The role of parental emotional validation and invalidation on children’s clinical symptoms: A study with children exposed to intimate partner violence

Abstract

Parental emotional validation has been proposed of as a major explanatory mechanism of the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and children’s psychological problems. The present study examined the effect of parental emotional validation and invalidation on the relationship between exposure to IPV, and both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms. Sample was composed of Portuguese children exposed to IPV and an age- and gender-matched control group. Structural equation modeling was conducted. Children who were exposed to IPV presented higher scores on PTSD (p?<?.001, d?=?.99) and depression symptoms (p?<?.01, d?=?.63), and paternal (p?<?.05, d?=?.67) and maternal (p?<?.01, d?=?.81) emotional invalidation. Children who were exposed to IPV presented lower scores on paternal emotional validation (p?<?.001, d?=?1.23). Exposure to IPV directly predicts both PTSD and depression symptoms but the indirect effect was stronger. Paternal emotional validation moderated the impact of exposure to IPV on clinical symptoms; the relationship between exposure to IPV and both PTSD and depression symptoms was mediated by maternal emotional invalidation. Findings suggest the potential usefulness of parental emotional validation and invalidation as treatment goals in clinical intervention with this population. Interventions to improve the therapist-patient alliance recommend that therapists use emotional validation. Training of emotional validation skills in parenting training may prevent the deleterious effects of exposure to IPV.     

Association between dietary phytoestrogens intakes and prostate cancer risk in Sicily

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate the association between dietary phytoestrogen consumption and prostate cancer in a sample of southern Italian individuals.

Methods: A population-based case-control study on the association between prostate cancer and dietary factors was conducted from January 2015 to December 2016 in a single institution of the municipality of Catania, southern Italy (Registration number: 41/2015). A total of 118 histopathological-verified prostate cancer (PCa) cases and a total of 222 controls were collected. Dietary data was collected by using two food frequency questionnaires.

Results: Patients with PCa consumed significantly higher levels of phytoestrogens. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lignans (Q[quartile]4 vs. Q1, OR [odds ratio]?=?4.72; p?p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion: We found of an inverse association between dietary isoflavone intake and PCa, while a positive association was found with lignans intake.     

Body mass index and functional status in community dwelling older Turkish males

Abstract

Objectives: To assess sex hormones in men with obesity and prostate cancer (PCa) and to study association between androgens and the pathogenesis biology of PCa in vitro.

Subjects and methods: One hundred and eighty-one men older than 45?years selected from of a population attending to Urology departments screening for PCa, (78 participants without PCa and 103 patients with PCa). All participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), age, Gleason score, and PSA. Endocrine profile was determined for LH, total testosterone (TT), 17β-estradiol (E2), prolactin and leptin. Biochemical profile (HbA1c, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins) was also determined. In vitro experiments were also performed, involving the study of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 in the presence of adipocyte-conditioned medium (aCM).

Results: All variables were continuous and described a Gaussian distribution unless mentioned. To determine the relation of aggressiveness, variable were transformed into categories. Thus, PCa aggressiveness is associated with the increase of age and BMI (p?<?.0001) but with is decreased with TT and E2 (p?<?.05). Moreover, adipocyte-secreted molecules increase aggressiveness of PCa cells in vitro. Lastly, DTH but not E2 enables invasiveness in vitro.

Conclusions: It was observed a coexistence of hormone axis profile alteration with sex hormones and BMI in PCa patients, in accordance with the new perspective of PCa pathogenesis.     

“Consent is sexy”: A poster campaign using sex-positive images and messages to increase dyadic sexual communication

Abstract

Objective: “Consent is Sexy” (CIS) is a poster campaign incorporating sex-positive messages to promote consent and increase sexual communication among college students. We assess reactions to the campaign and associations between campaign recall and communication attitudes and behaviors. Participants: Male and female undergraduates at a Midwestern university were recruited (N?=?284). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. t-Tests, logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Results: Over half (56%) of participants recalled the campaign and reactions were positive. Students who recalled CIS had more positive attitudes towards sexual communication (p?=?.04) and greater perceived behavioral control (PBC; p?<?.01). Conclusions: Results show many students paid attention and reacted positively to CIS posters and results offer dissemination insights. Consent campaigns should continue to cultivate positive attitudes and PBC in regards to sexual communication.     

