Determining the Intensity of Basic Emotions among People Suffering from Anorexia Nervosa Based on Free Statements about Their Body

Objective: This study sought to address one of the challenges of psychiatry-computer aided diagnosis and therapy of anorexia nervosa. The goal of the paper is to present a method of determining the intensity of five emotions (happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger and disgust) in medical notes, which was then used to analyze the feelings of people suffering from anorexia nervosa. In total, 96 notes were researched (46 from people suffering from anorexia and 52 from healthy people). Method: The developed solution allows a comprehensive assessment of the intensity of five feelings (happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger and disgust) occurring in text notes. This method implements Nencki Affective Word List dictionary extension, in which the original version has a limited vocabulary. The method was tested on a group of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and a control group (healthy people without an eating disorder). Of the analyzed medical, only 8% of the words are in the original dictionary. Results: As a result of the study, two emotional profiles were obtained: one pattern for a healthy person and one for a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. Comparing the average emotional intensity in profiles of a healthy person and person with a disorder, a higher value of happiness intensity is noticeable in the profile of a healthy person than in the profile of a person with an illness. The opposite situation occurs with other emotions (sadness, anxiety, disgust, anger); they reach higher values in the case of the profile of a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. Discussion: The presented method can be used when observing the patient’s progress during applied therapy. It allows us to state whether the chosen method has a positive effect on the mental state of the patient, and if his emotional profile is similar to the emotional profile of a healthy person. The method can also be used during first diagnosis visit.

Download Full-text

Basic Emotions in the Nencki Affective Word List (NAWL BE): New Method of Classifying Emotional Stimuli

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0132305 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. e0132305 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Małgorzata Wierzba ◽

Monika Riegel ◽

Marek Wypych ◽

Katarzyna Jednoróg ◽

Paweł Turnau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Word List ◽

New Method ◽

Emotional Stimuli ◽

Basic Emotions ◽

Affective Word

Download Full-text

Соматические дисфункции у детей с задержкой речи

Russian Osteopathic Journal ◽

10.32885/2220-0975-2017-3-4-61-65 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 61-65

Author(s):

E. L. Kuznetsova ◽

L. A. Dultsev ◽

E. V. Safin

Keyword(s):

Standard Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Complex Therapy ◽

Osteopathic Treatment ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Experimental Group

Goal of research - the study aims to examine the osteopathic proﬁ le of children with dysarthria and to develop recommendations for osteopathic correction of somatic dysfunctions in 2-3 year old children presenting this pathology.Materials and methods. 30 2-3 year old children with the symptoms of dysarthria took part in the research. All the children were divided into 2 groups: the control group of 15 children received standard treatment, and the experimental group of 15 children received both standard and osteopathic treatment. The dysarthria severity and the osteopathic proﬁ le were evaluated with account of the number of somatic dysfunctions at global, regional, and local levels.Results. The osteopathic correction was shown to have a positive effect on dysarthria severity. The study established a correlation between the dysarthria severity in children and the number of somatic dysfunctions at the local level.Conclusion. The study suggests using osteopathic correction of somatic dysfunctions in the complex therapy of dysarthria in children.

Download Full-text

Pragmatic instruction in L2-Russian

Instructed Second Language Acquisition ◽

10.1558/isla.39864 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 62-95

Author(s):

Daniele Artoni ◽

Valentina Benigni ◽

Elena Nuzzo

Keyword(s):

Foreign Language ◽

Speech Acts ◽

Control Group ◽

Written Discourse ◽

Instructional Treatment ◽

Completion Task ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Experimental Group ◽

National Corpus ◽

Pragmatic Instruction

Over the last three decades, a growing number of studies have investigated the effects of instruction on the acquisition of pragmatic features in L2. The bulk of this research has focused mainly on the teaching of English as a second/foreign language. However, instructional pragmatic studies in L2-Russian are lacking. The main purpose of our study is to contribute towards filling this gap by analysing the effects of pragmatic instruction on the acquisition of two speech acts by Italian learners of Russian. Furthermore, we aim to explore whether the Multimodal Russian Corpus (MURCO), a multimedia subcorpus of the Russian National Corpus, can be an effective tool for teaching speech acts in L2-Russian. Our research was composed of one experimental group (n = 18) and one control group (n = 11); each was composed of two intact classes of Italian university students at an intermediate level of L2-Russian, who were pre- and post-tested using a written discourse completion task. The experimental group was subjected to a programme of pragmatic instruction – eight thirty-minute MURCO-based lessons devoted to requests and advice, while the control group was taught according to the standard syllabus, that is, with no pragmatic instruction. The results revealed that the use of the target pragmatic features varied significantly in the experimental group, but not in the control group, thus showing a general positive effect of the instructional treatment based on the MURCO corpus. However, some limitations were identified with regard to the usability of this tool by teachers and learners.

