Behavioral Sciences

Open AccessCase Report

Isolated Mammillary Bodies Damage—An Atypical Presentation of Wernicke Syndrome

by Samar A. Abbas, Halim Abboud, Moussa A. Chalah, Chadi Sabbagh and Samar S. Ayache

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110104 - 12 November 2018

We report atypical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in a case of Wernicke encephalopathy. The patient presented with isolated anterograde amnesia following a partial colectomy complicated by peritonitis. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2 MRI sequences were normal. However, bilateral contrast enhancement of mammillary

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We report atypical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in a case of Wernicke encephalopathy. The patient presented with isolated anterograde amnesia following a partial colectomy complicated by peritonitis. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2 MRI sequences were normal. However, bilateral contrast enhancement of mammillary bodies was shown on T1 gadolinium-enhanced sequences. Blood tests revealed thiamine deficiency. The diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy was made and thiamine supplementation was given, resulting in complete recovery of the memory functions. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Social Disadvantage, Maternal Psychological Distress, and Difficulties in Children’s Social-Emotional Well-Being

by Robert J. Noonan and Stuart J. Fairclough

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110103 - 11 November 2018

Abstract

This study used data from wave four of the United Kingdom (U.K.) Millennium Cohort Study to examine whether there is an individual (i.e., maternal education) and area-level social disadvantage (i.e., neighborhood deprivation) gradient to difficulties in social-emotional well-being (SEW) in 7-year-old English children.

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This study used data from wave four of the United Kingdom (U.K.) Millennium Cohort Study to examine whether there is an individual (i.e., maternal education) and area-level social disadvantage (i.e., neighborhood deprivation) gradient to difficulties in social-emotional well-being (SEW) in 7-year-old English children. We then investigated to what extent maternal psychological distress (Kessler 6 score) explains the relationship between social disadvantage indicators and boys’ and girls’ SEW difficulties. Subjects consisted of 3661 child–mother dyads (1804 boys and 1857 girls). Results discerned gender differences in the effect social disadvantage indicators have on child SEW difficulties. Maternal education had a comparable effect on boys’ and girls’ SEW difficulties, but a steeper neighborhood deprivation gradient was evident for boys’ SEW difficulties compared to girls’ SEW difficulties. The effect of each social disadvantage indicator on boys’ and girls’ SEW difficulties was for most part direct and strong (p ≤ 0.001) rather than through maternal psychological distress, suggesting that the theoretical framework was incomplete. Here we demonstrate that where children are positioned on the social disadvantage gradient matters greatly to their SEW. Improving the living conditions and health of mothers with psychological distress may offer a pathway to improve child SEW. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Elevated Levels of Serum IL-17A in Community-Dwelling Women with Higher Depressive Symptoms

by Hirohito Tsuboi, Hiroyuki Sakakibara, Yuuki Minamida, Hiromasa Tsujiguchi, Masahiro Matsunaga, Akinori Hara and Hiroyuki Nakamura

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110102 - 4 November 2018

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that patients with depression have increased concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, studies of IL-17 and studies on community-dwellers are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum cytokine levels, especially IL-17A, among subjects with high and low

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Recent studies indicate that patients with depression have increased concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, studies of IL-17 and studies on community-dwellers are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum cytokine levels, especially IL-17A, among subjects with high and low depressive symptoms of a general population. The participants comprised 20 female community-dwellers aged 40 years or older who contributed to a Shika study in Ishikawa, Japan. Ten participants who showed higher and ten who showed lower depressive symptoms among 208 females assessed by the Japanese version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were selected for this study. Serum samples were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17A using a multiplex Luminex analysis. For the comparison between the high and low depressive groups statistically, linear regression analyses were applied. The serum level of IL-17A was significantly higher among the high depressive participants (p < 0.05) even after controlling possible confounders, whereas there were no differences in TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, or IL-12 between the high and low depressive groups. Our findings supported an association between serum IL-17A levels and depressive symptoms. Peripheral IL-17A immune response may be a preventive and treatment target for depression. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Salivary Oxytocin and Cortisol Concentration Changes during Cooking in a Small Group

