The differences of individuals with type A and type B behavior patterns and the women\u27s awareness seminar on self-actualization and flexibility

The relationship between psychological traits and the incidence of some diseases has captured the attention of researchers in medicine as well as psychology, education, and society. Rosenman and Friedman were pioneers in the discovery that a certain pattern of behaviors may be associated with the risk of heart disease. They designated these psychological factors as Type A behavior pattern and the absence of these factors as Type B behavior pattern.;Several behavioral techniques have been used to modify the Type A behavior pattern. It has been suggested that Type A individuals may need different types of intervention due to the educational, socio-economic or other differences. The techniques of humanistic psychology provide yet another method for changing the Type A behavior pattern.;This study explored the effectiveness of using a model designed to increase the self-actualization and flexibility of subjects in a small group setting. The subjects were classified as Type A, Type B, or indeterminant according to their scores on the Jenkins Activity Survey.;Subjects for the experiment (N = 30) included female community college students enrolled in the Women\u27s Awareness Seminar; the control group (N = 37) was comprised of female community college students enrolled in an orientation class. All experimental subjects received a 30 hour, ten week course designed to increase self-awareness and self-actualization. The model included reading assignments, written homework, lectures, relaxation techniques, and experiential participation in class.;Testing for the effects of the intervention model consisted of pre- posttest administration of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) (T(,C) and I scales) and the California Personality Inventory (CPI) F(,x) scale). The Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) was administered only as a pretest for classification purposes. The T(,C), I, and F(,x) scales were used as change measures for the effectiveness of the treatment; age and pretest scores served as covariates.;Predicted outcomes and results included: (1) Before treatment, individuals in experimental and control groups with Type B behavior pattern will be significantly greater self-actualizers and more flexible than Type A individuals on pretest measures of the POI and CPI. (Rejected). (2) After intervention, individuals in the experimental group will show a greater increase in self-actualization and flexibility than individuals in the control group by comparison of pre- and posttest measures of the POI and CPI. (Rejected). (3) After intervention, Type A\u27s and Type B\u27s in the experimental group will show a significant increase in self-actualization and flexibility as compared to Type A\u27s and B\u27s in the control group. This change will be measured by comparing pre- and posttest scores of the POI and CPI. (Rejected).;The three hypotheses were tested by one-way analysis of variance (T(,C), I, Fx, and JAS scores as dependent variables). Age and pretest scores served as covariates for hypothesis two and three. Hypothesis two was further tested by students\u27 t-test to measure group change. All hypotheses were tested at the .05 level.;Results indicated that the intervention was not effective in changing the self-actualization or flexibility of the experimental subjects. No significant difference was found between Type A\u27s or B\u27s on pretest measures of self-actualization or flexibility. Age did not appear to contribute to the variance

An Evaluation of the Reintroduction of Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario and its Tributaries

As the field of restoration continues to develop, it is important that initiatives are evaluated for their effectiveness and to explore the motivations and justifications behind the projects‘ designs. Current restoration ecology seeks to orient projects toward the future instead of rooting them in the past. By focusing on ecosystem function rather than specific species composition, the needs of the current ecosystem are better able to be addressed. The dynamic and complex nature of ecosystems means restoration ecologists must have a firm understanding of current conditions and design several trajectories for restoration projects. Not all current restoration projects adhere to this more recent framework, and many fall short of achieving goals set by international organizations, such as the Society for Ecological Restoration. The Atlantic Salmon Reintroduction Program for Lake Ontario began in 2006 with the goal of establishing a self sustaining Atlantic salmon population in Lake Ontario. Over 30 organizations have joined together to implement this program which involves fish production, habitat restoration, monitoring and assessment as well as education and outreach. Though some success has been achieved through habitat projects and observation of some returning adults, the future of the project is still being evaluated. By reviewing relevant literature and conducting interviews with key partners, the program was evaluated for its adherence to restoration principles and the following areas were used to evaluate its success. These broad themes included: (1) the biological interactions of these fish with their surroundings; (2) the history of the ecosystem; (3) the influence of humans on the restoration process; (4) the value laden aspect of the iv process; and (5) the extent of a ―systems‖ approach. The justification for this program appears to be based more on culture, aesthetic and economic value than sound ecological science but, as all respondents agreed, the ability of Lake Ontario to support a healthy, self-sustaining population of Atlantic salmon would be a good indicator of overall ecosystem health at least in terms of water quality and quantity. Despite this potential achievement, reintroducing a single extirpated species while focusing solely on its habitat and survival, fails to address the multitude of concerns within the Lake Ontario watershed. Consequently this reintroduction limits the potential for restoration of the Lake and is far less efficient and effective than had other opportunities been pursued

