scholarly journals Stress-induced alterations of social behavior are reversible by antagonism of steroid hormones in C57/BL6 mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 394 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
Benedikt Andreas Gasser ◽  
Johann Kurz ◽  
Walter Senn ◽  
Genevieve Escher ◽  
Markus Georg Mohaupt
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Cyproterone Acetate ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stress Induction ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Swim Test ◽  
Best Response ◽  
Potassium Canrenoate ◽  
Hormone Antagonists

AbstractVarious disturbances of social behavior, such as autism, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder, have been associated with an altered steroid hormone homeostasis and a dysregulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. A link between steroid hormone antagonists and the treatment of stress-related conditions has been suggested. We evaluated the effects of stress induction on social behavior in the three chambers and its potential reversibility upon specific steroid hormone antagonism in mice. C57BL/6 mice were stressed twice daily for 8 days by chronic swim testing. Social behavior was evaluated by measuring, first, the preference for sociability and, second, the preference for social novelty in the three-chamber approach before and after the chronic swim test. The reversibility of behavior upon stress induction was analyzed after applying steroid hormone antagonists targeting glucocorticoids with etomidate, mineralocorticoids with potassium canrenoate, and androgens with cyproterone acetate and metformin. In the chronic swim test, increased floating time from 0.8 ± 0.2 min up to 4.8 ± 0.25 min was detected (p < 0.01). In the three-chamber approach, increased preference for sociability and decreased preference for social novelty was detected pre- versus post-stress induction. These alterations of social behavior were barely affected by etomidate and potassium canrenoate, whereas the two androgen antagonists metformin and cyproterone acetate restored social behavior even beyond baseline conditions. The alteration of social behavior was better reversed by the androgen as compared with the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid antagonists. This suggests that social behavior is primarily controlled by androgen rather than by glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid action. The stress-induced changes in preference for sociability are incompletely explained by steroid hormone action alone. As the best response was related to metformin, an effect via glucose levels might confound the results and should be subject to future research.

scholarly journals How Narcissism Shapes Responses to Antisocial and Prosocial Behavior: Hypo-Responsiveness or Hyper-Responsiveness?

2021 ◽  
pp. 014616722110072
Author(s):  
Jiafang Chen ◽  
Barbara Nevicka ◽  
Astrid C. Homan ◽  
Gerben A. van Kleef
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Social Behaviors ◽  
Moral Character ◽  
Prosocial Behaviors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Reward And Punishment

Narcissists have a relatively higher proclivity for displaying antisocial rather than prosocial behaviors, suggesting a comparatively higher tendency for unfavorably impacting societies. However, maintenance of social order also depends on appropriate responses to others’ social behavior. Once we focus on narcissists as observers rather than actors, their impact on social functioning becomes less clear-cut. Theoretical arguments suggest that narcissists could be either hypo-responsive or hyper-responsive to others’ social behavior. Across four studies, we examined narcissists’ responsiveness to variations in others’ antisocial and prosocial behaviors. Results showed that narcissists differentiated less between others’ antisociality/prosociality, as reflected in their subsequent moral character evaluations (Studies 1–4) and reward and punishment (Studies 3 and 4). These results suggest that narcissists are hypo-responsive to others’ social behaviors. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

A Comparison Between Self-Reported and Investigator-Measured Cardiovascular Risk-Related Biometric Numbers

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110135
Author(s):  
Sohye Lee ◽  
Catherine Pantik ◽  
Sree Duggirala ◽  
Ruth Lindquist
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Personal Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cardiovascular Risks ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Glucose Levels

The purpose of this study was to examine individuals’ knowledge of cardiovascular risk-related biometric numbers and to compare self-reported and investigator-measured numbers in a convenience sample of adults in the Midwest region. Sociodemographic data and personal knowledge of cardiovascular risk-related biometric numbers were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Investigators conducted health assessments to obtain biometric numbers. Among the 224 participants, participants’ reported knowledge about their cardiovascular risk-related biometric numbers was low, especially for high-density lipoprotein and fasting blood glucose levels. Participants’ knowledge was associated with education level and the recency of their last healthcare visit for health assessment. We found statistically significant mean differences between self-reported and investigator-measured blood pressure, and weight. This study found that there were discrepancies between self-reported and investigator-measured cardiovascular risk-related numbers. Future research is needed to develop educational interventions to improve personal knowledge of cardiovascular risks.