by Teruko Yuhi, Kosuke Ise, Kei Iwashina, Naoya Terao, Satoshi Yoshioka, Keijiro Shomura, Toshikatsu Maehara, Akari Yazaki, Kana Koichi, Kazumi Furuhara, Stanislav M. Cherepanov, Maria Gerasimenko, Anna A. Shabalova, Kouhei Hosoki, Hikari Kodama, Hong Zhu, Chiharu Tsuji, Shigeru Yokoyama and Haruhiro Higashida

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110101 - 3 November 2018

Abstract

Background: Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide, has positive effects on social and emotional processes during group activities. Because cooking is an integrated process in the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional areas, cooking in a group is reported to improve emotion and cognition. However, evidence for

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Background: Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide, has positive effects on social and emotional processes during group activities. Because cooking is an integrated process in the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional areas, cooking in a group is reported to improve emotion and cognition. However, evidence for efficacy in group cooking has not been well established at the biological level. Methods: To address this shortcoming, we first measured salivary levels of OT and cortisol (CORT), a biomarker of psychological stress, before and after group cooking for approximately 1 h by people who know each other in healthy married or unmarried men and women. We then compared the initial OT and CORT concentrations with those during individual non-cooking activities in isolation. Results: Baseline OT concentrations before group and non-group sessions did not significantly differ and OT levels increased after both types of activity in men and women. In men, however, the percentage changes of OT levels in the first over the second saliva samples were significantly small during cooking compared with those in individual activities. In women, however, such a difference was not observed. In contrast, the mean salivary CORT concentrations after group cooking were significantly decreased from the baseline level in both sexes, though such decreases were not significant after individual activity sessions. The sex-specific differences were marital-status independent. Conclusion: These results indicate that OT and CORT concentrations after two activity sessions by a familiar group changed in opposite directions in a sex-specific manner. This suggests that, because cooking is experience-based, we need to consider the sex-specific features of group cooking if we apply it for intervention. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Measuring the Effect of Visual Exposure and Saliency of Museum Exhibits on Visitors’ Level of Contact and Engagement

by Linda Nubani, Alyssa Puryear and Kristy Kellom

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110100 - 28 October 2018

Abstract

This paper examines visitors’ movement patterns at the Broad Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. Characterized with free, open, and generally unbound spaces, visitors explore a curated exhibition at their own pace, route, and agenda. Unlike most other public environments, a museum lends visitors

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This paper examines visitors’ movement patterns at the Broad Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. Characterized with free, open, and generally unbound spaces, visitors explore a curated exhibition at their own pace, route, and agenda. Unlike most other public environments, a museum lends visitors greater choice and control, and does not hold the social or spatial expectations of other facility types that might subject the visitor’s path of travel. In this study, 72 visitors were observed. A space syntax-based visibility graph analysis (VGA) was then performed to compute the visibility exposure and the spatial position of each exhibit within the museum. Negative binomial regression was used to look at the effects of spatial variables on visitors’ wayfinding, contact, and engagement with the pieces. Results showed that both the amount of visibility area around each exhibit, and its spatial position measured using space syntax techniques explained why visitors established a contact with the piece and their wayfinding behavior. Interestingly, however, the saliency of exhibits along with spatial variables were both strong predictors for why people arriving in groups split to engage with that particular exhibit. The simulation used in this study could be useful in curatorial decisions. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Health Behaviors of Student Community Research Partners When Designing and Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention on College Campuses

by Makenzie L. Barr, Sarah E. Colby, Kristin Riggsbee, Krista Leischner, Anne E. Mathews, Melissa J. Vilaro, Kendra K. Kattelmann and Melissa D. Olfert

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110099 - 26 October 2018

Abstract

Few studies work with college students as equal partners in all aspects of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and even less evaluate behaviors of those college partners. The current study aimed to examine health behaviors of students by designing and implementing a peer-led, social

