scholarly journals Adult Empathy: Possible Gender Differences in Gene-Environment Architecture for Cognitive and Emotional Components in a Large Italian Twin Sample

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virgilia Toccaceli ◽  
Corrado Fagnani ◽  
Nancy Eisenberg ◽  
Guido Alessandri ◽  
Augusto Vitale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Empathy Quotient ◽  
Empathy Scale ◽  
Study Participants

Empathy plays a central role in prosocial behavior and human cooperation. Very few twin researchers have investigated innate and environmental effects in adult empathy, and twin research on gender differences in these effects is sparse. The goal of this study was to examine innate and environmental influences on three components of an empathy scale frequently used with adults — the expression of cognitive (CE), emotional (EE), and social skills (SS) empathy — and to explore gender differences in the influences. Study participants were ~1,700 twins (18–65 years) enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry. Empathy was assessed with the Italian version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ), for which the three-factor structure (i.e., CE, EE, and SS) was confirmed. Twin correlations in monozygotic and dizygotic pairs, and males and females were estimated for the total EQ and subscale scores, and univariate genetic model fitting was carried out. Women's empathy (i.e., total EQ as well as CE and EE subdimensions) was predominantly driven by genetic factors and individual experiences, whereas for males, no genetic contribution or important shared and individual environmental effects emerged. Although of large magnitude, the gender differences did not reach statistical significance. Age did not moderate empathy heritability in adulthood. Only for the SS subscale were genetic and environmental proportions of variance similar for men and women. This study suggests possible gender-specific innate and environmental influences on empathy and its cognitive and emotional components that need to be confirmed in future studies.

Effects of Chorion Type on Genetic and Environmental Influences on Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index in South Korean Young Twins

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon-Mi Hur ◽  
Jung-Sik Shin
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Twin Design ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Classical Twin Design ◽  
Chorion Type

AbstractThe present study examined the effects of chorionicity of twins on variations of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) during childhood in the classical twin design. Mothers of 81 pairs of monochorionic monozygotic (MCMZ), 47 pairs of dichorionic monozygotic (DCMZ), and 457 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins drawn from the South Korean Twin Registry reported their children's height and weight. Twins' age ranged from 1.9 to 8.7 yrs, with a mean of 4.0 yrs and SD of 1.7 yrs. We computed maximum likelihood twin correlations and performed model-fitting analyses. In correlational and model-fitting analyses, we treated age and sex as covariates to control their main effects. Maximum likelihood MCMZ, DCMZ, and DZ twin correlations were, respectively, .96, .92, and .74, for height, .88, .91, and .57 for weight, and .93, .92, and .61 for BMI. The pattern of these twin correlations suggested very modest chorion effects on body measures. Model-fitting analyses confirmed the observations from twin correlations. Whereas genetic and shared environmental influences were significant for all three body measures, chorion effects attained statistical significance only for height (4%), and those for weight and BMI were zero. These findings indicate that genetic and environmental estimates for height, weight, and BMI during childhood are biased little by the chorion type of MZ twins, supporting the validity of the equal prenatal environment assumption in the classical twin design.

scholarly journals A Twin Study on Humor Appreciation

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Weber ◽  
Willibald Ruch ◽  
Rainer Riemann ◽  
Frank M. Spinath ◽  
Alois Angleitner
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Genetic Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Content ◽  
Similarity Coefficients ◽  
Humor Appreciation ◽  
Intraclass Correlations ◽  
And Behavior

The present study focused on genetic and environmental influences on appreciation of structure and content of humor. Monozygotic (n = 135) and dizygotic (n = 60) adult twin pairs rated their trait-like humor appreciation using the 3 WD humor test (Ruch, 1992) which assesses three basic humor stimuli (incongruity-resolution humor; nonsense humor; sexual humor), and two basic components of responses to humor (funniness; aversiveness). Additionally, two indices were derived from these scales, namely structure preference and liking of sexual content (i.e., controlled for humor structure). Intraclass correlations and behavior genetic model-fitting analyses indicated a moderate genetic effect for funniness ratings of liking the sexual content. The remaining funniness scales seemed entirely influenced by environmental effects. Aversiveness scales mainly showed environmental effects represented in reduced CE models, although twin similarity coefficients showed hints of genetic influences as well, which needs to be unraveled in future research. The results demonstrated clearly that funniness ratings should be separated for structure and content, to obtain detailed information about heritability of humor appreciation. Future research should validate these promising initial findings by utilizing larger samples.

scholarly journals Heritability of Age at Menarche in South Korean Female Twins

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 183-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon-Mi Hur ◽  
Hee-Jeong Jin ◽  
Siwoo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Age At Menarche ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mz Twins

