Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adiponectin, Leptin, and BMI Among Adolescents in Taiwan: A Multivariate Twin/Sibling Analysis

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 495-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pi-Hua Liu ◽  
Yi-Der Jiang ◽  
Wei J. Chen ◽  
Ching-Chung Chang ◽  
Tso-Ching Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Sibling Pairs ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Intraclass Correlations ◽  
Mz Twins

AbstractCirculating levels of leptin and adiponectin are closely associated with obesity. However, it is not known whether there are common shared genes or environment exerting influences on the levels of leptin, adiponectin, and BMI. We aimed to assess the relative contribution of genes and environment to adiponectin, leptin, and BMI individually as well as simultaneously to the three measures. Our subjects included a total of 228 twin/sibling pairs aged 12 to 18 (130 monozygotic twins, 68 dizygotic twins and 30 sibling pairs) were recruited from the middle schools. Multivariate analyses were applied to twin/sibling data using structural equation modeling. The results showed that intraclass correlations for adiponectin, leptin and BMI were higher in the MZ twins than those in the DZ/SP group. The relative contribution of genes to adiponectin (39%) was comparable to those of shared environment (40%). In contrast, leptin and BMI were influenced mostly by genes (74% and 89%, respectively). The multivariate genetic analyses showed that a latent factor underlying the three measures was identified, with BMI being equivalent to this latent factor. The BMI-dependent genetic factor explains only 15% and 34% of variation of adiponectin and leptin, respectively. These data indicate a differential contribution of genetic factors for the variation of adiponectin, leptin and BMI. More importantly, only a small portion of the genetic influences on adiponectin and leptin was attributed to BMI. Our findings provided more insight into the complex regulation of adiponectin and leptin in obesity.

Distribution and Heritability of Recurrent Ear Infections

1997 ◽  
Vol 106 (8) ◽  
pp. 624-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari J. Kvaerner ◽  
Jennifer R. Harris ◽  
Kristian Tambs ◽  
Per Magnus
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Ear Infections ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Familial Environment

The distribution of recurrent ear infections was obtained from a population-based sample of 2,750 pairs of Norwegian twins born between 1967 and 1974. The lifetime prevalence of self-reported recurrent ear infections was 8.9%, with a significant predominance of female cases. The mean age of onset was 4.2 years, with a gradual decrease in occurrence from 2 to 7 years of age. Among monozygotic pairs, the rate of tetrachoric correlation between co-twins was almost identical in males (0.73, SE 0.08) and females (0.74, SE 0.06), but among the dizygotic pairs the correlation was clearly higher in males (0.53, SE 0.12) than in females (0.20, SE 0.12). The value in the unlike-sexed dizygotic twins (0.25, SE 0.05) was intermediate to that of the like-sexed male and female dizygotic pairs. The relative contribution of genes and environment to variability in the predisposition to develop otitis media was estimated by means of structural equation modeling. Variation in liability to ear infections was mainly explained by additive genetic and dominance factors in females, for whom heritability was estimated at 74%. The remaining 26% of the variation in liability was explained by individual environmental factors. In males, 45% of the variation could be accounted for by genetic factors, 29% by common familial environment, and the remaining 26% by individual environmental effects.

How Community and Individual Risk Factors Mutually Impact Youth’s Perceived Safety: A Syndemic Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110283
Author(s):  
Yingwei Yang ◽  
Karen D. Liller ◽  
Martha Coulter ◽  
Abraham Salinas-Miranda ◽  
Dinorah Martinez Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
Individual Risk Factors ◽  
Syndemic Theory

