Sensitivity to punishment, sensitivity to reward and self-consciousness as predictors of the referential thinking

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1213-1213
Author(s):  
M.C. Senín-Calderón ◽  
J.F. Rodríguez-Testal ◽  
E. Fernández-Jiménez ◽  
M. Valdés-Diaz ◽  
M.D.M. Benítez-Hernández ◽  
...  

AntecedentsIn previous works, referential thinking was predicted by clinical and dispositional variables such as social anxiety or vulnerability to depression (Rodríguez-Testal, Senín-Calderón & Fernández-Jiménez, submitted to revision).Objectives and hypothesesWe propose to find personality variables to characterize the emergence of referential thinking. We predict a greater referential thinking in subjects with a high sensitivity to punishment and higher scores on social anxiety.MethodsParticipants: 366 subjects selected from the general population, 66.6% women, mean age = 33.18 (SD = 12.79).MaterialsWe used the REF-scale (Lenzenweger et al., 1997) adapted to Spanish language, GHQ-28 (Goldberg, 1996), SPSRQ (Torrubia et al., 2001) and The Revised Self-Consciousness Scale (Scheier & Carver, 1985).It was applied a cross-sectional design and a correlation method. All the analysis were accepted at p < .05.ResultsThe multiple linear regression analysis showed the importance of the clinical variable of depression, public self-consciousness, and sensitivity to reward and punishment as predictors of referential thinking (34% of the variance explained). The discriminant analysis according to scores in referential thinking was significant (Lambda = .87, p = .001). The combination of the above variables correctly classified 85.1% of cases.ConclusionsSubjects more concerned about how they are perceived by others tend to a greater presence of self-references, although they don’t show a high score in social anxiety. Susceptibility to reward and high vulnerable to punishment are the personality variables that best predicted referential thinking.

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (12) ◽  
pp. 1693-1701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chol Shin ◽  
Inkyung Baik

AbstractThere are limited data on the association between Fe overload and leucocyte telomere length (LTL), known as a useful biomarker of the replicative ageing of cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between Fe-status biomarkers and LTL. A cross-sectional study included 1174 men and women aged 50–79 years who provided blood samples for assays of Fe-status biomarkers including ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), total Fe-binding capacity (TIBC) and relative LTL. They were free of hepatitis, potential infection or Fe deficiency. In multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding variables, log-transformed LTL was positively associated with TIBC (adjusted coefficient estimate for its highest quartile: 0·17 (se 0·03), P<0·001) and inversely associated with TSAT (adjusted coefficient estimate for its third and fourth quartiles: −0·09 (se 0·03), P<0·01). These associations were consistent after additional adjustment for serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. In particular, participants with not only abnormally high concentrations (>45 %) but also with high-normal concentrations (35–45 %) of TSAT had shorter LTL compared with those with low-normal concentrations (<30 %) (P<0·05). We also observed that less-active or obese persons with high TSAT concentrations had shorter LTL than others. Our findings that cellular ageing is influenced not only by Fe overload but also by high-normal concentrations of TSAT support the hypothesis regarding the detrimental effects of labile Fe, which has a potent pro-oxidant activity in the body.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Guillermo Mendez-Rebolledo ◽  
Ann M. Cools ◽  
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo ◽  
Elias Quiroz-Aldea ◽  
Fernanda A.P. Habechian

Context: Knowing the possible association between the isometric strength of the shoulder rotators, scapular muscles, and the Y-balance test upper quarter (YBT-UQ) performance could help identify which indicators of shoulder stability should be considered in this field test. This study aimed to determine whether the isometric strength of the shoulder rotators and scapular muscles is associated with the YBT-UQ performance of the dominant upper limb in amateur volleyball players. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A convenience sample of 22 male and 18 female volleyball players (≥12 h of training/week) between 18 and 26 years of age. The isometric strength of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, internal, and external rotator muscles was assessed with a handheld dynamometer. Participants performed the YBT-UQ in the superolateral, medial, and inferolateral directions. The absolute isometric peak force (in Newtons) was normalized to body weight (in Newtons per kilogram) for each muscle test. For each YBT-UQ direction, the distance (in centimeters) was normalized for upper limb length (in percentage). A backward multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between variables. Results: The analysis revealed that the isometric strength of the lower trapezius (β = 26.82; 95% confidence interval, 21.24–32.40) is associated with inferolateral YBT-UQ performance (adjusted R2 = .706; P < .001). This factor explains 70% of the variability of the YBT-UQ in the inferolateral direction. Conclusions: Lower trapezius isometric strength is associated with inferolateral YBT-UQ performance of the dominant upper limb in amateur volleyball players. These findings could help in the development of more specific training programs and rehabilitation goals according to the performance of the athletes in the test.