AbstractGenetic and environmental influences on age at menarche (AAM) have rarely been examined in Asian females. This study aimed to investigate the heritability of AAM in South Korean female twins. The AAM data from 1370 female twins (933 monozygotic [MZ] twins, 294 dizygotic [DZ] twins and 160 female members of opposite-sex DZ twins) born between 1988 and 2001 were analyzed. The age of the sample at the time of the assessment ranged from 16 to 28 years with a mean of 19.3 (SD = 2.2) years. The mean AAM in the total sample was 12.49 (SD = 1.41) years. Although the mean AAM decreased with increasing birth years, it levelled off in birth years 2000–2001. Maximum likelihood MZ and DZ twin correlations were 0.72 [95% CI (0.67, 0.76)] and 0.35 [95% CI (0.19, 0.50)], respectively. The results of model-fitting analysis indicated that the additive genetic and individual-specific environmental effects were 72% [95% CI (67%, 76%)] and 28% [95% CI (24%, 33%)], respectively. Neither nonadditive genetic nor shared environmental effects were significant.

Imaging molecules adsorbed onto electrodes under potential control by scanning probe microscopy

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 376-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.J. Tao ◽  
J.A. DeRose ◽  
P.I. Oden ◽  
S.M. Lindsay
Keyword(s):  
Surface Charge ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Scanning Probe Microscopy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Electrochemical Methods ◽  
Surface Structures ◽  
Scanning Probe ◽  
Potential Control ◽  
Afm Imaging ◽  
Special Circumstances

Clemmer and Beebe have pointed out that surface structures on graphite substrates can be misinterpreted as biopolymer images in STM experiments. We have been using electrochemical methods to react DNA fragments onto gold electrodes for STM and AFM imaging. The adsorbates produced in this way are only homogeneous in special circumstances. Searching an inhomogeneous substrate for ‘desired’ images limits the value of the data. Here, we report on a reversible method for imaging adsorbates. The molecules can be lifted onto and off the substrate during imaging. This leaves no doubt about the validity or statistical significance of the images. Furthermore, environmental effects (such as changes in electrolyte or surface charge) can be investigated easily.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Study of Retirement Transition and Advance Directive Completion

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 441-441
Author(s):  
Catheryn Koss
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Advance Directives ◽  
Advance Directive ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Optimal Time ◽  
Retirement Transition ◽  
Multistep Process ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Advance directives (AD) help to ensure patients’ wishes are honored and contribute to improved end-of-life care. According to normative life course theory, retirement is a significant role change that signals a transition into the third age and its socially prescribed activities. To the extent that ACP is viewed as something to do when one reaches a more advanced stage in life, retirement may spark recognition that planning for incapacity and the end of life is now personally relevant and appropriate. This study tested whether transitioning from work to retirement prompted AD completion. The sample included Health and Retirement Study participants 65 and older who, in 2012, had no ADs and were not completely retired (N = 919). Retirement was operationalized as both a categorical status and as a multistep process. Three waves of data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression to test associations between retirement transition and advance directive completion. By 2014, 21% had completed ADs and another 17% completed them by 2016. Those who completely retired between 2012 and 2014 were almost twice as likely to complete ADs between 2014 and 2016. Graduated increase in level of retirement between 2012 and 2014 was associated with higher odds of new AD possession in 2016, but did not reach statistical significance at p < .05. These results suggest the period following retirement may be an optimal time to encourage patients and clients who have not already done so to complete advance directives.

scholarly journals Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Dementia Risk in Older Adults

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G L Dunietz ◽  
R D Chervin ◽  
J F Burke ◽  
A S Conceicao ◽  
T J Braley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Not Otherwise Specified ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Study Objectives To examine associations between PAP therapy, adherence and incident diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia not-otherwise-specified (DNOS) in older adults. Methods This retrospective study utilized Medicare 5% fee-for-service claims data of 53,321 beneficiaries, aged 65+, with an OSA diagnosis prior to 2011. Study participants were evaluated using ICD-9 codes for neurocognitive syndromes [AD(n=1,057), DNOS(n=378), and MCI(n=443)] that were newly-identified between 2011-2013. PAP treatment was defined as presence of ≥1 durable medical equipment (HCPCS) code for PAP supplies. PAP adherence was defined as ≥2 HCPCS codes for PAP equipment, separated by≥1 month. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, were used to estimate associations between PAP treatment or adherence and new AD, DNOS, and MCI diagnoses. Results In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, 59% were men, 90% were non-Hispanic whites and 62% were younger than 75y. The majority (78%) of beneficiaries with OSA were prescribed PAP (treated), and 74% showed evidence of adherent PAP use. In adjusted models, PAP treatment was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD and DNOS (OR=0.78, 95% CI:0.69-0.89; and OR=0.69, 95% CI:0.55-0.85). Lower odds of MCI, approaching statistical significance, were also observed among PAP users (OR=0.82, 95% CI:0.66-1.02). PAP adherence was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD (OR=0.65, 95% CI:0.56-0.76). Conclusions PAP treatment and adherence are independently associated with lower odds of incident AD diagnoses in older adults. Results suggest that treatment of OSA may reduce risk of subsequent dementia.