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutual impact of community and individual factors on youth’s perceptions of community safety, using structural equation modeling (SEM) conceptualized by syndemic theory. This study used survey data collected from a county wide sample of middle and high school students (N=25,147) in West Central Florida in 2015. The outcome variable was youth’s perceptions of community safety. Predictors were latent individual and community factors constructed from 14 observed variables including gun accessibility, substance use, depressive symptoms, and multiple neighborhood disadvantage questions. Three structural equation models were conceptualized based on syndemic theory and analyzed in Mplus 8 using weighted least squares (WLS) estimation. Each model’s goodness of fit was assessed. Approximately seven percent of youth reported feeling unsafe in their community. After model modifications, the final model showed a good fit of the data and adhered to the theoretical assumption. In the final SEM model, an individual latent factor was implied by individual predictors measuring gun accessibility without adult’s permission (β=0.70), sadness and hopelessness (β=0.52), alcohol use (β=0.79), marijuana use (β=0.94), and illegal drug use (β=0.77). Meanwhile, a community latent factor was indicated by multiple community problems including public drinking (β=0.88), drug addiction (β=0.96), drug selling (β=0.97), lack of money (β=0.83), gang activities (β=0.90), litter and trash (β=0.79), graffiti (β=0.91), deserted houses (β=0.86), and shootings (β=0.93). A second-order syndemic factor that represented the individual and community factors showed a very strong negative association with youth’s safe perception (β=-0.98). This study indicates that individual risk factors and disadvantaged community conditions interacted with each other and mutually affected youth’s perceptions of community safety. To reduce these co-occurring effects and improve safe perceptions among youth, researchers and practitioners should develop and implement comprehensive strategies targeting both individual and community factors.

Examination of the Contribution of Ruminative Thinking and Maladaptive Self-Beliefs to Social Anxiety

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellie Kissell ◽  
Hayley Rodriguez ◽  
Lloyd Lucas ◽  
Brian Fisak
Keyword(s):  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Event Processing ◽  
Anticipatory Anxiety ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Anticipatory Processing ◽  
Nonclinical Sample

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative contribution of 3 components of the Clark and Wells (1995) model to social anxiety symptoms. In particular, based on theory and previous research, it was hypothesized that the association between post-event processing and social anxiety and between anticipatory anxiety and social anxiety would be mediated by maladaptive self-beliefs. To test this hypothesis, a large, nonclinical sample of young adults completed a measure of anticipatory processing, post-event processing, maladaptive self-beliefs, and social anxiety. Based on a structural equation modeling approach, full mediation was found between post-event processing and social anxiety, and partial mediation was found between anticipatory processing and social anxiety. Overall, the results contribute to the literature by elucidating cognitive processes that may lead to the development and maintenance of social anxiety symptoms.

The Influence of Access to General Education Curriculum on Alternate Assessment Performance of Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Roach ◽  
Stephen N. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Cognitive Disabilities ◽  
Alternate Assessment ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Support Materials ◽  
Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The primary purpose of this investigation was to understand the influence of access to the general curriculum on the performance of students with significant cognitive disabilities, as measured by the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment (WAA) for Students with Disabilities. Special education teachers (N = 113) submitted case materials for students with significant disabilities who were assessed using the WAA. Cases included WAA rating scales, students’ individualized education programs (IEPs), and a curricular access questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the influence of curricular access on students’ WAA performance. Students’ scores on the WAA Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics scales were included in the model as the indicators for the latent factor—student performance. Student grade level, teacher reports of students’ curricular access, percentage of academic focused IEP goals, and time spent in general education settings were included as predictors of students’ performance. Results indicated the model accounted for 41% of the variance in the latent factor of student performance. Implications of these results are discussed for the validity of WAA scores and the design of professional development and teacher support materials.

Cross-cultural study of caregiver burden for Alzheimer's disease in Japan and Taiwan: result from Dementia Research in Kumamoto and Tainan (DeReKaT)

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 1125-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masateru Matsushita ◽  
Ming-Chyi Pai ◽  
Cai-Ying Jhou ◽  
Asuka Koyama ◽  
Manabu Ikeda
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Latent Factor ◽  
Multiple Group ◽  
Dementia Research