2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (6) ◽  
pp. 1283-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eke G Gruppen ◽  
Stephan J L Bakker ◽  
Richard W James ◽  
Robin P F Dullaart

ABSTRACT Background Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme with antioxidative properties, which may protect against the development of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption increases HDL cholesterol, but the extent to which alcohol consumption gives rise to higher serum PON-1 activity is uncertain. Objective In a population-based study, we determined the relation of serum PON-1 activity with alcohol consumption when taking account of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), its major apolipoprotein. Design A cross-sectional study was performed in 8224 participants of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort. Alcohol consumption was categorized as 1) no/rarely (25.3%); 2) 0.1–10 g/d (49.3%); 3) 10–30 g/d (20.1%); and 4) >30 g/d (5.2%) with 1 drink equivalent to 10 g alcohol. Serum PON-1 activity was measured as its arylesterase activity (phenyl acetate as substrate). Results Median serum PON-1 activity was 50.8, 53.1, 54.4, and 55.7 U/L in the 4 categories of alcohol consumption, respectively (P < 0.001). Its increase paralleled the increments in HDL cholesterol and apoA-I. Notably, there was no further increase in PON-1 activity, HDL cholesterol, and apoA-I when alcohol consumption was increased from 10–30 g/d to >30 g/d. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that PON-1 activity was related to alcohol consumption independently from clinical covariates, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lipid concentrations, including HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001 for each category of alcohol consumption with no alcohol consumption as the reference category). Notably, as inferred from standardized β-coefficients, there was no difference in PON-1 activity between 10–30 g alcohol/d and >30 g alcohol/d. Conclusions Alcohol consumption is associated with an increase in serum PON-1 activity, but its effect seems to reach a plateau with alcohol consumption of 10–30 g/d.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Te Hsu ◽  
Yi Liao ◽  
Jorn-Hon Liu ◽  
Tao-Hsin Tung

Purpose. The utility evaluation was an effective method to incorporate all of the contributing variables for multiple diseases into one outcome measure. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the utility values associated with varying states of gallstone disease among outpatient clinics participants at a teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan.Methods. The utility values were measured by using time trade-off method. A total of 120 outpatient clinics participants (30 subjects with no gallstone disease, 30 subjects with single stone, 30 subjects with multiple stones, and 30 subjects with cholecystectomy) evaluated utility values from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The diagnosis of gallstone disease was performed by a panel of specialists using ultrasound sonography.Results. The overall mean utility value was0.89±0.13(95% CI: 0.87–0.91) indicating that study participants were willing to trade about 11% (95% CI: 9–13%) of their remaining life in return for being free of gallstone disease perpetually. The significant associated factors of utility values based on the multiple linear regression analysis were older age and different degrees of gallstone disease.Conclusion. Our results found that in addition to older age, multiple stones and cholecystectomy could influence utility values from the patient’s preference-based viewpoint.