Performance of the PROMIS After Operative Interventions for Shoulder Instability

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in an efficient manner. Few studies have assessed this instrument postoperatively. Purpose: To compare the PROMIS Physical Function computer adaptive test (PROMIS PF CAT) and Upper Extremity (PROMIS UE) item bank to other previously validated PRO instruments and to evaluate ceiling and floor effects and construct validity responsiveness in patients who underwent operative interventions for shoulder instability. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent operative interventions for shoulder instability completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) assessment form, Marx shoulder activity scale (Marx), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical function (SF-36 PF) and general health (SF-36 GH), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), PROMIS PF CAT, and PROMIS UE before surgery and then at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Correlation coefficients were calculated among these tools. The effect size of change was also calculated for each tool at each time point. A total of 91 patients who had also undergone surgery for shoulder instability completed these PRO instruments 2 years postoperatively. The percentage of patients hitting the ceiling and floor effects of each of the PRO instruments was calculated at all time points. Results: The PROMIS PF CAT demonstrated excellent-good correlation with the SF-36 PF at all postoperative time points (0.61 at 6 weeks, 0.68 at 6 months, and 0.64 at 2 years; P \u3c .01 for all). The PROMIS UE showed excellent correlation with the ASES at 6 weeks postoperatively (0.73, P \u3c .01). Both the PROMIS PF CAT and PROMIS UE demonstrated the ability to detect change after surgical interventions with a medium to large effect size. The PROMIS UE demonstrated a ceiling effect at 6 months (68.1%) and 2 years (67.0%) postoperatively. The PROMIS PF CAT demonstrated no ceiling effect at any time point. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF CAT demonstrated good to excellent correlation with other previously validated PRO instruments that assess physical function in patients with shoulder instability postoperatively. The PROMIS UE demonstrated good correlation with other PRO tools but had a significant ceiling effect and is not recommended for this patient population. Both tools demonstrated an ability to detect change after surgical interventions with a good effect size

Performance of the PROMIS in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is designed to advance patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments by utilizing question banks for major health domains. Purpose: To compare the responsiveness and construct validity of the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) with current PRO instruments for patients before and up to 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Initially, 157 patients completed the PROMIS PF CAT, Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36 physical function [PF] and general health [GH]), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS activities of daily living [ADL], sport, and quality of life [QOL]), and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Correlations between instruments, ceiling and floor effects, effect sizes (Cohen d), and standardized response means to describe responsiveness were evaluated. Subgroup analyses compared participants with and without additional arthroscopic procedures using linear mixed models. Results: At baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months, the PROMIS PF CAT showed excellent or excellent-good correlations with the SF-36 PF (r = 0.75-0.80, P \u3c .01), KOOS-ADL (r = 0.63-0.70, P \u3c .01), and KOOS-sport (r = 0.32-0.69, P \u3c .01); excellent-good correlation with the EQ-5D (r = 0.60-0.71, P \u3c .01); and good correlation with the KOOS-QOL (r = 0.52-0.58, P \u3c .01). As expected, there were poor correlations with the MARS (r = 0.00-0.24, P \u3c .01) and SF-36 GH (r = 0.16-0.34, P \u3c .01 ). At 2 years, the PROMIS PF CAT showed good to excellent correlations with all PRO instruments (r = 0.42-0.72, P \u3c .01), including the MARS (r = 0.42, P \u3c .01), indicating frequent return to preinjury function. The PROMIS PF CAT had the fewest ceiling or floor effects of all instruments tested, and patients answered, on average, 4 questions. There was no significant difference in baseline physical function scores between subgroups; at follow-up, all groups showed improvements in scores that were not statistically different. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF CAT is a valid tool to assess outcomes after ACL reconstruction up to 2 years after surgery, demonstrating the highest responsiveness to change with the fewest ceiling and floor effects and a low time burden among all instruments tested. The PROMIS PF CAT is a beneficial alternative for assessing physical function in adults before and after ACL reconstruction