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Few studies work with college students as equal partners in all aspects of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and even less evaluate behaviors of those college partners. The current study aimed to examine health behaviors of students by designing and implementing a peer-led, social marketing campaign (Get Fruved) to promote healthier lifestyles on their campuses. Enrolled students (n = 376) were trained to either design and implement a health promotion intervention (Social Marketing and Environmental Interventionists; SMEI, n = 78), be peer mentors (PM; n = 205), or serve as control participants (n = 93). Students’ behaviors (dietary, activity, and stress) and anthropometrics were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The population was predominately Caucasian, female, and between 19 and 20 years old. On average, fruit and vegetable consumption slightly decreased across all time points for each group with control at a larger decline. Students International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores showed students met recommended amounts of activity throughout the intervention, with males reporting higher activity levels. Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) analyses indicated 19 year olds had higher stress along with females had higher than males. Students involved in a CBPR approach to be trained, design, and implement a lifestyle intervention can achieve maintenance of health behaviors throughout a college year when compared to control students. Full article

Open AccessReview

by Rikinkumar S. Patel, Ramya Bachu, Archana Adikey, Meryem Malik and Mansi Shah

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8110098 - 25 October 2018

Abstract

Physician burnout is a universal dilemma that is seen in healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a feeling of low personal accomplishment. In this review, we discuss the contributing factors leading to physician burnout and its consequences

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Physician burnout is a universal dilemma that is seen in healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a feeling of low personal accomplishment. In this review, we discuss the contributing factors leading to physician burnout and its consequences for the physician’s health, patient outcomes, and the healthcare system. Physicians face daily challenges in providing care to their patients, and burnout may be from increased stress levels in overworked physicians. Additionally, the healthcare system mandates physicians to keep a meticulous record of their physician-patient encounters along with clerical responsibilities. Physicians are not well-trained in managing clerical duties, and this might shift their focus from solely caring for their patients. This can be addressed by the systematic application of evidence-based interventions, including but not limited to group interventions, mindfulness training, assertiveness training, facilitated discussion groups, and promoting a healthy work environment. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Test–Retest Reliability of a Social Interaction Task

by Ekaterina Merkulova, Alexander Savostyanov, Andrey Bocharov, Ekaterina Proshina and Gennady Knyazev

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100097 - 22 October 2018

Abstract

Accurate repeatability of experimental data is the basis of professional scientific research. In this study we analyzed three consecutive experiments: The subjects had to complete a questionnaire three times under similar conditions within a 2–3 week interval to ensure reproducibility of the original

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Accurate repeatability of experimental data is the basis of professional scientific research. In this study we analyzed three consecutive experiments: The subjects had to complete a questionnaire three times under similar conditions within a 2–3 week interval to ensure reproducibility of the original data from experiment to experiment, using the method of test–retest reliability. Absolute reliability was assessed by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD). The relative reliability was estimated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,1) (average measures) and the results demonstrate almost perfect agreement. The social interaction model was applied for organization of the experimental study. In this virtual model, the participants had to choose one of three types of reactions (i.e., attacking, avoiding, or friendly) to stimuli-facial expressions (i.e., angry, fearful, sad, neutral, and happy). The results show significant correlation between personal characteristics and social interactions. The results of the influence of such personal characteristics as agreeableness, collectivism, extraversion, neuroticism, and those shown on the Relational-interdependent Self-Construal Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory are highly consistent with other researchers’ data and common sense. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Communication Surrounding Estrangement: Stereotypes, Attitudes, and (Non)Accommodation Strategies

by Christine Rittenour, Stephen Kromka, Sara Pitts, Margaret Thorwart, Janelle Vickers and Kaitlyn Whyte

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100096 - 20 October 2018

Abstract

To address Americans’ general attitudes and behavioral intentions toward adult children who are estranged from their parents, the current study employed online survey data from 151 Americans recruited through Amazon MTurk. Their responses revealed negative stereotypes (e.g., childish, ungrateful) and positive stereotypes (e.g.,

