzes their potential in providing support, either explicit or implicit, for community-based mental health care for adults in the United States. These legislative mandates and options can be a source of optimism and ammunition for advocates and change agents as they continue to work vigorously to improve the mental health services system.

The vulnerability-stress model of schizophrenia: advances in psychosocial treatment.

Vulnerability models of schizophrenia are reviewed, along with psychosocial rehabilitation methods addressing functional abilities and social competence. Their relationship is discussed with a view to developing a framework in which biological and psychosocial approaches to schizophrenia can be integrated for purposes of effective clinical intervention. Such intervention is designed to improve social competence, cognitive appraisal, and coping skills for mediation of stress in vulnerable individuals.