ABSTRACTBackground:Caregiver burden (CB) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Taiwan is becoming an urgent social issue as well as that in Japan. The comparison of CB may explain how caregiver feels burden in each country.Methods:The participants were 343 outpatients with AD and their caregivers of Japan (n= 230) and Taiwan (n= 113). We assessed the CB using the Japanese and Chinese version of Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). The initial analysis was an exploratory factor analysis for each group to confirm the factor structure of ZBI. Then, the multiple-group structural equation modeling (MG-SEM) was used to assess the measurement invariance of ZBI such as configural, metric, and scalar invariances. Lastly, we compared the latent factor means of the ZBI between Japan and Taiwan.Results:In both groups, the confirmatory factor analysis extracted 3 factors which were labeled “Impact on caregiver's life”, “Embarrassed/anger”, and “Dependency”. The MG-SEM indicated an acceptable model fit, and established the partial scalar measurement invariance (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.901, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.066). When we compared the latent factor means, the score of “Impact on caregiver's life” in Taiwanese caregivers was significantly higher than that in Japanese (p= 0.001). However, “Dependency” in Taiwanese caregivers was lower than that in Japanese (p< 0.001).Conclusions:Partial measurement invariance allowed comparing the latent factor mean across two countries. The results of comparisons suggested that there may be differences in the way of feeling CB between Japan and Taiwan.

scholarly journals Heritability of language laterality assessed by functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound: a twin study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Dorothy V.M. Bishop ◽  
Timothy C. Bates
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Transcranial Doppler ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Functional Language ◽  
Laterality Index ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Language Laterality

Background: Prior studies have estimated heritability of around 0.25 for the trait of handedness, with studies of structural brain asymmetry giving estimates in a similar or lower range. Little is known about heritability of functional language lateralization. This report describes heritability estimates using functional language laterality and handedness phenotypes in a twin sample previously reported by Wilson and Bishop (2018). Methods: The total sample consisted of 194 twin pairs (49% monozygotic) aged from 6 to 11 years. A language laterality index was obtained for 141 twin pairs, who completed a protocol where relative blood flow through left and right middle cerebral arteries was measured using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound (fTCD) while the child described animation sequences. Handedness data was available from the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) and Quantification of Hand Preference (QHP) for all 194 pairs. Heritability was assessed using conventional structural equation modeling, assuming no effect of shared environment (AE model). Results: For the two handedness measures, heritability estimates were consistent with prior research: 0.23 and 0.22 respectively for the EHI and QHP. For the language laterality index, however, the twin-cotwin correlations were close to zero for both MZ and DZ twins, and the heritability estimate was zero. Conclusions: A single study cannot rule out a genetic effect on language lateralisation. It is possible that the low twin-cotwin correlations were affected by noisy data: although the split-half reliability of the fTCD-based laterality index was high (0.85), we did not have information on test-retest reliability in children, which is likely to be lower. We cannot reject the hypothesis that there is low but nonzero heritability for this trait, but our data suggest that individual variation in language lateralisation is predominantly due to stochastic variation in neurodevelopment.

The role of breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge in second language listening comprehension

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-81
Author(s):  
Payman Vafaee
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Measured Variable ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to examine the extent by which second language breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge (BVK and DVK, respectively) were predictors of successful listening comprehension. To this end, along with a standardized test of listening comprehension ability, aural measures of both BVK and DVK were administered to 262 English learners within a wide range of proficiency level. The data were subjected to structural equation modeling, and the results showed that BVK and DVK were not measured in a psychometrically distinct way in the current study. This did not allow any conclusions about the relative contribution of BVK and DVK to listening ability at the construct level. However, at the measured-variable level, the findings showed that the DVK test scores were better predictors of success in listening comprehension than the ones from the BVK test.

scholarly journals Heritability of language laterality assessed by functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound: a twin study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Dorothy V.M. Bishop ◽  
Timothy C. Bates
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Transcranial Doppler ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Functional Language ◽  
Laterality Index ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Language Laterality