Influence of testosterone substitution on glycemic control and endothelial markers in men with newly diagnosed functional hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Effects of testosterone (T) on the cardiovascular system of men remain controversial. The impact of T-replacement therapy (TRT) in men with functional hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has to be elucidated. This study included 80 men (mean age 51.5?±?6.3 years) with newly diagnosed T2DM (according to ADA criteria) and functional hypogonadism (according to EAU criteria). Randomization: Group1 (n?=?40): TRT using 1%-transdermal T-gel (50?mg/day), Group2 (n?=?40) no TRT (controls). Dietary treatment applied to both. Parameters at baseline/after 9?months: anthropometric parameters, lipids and indicators of carbohydrate metabolism (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR), markers of adipose tissue and EnD (leptin, resistin, p- and e-selectin, ICAM- 1, VCAM- 1 and CRP). ANCOVA for repeated measurements revealed TRT to cause a significant decrease in waist circumference (WC), HOMA-IR and HbA1c vs controls (p?<?.001, p?=?.002, p?=?.004, respectively). Leptin declined in subjects receiving TRT vs controls (p?=?.04). Concentrations of resistin, ICAM-1, p-selectin and CRP decreased significantly vs controls (all p?<?.001); no effects for e-selectin and VCAM-1. Advanced age attenuated effects, higher delta testosterone levels augmented effects. Decrement of WC was related to decreasing markers of adipose tissue secretion/EnD. TRT in men with functional hypogonadism and T2DM improved carbohydrate metabolism and markers of endothelial dysfunction.     

The relationship between sleep and autonomic health

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between sleep and resting autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in college students. Participants: Participants were 141 undergraduate students (52 males) recruited from a large southeastern university during September–October 2017. Methods: Participants completed self-report inventories (demographic and sleep characteristics). Resting state skin conductance (SC) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in a laboratory setting for ANS functioning. Results: SC was positively associated with sleep quality (p?=?0.027), sleep latency (p?=?0.040), and use of sleep medication (p?<?0.001). Analyses yielded a negative association between the standard deviation of the normal-normal interval of heart beats (SDNN) and the self-reported amount of time to fall asleep each night (p?=?0.041). Sleep efficiency was negatively correlated with low frequency HRV (p?=?0.002). Conclusions: Sleep components are associated with resting ANS activity, and targeted interventions focused on improved ANS functioning may benefit sleep quality in college students.     

Electronic cigarette and combustible cigarette use following a campus-wide ban: Prevalence of use and harm perceptions

Abstract

The current study examined changes in prevalence of e-cigarette use and perceptions of the harmfulness of e-cigarette and combustible cigarettes following a campus-wide tobacco ban. Undergraduate students completed surveys of tobacco use and perceived product harmfulness. Four samples were collected: in 2013 prior to the ban (n?=?792) and in fall 2014 (n?=?310), 2015 (n?=?208), and 2016 (n?=?417). E-cigarette use increased in the years following the ban (p?=?.01) while combustible cigarette use decreased from 2013 to 2016 (p?=?.02). Men were more likely than women to use both products (ps?<?.05). Students’ perceptions of the harmfulness of combustible and electronic cigarettes remained stable in the years following the ban (p?>?.05). This study is the first to examine the impact of including e-cigarettes in tobacco free policies. Combustible cigarette use declined, but e-cigarette use increased in the years following the e-cigarette ban. Prospective research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of e-cigarette bans.     

The impact of testosterone replacement therapy on glycemic control,vascular function,and components of the metabolic syndrome in obese hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes

Objective: This study set out to assess effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on parameters of metabolic syndrome and vascular function in obese hypogonadal males with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

Study design: Fifty-five obese hypogonadal diabetic males on oral hypoglycemic treatment were enrolled into this one-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Group T (n?=?28) was treated with testosterone undecanoate (1000?mg i.m. every 10?weeks) while group P (n?=?27) received placebo.

