Protein characterisation of Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul latex and study of nanostructured latex film formation.

Brosimum gaudichaudii Tréc. (Moraceae) is a common Brazilian Cerrado plant known by its pharmaceutical industry relevance. The authors investigated the latex protein components and potential biotechnological applications. Some protein fragments had their sequences elucidated, presenting similarities to jacalin and Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors. Amino acid residue modifications were found, such as glutamine N-terminal residue cyclisation into pyroglutamic acid residue, and mass differences corresponding to hexoses and N-acetylhexosamine presence. The latex was used to produce a nanoscale structured film, which presented an increased attraction and reduced adhesion behaviours. The film presented high homogeneity, as observed by low nanoroughness values, probably because of its intrinsic components, such as the jacalin-like protein that has known agglutination properties. The immobilised Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor presence in the latex film allow us to point out to applications related to this inhibition, as in active food packaging, since these peptidase inhibitors are able to inhibit pests and microorganism proliferation.

Coping and regulating emotions: a pilot study of a modified dialectical behavior therapy group delivered in a college counseling service.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of a pilot program, aimed at treating college students with borderline personality disorder (BPD) using short-term, modified group dialectical behavior therapy at an Australian college counseling service (CCS). PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen enrolled college students aged between 18 and 28 (76.5% female), with a diagnosis of BPD completed the program between November 2009 and November 2010. METHODS: Participants attended 8 2-hour group therapy sessions, held at the CCS during semester. Participants were assessed for levels of depression, anxiety, BPD traits, and coping strategies, at commencement and completion of the program. RESULTS: There was a reduction in symptoms of depression and BPD traits, and an increase in adaptive coping skills, including problem solving, and constructive self-talk. There was no reduction in anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate promise for short-term treatment of college students with BPD. Implications and limitations are discussed, with emphasis on replication with a control group.

Staff characteristics and attitudes towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: The identification of individual staff characteristics that have a relationship with specific attitudes of staff caring for people with intellectual disability (ID) may enable targeted training and better support. METHOD: Sixty-six participants from services for people with ID in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, completed a survey, including the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire (Individuals with an Intellectual Disability; Cuskelly & Gilmore, 2007). RESULTS: Staff attitudes towards the sexuality of people with ID were quite positive. Age, program agency position, and training uptake were all associated with positive staff attitudes. CONCLUSION: Targeted training programs in sexuality can benefit direct care workers in general, and older staff more specifically. Emphasis is warranted in the area of training for managing male sexual behaviours.