scholarly journals Role of Insulin in Health and Disease: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6403
Author(s):  
Md Saidur Rahman ◽  
Khandkar Shaharina Hossain ◽  
Sharnali Das ◽  
Sushmita Kundu ◽  
Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health And Disease

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone mainly secreted by β cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. The hormone potentially coordinates with glucagon to modulate blood glucose levels; insulin acts via an anabolic pathway, while glucagon performs catabolic functions. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream and induces glucose storage in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue, resulting in overall weight gain. The modulation of a wide range of physiological processes by insulin makes its synthesis and levels critical in the onset and progression of several chronic diseases. Although clinical and basic research has made significant progress in understanding the role of insulin in several pathophysiological processes, many aspects of these functions have yet to be elucidated. This review provides an update on insulin secretion and regulation, and its physiological roles and functions in different organs and cells, and implications to overall health. We cast light on recent advances in insulin-signaling targeted therapies, the protective effects of insulin signaling activators against disease, and recommendations and directions for future research.

scholarly journals Continuous Glucose Monitoring Profiles in Healthy Nondiabetic Participants: A Multicenter Prospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (10) ◽  
pp. 4356-4364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viral N Shah ◽  
Stephanie N DuBose ◽  
Zoey Li ◽  
Roy W Beck ◽  
Anne L Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Continuous Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Sensor Glucose ◽  
Multicenter Prospective Study ◽  
Average Glucose

Abstract Context Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasing for insulin-requiring patients with diabetes. Although data on glycemic profiles of healthy, nondiabetic individuals exist for older sensors, assessment of glycemic metrics with new-generation CGM devices is lacking. Objective To establish reference sensor glucose ranges in healthy, nondiabetic individuals across different age groups using a current generation CGM sensor. Design Multicenter, prospective study. Setting Twelve centers within the T1D Exchange Clinic Network. Patients or Participants Nonpregnant, healthy, nondiabetic children and adults (age ≥6 years) with nonobese body mass index. Intervention Each participant wore a blinded Dexcom G6 CGM, with once-daily calibration, for up to 10 days. Main Outcome Measures CGM metrics of mean glucose, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and glycemic variability. Results A total of 153 participants (age 7 to 80 years) were included in the analyses. Mean average glucose was 98 to 99 mg/dL (5.4 to 5.5 mmol/L) for all age groups except those over 60 years, in whom mean average glucose was 104 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L). The median time between 70 to 140 mg/dL (3.9 to 7.8 mmol/L) was 96% (interquartile range, 93 to 98). Mean within-individual coefficient of variation was 17 ± 3%. Median time spent with glucose levels &gt;140 mg/dL was 2.1% (30 min/d), and median time spent with glucose levels &lt;70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) was 1.1% (15 min/d). Conclusion By assessing across age groups in a healthy, nondiabetic population, normative sensor glucose data have been derived and will be useful as a benchmark for future research studies.

scholarly journals An Acute Comparison of the Change of Serum Lipids, Glucose, and hs-CRP levels After Consumption of a Beef Burger Versus a Vegetarian Burger in Healthy Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Tania Simone Barros ◽  
Maple Schompoopong ◽  
Shih-Ying Wu ◽  
Cindy Kosch ◽  
Gurinder Bains ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Beef Burger ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives A strong positive association exists between the consumption of fast food and risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some individuals seek more healthful food alternatives, which include vegetarian products. The fast food industry is investing in more plant-based products. The objective of this study is to compare the change in blood biomarkers (lipids, glucose and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels) after consumption of a beef burger versus a vegetarian burger. Methods Thirty-five healthy adults (22 females, 13 males), with mean age 28.5 ± 6.1 and mean Body Mass Index 24.4 kg/m² ± 3.5 completed a double blind, randomized, crossover study. After an eight-hour fast, they were randomly assigned to eat either a beef or vegetarian (Impossible) burger. One week later, the burgers were switched. The biomarkers were measured while fasting, and at 30, 60, and 120 min post-burger consumption. Results Linear mixed model was used for data fitting to assess the effect of adjusted covariates on selected nutrients. Blood triglyceride levels significantly increased from baseline over time after consumption of each type of burger (p ˂ 0.001). Consumption of the vegetarian burger showed significantly faster increase in triglycerides compared to the beef burger (p ˂ 0.001). At 120 min, there was no significant difference in the levels. Low-density lipoproteins significantly decreased over time following both types of burgers (p ˂ 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two burgers. Glucose levels showed significant changes over time for both groups (p ˂ 0.001). There was a significantly (p ˂ 0.004) greater change (initial increase, then decrease) in glucose levels after the vegetarian compared to the beef burger. Glucose levels peaked at 30 min, returning to baseline at 120 min for both groups. There was no significant difference in total cholesterol (p = 0.62), high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.81), or hs-CRP (p = 0.58) within or between groups. Conclusions Contrary to popular thought, consumption of beef and vegetarian burgers produces similar changes in acute blood biomarkers. Future research is warranted. Funding Sources This study was supported by Loma Linda University.

