Are you confident enough to act? Individual differences in action control are associated with post-decisional metacognitive bias

The art of making good choices and being consistent in executing them is essential for having a successful and fulfilling life. Individual differences in action control are believed to have a crucial impact on how we make choices and whether we put them in action. Action-oriented people are more decisive, flexible and likely to implement their intentions in the face of adversity. In contrast, state-oriented people often struggle to commit to their choices and end up second-guessing themselves. Here, we employ a model-based computational approach to study the underlying cognitive differences between action and state-oriented people in simple binary-choice decision tasks. In Experiment 1 we show that there is little-to-no evidence that the two groups differ in terms of decision-related parameters and strong evidence for differences in metacognitive bias. Action-oriented people exhibit greater confidence in the correctness of their choices as well as slightly elevated judgement sensitivity, although no differences in performance are present. In Experiment 2 we replicate this effect and show that the confidence gap generalizes to value-based decisions, widens as a function of difficulty and is independent of deliberation interval. Furthermore, allowing more time for confidence deliberation indicated that state-oriented people focus more strongly on external features of choice. We propose that a positive confidence bias, coupled with appropriate metacognitive sensitivity, might be crucial for the successful realization of intentions in many real-life situations. More generally, our study provides an example of how modelling latent cognitive processes can bring meaningful insight into the study of individual differences

Improvement of left ventricular diastolic function and left heart morphology in young women with morbid obesity six months after bariatric surgery

   Background: Obesity contributes to left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and may lead to diastolic heart failure. Weight loss (WL) after bariatric surgery (BS) may influence LV morphology and function. Using echocardiography, this study assessed the effect of WL on LV diastolic function (LVDF) and LV and left atrium (LA) morphology 6 months after BS in young women with morbid obesity. Methods: Echocardiography was performed in 60 women with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m², aged 37.1 ± ± 9.6 years prior to and 6 months after BS. In 38 patients, well-controlled arterial hypertension was present. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and mitral stenosis were exclusion criteria. Parameters of LV and LA morphology were obtained. To evaluate LVDF, mitral peak early (E) and atrial (A) velocities, E-deceleration time (DcT), pulmonary vein S, D and A reversal velocities were measured. Peak early diastolic mitral annular velocities (E’) and E/E’ were assessed. Results: Mean WL post BS was 35.7 kg (27%). A postoperative decrease in LV wall thickness, LV mass (mean 183.7 to 171.5 g, p = 0.001) and LA parameters (area, volume) were observed. LVDD was diagnosed in 3 patients prior to and in 2 of them subsequent to the procedure. An improvement in LVDF Doppler indices were noted: increased E/A, D and E’ lateral, and decreased S/D and lateral E/E’. None of the patients showed increased LV filling pressure. No significant correlations between hypertension and echo-parameters were demonstrated. Conclusions: Six months after BS weight loss resulted in the improvement of LVDF and left heart morphology in morbidly obese women. (Cardiol J 2018; 25, 1: 97–105

Role of DTI-MRI parameters in diagnosis of ALS: useful biomarkers for daily practice? Tertiary centre experience and literature review

Introduction. Despite the rapid development of neuroimaging techniques, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a significant challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important for ruling out ALS mimickers, while Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a useful tool for the identification of cortical tract damage. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal set of DTI parameters to support the diagnosis of ALS that could be applied to everyday MRI and be used as a disease biomarker in daily practice. Material and methods. Forty-seven ALS patients and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals underwent MRI using a 1.5-Tesla scanner including a DTI sequence with 30 spatial directions and a b-value 0/1,000 s/mm2. Two independent researchers measured the DTI parameters: fractional anisotropy (FA), TRACE and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using freehand regions of interest (ROIs) placed along both corticospinal tracts (CSTs), starting at the level of the internal capsule and ending at the medulla. Results. Statistical significance was only achieved for fractional anisotropy (FA) (ALS vs controls, p < 0.001). The highest sensitivity was found in the brainstem (cerebral peduncles, pons and pyramids) where it ranged from 72.3% to 80.9%, whereas the highest specificity was observed at the level of the internal capsule (94.6%). The combined highest sensitivity and specificity was obtained in the pons (72.3% and 72.7%, respectively). Classifier based positive predictive values for Youden index cut-off scores varied between 60.7% and 69.4%. Conclusions. Fractional anisotropy (FA) measured at the level of the brainstem was shown to be the single most relevant parameter in differentiating patients with ALS from healthy subjects. This has the potential to become an ALS-specific biomarker for patient identification in daily practice

