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Journal of Behavioral Medicine Apr 2021A number of studies have shown that self-rated health reliably predicts mortality. This study assessed the impact of perseveration on self-rated health, physical...
A number of studies have shown that self-rated health reliably predicts mortality. This study assessed the impact of perseveration on self-rated health, physical functioning, and physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, breast cancer symptoms) among breast cancer patients. We hypothesized that cancer-related distress would serve as an intervening variable between both worry and rumination and self-rated health, physical functioning, and physical symptoms. Women (N = 124) who were approximately 7 weeks post-surgery but pre adjuvant treatment completed the Impact of Events Scale, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and the Rumination Scale. They also rated their pain, fatigue, physical functioning, and self-rated health using the RAND-36 and breast cancer symptoms with the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Checklist (BCPT). Covariates included body mass index, age, cancer stage, menopause status, and physical comorbidities. Worry was associated with higher cancer-related distress, which in turn predicted greater pain and breast cancer symptoms, poorer physical functioning, and lower self-rated health. Rumination also predicted greater cancer-related distress, which ultimately contributed to greater pain along with poorer physical functioning and self-rated health. Models with fatigue as an outcome were not significant. These findings suggest that perseveration can heighten cancer-related distress and subsequent perceptions of physical symptoms and health among breast cancer patients prior to adjuvant treatment. Perseveration early in the cancer trajectory can adversely increase the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment on functioning and quality of life.
Topics: Anxiety; Breast Neoplasms; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Pain; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33135103
DOI: 10.1007/s10865-020-00192-9 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2021In recent years, evidence linked hypnotizability to the executive control and information salience networks, brain structures that play a role in cognitive conflict...
In recent years, evidence linked hypnotizability to the executive control and information salience networks, brain structures that play a role in cognitive conflict resolution and perseveration (insisting on applying a previously learned logical rule on a new set). Despite the growing body of neuroimaging evidence, the cognitive phenotype of hypnotizability is not well understood. We hypothesized that higher hypnotizability would correspond to lower perseveration and set-shifting. Seventy-two healthy adults were tested for hypnotizability and executive functions (perseveration and set-shifting). Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the relationship between hypnotizability and perseveration and set-shifting. Higher hypnotizability was associated with lower perseveration after accounting for age and education. Hypnotizability significantly predicted perseveration but not set-shifting. Our results indicate an inverse relationship between trait hypnotizability and perseveration, an executive function that utilizes regions of both the executive control and the salience systems. This suggests that hypnotizability may share a common cognitive mechanism with error evaluation and implementation of logical rules.
Topics: Adult; Brain; Cognition; Executive Function; Female; Humans; Hypnosis; Linear Models; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Young Adult
PubMed: 33707531
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84954-8 -
Space Science Reviews 2021Mastcam-Z is a multispectral, stereoscopic imaging investigation on the Mars 2020 mission's rover. Mastcam-Z consists of a pair of focusable, 4:1 zoomable cameras that... (Review)
Review
Mastcam-Z is a multispectral, stereoscopic imaging investigation on the Mars 2020 mission's rover. Mastcam-Z consists of a pair of focusable, 4:1 zoomable cameras that provide broadband red/green/blue and narrowband 400-1000 nm color imaging with fields of view from 25.6° × 19.2° (26 mm focal length at 283 μrad/pixel) to 6.2° × 4.6° (110 mm focal length at 67.4 μrad/pixel). The cameras can resolve (≥ 5 pixels) ∼0.7 mm features at 2 m and ∼3.3 cm features at 100 m distance. Mastcam-Z shares significant heritage with the Mastcam instruments on the Mars Science Laboratory rover. Each Mastcam-Z camera consists of zoom, focus, and filter wheel mechanisms and a 1648 × 1214 pixel charge-coupled device detector and electronics. The two Mastcam-Z cameras are mounted with a 24.4 cm stereo baseline and 2.3° total toe-in on a camera plate ∼2 m above the surface on the rover's Remote Sensing Mast, which provides azimuth and elevation actuation. A separate digital electronics assembly inside the rover provides power, data processing and storage, and the interface to the rover computer. Primary and secondary Mastcam-Z calibration targets mounted on the rover top deck enable tactical reflectance calibration. Mastcam-Z multispectral, stereo, and panoramic images will be used to provide detailed morphology, topography, and geologic context along the rover's traverse; constrain mineralogic, photometric, and physical properties of surface materials; monitor and characterize atmospheric and astronomical phenomena; and document the rover's sample extraction and caching locations. Mastcam-Z images will also provide key engineering information to support sample selection and other rover driving and tool/instrument operations decisions.