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To address Americans’ general attitudes and behavioral intentions toward adult children who are estranged from their parents, the current study employed online survey data from 151 Americans recruited through Amazon MTurk. Their responses revealed negative stereotypes (e.g., childish, ungrateful) and positive stereotypes (e.g., independent, strong) of the adult child who is estranged, as well as negative assessments of the parent who is estranged. Generally, participants perceived the adult children as more competent than warm. Compared to other participants in this sample, those participants who were estrangers or estrangees themselves held more positive attitudes overall, including more positive perceptions of estranged children’s warmth and competence. In response to open-ended survey questions asking participants how they would communicate with someone they knew to be estranged, common responses were avoidance of family-related topics, (heightened) physical distance, and accommodation to the needs of the person who is estranged. Implications are discussed surrounding the lack of warmth associated with those experiencing estrangement. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Two Experiments on the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Touching-Effect of Touching on the HPA Axis-Related Parts of the Body on Both Healthy and Traumatized Experiment Participants

by Chigusa Theresa Yachi, Taichi Hitomi and Hajime Yamaguchi

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100095 - 17 October 2018

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to measure both the psychological and physiological effects of touching on the HPA axis related parts of the body. HPA stands for the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal. One experiment was conducted with a group of healthy experiment participants, and

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Two experiments were conducted to measure both the psychological and physiological effects of touching on the HPA axis related parts of the body. HPA stands for the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal. One experiment was conducted with a group of healthy experiment participants, and another was with a group of traumatized participants who had Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). In the experiments, the back of an experiment participant was touched, where a kidney-adrenal was supposed to reside, and both the psychological and physiological effects were measured. As a result, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an indicator of the parasympathetic nerve system function and, especially, an indicator of the social engagement system increased, by a statistically significant degree, as a consequence of HPA touching in both the healthy and the trauma group, in comparison with the control. The traumatized participants had a lower RSA, and this was increased by HPA touching, accompanied by a decrease of the heart rate. It is worth noting that the social engagement function was possibly enhanced by HPA touching, especially in the trauma group, whose members tend to have difficulty being pro-social. This touching method is very simple, so it can be administered not only by oneself, but also by psycho-therapists and body workers in order to enhance both psychological and physiological well-being. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Basal Levels of Salivary Alpha-Amylase Are Associated with Preference for Foods High in Sugar and Anthropometric Markers of Cardiovascular Risk

by Ernesto Tarragon, Jakob Stein and Jobst Meyer

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100094 - 16 October 2018

Abstract

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) influences the perception of taste and texture, features both relevant in acquiring food liking and, with time, food preference. However, no studies have yet investigated the relationship between basal activity levels of sAA and food preference. We collected saliva from

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Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) influences the perception of taste and texture, features both relevant in acquiring food liking and, with time, food preference. However, no studies have yet investigated the relationship between basal activity levels of sAA and food preference. We collected saliva from 57 volunteers (63% women) who we assessed in terms of their preference for different food items. These items were grouped into four categories according to their nutritional properties: high in starch, high in sugar, high glycaemic index, and high glycaemic load. Anthropometric markers of cardiovascular risk were also calculated. Our findings suggest that sAA influences food preference and body composition in women. Regression analysis showed that basal sAA activity is inversely associated with subjective but not self-reported behavioural preference for foods high in sugar. Additionally, sAA and subjective preference are associated with anthropometric markers of cardiovascular risk. We believe that this pilot study points to this enzyme as an interesting candidate to consider among the physiological factors that modulate eating behaviour. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Cellular Redox Imbalance and Neurochemical Effect in Cognitive-Deficient Old Rats

by Maria Elena González-Fraguela, Lisette Blanco-Lezcano, Caridad Ivette Fernandez-Verdecia, Teresa Serrano Sanchez, Maria de los A. Robinson Agramonte and Lidia Leonor Cardellá Rosales

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100093 - 13 October 2018

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to access the linkage between dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, oxidative metabolism, and serine signaling in age-related cognitive decline. In this work, we evaluated the effect of natural aging in rats on the cognitive abilities for hippocampal-dependent

