Perceived partner responsiveness, daily negative affect reactivity, and all-cause mortality:A 20-year longitudinal study

Objective This study tested longitudinal associations between absolute levels of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR; how much people perceive that their romantic partners understand, care for, and appreciate them), daily negative affect reactivity and positive affect reactivity, and all-cause mortality in a sample of 1,208 adults for three waves of data collection spanning 20 years. We also tested whether longitudinal changes in PPR predicted mortality via affect reactivity. Methods Data were taken from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. PPR was assessed at waves 1 and 2, affect reactivity to stressors was assessed by daily diary reports at wave 2, and mortality status was obtained at wave 3. Results Mediation analyses revealed absolute levels of PPR at wave 1 predicted wave 3 mortality via wave 2 affective reactivity in the predicted direction, but this did not remain robust when statistically accounting for covariates (e.g., marital risk, neuroticism), beta = .004, 95% confidence interval = -.03 to .04. However, wave 1-2 PPR change predicted negative affect (but not positive affect) reactivity to daily stressors at wave 2, which then predicted mortality risk a decade later (wave 3); these results held when adjusting for relevant demographic, health, and psychosocial covariates, beta = -.04, 95% confidence interval = -.09 to -.002. Conclusions These findings are among the first to provide direct evidence of psychological mechanisms underlying the links between intimate relationships and mortality and have implications for research aiming to develop interventions that increase or maintain responsiveness in relationships over time

Phenytoin intoxication with no symptoms correlated with serum drug level: a case study

In high-dose intake of phenytoin, which is used frequently to treatepilepsy, nystagmus, diplopia, nausea-vomiting, lethargy, confusion, seizure, and coma can be observed. In recent studies on phenytoin intoxication, in which seizure and coma were observed in drug levels greater than 50 ug/mL. The serum phenytoin level of apatient, who consumed approximately 100 pcs of 100 mg phenytoin tablets in an effort to commit suicide, and who had no pathological finding in her neurologic examination, was 124 ug/mL. High drug level and the absence of toxic effect (or the absence of toxic effect correlated with the drug level) indicates that cytochrome P450 is functioning, but there can be a mutation in the MDR1 gene. In our case study, we report on phenytoin intoxication in a patient having a high level of phenytoin but no symptoms correlated with serum drug level, as supported by the findings in the literature.Pan African Medical Journal 2015; 2

The association of functional mitral regurgitation and anemia in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background: We investigated the association between anemia and functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with sinus rhythm and normal renal function. Methods: Sixty non-ischemic DCM patients with sinus rhythm and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% were recruited. Functional MR was quantified with the proximal isovelocity surface area method. MR was graded according to the mitral regurgitant volume (Reg Vol) or effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) area. The clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic correlates of functional MR severity were investigated in patients with DCM. Results: Hemoglobin degrees were significantly different between various MR levels (mild MR 13.9 &#177; 1.7 mg/dL, moderate MR 12.3 &#177; 1.5 mg/dL, moderate to severe MR 10.8 &#177; 0.9 mg/dL). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the utility of hemoglobin levels to predict moderate or severe functional MR. A hemoglobin level less than 12.5 mg/dL predicted moderate or high MR with 80% sensitivity and 58% specificity (AUC: 0.789, 95% CI: 0.676&#8211;0.901, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of moderate or severe levels of MR. The left atrium diameter (OR: 19.3, 95% CI: 1.4-27.1, p = 0.028) and presence of anemia (OR: 11.9, 95% CI: 1.22-42.5, p = 0.0045) were independent predictors of moderate or severe functional MR. Conclusions: The presence of anemia and enlarged left atrium are independent predictors of moderate or severe functional MR in non-ischemic DCM patients with normal renal function. Hemoglobin levels less than 12.5 mg/dL should alert the physician for the presence of moderate or severe MR in patients with DCM. (Cardiol J 2010; 17, 3: 274-280

Are the single-step resection and primary anastomosis suitable for obstructıve colorectal patients in older cases?

Aim To investigate the efficacy and safety of the single-step surgery in elderly patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods All patients who underwent single-step surgery and primary anastomosis for obstructive colorectal cancer in the period between January 2012 December 2017 were evaluated in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: younger than 65 (Group Young) and older than 65 (Group Old). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (ASA) scores, comorbidities, preoperative albumin levels, type of surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality, pathological stages, and overall survival rates were investigated. Results A total of 89 patients were included: 49 (54%) were older than 65 (Group Old). In Group Old, the mean age was 75 (65-97), of which 28 (58.3%) were males. There were 41 patients younger than 65 (Group Young) with the mean age of 52.6 (41-64 years of age), of which 21 (51.2%) were males. There was no difference between groups according to albumin level. There was no statistical difference between two groups according to tumour localization, pathological stage and type of surgery, as well as according to surgical complications. The median overall survival rate was 11 months in both groups (0-66) (p=0.320). Conclusion Meticulous preparation of older patients (correction of anaemia, electrolyte levels and pH ) paves the road for successful surgeries, including single-step resection and primary anastomosis