PubMed: 33612866
DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00755-x -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2022Delivering new medicines to patients suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) is a major challenge. There are various hurdles to be overcome, such as the large...
Delivering new medicines to patients suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) is a major challenge. There are various hurdles to be overcome, such as the large number of patients in a large number of different regions, the lack of marketability, and resistance to medicines. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) is following a corporate mission of "striving towards better health for patients worldwide though leading innovation in medicine". These guiding principles lead to the values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance that make up what we call "Takeda-ism". As part of its contribution to R&D for NTDs, Takeda collaborates with global Product Development Partnerships (PDPs). In this symposium, the "Drug Discovery Booster" project to accelerate and expand discovery of new drugs for Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease with Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and other pharmaceutical companies is introduced. Proprietary compound libraries and the drug discovery expertise of various partners was applied to this new drug discovery approach. An overview of our research projects in malaria, tuberculosis, and NTD is also presented. In addition to these, Takeda's Access to Medicines (ATM) strategy and activities are introduced. Lastly, we discuss a new open innovation model which is accelerated by partnership with a variety of organizations and how Takeda achieves its sustainable development goal (SDG) targets.
Topics: Drug Discovery; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 35781496
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.21-00210-3 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Oct 2023Frontal ataxia, originally described by Bruns, is characterized by the presence of signs of frontal lobe dysfunction, such as perseveration, paratonia, frontal release...
Frontal ataxia, originally described by Bruns, is characterized by the presence of signs of frontal lobe dysfunction, such as perseveration, paratonia, frontal release signs, cognitive changes, and urinary difficulty, associated with imbalance, slow gait, broad-based, the presence of postural instability and falls, retropulsion, and bradykinesia in the lower limbs. The goal of the present study is to recall the historical aspects of this condition, to draw attention to the importance of this clinical finding for the differential diagnosis of ataxias and to review the main semiological differences between primary ataxias (frontal, cerebellar, and sensory ataxia).
Topics: Humans; Ataxia; Cerebellum; Diagnosis, Differential; Frontal Lobe; Gait
PubMed: 37899045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775886 -
Brain and Behavior Jul 2021Behavioral and cognitive changes can be observed across all Huntington disease (HD) stages. Our multicenter and retrospective study investigated the association between...
INTRODUCTION
Behavioral and cognitive changes can be observed across all Huntington disease (HD) stages. Our multicenter and retrospective study investigated the association between cognitive and behavioral scale scores in manifest HD, at three different yearly timepoints.
METHODS
We analyzed cognitive and behavioral domains by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) and by the Problem Behaviors Assessment Short Form (PBA-s), at three different yearly times of life (t0 or baseline, t1 after one year, t2 after two years), in 97 patients with manifest HD (mean age 48.62 ± 13.1), from three ENROLL-HD Centers. In order to test the disease progression, we also examined patients' motor and functional changes by the UHDRS, overtime.
