Autobiographical memory narratives in psychotherapy: A coding system applied to the case of Cynthia

Recent cognitive and psychodynamic oriented therapies have converged on the powerful role that narrative processing plays in psychotherapy. Although previous coding systems have examined specific aspects of memory narratives, there are no comprehensive methods for coding segments of clinical evaluations or psychotherapy sessions that zero in on the unit of a briefly recounted autobiographical memory narrative. The present single case study aims to introduce and to demonstrate the Coding System for Autobiographical Memory Narratives in Psychotherapy (CS-AMNP; Singer & Bonalume, 2008) with a young female client whom we call Cynthia. We applied this autobiographical memory narrative approach to the diagnostic interview of Cynthia in evaluation for psychotherapy and compared predictions based on its results to the clinician’s report of Cynthia\u27s actual therapeutic outcome. This study demonstrates the utility of the coding system for personality assessment and case conceptualization in the service of ongoing treatment. In addition, implications of this coding system for future research, clinical practice, and training are discussed

Genomic and Non-genomic Action of Neurosteroids in the Peripheral Nervous System

Since the former evidence of biologic actions of neurosteroids in the central nervous system, also the peripheral nervous system (PNS) was reported as a structure affected by these substances. Indeed, neurosteroids are synthesized and active in the PNS, exerting many important actions on the different cell types of this system. PNS is a target for neurosteroids, in their native form or as metabolites. In particular, old and recent evidence indicates that the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone possesses important functions in the PNS, thus contributing to its physiologic processes. In this review, we will survey the more recent findings on the genomic and non-genomic actions of neurosteroids in nerves, ganglia, and cells forming the PNS, focusing on the mechanisms regulating the peripheral neuron-glial crosstalk. Then, we will refer to the physiopathological significance of the neurosteroid signaling disturbances in the PNS, in to identify new molecular targets for promising pharmacotherapeutic approaches

Cultural Adaptation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale: Reliability and Validity of an Italian Version

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of an Italian version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004). Method Three studies were completed. First, factorial structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of our Italian version of the DERS were examined with a sample of 323 students (77% female; mean age 25.6). Second, test-retest analyses were completed using a different sample of 61 students (80% female; mean age 24.7). Third, the scores produced by a small clinical sample of participants (N = 38; mean age = 24.2) affected by anorexia, binge eating disorder, or bulimia were compared to those of an age-matched, nonclinical female sample (N = 38; mean age = 24.7). Results The factorial structure replicated quite well the six-factor structure proposed by Gratz and Roemer. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were adequate and comparable to previous findings. The validity was good, as indicated by both the concurrent validity analysis and the clinical-nonclinical sample comparison. Conclusions These studies provide further support for the multidimensional model of emotion regulation postulated by Gratz and Roemer and strengthen the rationale for cross-cultural utilization of the DERS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 00:1-20, 2012

Regulation of Schwann cells oncotransformation by changes in Nf2/merlin expression, Hippo/YAP signaling and DNA methylation

Schwann cell (SC) express the Neurofibromin type 2 gene (Nf2), encoding the tumor suppressor protein merlin, a cytoskeleton-associated protein regulating cell proliferation and survival. Nf2/merlin inactivation causes protein loss and leads to SC transformation into a form of benign tumor called schwannoma. Moreover, Nf2/merlin is mutated in an autosomal dominant multiple syndrome, called neurofibromatosis type 2. In line with observation that physio/mechanical cues, such as environmental challenges, may be pathogenetically relevant for SC oncotransformation, we recently showed that the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) causes changes in SC Nf2/merlin expression, cell migration, chemotactic responsivity and cytoskeleton reorganization. We showed a downstream MAPK/Erk activation, involved in SC proliferation, as well as activation of Hippo/YAP signalling commonly altered during tumorigenesis. We also showed that some genes, known to be upstream or downstream mediators of Hippo (Amotl2, Dchs, Fat, Wnt1) were changed. Further studies on rat SC oncotransformation following acute EMF exposure (0.1 T, 50 Hz, 10 min) demonstrated that the number of cells in G1 phase was increased. Focus forming analysis, after repeated exposures, showed an increase in 3D SC growth. EMF affects also the SC epigenome, as total DNA methylation, de novo DNMT and HDAC were reduced. Furthermore, RT2-profile assay evidenced that genes crucial for SCs are upregulated in EMF exposed cells. Overall, we identified some mechanisms responsible of environmental-induced SC changes toward a proliferative/migrating state, which may be pathologically relevant for nerve tumor development

toward the scientific study of autobiographical memory narratives in psychotherapy

 In responding to Adler (2010) and Moertl, Boritz, Bryntwick, and Angus (2010), we elaborate three areas of discussion: (1) Defining the autobiographical memory narrative unit; (2) Clarifications regarding our approach to coding narrative memories; and (3) Potential future research.  Our response highlights the importance of a coding system specific to long-term narrative memories, the need to distinguish clearly what is meant by narrative memory, and the value of creating a bridge between the study of narrative memory in psychotherapy and research in cognitive science and personality psychology.    Â

GESTÃO DA POLÍTICA INTERSETORIAL:CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO PELC