Download Full-text

Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Status by β-Carotene in Late Pregnant Sows

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2020.612875 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Xupeng Yuan ◽

Jiahao Yan ◽

Ruizhi Hu ◽

Yanli Li ◽

Ying Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Dietary Supplementation ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Control Group ◽

Metabolic Activities ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Β Carotene

Recent evidences suggest that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating physiological and metabolic activities of pregnant sows, and β-carotene has a potentially positive effect on reproduction, but the impact of β-carotene on gut microbiota in pregnant sows remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of β-carotene on the reproductive performance of sows from the aspect of gut microbiota. A total of 48 hybrid pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar parity were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 16) and fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 30 or 90 mg/kg of β-carotene from day 90 of gestation until parturition. Dietary supplementation of 30 or 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the number of live birth to 11.82 ± 1.54 and 12.29 ± 2.09, respectively, while the control group was 11.00 ± 1.41 (P = 0.201). Moreover, β-carotene increased significantly the serum nitric oxide (NO) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P < 0.05). Characterization of fecal microbiota revealed that 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the diversity of the gut flora (P < 0.05). In particular, β-carotene decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes including Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008, but enriched Proteobacteria including Bilophila and Sutterella, and Actinobacteria including Corynebacterium and Corynebacterium 1 which are related to NO synthesis. These data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-carotene may increase antioxidant enzyme activity and NO, an important vasodilator to promote the neonatal blood circulation, through regulating gut microbiota in sows.

Download Full-text

Dietary fermented rapeseed or/and soybean meal additives on performance and intestinal health of piglets

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-96117-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Czech ◽

Eugeniusz Ryszard Grela ◽

Martyna Kiesz

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Soybean Meal ◽

Rapeseed Meal ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Control Group ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Weaned Piglets ◽

Feed Conversion Rate ◽

Positive Effect

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented dried soybean (FSBM) and/or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for weaned piglets on production results, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tract histology, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in all experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced: in group FR—8% FRSM; in group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; in group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM and in group FS—8% FSBM. The use of 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM in the piglet diets had a positive effect on average daily gains. Piglets from the FR and FR/FS groups had the highest feed conversion rate. Group FS/FR and FS piglets had significantly lower mortality and lower incidence of diarrhoea. Piglets fed a diet with the fermented components, in particular with 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM, exhibited a positive effect on the microbiological composition and histology of intestines, which resulted in improved nutrient digestibility coefficients (ATTD and AID).

Download Full-text

Efficacy of the Treatment of Developmental Language Disorder: A Systematic Review

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11030407 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 407

Author(s):

Sara Rinaldi ◽

Maria Cristina Caselli ◽

Valentina Cofelice ◽

Simonetta D’Amico ◽

Anna Giulia De Cagno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Language Disorder ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Receptive Vocabulary ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

Developmental Language Disorder ◽

Expressive Vocabulary ◽

Phonological Skills ◽

Syntactic Skills ◽

Positive Effect

Background. Language disorder is the most frequent developmental disorder in childhood and it has a significant negative impact on children’s development. The goal of the present review was to systematically analyze the effectiveness of interventions in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) from an evidence-based perspective. Methods. We considered systematic reviews, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), control group cohort studies on any type of intervention aimed at improving children’s skills in the phono-articulatory, phonological, semantic-lexical, and morpho-syntactic fields in preschool and primary school children (up to eight years of age) that were diagnosed with DLD. We identified 27 full-length studies, 26 RCT and one review. Results. Early intensive intervention in three- and four-year-old children has a positive effect on phonological expressive and receptive skills and acquisitions are maintained in the medium term. Less evidence is available on the treatment of expressive vocabulary (and no evidence on receptive vocabulary). Intervention on morphological and syntactic skills has effective results on expressive (but not receptive) skills; however, a number of inconsistent results have also been reported. Only one study reports a positive effect of treatment on inferential narrative skills. Limited evidence is also available on the treatment of meta-phonological skills. More studies investigated the effectiveness of interventions on general language skills, which now appears as a promising area of investigation, even though results are not all consistent. Conclusions. The effectiveness of interventions over expressive and receptive phonological skills, morpho-syntactic skills, as well as inferential skills in narrative context underscores the importance that these trainings be implemented in children with DLD.