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The purpose of the present study is to access the linkage between dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, oxidative metabolism, and serine signaling in age-related cognitive decline. In this work, we evaluated the effect of natural aging in rats on the cognitive abilities for hippocampal-dependent tasks. Oxidative metabolism indicators are glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity. In addition, neurotransmitter amino acid (L-Glutamic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), DL-Serine and DL-Aspartic acid) concentrations were studied in brain areas such as the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus (HPC). The spatial long-term memory revealed significant differences among experimental groups: the aged rats showed an increase in escape latency to the platform associated with a reduction of crossings and spent less time on the target quadrant than young rats. Glutathione levels decreased for analyzed brain areas linked with a significant increase in MDA concentrations and PLA₂ activity in cognitive-deficient old rats. We found glutamate levels only increased in the HPC, whereas a reduced level of serine was found in both regions of interest in cognitive-deficient old rats. We demonstrated that age-related changes in redox metabolism contributed with alterations in synaptic signaling and cognitive impairment. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Relation of Structural and Functional Changes in Auditory and Visual Pathways after Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery

by Margarita Minou Báez-Martín, Lilia Maria Morales-Chacón, Iván García-Maeso, Bárbara Estupiñán-Díaz, María Eugenia García-Navarro, Yamila Pérez Téllez, Lourdes Lorigados-Pedre, Nelson Quintanal-Cordero, Ricardo Valdés-Llerena, Judith González González, Randis Garbey-Fernández, Ivette Cabrera-Abreu, Celia Alarcón-Calaña, Juan E. Bender del Busto, Rafael Rodríguez Rojas, Karla Batista García-Ramó and Reinaldo Galvizu Sánchez

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100092 - 12 October 2018

Abstract

Auditory and visual pathways may be affected as a consequence of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery because of their anatomical relationships with this structure. The purpose of this paper is to correlate the results of the auditory and visual evoked responses with the parameters

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Auditory and visual pathways may be affected as a consequence of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery because of their anatomical relationships with this structure. The purpose of this paper is to correlate the results of the auditory and visual evoked responses with the parameters of tractography of the visual pathway, and with the state of connectivity between respective thalamic nuclei and primary cortices in both systems after the surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone in drug-resistant epileptic patients. Tractography of visual pathway and anatomical connectivity of auditory and visual thalamus-cortical radiations were evaluated in a sample of eight patients. In general, there was a positive relationship of middle latency response (MLR) latency and length of resection, while a negative correlation was found between MLR latency and the anatomical connection strength and anatomical connection probability of the auditory radiations. In the visual pathway, significant differences between sides were found with respect to the number and length of tracts, which was lower in the operated one. Anatomical connectivity variables and perimetry (visual field defect index) were particularly correlated with the latency of P100 wave which was obtained by quadrant stimulation. These results demonstrate an indirect functional modification of the auditory pathway and a direct traumatic lesion of the visual pathway after anterior temporal lobectomy in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

An Experiment on the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Skin Moisturization on Lower Legs—In Expectation of Application to Nursing Practice at Hospitals

by Taichi Hitomi, Chigusa Theresa Yachi and Hajime Yamaguchi

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100091 - 30 September 2018

Abstract

This study hypothesized that moisturizing treatment of the skin has a positive effect on psychological and physiological aspects. In this experiment, the effect of touch with moisturizer for two minutes on the lower legs was measured in terms of brain activity, heart rate,