CARDERNOS INTERATIVOS - REDE CEDESApesar de suas experiências recentes na realidade brasileira, a gestão de uma política intersetorial não apenas é um desafio para o Programa Esporte e Lazer da Cidade (PELC), como também se constitui em princípio norteador e articulador de suas ações, com fins à sua qualificação e sustentabilidade. Este é um dos ideais das políticas brasileiras de Esporte e de Educação que mobiliza ações diversificadas, ricas e, ao mesmo tempo, complexas, exigindo clareza e articulação de conceitos, princípios, objetivos e metas dos parceiros implicados. Por esses motivos, o presente caderno se propõe a apresentar os conceitos e eixos estruturantes do programa em pauta, seus modos operantes e formas de participação e implementação, reunindo dados fundamentais para o diálogo e a elaboração/execução/avaliação da gestão intersetorial de suas ações. A proposta de intersetorialidade sugerida sinaliza para caminhos, saberes e alternativas que podem contribuir para superar dificuldades e otimizar possibilidades neste tipo de gestão. E nos alerta para a necessidade da permanente ação-reflexão-ação nesta experiência, fundamentando a formação continuada dos atores sociais envolvidos. Assim, este caderno se constitui em um guia para gestores, educadores e agentes sociais concretizarem suas intenções, com potencial para contribuir com tomadas de decisões necessárias à gestão intersetorial de seus programas e práticas educativas que implicam nisso. Trata-se, pois, de um material de valor e utilidade político-pedagógica que nos orienta e encoraja ao debate de ideias, ações e conquistas intersetoriais.MINISTÉRIO DO ESPORT

Juvenile incarceration: The historical legacy of selectivity and criminalization of poverty

This article discusses the issue of juvenile incarceration and how violence is present in the daily life of this population. The reflections are based on the recognition of the selectivity of justice in a society deeply marked by the inequality of gender, social class, and ethnicity. The discussions are carried out with the intention to provide the context of the social aspect, its expressions, and the way the state has historically addressed the issue – with coercion and consensus – revealing how the confrontation of this reality has roots in an unequal society supporting a notion of criminalization of poverty

Association between mistreatment of women during childbirth and symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression

Background: Postpartum depression is a common condition in the pregnancy and postpartum cycle. The development of this condition is multifactorial and can be influenced by previous traumas. This study sought to verify whether there is an association between having been exposed to mistreatment during childbirth and presenting symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with the inclusion of 287 women without complications in childbirth, randomly selected from two maternity hospitals of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, in 2016. Four weeks after delivery, the postpartum women answered a face-to-face interview about socioeconomic aspects, obstetric history, health history, and childbirth experience (practices and interventions applied) and completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). From the perception of women regarding the practices performed in the context of childbirth care, a composite variable was created, using item response theory, to measure the level of mistreatment during childbirth. The items that made up this variable were: absence of a companion during delivery, feeling insecure and not welcome, lack of privacy, lack of skin-to-skin contact after delivery, not having understood the information shared with them, and not having felt comfortable to ask questions and make decisions about their care. To define symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression, reflecting on increased probability of this condition, the EPDS score was set at ≥ 8. Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation was used for modeling. Results: Women who experienced mistreatment during childbirth had a higher prevalence of symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression (PR 1.55 95% CI 1.07–2.25), as well as those with a history of mental health problems (PR 1.69 95% CI 1.16–2.47), while higher socioeconomic status (A and B) had an inverse association (PR 0.53 95% CI 0.33–0.83). Conclusions: Symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression seem to be more prevalent in women who have suffered mistreatment during childbirth, of low socioeconomic status, and with a history of mental health problems. Thus, qualifying care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum and reducing social inequalities are challenges to be faced in order to eliminate mistreatment during childbirth and reduce the occurrence of postpartum depression

Il ruolo del'ingegneria nella valorizzazione dei prodotti tipici montani

Il presente lavoro si inserisce nell'ambito del progetto "Metodi e sistemi per aumentare il valore aggiunto degli alimenti tradizionali ed a vocazione territoriale" il cui obiettivo è mettere a punto metodi, strumenti e tecnologie per il recupero e la valorizzazione di produzioni tradizionali di aree geografiche sensibili dal punto di vista socio-ambientale, quali le aree montante, al fine di promuoverne lo sviluppo. Lo studio si è articolato in 3 fasi: - definizione della metodologia; - caratterizzazione e analisi del territorio e delle realtà produttive; - ottimizzazione delle produzioni e strategie di sviluppo territoriale. Sono state individuate 5 filiere produttive costituite principalmente da micro-realtà artigianali e di ciascuna sono stati analizzati gli ambiti produttivo, tecnologico, organizzativo e gestionale. L'analisi, oltre a fotografare la situazione attuale, ha evidenziato le criticità igienico-sanitarie delle produzioni alimentati e della sicurezza e benessere degli operatori. In sintesi, i principali obiettivi raggiunti sono stati: - ottimizzazione dell'attuale produzione e messa a punto di linee produttive alternative; - individuazione dell'attuale produzione e messa a punto di linee produttive alternative; - individuazione degli elementi peculiari delle filiere al fine di proporre disciplinari di produzione; - ottimizzazione meccanico-impiantistica dell'efficienza, produttività, sicurezza e benessere degli operatori; - proposta di nuove tipologie di macchine e impianti dedicati; - sostenbilità del processo produttivo atraverso l'utilizzo di fonti energetiche alternative; - recupero e potenziamento delle infrastrutture presenti sul territorio per migliorare la logistica degli approvvigionamenti e della commercializzazione dei prodotti e l'accessibilità al territorio; - definizione di nuovi criteri progettuali delle strutture produttive e di layout innovativi; - messa a punto di sistemi di controllo al fine di garantire la qualità del prodotto. In conclusione la metodologia si è rivelata adeguata nell'analizzare in modo sistematico le filiere, individuandone i limiti. Inoltre ha permesso di suggerire tecnologie e strategie valide per la gestione del passaggio da attività amatoriale ad attività imprenditoriale