Methods: Anthropometrical and vascular measurements – flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima media thickness (IMT) – biochemical and hormonal blood sample analyses were performed at the start of the study and after one year. Derived parameters (BMI, HOMA-IR, calculated free testosterone (cFT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT)) were calculated.

Results: TRT resulted in reduction of HOMA-IR by 4.64?±?4.25 (p?p?p?=?.005).

Conclusion: TRT normalized serum testosterone levels, improved glycemic control and endothelial function while exerting no ill effects on the study population.     

Gender differences in physical activity are partially explained by anxiety sensitivity in post-secondary students

Abstract

Objective: Female post-secondary students typically engage in less physical activity than their male counterparts. Given that women have greater anxiety sensitivity (ie, fear of arousal-based body sensations) and anxiety sensitivity is inversely related to physical activity participation, this study sought to determine if anxiety sensitivity mediates gender differences in self-reported physical activity. Participants and methods: A sample of 802 post-secondary students completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and a Lifestyles Questionnaire in September 2017. Results: Women reported significantly less physical activity and significantly greater anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly and inversely related to self-reported physical activity. A significant indirect effect of gender on physical activity via anxiety sensitivity was shown (B?=?5.56, SE?=?2.81, p?<?.05, 95% CI [1.31, 12.78], P_M?=?.0843). Conclusions: Results suggest that anxiety sensitivity partially explains gender differences in physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity reduction interventions might increase physical activity participation and reduce the existing gender gap.     

Interleukin-18 and testosterone levels in men with metabolic syndrome

Objective: Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is an adipokine associated with obesity. Data about the relationship of IL-18 to the metabolic syndrome (MS) are still scarce. Low testosterone (T) levels are common in men with MS, but we did not find data about the levels of IL-18 in men with low T. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of IL-18 in men with MS with or without low T.

Patients and methods: A total of 251 men were included in the study. Of them 218 had MS (IDF 2005) and they were divided according to their morning total testosterone (TT) level (cutoff 10.4?nmol/l) into two groups: MS-low T (N?=?84) and MS-normal T (N?=?134). The control group consisted of 33 men without MS and low T. IL-18 was determined in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A small group of eight men with MS and low T levels received testosterone therapy for three months and physical and laboratory parameters were monitored at the end of that period.

Results: MS men were at mean age (±SD)?=?53.77?±?9.59 years; body mass index (BMI)?=?34.0?±?6.3?kg/m²; and TT?=?12.59?±?5.66?nmol/l. The control group was at age?=?52.12?±?5.2 years (NS); BMI?=?25.6?±?2.4?kg/m² (p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: In this study, higher IL-18 levels were found in the presence of MS compared to healthy men, but they did not differ between men having MS with or without LOH.     

Association between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome in adult men

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in men older than 45 years.

Methods: Six hundred and sixty men (45–70 years) selected from 2906 participants of a population screening for prostate cancer were included in this study. Testosterone and the components of MS were assessed in all men. MS was diagnosed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Triglycerides (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (chol) index was calculated.

Results: The presence of MS was inversely associated with testosterone (χ², p?<?0.001), independently of age (OR 0.802, CI 95%: 0.724–0.887, p?<?0.0001). Hypertension was the most frequent abnormality observed followed by elevated TG and waist circumference (WC). Testosterone correlated positively with HDL-chol (r: 0.14, p?<?0.0001) and negatively with body mass index (BMI)(r: ?0.29, p?<?0.0001), WC (r: ?0.26, p?<?0.0001), TG (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), TG/HDL-chol (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), glucose (r: ?0.11, p?=?0.005) and MS score (r: ?0.23, p?<?0.0001).