Elektrokardiografia w diagnostyce przerostu mięśnia lewej komory u pacjentów ze schyłkową niewydolnością nerek leczonych powtarzanymi zabiegami hemodializ

Introduction. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors in patients under- going haemodialysis (HD). Although standard ECG can help to identify patients at greater risk of LVH, its prognostic value in haemodialysed patients is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate currently used ECG criteria for LVH in patients on renal replacement therapy.  Material and methods. A group of 90 patients, who were undergoing qualification to renal transplantation, were included in the study. Every patient underwent 12-lead ECG and transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with any conduction disorders were excluded from the study. Finally, the study group consisted of 76 patients (21 women, mean age 53.1 ± 14.4 years).  Results. LVH was diagnosed by echocardiography in 39 patients (51%, 27 men and 12 women). Only three out of six tested criteria showed satisfactory performance for LVH diagnosis in HD patients: the sum of S V3 and R aVL > 28 mm in men, and > 20 mm in women (area under curve [AUC] 68%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 56–80); the sum of S V1 and R V5 or V6 > 35 mm (AUC 63%, 95%CI 50–76); and the sum of SV2 and RV5 or V6 > 45 mm (AUC 63%; 95%CI 50–75).  Conclusions. The present ECG diagnostic criteria for LVH are of very limited value in patients undergoing HD. Further studies should be performed to establish new ECG criteria for this group of patients. In the meantime, echocardiography should be recommended as the most precise diagnostic routine test to evaluate HD patients for LVH. Wstęp. Przerost mięśnia lewej komory (LVH) jest głównym czynnikiem ryzyka powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych u pacjen- tów leczonych powtarzanymi zabiegami hemodializ (HD). Choć rutynowo wykonywany zapis elektrokardigraficzny (EKG) może pomóc w identyfikacji chorych z LVH, to jego wartość diagnostyczna wśród pacjentów poddawanych zabiegom HD pozostaje niepewna. Celem badania była weryfikacja przydatności diagnostycznej stosowanych obecnie kryteriów elektrokardiograficznych LVH w grupie pacjentów leczonych nerkozastępczo.  Materiał i metody. Do badania włączono 90 chorych kwalifikowanych do zabiegu przeszczepienia nerki. U każdego pacjenta wykonano 12-odprowadzeniowy zapis EKG oraz przezklatkowe badanie echokardiograficzne. Z badania wyklu- czono chorych z zaburzeniami przewodzenia śródkomorowego rozpoznawanymi w badaniu EKG. Ostatecznie do badania włączono 76 pacjentów (21 kobiet, średni wiek 53,1 ± 14,4 roku).  Wyniki. W badaniu echokardiograficznym LVH rozpoznano u 39 chorych (51%, 27 mężczyzn i 12 kobiet). Tylko 3 z 6 ocenianych kryteriów okazały się istotne statystycznie w diagnostyce LVH u hemodializowanych chorych. Były to: suma załamka S w odprowadzeniu V3 oraz załamka R w odprowadzeniu aVL przekraczająca 28 mm u mężczyzn i 20 mm u kobiet (pole pod krzywą [AUC] 68%, 95-proc. przedział ufności [CI] 56–80), suma załamka S w odprowadzeniu V1 oraz załamka R w odprowadzeniu V5 lub V6 przekraczająca 35 mm (AUC 63%, 95%Cl 50–76), a także suma załamka S w odprowadzeniu V2 i załamka R w odprowadzeniu V5 lub V6 przekraczająca 45 mm (AUC 63%; 95%Cl 50–75).  Wnioski. Stosowane obecnie kryteria elektrokardiograficze LVH mają niską wartość diagnostyczną w grupie chorych hemodializowanych. Należy przeprowadzić dalsze badania w celu ustalenia nowych kryteriów elektrokardiograficznych LVH w tej grupie chorych. Wydaje się, że badanie echokardiograficzne jest najbardziej dokładne w wykrywaniu LVH i to ono powinno być obecnie wykorzystywane do diagnostyki LVH w grupie chorych poddawanych HD.