Download Full-text

Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020802 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 802

Author(s):

Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽

Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽

Mario Del-Líbano ◽

María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares

Keyword(s):

Negative Affect ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Character Strengths ◽

Well Being ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Practice ◽

Before And After ◽

Reducing Stress ◽

Positive Effect

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

Download Full-text

The Repercussion of Ai Chi on Aged People’s Balance

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe4030023 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 247-256

Author(s):

Pablo Javier Olabe Sánchez ◽

Andrés Martínez-Almagro Andreo

Keyword(s):

Fall Prevention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

The Other ◽

Control Group ◽

Aged People ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Risk Of Fall ◽

And Control ◽

Positive Effect

To practice strength and balance activities are shown as useful tools to fall prevention by diverse metanalysis. On the other side, aquatic environment offers interesting properties for a therapeutic reeducation, being the Ai Chi one of its applications. Aim: To evaluate the repercussion of an Ai Chi programme on aged people’s balance. Method: A randomized controlled trial was developed comparing two groups formed by aged people with risk of fall according to the Timed Up & Go test. Intervention Group (IG) followed twelve Ai Chi sessions combined with their thermal programme; and Control Group (CG) just followed the thermal programme. Both groups spent two weeks in the Balneario of Archena (Murcia, Spain). Results: Both groups improve their balance; however, only the IG reached the non-risk of fall from the Timed Up & Go test. Conclusions: The combination of Ai Chi sessions and a thermal programme had a positive effect on aged people’s balance, showing a therapeutic and clinical relevance.

Download Full-text

Effects of pre-extraction intermittent PTH administration on extraction socket healing in bisphosphonate administered ovariectomized rats

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79787-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jae-Young Kim ◽

Hyo-Won Jang ◽

Jung-In Kim ◽

In-Ho Cha

Keyword(s):

Tooth Extraction ◽

Bisphosphonate Therapy ◽

Ovariectomized Rats ◽

Control Group ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Extraction Socket ◽

Before And After ◽

Socket Healing ◽

Positive Effect

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of administering intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) before tooth extraction versus after tooth extraction on the risk of developing MRONJ in experimental animal model. Twenty-five ovariectomized rats received 6 weeks of bisphosphonate therapy. They were classified into 3 groups, based on the timing of the medication, as Control, Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups. For Control group, normal saline was administered before and after tooth extraction. iPTH was administered during 4 weeks before tooth extraction for Pre-PTH group and after tooth extraction for Post-PTH group. The animals were euthanized 8 weeks after tooth extraction. Macroscopic, histological, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histomorphometric examinations were conducted. The incidences of impaired healing were 11.11% both in Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups, which was lower than the Control group (42.86%). Bone healing in the extraction socket, based on micro-CT and histomorphometry evaluations, was best in Post-PTH and worst in Control group. The Pre-PTH group showed moderate healing pattern. Despite of limitations in this study, the authors identified Pre-PTH group seems to have positive effect on extraction socket healing. With regard to timing, administering iPTH after tooth extraction was superior to applying it before tooth extraction.

Download Full-text

Practical Work at School Reduces Disgust and Fear of Unpopular Animals

Society and Animals ◽

10.1163/156853012x614369 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 61-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Christoph Randler ◽

Eberhard Hummel ◽

Pavol Prokop

Keyword(s):

Natural Selection ◽

Practical Work ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Control Group ◽

Basic Emotions ◽

Attitudes Toward Animals ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Disgust and fear are basic emotions that protect humans against pathogens and/or predators. Natural selection favored individuals who successfully escaped or avoided harmful animals; thus animals who pose a disease threat activate aversive responses in humans. However, all these animals who are generally disliked have rights to their own existence and play important roles in ecosystems. Here, we used three unpopular live animals (wood louse, snail, and mouse) in practical biology work with 11-13-year-old children (experimental group). The control group had no opportunity to work with animals. Reported disgust and fear of these animals significantly decreased during the study in the experimental group but not in the control group. This study experimentally supports the idea that attitudes toward animals are positively influenced by physical contact with them.

Download Full-text