Performance of the PROMIS in Patients Undergoing 3 Common Elbow Procedures

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, and elbow arthroscopic surgery are common elbow procedures performed in active patients. Hypothesis: We hypothesized (1) good to excellent correlation between Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments and traditional orthopaedic upper extremity patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures; (2) that PROMIS instruments would demonstrate ceiling effects; and (3) that the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) would demonstrate a low question burden compared with other PRO instruments. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 76 patients undergoing UCL repair/reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, or elbow arthroscopic surgery filled out the Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Function subscale, EuroQol–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, PROMIS PF CAT, and PROMIS upper extremity item bank (UE). Excellent correlation between PROs was defined as ≥.70. Results: The PROMIS PF CAT had excellent correlation with the SF-36 (r = 0.74; P \u3c .0001), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey (r = –0.76; P \u3c .0001), and PROMIS UE (r = 0.73; P \u3c .0001). The PROMIS UE demonstrated excellent correlation with the SF-36 (r = 0.73; P \u3c .0001) and DASH survey (r = –0.81; P \u3c .0001). The PROMIS UE had ceiling effects in 33% of patients. The SF-36 showed ceiling effects in 20% of patients. On average, patients answered 5.1 ± 2.2 questions on the PROMIS PF CAT. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF CAT and PROMIS UE are valid in patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair, elbow arthroscopic surgery, and UCL repair. The PROMIS UE demonstrated high ceiling effects in younger, higher functioning patients and should be used with caution in this group. A further evaluation and modification of the PROMIS UE in younger, high-functioning patients are warranted. Finally, the PROMIS PF CAT exhibited a low question burden relative to traditional PRO instruments without the loss of reliability

B cell–adaptive immune profile in emphysema-predominant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cigarette smoke, the major risk factor for COPD in developed countries, causes pulmonary inflammation that persists long after smoking cessation, suggesting self-perpetuating adaptive immune responses similar to those that occur in autoimmune diseases. Increases in the number and size of B cell–rich lymphoid follicles (LFs) have been shown in patients in severe stages of COPD (4), and increased B-cell products (autoantibodies) have been observed in the blood and lungs of patients with COPD (5, 6). Oligoclonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin genes has been observed in B cells isolated from COPD LFs, suggesting that a specific antigenic stimulation drives B-cell proliferation. Consistently, we have shown that in the COPD lung, there is an overexpression of BAFF (B-cell activation factor of the TNF family), which is a key regulator of B-cell homeostasis in several autoimmune diseases (7) and is involved in the growth of LFs in COPD. However, a network analysis of lung transcriptomics showed that a prominent B-cell molecular signature characterized emphysema preferentially but was absent in AD independently of the degree of airflow limitation (8). In the current study, we investigated the correlation between B-cell responses in lung tissue from patients with COPD and healthy smokers, and the extent of emphysema versus airflow limitation

Human microglia maturation is underpinned by specific gene regulatory networks.

Microglia phenotypes are highly regulated by the brain environment, but the transcriptional networks that specify the maturation of human microglia are poorly understood. Here, we characterized stage-specific transcriptomes and epigenetic landscapes of fetal and postnatal human microglia and acquired corresponding data in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia, in cerebral organoids, and following engraftment into humanized mice. Parallel development of computational approaches that considered transcription factor (TF) co-occurrence and enhancer activity allowed prediction of shared and state-specific gene regulatory networks associated with fetal and postnatal microglia. Additionally, many features of the human fetal-to-postnatal transition were recapitulated in a time-dependent manner following the engraftment of iPSC cells into humanized mice. These data and accompanying computational approaches will facilitate further efforts to elucidate mechanisms by which human microglia acquire stage- and disease-specific phenotypes