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This study hypothesized that moisturizing treatment of the skin has a positive effect on psychological and physiological aspects. In this experiment, the effect of touch with moisturizer for two minutes on the lower legs was measured in terms of brain activity, heart rate, and center of gravity unrest (X axis) in 10 healthy male and female experiment participants. The Right Laterality Ratio Score decreased after treatment, suggesting a relaxation effect of the treatment. Although it was not statistically significant, a decrease was observed. Heart rate decreased after the treatment at a level of statistical significance (p < 0.01), suggesting a relaxation effect of the treatment. Center of gravity unrest (X axis) increased after the treatment with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Therefore, skin moisturizing treatment was found to be effective both psychologically and physiologically in this experiment. The finding is expected to be applied to the field of nursing to support elderly people to enhance their mental well-being and balancing ability. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Gender Identity Development among Teenagers Living in the Subarctic Region of Russia

by Natalia Flotskaya, Svetlana Bulanova, Maria Ponomareva, Nikolay Flotskiy and Tatiana Konopleva

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100090 - 29 September 2018

Abstract

Gender identity is an important element of an individual’s identity and is one of the regulators of human behavior while acquiring social roles. The aim of this empirical research is to study gender identity development among teenagers living in the subarctic territories of

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Gender identity is an important element of an individual’s identity and is one of the regulators of human behavior while acquiring social roles. The aim of this empirical research is to study gender identity development among teenagers living in the subarctic territories of Russia. The results show the correlation between types of gender identity among male and female teenagers, the dynamic in the correlation between gender identity types during adolescence and the characteristics of each type of gender identity in adolescence from the point of view of psychological properties. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Faecal Microbial Markers and Psychobiological Disorders in Subjects with Morbid Obesity. A Cross-Sectional Study

by Per G Farup and Jørgen Valeur

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100089 - 27 September 2018

Abstract

Morbidly obese subjects have a high prevalence of comorbidity and gut microbial dysbiosis, and are thus suitable for the study of gut-brain interactions. The aim was to study the associations between the faecal microbiota’s composition and function and psychobiological comorbidity in subjects with

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Morbidly obese subjects have a high prevalence of comorbidity and gut microbial dysbiosis, and are thus suitable for the study of gut-brain interactions. The aim was to study the associations between the faecal microbiota’s composition and function and psychobiological comorbidity in subjects with BMI > 40 kg/m² or >35 kg/m² with obesity-related complications. The faecal microbiota was assessed with GA-Map dysbiosis test ™ (Genetic Analysis, Oslo Norway) and reported as dysbiosis (yes/no) and degree of dysbiosis, and the relative abundance of 39 bacteria. The microbiota’s function was assessed by measuring the absolute and relative amount of faecal short chain fatty acids. Associations were made with well-being, mental distress, fatigue, food intolerance, musculoskeletal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and degree of abdominal complaints. One hundred and two subjects were included. The results confirmed the high prevalence of comorbidity and dysbiosis (62/102; 61%) and showed a high prevalence of significant associations (41/427; 10%) between the microbiota’s composition and function and the psychobiological disorders. The abundant, but in part divergent, associations supported the close gut-brain interaction but revealed no clear-cut and straightforward communication pathways. On the contrary, the study illustrates the complexity of gut-brain interactions. Full article

Open AccessArticle

The Chameleon-Like Properties of Psychoactive Drugs: Examinations with HR LC-MS/MS Technology of Patients Presenting at the Emergency Department Following the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Case Series and Literature Review

by Ismail Altintop and Cigdem Karakukcu

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100088 - 22 September 2018

Abstract

The chameleon can disguise itself in nature by taking on different colors and forms. As synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have clinically similar effects to those of several psychoactive agents, they are one of the most difficult intoxications to diagnose. The reasons for this are

