Stress and coping patterns of participants and non-participants in self-help groups for parents of the mentally ill

The authors examined differences in stress and coping patterns as well as in situationally-related variables between participants and non-participants in self-help groups for parents of the mentally ill in Israel. Participants, who were higher on socio-economic status indicators, reported coping patterns that tended to be both more active and interactive. They also reported greater concerns around psycho-social issues than non-participants. The authors discuss the possible interrelationships among these findings.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44305/1/10597_2004_Article_BF00752453.pd

Increased reactivity of mouse spleen cells sensitized in vitro against syngeneic tumor cells in the presence of a thymic humoral factor.

Unprimed mouse spleen cells cultured in vitro on syngeneic tumor cell monolayers have been previously shown to become specifically sensitized and to mediate cytotoxicity against the same type of tumor cells. This complete in vitro system of cell-mediated response has been presently used to test the effect of a thymic humoral factor (THF) upon the differentiation process leading to the generation of specifically committed lymphocytes. Culture media were supplemented with 2% THF during either the sensitization or effector phase, or both phases of the reaction. Whereas the addition of THF during both phases or during sensitization only resulted in a significant increase in the cytotoxicity index, THF added during the effector phase was ineffective. The behavior of unsensitized spleen cells and of spleen cells sensitized against nonrelated transplantation antigens remained unmodified by THF. After showing that the entire reaction is mediated by lymphocytes of thymic origin, THF was directly tested on T or B spleen cells. It was found that only T cells reacted to THF by an increased cytotoxic capacity, while B cells remained inactive after addition of THF. It was therefore concluded that THF activates a postthymic population of lymphoid cells, transforming them into fully competent lymphocytes