A Worldwide Test of the Predictive Validity of Ideal Partner Preference-Matching

©American Psychological Association, [2024]. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. The final article is available, upon publication, at: [ARTICLE DOI]”Ideal partner preferences (i.e., ratings of the desirability of attributes like attractiveness or intelligence) are the source of numerous foundational findings in the interdisciplinary literature on human mating. Recently, research on the predictive validity of ideal partner preference-matching (i.e., do people positively evaluate partners who match versus mismatch their ideals?) has become mired in several problems. First, articles exhibit discrepant analytic and reporting practices. Second, different findings emerge across laboratories worldwide, perhaps because they sample different relationship contexts and/or populations. This registered report—partnered with the Psychological Science Accelerator—uses a highly powered design (N=10,358) across 43 countries and 22 languages to estimate preference-matching effect sizes. The most rigorous tests revealed significant preference-matching effects in the whole sample and for partnered and single participants separately. The “corrected pattern metric” that collapses across 35 traits revealed a zero-order effect of β=.19 and an effect of β=.11 when included alongside a normative preference-matching metric. Specific traits in the “level metric” (interaction) tests revealed very small (average β=.04) effects. Effect sizes were similar for partnered participants who reported ideals before entering a relationship, and there was no consistent evidence that individual differences moderated any effects. Comparisons between stated and revealed preferences shed light on gender differences and similarities: For attractiveness, men’s and (especially) women’s stated preferences underestimated revealed preferences (i.e., they thought attractiveness was less important than it actually was). For earning potential, men’s stated preferences underestimated—and women’s stated preferences overestimated—revealed preferences. Implications for the literature on human mating are discussed.Unfunde

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

Purpose: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. Materials and Methods: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. Results: The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. Conclusions: This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

Controversy and consensus on the management of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. Materials and Methods An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. Results A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4–6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. Conclusions This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

ACTIVATING MENTAL REPRESENTATIONS OF ROMANTIC PARTNERS INCREASES CURIOSITY AND EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR

Although a key proposition of attachment theory is that security-providing attachment figures enhance individuals' curiosity and exploration , the normative effects of adult attachment on exploration have hardly been studied. According to the theory, romantic partners are potential attachment figures in adulthood and adults rely heavily on the mental representation of their partner in addition to face-to-face interactions to regulate felt security . Therefore the aim of the present project was to investigate whether mental representations of romantic partners foster individuals' curiosity and exploratory behavior. In three experiments, we asked participants to complete a supraliminal priming task designed to activate the mental representation of either their romantic partner or social or nonsocial control topics. Following this task, we assessed participants' feelings of curiosity (Study1) and actual exploratory behavior (Studies 2 and 3). Across the three studies, activating the mental representation of the romantic partner, as compared to control topics, resulted in higher curiosity and exploratory behavior. Moreover, in Study 1 (but not 2 and 3), the effects of the partner prime were only observed for participants who were strongly attached to their partner. Finally , individual differen ces in adult attachment style did not significantly moderate the effect of the prime in any of the studies. Findings are discussed in terms of the role of mental representations in adult attachment and directions for future research on the adult attachment-exploration link are suggested

Functions Of Attachment In Everyday Adult Life: Affect Regulation, Work, And Well-Being

Three papers investigate the role of adult attachment relationships in affect regulation, quality of work experience, and physical and psychological well-being. The first paper examines the effect of activating mental representations of attachment figures (mother or romantic partner) on affective recovery following an upsetting autobiographical memory recall. Three experiments show that activating the mental representation of an attachment figure (vs. an acquaintance or a stranger) enhances recovery by reducing negative affect and negative thinking. Moreover, a meta-analysis of the three experiments revealed that avoidant attachment was associated with reduced recovery effects. Finally, the magnitude of affective recovery due to activating the romantic partner representation predicted psychological and physical health in daily life. Although these experimental findings indicate that romantic attachments lead to better affect regulation as well as mental and physical health, receiving support from a romantic partner in daily life has sometimes been linked to worse outcomes. The second paper investigates the circumstances under which received partner support is or is not harmful for physical health. Findings from a 10-year longitudinal study revealed that perceived partner responsiveness moderates the association between received partner support and all-cause mortality. For participants who perceived their partners as unresponsive, received partner support was indeed associated with an increase in all-cause mortality risk, even after controlling for demographic factors, initial health status, health behaviors, psychological well-being, and personality traits. However, this association was eliminated if the romantic partner was perceived as responsive. Finally, the third paper investigates the association between perceived partner responsiveness and quality of work in two daily experience studies. Perceived partner responsiveness was associated with increased quality of daily work experience which, in turn, predicted greater daily goal progress among young adults and greater life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, daily stress exposure was associated with lower decline in quality of work for individuals who perceived their partners as responsive, indicating that perceived partner responsiveness buffers against the detrimental effects of daily stress on quality of work. Taken together, the three papers contribute to our growing understanding of the role of attachment relationships in adult functioning