Executive Functions and Psychopathology Dimensions in Deficit and Non-Deficit Schizophrenia

This study: (a) compared executive functions between deficit (DS) and non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients and healthy controls (HC), controlling premorbid IQ and level of education; (b) compared executive functions in DS and NDS patients, controlling premorbid IQ and psychopathological symptoms; and (c) estimated relationships between clinical factors, psychopathological symptoms, and executive functions using structural equation modelling. Participants were 29 DS patients, 44 NDS patients, and 39 HC. Executive functions were measured with the Mazes Subtest, Spatial Span Subtest, Letter Number Span Test, Color Trail Test, and Berg Card Sorting Test. Psychopathological symptoms were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Negative Symptom Scale, and Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms. Compared to HC, both clinical groups performed poorer on cognitive flexibility, DS patients on verbal working memory, and NDS patients on planning. DS and NDS patients did not differ in executive functions, except planning, after controlling premorbid IQ and negative psychopathological symptoms. In DS patients, exacerbation had an effect on verbal working memory and cognitive planning; in NDS patients, positive symptoms had an effect on cognitive flexibility. Both DS and NDS patients presented deficits, affecting the former to a greater extent. Nonetheless, clinical variables appeared to significantly affect these deficits

Executive Functions and Psychopathology Dimensions in Deficit and Non-Deficit Schizophrenia

This study: (a) compared executive functions between deficit (DS) and non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients and healthy controls (HC), controlling premorbid IQ and level of education; (b) compared executive functions in DS and NDS patients, controlling premorbid IQ and psychopathological symptoms; and (c) estimated relationships between clinical factors, psychopathological symptoms, and executive functions using structural equation modelling. Participants were 29 DS patients, 44 NDS patients, and 39 HC. Executive functions were measured with the Mazes Subtest, Spatial Span Subtest, Letter Number Span Test, Color Trail Test, and Berg Card Sorting Test. Psychopathological symptoms were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Negative Symptom Scale, and Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms. Compared to HC, both clinical groups performed poorer on cognitive flexibility, DS patients on verbal working memory, and NDS patients on planning. DS and NDS patients did not differ in executive functions, except planning, after controlling premorbid IQ and negative psychopathological symptoms. In DS patients, exacerbation had an effect on verbal working memory and cognitive planning; in NDS patients, positive symptoms had an effect on cognitive flexibility. Both DS and NDS patients presented deficits, affecting the former to a greater extent. Nonetheless, clinical variables appeared to significantly affect these deficits

Increased perception of the experience dimension of the animal mind reduces instrumental violence against animals.

In this study, we investigated whether the perception of animal experience capacities, enabling individuals to recognize animals as moral patients, decreases instrumental violence against animals. Additionally, we aimed to distinguish this effect from the influence of perceptions of agency capacities, referred to as anthropomorphization. To achieve this, we conducted an online experimental study (N = 471, 54% women). Participants performed a manipulation task that increased their perception of the experience dimension of the animal mind and completed online questionnaires as part of a manipulation check to measure acceptance and intentions of instrumental violence against animals. Regression and mediation analyses revealed that increasing perception of the experience dimension of animal mind decreases instrumental violence against animals, particularly intentions to commit such violence, and this effect is unique and distinct from the effect of perception of the agency dimension, i.e., anthropomorphization. The key capacities in lowering violence were homeostatic emotions (pain, fear, hunger, and thirst) which indicate suffering that humans would want animals to avoid. However, when people perceive homeostatic emotions, increased perception of more complex capacities (anger, joy, pleasure, personality) and anthropomorphization do not result in an additional reduction in violence. We interpret these results to mean that people limit violence by using perception of animal experience capacities as pre-violation justification. These findings expand our knowledge about the functions of perception of experience capacities and demonstrate that people diminish animal experience capacities not only to rationalize violence but also as pre-violation justification to facilitate instrumental violence against animals

Deadly Attraction – Attentional Bias toward Preferred Cigarette Brand in Smokers

Numerous studies have shown that biases in visual attention might be evoked by affective and personally relevant stimuli, for example addiction-related objects. Despite the fact that addiction is often linked to specific products and systematic purchase behaviors, no studies focused directly on the existence of bias evoked by brands. Smokers are characterized by high levels of brand loyalty and everyday contact with cigarette packaging. Using the incentive-salience mechanism as a theoretical framework, we hypothesized that this group might exhibit a bias toward the preferred cigarette brand. In our study, a group of smokers (N = 40) performed a dot probe task while their eye movements were recorded. In every trial a pair of pictures was presented – each of them showed a single cigarette pack. The visual properties of stimuli were carefully controlled, so branding information was the key factor affecting subjects’ reactions. For each participant, we compared gaze behavior related to the preferred vs. other brands. The analyses revealed no attentional bias in the early, orienting phase of the stimulus processing and strong differences in maintenance and disengagement. Participants spent more time looking at the preferred cigarettes and saccades starting at the preferred brand location had longer latencies. In sum, our data shows that attentional bias toward brands might be found in situations not involving choice or decision making. These results provide important insights into the mechanisms of formation and maintenance of attentional biases to stimuli of personal relevance and might serve as a first step toward developing new attitude measurement techniques