Conclusions: Our results show that in men older than 45 years, as long as testosterone levels decline, the prevalence of MS increases, independently of age. The correlations found between testosterone and four of the five components of MS, as well as with BMI and TG/HDL-chol ratio, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, suggest considering male hypogonadism as a determinant of developmental abnormalities typical of MS.     

Bone mineral density at distal forearm in men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem district,Chiang Mai Province,Thailand: a pilot study

Objective: To study the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the distal forearm among Thai men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Methods: The subjects in this study were 194 Thai men, aged between 40 and 87 years who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Self-administered questionnaires were used for receiving the demographic characteristics information. BMD was measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the nondominant distal forearm in all men.

Results: The BMD was highest in the age-group 40–49 years and lowest in the age-group 70–87 years. The average T-score at the distal forearm was also highest in the age-group 40–49 years and lowest in the age-group 70–87 years. The BMD decreased as a function of age-group (p?p?p?>?.05). The percentage of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increased as a function of age-group in, while decreased in that of normal bone density.

Conclusions: We found the prevalence of osteoporosis in men who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.     

A screening tool for detecting eating disorder risk and diagnostic symptoms among college-age women

Objective: As eating disorders (EDs) often emerge during college, managing EDs would ideally integrate prevention and treatment. To achieve this goal, an efficient tool is needed that detects clinical symptoms and level of risk. This study evaluated the performance of a screen designed to identify individuals at risk for or with an ED. Participants: Five hundred forty-nine college-age women. Methods: Participants completed a screen and diagnostic interview. Results: Using parsimonious thresholds for ED diagnoses, screen sensitivity ranged from 0.90 (anorexia nervosa) to 0.55 (purging disorder). Specificity ranged from 0.99 (anorexia nervosa) to 0.78 (subthreshold binge eating disorder) compared to diagnostic interview. Moderate to high area under the curve values were observed. The screen had high sensitivity for detecting high risk. Conclusions: The screen identifies students at risk and has acceptable sensitivity and specificity for identifying most ED diagnoses. This tool is critical for establishing stepped care models for ED intervention.     

Impact of a sleep course on sleep,mood and anxiety symptoms in college students: A pilot study

Objective: To examine the impact of a sleep course on sleep-related behaviors, mood, and anxiety in college students. Participants: Participants were 145 students enrolled in either the sleep course (n = 70) or a psychology course (n = 75); data were collected in September 2014, November 2014, and February 2015. Methods: Sleep characteristics and symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using validated questionnaires and sleep logs. Linear, logistic and proportional odds regression models were used to test course effects. Results: In November, sleep course students reported significant differences in sleep hygiene (SHI; p < .001), perceived sleep latency (PSQI; p < .05), and circadian sleep phase (MEQ; p < .05), compared to controls. In February, the sleep course students maintained most of the aforementioned gains and reported fewer symptoms of depression (CES-D; p = .05) and anxiety (BAI; p < .05). Conclusions: These positive preliminary results indicate that focused education has the potential to improve sleep among college students.     

A Description of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Latino Males

Abstract

Objective: To explore disordered eating and eating disorders (EDs) in Latino males. Participants: Participants are 722 male college students from a larger prevalence study conducted in the University of Puerto Rico system. Methods: Participants were selected from a list of sections of required courses for first-year students on each campus. Self-report instruments were used to explore ED symptoms (the Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26] and the Bulimia Test–Revised [BULIT-26-R] and the Beck Depression Inventory depression (BDI). Results: Overall, 2.26% scored above the cut-off point on the BULIT-R and 5.08% score above the cut-off point on the EAT-26. Of the males, 4.43% reported sufficient frequency and severity to approximate DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa. Depression symptomatology was found in those who scored above the cut-off point on both instruments of EDs. Conclusion: College health practitioners should be aware of disordered eating in Latino males and include them in efforts to detect disordered eating behaviors in college students.     

Evaluation of quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in the world and also one of the most common causes of urinary complaints that occur with increasing age. Thus, BPH should be addressed with surgical procedures. To contribute to the relevant literature, the present study aims to investigate the effects of surgical therapies for BPH on the patients quality of life.