2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 1334-1341 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Hickner ◽  
P. M. Mehta ◽  
D. Dyck ◽  
P. Devita ◽  
J. A. Houmard ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to determine whether greater body fat mass (FM) relative to lean mass would result in more severe muscle damage and greater decrements in leg strength after downhill running. The relationship between the FM-to-fat-free mass ratio (FM/FFM) and the strength decline resulting from downhill running (−11% grade) was investigated in 24 male runners [age 23.4 ± 0.7 (SE) yr]. The runners were divided into two groups on the basis of FM/FFM: low fat (FM/FFM = 0.100 ± 0.008, body mass = 68.4 ± 1.3 kg) and normal fat (FM/FFM = 0.233 ± 0.020, body mass = 76.5 ± 3.3 kg, P < 0.05). Leg strength was reduced less in the low-fat (−0.7 ± 1.3%) than in the normal-fat individuals (−10.3 ± 1.5%) 48 h after, compared with before, downhill running ( P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the decline in strength could be predicted best by FM/FFM ( r2= 0.44, P < 0.05) and FM-to-thigh lean tissue cross-sectional area ratio ( r2= 0.53, P < 0.05), with no additional variables enhancing the prediction equation. There were no differences in muscle glycogen, creatine phosphate, ATP, or total creatine 48 h after, compared with before, downhill running; however, the change in muscle glycogen after downhill running was associated with a higher FM/FFM ( r = −0.56, P < 0.05). These data suggest that FM/FFM is a major determinant of losses in muscle strength after downhill running.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Qi ◽  
Yuan-Yuan Wang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xu-Ze Liu ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To investigate the effect of syphilis infection on the microstructure of white matter (WM) in HIV-infected male patients through comparing the differences of WM between HIV-infected male patients with and without syphilitic infection using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Methods 27 HIV-infected male patients with current syphilis or a history of syphilis (HIV+/syphilis+) and 29 HIV-infected male patients without syphilis co-infection history (HIV+/syphilis-) were enrolled. All patients received DTI and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Clinical data were compared between the two groups with T-test, Mann-Whitney U Test and Chi-square Test. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was adopted to analyze the DTI metrics. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between DTI metrics and clinical variables and cognitive performance. Results In the HIV+/syphilis+ group, decreased AD was found in the right superior corona radiata (SCR-R) and body of corpus callosum (BCC); increased RD was found in the bilateral posterior corona radiata (PCR), the right posterior thalamic radiation (PTR-R), the left SCR (SCR-L), splenium of corpus callosum (SCC) and BCC; decreased FA was found in multiple regions. AD in BCC was negatively correlated with CD4/CD8 ratios. AD in SCR-R was positively correlated with CD4/CD8 ratios. Patients in HIV+/syphilis+ group had a lower score in complex motor skills (CMS). RD in SCC and SCR-L was negatively correlated with CMS; RD in PTR-R was positively correlated with CMS. AD in SCR-R was positively correlated with CMS. Conclusions Compared with patients simply infected with HIV, the integrity of WM is more seriously impaired in HIV-infected patients with syphilis co-infection, and it may accelerate the impairment of cognitive function.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Loffredo ◽  
Alberto Spalice ◽  
Francesca Salvatori ◽  
De Castro Giovanna ◽  
Cristiana Alessia Guido ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to assess NOX2 levels, as well as serum 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Gram-negative bacteria in the gut of patients with PANDAS. Methods: a cross sectional study was performed to compare serum levels of soluble NOX2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), isoprostanes and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used to assess gut permeability. Results: compared with CT, PANDAS children had higher values of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and LPS. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp was significantly correlated with serum LPS (Rs=0.359; p=0.005), zonulin (Rs=0.444; p<0.001) and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.704; p<0.001). LPS significantly correlated with serum zonulin (Rs=0.610; p<0.001), and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.591; p=0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of sNOX-2-dp. Isoprostanes and zonulin emerged as the only independent predictive variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2=68%). Conclusion: this study provides evidences that children affected by PANDAS have high circulating levels of sNOX2-dp, isoprostanes and of LPS that could be potentially implicated in the process of neuroinflammation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiahui Chen ◽  
Yating Tang ◽  
Qinghe Jing ◽  
Yi Lu ◽  
Yongxiang Jiang