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The chameleon can disguise itself in nature by taking on different colors and forms. As synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have clinically similar effects to those of several psychoactive agents, they are one of the most difficult intoxications to diagnose. The reasons for this are due to clinical variations throughout the world and the differences in symptoms having not been determined due to their similarity to the intoxication of several other drugs. The aim of this study was to obtain prospective data of patients presenting at the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected SC intoxication, and as a result of prospective examination of samples, to determine a new generation of SC use, SC types, clinical findings, and treatments. Method: A total of a 15 patients with suspected SC intoxication who presented at the ED of the Health Sciences University Kayseri Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and January 2018 were examined. Samples taken prospectively from patients who were followed-up for a diagnosis of SC intoxication were examined with the HR LC-MS/MS method; SC were determined, and the test results of other psychoactive agents that were used concurrently were examined. Conclusions: Three significant findings emerged as a result of this study. Firstly, due to the different clinical forms of presentation at ED associated with SC use and the range of intoxications that cannot be diagnosed, advanced laboratory tests are required, in addition to routine tests for the determination of SC. Secondly, those diagnosed as having taken SC were also determined to have used it concurrently with substances that have a high potential for addiction, such as amphetamines and quetiapine. Thirdly, in regard to examples of cases presented in the literature, anti-psychotics, fluid hydration, and anxiolytics can be used as treatment options for those diagnosed with SC use. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Rotating and Neurochemical Activity of Rats Lesioned with Quinolinic Acid and Transplanted with Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells

by Teresa Serrano Sánchez, María Elena González Fraguela, Lisette Blanco Lezcano, Esteban Alberti Amador, Beatriz Caballero Fernández, María de los Ángeles Robinson Agramonte, Lourdes Lorigados Pedre and Jorge A Bergado Rosado

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100087 - 20 September 2018

Abstract

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, neurodegenerative disorder that results from the degeneration of striatal neurons, mainly GABAergic neurons. The study of neurochemical activity has provided reliable markers to explain motor disorders. To treat neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell transplants with bone marrow (BM)

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Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, neurodegenerative disorder that results from the degeneration of striatal neurons, mainly GABAergic neurons. The study of neurochemical activity has provided reliable markers to explain motor disorders. To treat neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell transplants with bone marrow (BM) have been performed for several decades. In this work we determine the effect of mononuclear bone marrow cell (mBMC) transplantation on the rotational behavior and neurochemical activity in a model of Huntington’s disease in rats. Four experimental groups were organized: Group I: Control animals (n = 5); Group II: Lesion with quinolinic acid (QA) in the striatum (n = 5); Group III: Lesion with QA and transplant with mBMC (n = 5); Group IV: Lesion with QA and transplant with culture medium (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) injection) (n = 5). The rotational activity induced by D-amphetamine was evaluated and the concentration of the neurotransmitter amino acids (glutamate and GABA) was studied. The striatal cell transplantation decreases the rotations induced by D-amphetamine (p < 0.04, Wilcoxon matched pairs test) and improves the changes produced in the levels of neurotransmitters studied. This work suggests that the loss of GABAergic neurons in the brain of rats lesioned with AQ produces behavioral and neurochemical alterations that can be reversed with the use of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplants. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Race, Intergenerational Social Mobility and Stressful Life Events

by Shervin Assari

Behav. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8100086 - 20 September 2018

Abstract

Background. Socioeconomic status (SES) has smaller protective effects on the health of African Americans, and the differential association between social mobility and stress may explain the diminished returns of SES for African Americans. Aim. This study tested the race/ethnic differences in the association

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Background. Socioeconomic status (SES) has smaller protective effects on the health of African Americans, and the differential association between social mobility and stress may explain the diminished returns of SES for African Americans. Aim. This study tested the race/ethnic differences in the association between upward and downward social mobility and stress in a nationally representative sample of African American and White American adults. Methods. This study included 3570 African Americans and 891 non-Hispanic White Americans from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), 2003. Race/ethnicity, gender, age, upward and downward social mobility (independent variable, defined as difference between parent and respondent education), and stressful life events (SLE, dependent variable) were measured. Linear regression models were used for data analysis. Results. In the pooled sample that included both races, upward and downward social mobility were both associated with SLE, the net of all covariates. Significant interactions were found between race/ethnicity and social mobility, suggesting a stronger association between social mobility and stress for White Americans than for African Americans. According to race-stratified models, upward and downward social mobility were associated with higher SLE for White Americans but not African Americans. Conclusion. Although upwardly and downwardly mobile White Americans experience more stress than the socially stable White Americans, African Americans do not experience a change in SLE related to their intergenerational social mobility. Full article

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