Background: Prior studies have estimated heritability of around 0.25 for the trait of handedness, with studies of structural brain asymmetry giving estimates in a similar or lower range. Little is known about heritability of functional language lateralization. This report describes heritability estimates using functional language laterality and handedness phenotypes in a twin sample previously reported by Wilson and Bishop (2018). Methods: The total sample consisted of 194 twin pairs (49% monozygotic) aged from 6 to 11 years. A language laterality index was obtained for 141 twin pairs, who completed a protocol where relative blood flow through left and right middle cerebral arteries was measured using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound (fTCD) while the child described animation sequences. Handedness data was available from the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) and Quantification of Hand Preference (QHP) for all 194 pairs. Heritability was assessed using conventional structural equation modeling, assuming no effect of shared environment (AE model). Results: For the two handedness measures, heritability estimates (95% CI) were consistent with prior research: .25 (.03 - .34) and .18 (0 – .31) respectively for the EHI and QHP. For the language laterality index, however, the twin-cotwin correlations were close to zero for both MZ and DZ twins, and the heritability estimate was zero (0 - .15). Conclusions: A single study cannot rule out a genetic effect on language lateralisation. It is possible that the low twin-cotwin correlations were affected by noisy data: although the split-half reliability of the fTCD-based laterality index was high (0.85), we did not have information on test-retest reliability in children, which is likely to be lower. We cannot reject the hypothesis that there is low but nonzero heritability for this trait, but our data suggest that individual variation in language lateralisation is predominantly due to stochastic variation in neurodevelopment.

Crying Without a Cause and Being Easily Upset in Two-Year-Olds: Heritability and Predictive Power of Behavioral Problems

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 393-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria M. Groen-Blokhuis ◽  
Christel M. Middeldorp ◽  
Catharina E. M. van Beijsterveldt ◽  
Dorret I. Boomsma
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Attention Problems ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Maternal Characteristics

In order to estimate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on ‘crying without a cause’ and ‘being easily upset’ in 2-year-old children, a large twin study was carried out. Prospective data were available for ~18,000 2-year-old twin pairs from the Netherlands Twin Register. A bivariate genetic analysis was performed using structural equation modeling in the Mx software package. The influence of maternal personality characteristics and demographic and lifestyle factors was tested to identify specific risk factors that may underlie the shared environment of twins. Furthermore, it was tested whether crying without a cause and being easily upset were predictive of later internalizing, externalizing and attention problems. Crying without a cause yielded a heritability estimate of 60% in boys and girls. For easily upset, the heritability was estimated at 43% in boys and 31% in girls. The variance explained by shared environment varied between 35% and 63%. The correlation between crying without a cause and easily upset (r = .36) was explained both by genetic and shared environmental factors. Birth cohort, gestational age, socioeconomic status, parental age, parental smoking behavior and alcohol use during pregnancy did not explain the shared environmental component. Neuroticism of the mother explained a small proportion of the additive genetic, but not of the shared environmental effects for easily upset. Crying without a cause and being easily upset at age 2 were predictive of internalizing, externalizing and attention problems at age 7, with effect sizes of .28–.42. A large influence of shared environmental factors on crying without a cause and easily upset was detected. Although these effects could be specific to these items, we could not explain them by personality characteristics of the mother or by demographic and lifestyle factors, and we recognize that these effects may reflect other maternal characteristics. A substantial influence of genetic factors was found for the two items, which are predictive of later behavioral problems.

scholarly journals Moving Toward an Understanding of Disability in Older U.S. Stroke Survivors

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison B. Brenner ◽  
James F. Burke ◽  
Lesli E. Skolarus
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Neighborhood Context ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Neighborhood Factors ◽  
Medical Factors ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Objectives: We test a comprehensive model of disability in older stroke survivors and determine the relative contribution of neighborhood, economic, psychological, and medical factors to disability. Method: The sample consisted of 728 stroke survivors from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), who were 65 years and older living in community settings or residential care. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test relationships between neighborhood, socioeconomic, psychological, and medical factors, and disability. Results: Economic and medical context were associated with disability directly and indirectly through physical impairment. Neighborhood context was associated with disability, but was only marginally statistically significant ( p = .05). The effect of economic and neighborhood factors was small compared with that of medical factors. Discussion: Neighborhood and economic factors account for a portion of the variance in disability among older stroke survivors beyond that of medical factors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document