Coping with infertility: a body-mind group intervention programme for infertile couples

BACKGROUND: The recognition of the distressing character of infertility diagnosis and treatment has led to the development of several psychosocial interventions for infertile couples. At the Leuven University Fertility Centre, a body-mind marital group intervention was developed to help infertile couples cope with the distress related to infertility. METHODS AND RESULTS: This treatment programme was originally adapted from a mind-body approach, but integrated concepts and techniques from body-oriented therapy, art therapy and multi-family group therapy. In this paper, the therapeutic foundations, treatment goals and practical implications of the mind-body marital group intervention are outlined. Further, the treatment procedure is explained in detail and illustrated by clinical vignettes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the first clinical impressions about the usefulness of the body-mind group programme in fertility clinics seem promising, further research is needed to assess its effectivenes

Mouse SLX4 Is a Tumor Suppressor that Stimulates the Activity of the Nuclease XPF-ERCC1 in DNA Crosslink Repair

SLX4 binds to three nucleases (XPF-ERCC1, MUS81-EME1, and SLX1), and its deficiency leads to genomic instability, sensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents, and Fanconi anemia. However, it is not understood how SLX4 and its associated nucleases act in DNA crosslink repair. Here, we uncover consequences of mouse Slx4 deficiency and reveal its function in DNA crosslink repair. Slx4-deficient mice develop epithelial cancers and have a contracted hematopoietic stem cell pool. The N-terminal domain of SLX4 (mini-SLX4) that only binds to XPF-ERCC1 is sufficient to confer resistance to DNA crosslinking agents. Recombinant mini-SLX4 enhances XPF-ERCC1 nuclease activity up to 100-fold, directing specificity toward DNA forks. Mini-SLX4-XPF-ERCC1 also vigorously stimulates dual incisions around a DNA crosslink embedded in a synthetic replication fork, an essential step in the repair of this lesion. These observations define vertebrate SLX4 as a tumor suppressor, which activates XPF-ERCC1 nuclease specificity in DNA crosslink repairope

The prevalence and intensity of late effects in patients with testicular germ cell tumors: A first step of instrument development using a stepwise approach

Purpose: Patients with Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT) may suffer from several late effects due to their diagnosis or treatment. Follow-up care aims to identify the recurrence of cancer and support patients with TGCT in their experienced late effects. In the Netherlands, the validated Dutch version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) is used to assess and monitor patient reported symptoms. As a first step to develop a specific USD module for TGCT-patients, it was necessary to identify the prevalence and intensity of late effects in patients with TGCT, covering the physical, social, psychical and existential domains of care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. First, literature was systematically assessed to create a comprehensive list of symptoms. This generated list was reviewed by expert healthcare professionals and the research group. Lastly, a survey was distributed amongst patients with TGCT in follow-up care in the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) outpatient clinic. Results: In total, 65 TGCT-patients completed the survey. All described late effects were recognized by TGCT-patients, with ‘fatigue’, ‘disturbed overall well-being’, ‘concentration problems’ and ‘neuropathy’, indicated as most prevalent and scored with highest intensity. When prioritizing these late effects, patients assigned ‘neuropathy’ as most important. Conclusions: This study provided insight into prevalence and intensity of late effects, as indicated by TGCT-patients. In clinical practice, follow-up care can improve by empowering patients to discuss important items in daily life with their health-care professionals

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Non-Heterosexuals: Prevalence and Associations With Mental and Sexual Well-Being

This study focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) among non-heterosexuals in Flanders. Prevalence rates were explored and compared with heterosexual IPV using a first representative sample consisting of 1690 heterosexuals and non-heterosexual individuals. A second convenience sample consisting of 2401 non-heterosexual individuals was used to determine differences between women and men and to explore associations between IPV and victims' well-being. Physical and psychological IPV inflicted by the current/former partner were reported by 14.5 and 57.9 % of the non-heterosexuals, respectively. Non-heterosexuals and heterosexuals were equally likely to report physical and psychological IPV. Furthermore, non-heterosexual women and men reported similar physical, sexual, and psychological IPV. However, female victims experienced more frequent acts of psychological IPV. IPV was negatively associated with victims' well-being