Purpose: To analyze the anterior, posterior, and total corneal spherical aberrations (ASA, PSA, and TSA) in patients with Chinese bilateral ectopia lentis (EL).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate corneal spherical aberration (CSA) using a Pentacam system at the 6-mm optical zone. Axial length, keratometry, astigmatism, and corneal asphericity were also determined.Results: This study included 247 patients (420 eyes) with a mean age of 18.1 years. The values of ASA, PSA, and TSA were 0.136 ± 0.100 μm, −0.118 ± 0.030 μm, and 0.095 ± 0.095 μm, respectively. In the EL patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), ASA and TSA were significantly lower than in the non-MFS patients (0.126 ± 0.094 μm vs. 0.155 ± 0.107 μm, P = 0.004 for ASA; 0.085 ± 0.091 μm vs. 0.114 ± 0.099 μm, P = 0.003 for TSA), whereas PSA was not significantly different (P = 0.061). The values of ASA and TSA were significantly higher in the patients with EL aged ≥ 40 years old than in younger patients, whereas ASA and PSA were lower in patients aged &lt;10 years old than in older patients (all P &lt; 0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, age, keratometry, astigmatism, anterior asphericity, higher-order aberration (HOA), and lower-order aberration (LOA) were positively or negatively correlated with TSA in the patients with EL (r = 0.681, P &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: Corneal spherical aberration was low in the patients with EL especially for MFS and tended to increase with aging. Preoperatively, individual measurement of CSA was necessary for bilateral EL patients with MFS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Deepak Gowda Sadashivappa Pateel ◽  
Shilpa Gunjal ◽  
Liew Fong Fong ◽  
Nur Sulwana Mohd Hanapi

Background. Saliva, as a complex biofluid, plays a pivotal role in maintaining oral health and tooth integrity. There has been inconsistent data available on the relationship between salivary parameters and oral health. This study aims to investigate the association between salivary statherin, acidic proline-rich proteins (aPRP), and calcium with oral hygiene status. Methods. One hundred and eighty-eight healthy subjects aged between 18 and 50 years with varying oral hygiene status who gave consent to participate were included in this cross-sectional study. The subjects were recruited from primary oral health care of MAHSA University. Oral hygiene of all the participants was measured using Oral Hygiene Index–Simplified (OHI-S). Stimulated saliva collected using paraffin wax was analyzed for salivary statherin, aPRP, and calcium. The relationship between salivary statherin, aPRP, and calcium levels with OHI-S was assessed using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient; the strength of relationship was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The study found a weak positive correlation (r = 0.179, p  = 0.014) between salivary statherin and OHI-S; weak negative correlation (r = −0.187, p  = 0.010) between salivary aPRP and OHI-S; and moderate negative correlation between salivary statherin and salivary aPRP levels (r = −0.50, p  < 0.001) which were statistically significant. Conclusion. Poor oral hygiene is associated with increased statherin and reduced aPRP levels in saliva. Thus, these salivary components may have a role in predicting oral hygiene status.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dainelis Cabeza Pulles ◽  
Francisco Javier LLorens Montes ◽  
Leopoldo Gutierrez-Gutierrrez

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between network ties (NT) and transactive memory systems (TMS), observed through three dimensions – specialization (TMSS), credibility (TMSCR), and coordination (TMSCO) – in the presence of leadership (LDR) as a moderating variable, in university research-and-development (R&D) groups. Design/methodology/approach The data are composed of 257 university R&D groups. To confirm the hypotheses, the authors use multiple linear regression analysis with a moderating effect. Findings The conclusions show that the relationships between NT and two of the three dimensions of TMS (TMSCR and TMSCO) are significant when LDR is included as a moderating variable. Although the effect of TMSS is positive, it is not significant. Including the interaction element enables better explanation of two of the dimensions of TMS in the sector analyzed. Thus, LDR is perfectly applicable to the university R&D environment. Research limitations/implications This research has several limitations that suggest further possibilities for empirical research. The limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the research and the judgment of a single manager as the basis of the perception analyzed for each group. Practical implications The authors provide several implications for R&D practitioners. The results of this study could be validated in other universities in other geographic areas, enabling better generalization and applicability of the results. The results described may serve as a guide for group leaders of university R&D. This research helps us to see the importance of LDR in forming internal research networks that help researchers to perform common projects in order to obtain better results in the group. Thus, the groups provided better results to society. Originality/value No studies have tested the moderating effect of LDR in university R&D empirically. The results provide information to fill this gap and demonstrate the applicability of LDR as a key element in the organization, improvement, and cohesion of R&D groups.


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