Bridging Alone: Religious Conservatism, Marital Homogamy, and Voluntary Association Membership

This study characterizes social insularity of religiously conservative American married couples by examining patterns of voluntary associationmembership. Constructing a dataset of 3938 marital dyads from the second wave of the National Survey of Families and Households, the author investigates whether conservative religious homogamy encourages membership in religious voluntary groups and discourages membership in secular voluntary groups. Results indicate that couples’ shared affiliation with conservative denominations, paired with beliefs in biblical authority and inerrancy, increases the likelihood of religious group membership for husbands and wives and reduces the likelihood of secular group membership for wives, but not for husbands. The social insularity of conservative religious groups appears to be reinforced by homogamy—particularly by wives who share faith with husbands

Loss of oxidative defense and potential blockade of satellite cell maturation in the skeletal muscle of patients with cancer but not in the healthy elderly

Purpose: Muscle wasting in old age or cancer may result from failure of myofibre regeneration and /or accelerated apoptosis both of which may be up-regulated by oxidative stress or inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine from the transcriptome in human skeletal muscle whether there is evidence for oxidative stress and its relationship with satellite cell differentiation or apoptosis in the muscle of patients with cancer (weight-stable: CWS or weight-losing: CWL) or healthy elderly (HE) when compared with healthy middle aged controls (HMAC) . Design: 28 patients with resectable upper GI/pancreatic cancer (CWS: 14 and CWL14), 17 HE and 22 HMAC underwent biopsy of the quadriceps muscle. Markers of muscle regeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis were measured by qPCR. Results: The expression of transcription factors responsible for muscle regeneration (Pax3, Pax7 and MyoD) were increased in the skeletal muscle of CWS and HE when compared with HMAC (P<0.001). In contrast, the expression of myogenic differentiation markers (MyoG and Myh2) was reduced in CWS and CWL but increased in HE when compared with HMAC (P<0.0001). The expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax was significantly increased in CWS, CWL and HE compared with HMAC (P<0.0001). Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was variable with increased expression of TNF in CWS and HE, increased Il-6 in CWS and increased Il-1 in CWL when compared with HMAC. Expression of the oxidative defense genes SOD2, GCLM, and NRF2 was decreased in CWS and CWL but increased in HE when compared with HMA (P<0.0001). Conclusion: There is evidence for blockade of satellite cell maturation, upregulation of apoptosis and reduced oxidative defense in the skeletal muscle of cancer patients. In contrast, in muscle from healthy elderly the potential for myotube differentiation and oxidative defense is maintained

Evidence for predilection of macrophage infiltration patterns in the deeper midline and mesial temporal structures of the brain uniquely in patients with HIV-associated dementia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>HIV-1 penetrates the central nervous system, which is vital for HIV-associated dementia (HAD). But the role of cellular infiltration and activation together with HIV in the development of HAD is poorly understood.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To study activation and infiltration patterns of macrophages, CD8+ T cells in relation to HIV in diverse CNS areas of patients with and without dementia. 46 brain regions from two rapidly progressing severely demented patients and 53 regions from 4 HIV+ non-dementia patients were analyzed. Macrophage and CD8+ T cell infiltration of the CNS in relation to HIV was assessed using immuno-histochemical analysis with anti-HIV (P24), anti-CD8 and anti-CD68, anti-S-100A8 and granzyme B antibodies (cellular activation). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 12.0 with Student's t test and ANOVA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, the patterns of infiltration of macrophages and CD8+ T cells were indiscernible between patients with and without dementia, but the co-localization of macrophages and CD8+ T cells along with HIV P24 antigen in the deeper midline and mesial temporal structures of the brain segregated the two groups. This predilection of infected macrophages and CD8+ T cells to the middle part of the brain was unique to both HAD patients, along with unique nature of provirus gag gene sequences derived from macrophages in the midline and mesial temporal structures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Strong predilection of infected macrophages and CD8+ T cells was typical of the deeper midline and mesial temporal structures uniquely in HAD patients, which has some influence on neurocognitive impairment during HIV infection.</p