Materials and methods: This study included 120 patients who underwent surgery for BPH at a Training and Research Hospital. The short-form health survey (SF-36) was administered to the patients before the surgery and at three months after the surgery. Eight parameters of the SF-36 and mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summary scores were calculated. The Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon, and chi-square test were used in the statistical analysis.

Results: When the eight parameters within the SF-36 health questionnaire were examined separately, the findings showed that patients quality of life increased significantly with respect to physical functioning, social functioning, and role limitations because of emotional problems , vitality, bodily pain, general health perceptions, and mental health domains three months after surgery (p?<?.001). The PCS and MCS significantly increased after surgery (p?<?.001).

Conclusion: The SF-36 questionnaire results showed that a significant improvement in the patients quality of life was observed in patients who underwent surgery for BPH. Our findings suggest that SF-36 could be considered a reliable evaluation test to be used in the patients with BPH after surgery.     

Implementing an Early Intervention Program for Residential Students Who Present With Suicide Risk: A Case Study

Abstract

Objective: This case study examined the effects of an early intervention program designed to respond to residential college students demonstrating risk for suicide. Participants: Participants were 108 undergraduates at a large northeastern public university referred to an early intervention program subsequent to presenting with risk factors for suicide between Fall 2004 and Spring 2011. Methods: Data were collected from archival records to examine quality of early intervention services, student retention, and grade point average (GPA) during the semesters prior to, during, and subsequent to the referral incident. Results: Program implementation was timely and responsive to student needs; students successfully completing the early intervention program remained in school and demonstrated small but significant rebounds in GPA the semester subsequent to the incident. Conclusions: There are benefits associated with the implementation of early intervention programs designed to respond to students manifesting risk for suicide, such as connecting the student to vital services and support networks.     

Effect of cigarette smoking on sexual functions,psychological factors,and disease activity in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of smoking on sexual functions in AS patients.

Patients and methods: A total of 67 male AS patients with a median age of 34 years (range: 18–57) reporting sexual activity at least for the past 4 weeks period were included. Patients were divided into smokers (Group 1, n?=?47) and non-smokers (Group 2, n?=?20). Fagerström test for nicotine dependence, smoking history, exhaled carbon monoxide test were recorded for smoking AS patients. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were filled for both groups.

Results: There was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers in all evaluation parameters. BASMI scores were significantly lower in the mild dependency subgroup as compared to those with moderate or severe dependency (p?=?.005 and p?=?.007, respectively). Total IIEF score and IIEF categories correlated significantly with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASQoL, pain, fatigue, and cumulative smoking. BDI showed an inverse correlation with the IIEF score and IIEF category (p?r?=?–0.520, p?r?=?–0.508, respectively).

Conclusions: Sexual function in AS patients is associated with the pain, fatigue, disease activity, functional status, quality of life, depression as well as the cumulative exposure to smoking, and that sexual functions tend to decline with increasing degree of cigarette dependency.     

Campus Walkability,Pedometer-Determined Steps,and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: A Comparison of 2 University Campuses

Objective and Participants: At 2 Arizona State University (ASU) campuses, the authors measured student activity and distance walked on campus, as well as student-reported walkability around the student union. Methods: Students from ASU-Polytechnic (n = 20, 33% male) and ASU-Tempe (n = 20, 60% male) recorded distance walked on campus and wore physical activity monitors for 5 days. Results: Polytechnic students spent an average of 36.9 minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week; Tempe students spent 69.5 minutes (p < .001). At Polytechnic, students walked an average of 7,674 steps per weekday; at Tempe, 11,294 steps (p = .003). Female students at Polytechnic walked an average of 1.3 km/d; at Tempe, 4.3 km/d (p < .001). At Polytechnic, men walked an average of 1.4 km/d; at Tempe, 3.1 km/d (p = .03). Tempe students rated campus walk-ability as very good, whereas Polytechnic students rated it fair (p < .001). Conclusions: Students at both campuses met activity recommendations; noted differences may be attributed to the built environment's contribution to walkability.