Why Do Narcissists Care So Much About Intelligence?

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Zajenkowski ◽  
Michael Dufner
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Grandiose Narcissism ◽  
Important Resource ◽  
High Intelligence

Grandiose narcissists typically pursue agentic goals, such as social status, competence, and autonomy. We argue that because high intelligence is a key asset for the attainment of such agentic goals, the concept of intelligence should play a prominent role in grandiose narcissists’ self-regulation and social behavior. We review the relevant literature and report evidence in support of this claim. Grandiose narcissists consider intelligence to be an important resource that leads to benefits across life domains, they tend to maintain and defend illusory positive intellectual self-views, and they are extremely motivated to appear intelligent to other people. Thus, even though grandiose narcissism is essentially unrelated to objectively assessed intelligence, intelligence nevertheless plays an important role in the way grandiose narcissists think, feel, and behave. We discuss potential implications for social relationships and point toward avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Immunosuppressive Therapy in Treatment of Refractory Hypoglycemia in Type B Insulin Resistance: A Case Report

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 1435-1439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Viswanathan ◽  
Imali Sirisena
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
African American ◽  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
American Woman ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Type B ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Receptor Antibodies

Abstract Type B insulin resistance is a rare syndrome characterized by fluctuating glucose levels (ranging from hyperglycemia with extreme insulin resistance to intractable hypoglycemia without exogenous insulin administration), high serum insulin levels, and insulin receptor autoantibodies. Most cases occur in the African American population in association with other underlying autoimmune systemic diseases. Treatments with high-dose steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasmapheresis have been used, with variable outcomes, in patients without spontaneous remission. We report the case of a 60-year-old African American woman with history of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with extreme fluctuations in glucose levels, ranging from severe hyperglycemia to refractory hypoglycemia, with high serum concentration of insulin in both phases. Her presentation and phenotype were very similar to those seen in known cases of type B insulin resistance associated with insulin receptor antibodies. Treatment in other reported cases used a combination of high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants. We tried high-dose steroids, azathioprine, and intravenous immunoglobulins, which resulted in improvement and barely detectable insulin receptor antibody. We present a case of type B insulin resistance with abnormally low titers of insulin receptor antibodies despite a typical clinical course and response. Future research is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment in this rare disease.

scholarly journals Unconscious influences on decision making: A critical review

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben R. Newell ◽  
David R. Shanks
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Economics ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cognitive Unconscious

AbstractTo what extent do we know our own minds when making decisions? Variants of this question have preoccupied researchers in a wide range of domains, from mainstream experimental psychology (cognition, perception, social behavior) to cognitive neuroscience and behavioral economics. A pervasive view places a heavy explanatory burden on an intelligent cognitive unconscious, with many theories assigning causally effective roles to unconscious influences. This article presents a novel framework for evaluating these claims and reviews evidence from three major bodies of research in which unconscious factors have been studied: multiple-cue judgment, deliberation without attention, and decisions under uncertainty. Studies of priming (subliminal and primes-to-behavior) and the role of awareness in movement and perception (e.g., timing of willed actions, blindsight) are also given brief consideration. The review highlights that inadequate procedures for assessing awareness, failures to consider artifactual explanations of “landmark” results, and a tendency to uncritically accept conclusions that fit with our intuitions have all contributed to unconscious influences being ascribed inflated and erroneous explanatory power in theories of decision making. The review concludes by recommending that future research should focus on tasks in which participants' attention is diverted away from the experimenter's hypothesis, rather than the highly reflective tasks that are currently often employed.

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