scholarly journals Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Active Trachoma ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

scholarly journals Twin Study of the Relationship between Childhood Negative Emotionality and Hyperactivity/Inattention Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Yoon-Mi Hur ◽  
Hoe-Uk Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Negative Emotionality ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Environmental Correlation ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine the genetic and environmental etiology of the association between childhood negative emotionality (NE) and hyperactivity/inattention problems (HIP) using South Korean elementary school twins (mean age = 10.19 years, SD = 1.79 years). Telephone interviews were given to mothers of 919 twins (229 monozygotic males: 112 pairs and 5 individuals; 148 dizygotic males: 73 pairs and 2 individuals; 180 monozygotic females: 87 pairs and 6 individuals; 103 dizygotic females: 50 pairs and 3 individuals; 259 opposite-sex dizygotic twins: 127 pairs and 5 individuals) to assess their children’s NE and HIP. Consistent with prior studies, the phenotypic correlation between NE and the HIP was moderate (r = .29; 95% CI = .24, .34). Model-fitting analysis revealed that additive genetic and nonshared environmental influences on NE were .45 (95% CI [.34, .54]) and .55 (95% CI [.46, .66]), respectively, and that additive and nonadditive genetic, and nonshared environmental influences on HIP were .08 (95% CI [.03, .26]), .41 (95% CI [.21, .51]) and .51 (95% CI = .42, .61), respectively. In addition, the additive genetic correlation between NE and HIP was 1.0 (95% CI [.52, 1.00]), indicating that additive genetic factors are entirely shared between the two phenotypes. Nonadditive genetic influences were unique to HIP and not responsible for the NE-HIP association. Nonshared environmental correlation was significant but modest (re = .18, 95% CI [.06, .30]).

Genetic influences on post-natal depressive symptoms: findings from an Australian twin sample

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 645-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. TRELOAR ◽  
N. G. MARTIN ◽  
K. K. BUCHOLZ ◽  
P. A. F. MADDEN ◽  
A. C. HEATH
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
Post Natal Depression ◽  
Obstetric Factors

Background. Conflicting evidence exists on causes of vulnerability to post-natal depression. We investigated genetic and environmental influences on variation in post-natal depressive symptoms (PNDS) following first live birth, and sources of covariation with the personality trait Neuroticism and lifetime major depression occurring post-natally (DEP-PN) and at other times (DEP-XPN) to test for shared genetic influences.Method. Retrospective interview and questionnaire data from 838 parous female twin pairs (539 monozygotic, 299 dizygotic) from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council volunteer adult twin register were used for multivariate genetic model-fitting. Data on PNDS were evaluated for consistency with diagnostic interview assessment.Results. Genetic factors explained 38% of variance in PNDS (95% confidence interval 26–49%) and 25% of the variance in interview-assessed DEP-PN. The genetic correlation between PNDS and lifetime major depression (DEP-PN and DEP-XPN) was low (rg = 0·17, 95% confidence interval = 0·09–0·28), suggesting that the questionnaire was measuring a construct other than post-natally occurring major depression, possibly post-natal dysphoria. Associations between PNDS and obstetric factors were very modest.Conclusions. Findings suggest modest genetic influences on major depression occurring post-natally. Independent and stronger genetic influences identified for post-natal symptomatology or dysphoria (PNDS) justify further investigation.

The Effect of Homeopathic Coca on High Altitude Mountain Sickness: Mt. Everest Base Camp

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary F. Shackelton ◽  
Christina M. Tondora ◽  
Susan Whiting ◽  
Michael Whitney
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Base Camp ◽  
Group Oxygen ◽  
Difficulty Breathing ◽  
Mountain Sickness ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Experimental Group

Homeopathic coca was tested among high altitude trekkers en route to the Mt. Everest base camp to determine its effect on mountain sickness symptoms. Study participants ( n = 24) took homeopathic coca while ascending from 8,000 ft. to 17,600 ft. Measurements included: heart rate, oxygen saturation, and a question naire detailing the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Questionnaire items regarding nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing while asleep all demonstrated statistical significance in the experimental group. Oxygen saturation in the exper imental group was significantly higher. In this placebo-controlled, single-blinded, non-randomized study, homeopathic coca significantly reduced the effects of altitude on trekkers in the experimental group when compared with placebo.

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