RESULTS
The severity of apathy and of perseveration/obsession was associated with the severity of the cognitive decline (p < .0001), regardless of the yearly timepoint. The score of irritability significantly and positively correlated with perseveration errors in the verbal fluency test at t0 (r = .34; p = .001), while the psychosis significantly and negatively correlated with the information processing speed at t0 (r = -.21; p = .038) and significantly and positively correlated with perseveration errors in the verbal fluency test at t1 (r = .35; p < .0001). The disease progression was confirmed by the significant worsening of the UHDRS-Total Motor Score (TMS) and of the UHDRS-Total Functional Capacity (TFC) scale score after two-year follow-up (p < .0001).
CONCLUSION
Although the progression of abnormal behavioral manifestations cannot be predicted in HD, the severity of apathy and perseveration/obsessions are significantly associated with the severity of the cognitive function impairment, thus contributing, together, to the disease development and to patients' loss of independence, in addition to the neurological manifestations. This cognitive-behavior pattern determines a common underlying deficit depending on a dysexecutive syndrome.
Topics: Adult; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Huntington Disease; Middle Aged; Problem Behavior; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 34110097
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2151 -
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors :... Nov 2022Impulsivity is an established etiological risk factor for alcohol- and cannabis-related outcomes. However, limited work has focused on longitudinal associations between...
OBJECTIVE
Impulsivity is an established etiological risk factor for alcohol- and cannabis-related outcomes. However, limited work has focused on longitudinal associations between multiple trait impulsivity facets and indices of alcohol and cannabis use among military veterans-a contextually distinct population that evidence unique impulsive personality traits and substance use patterns.
METHOD
A structural equation model (SEM) examined longitudinal associations between five UPPS-P impulsivity facets measured at baseline and six indices of alcohol and cannabis use (i.e., frequency, quantity, and problems) measured at 1-year follow-up among 361 returning Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans.
RESULTS
Findings indicated baseline sensation seeking was significantly positively associated with 1-year alcohol use frequency (β = .18); baseline negative urgency was positively associated with alcohol use problems (β = .31); and baseline lack of perseverance (β = .25) and sensation seeking (β = .21) were positively associated with 1-year cannabis use problems. None of the baseline impulsivity facets were associated with 1-year alcohol use quantity, cannabis use frequency, or cannabis use quantity.
CONCLUSIONS
Results provide preliminary support that impulsivity may play a unique role in understanding alcohol- and cannabis-related problems over time among veterans. Further, results suggest that specific impulsivity facets are prospectively associated with cannabis problems (i.e., lack of perseverance and sensation seeking) and alcohol problems (i.e., negative urgency). Findings reinforce the importance of differentially evaluating impulsivity-substance use associations within contextually distinct populations (e.g., adolescent, veteran), and highlight potentially meaningful intervention targets among veterans. However, replication is needed with stronger temporal controls and more diverse veteran subsamples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Veterans; Cannabis; Impulsive Behavior; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Alcohol Drinking; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35238593
DOI: 10.1037/adb0000825 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021The present review study determines to scrutinize EFL teachers' optimism and commitment and their contribution to students' academic success. Academic optimism, as a new... (Review)
Review
The present review study determines to scrutinize EFL teachers' optimism and commitment and their contribution to students' academic success. Academic optimism, as a new construct, is evolving from the examination of the positive psychology (PP), societal principal, and communal school assets that affect the attainment and success of all learners. In addition, within the past decades, commitment has received a great level of consideration, principally in the domain of structural research. The straightforward perseverance of this review is to extend the concept of academic optimism to individuals, that is, to hypothesize theoretical optimism and approve the efficacy of this paradigm at the instructor level in relation to students' academic success. According to the literature review, the definitions of these constructs, namely teachers' optimism and commitment, and students' academic success, as well as empirical studies in this domain are presented. As a conclusion, this study, to some extent, promotes the educators' mindfulness about their commitment. In this respect, pedagogical implications for teachers, school principals, teacher-trainers, and future researchers are presented, and new guidelines for further research are determined.
PubMed: 34733218
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.752759 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023Irritability, anger, and impulsivity have important associations with psychological well-being. However, studying the internal relationships between such emotional...
Irritability, anger, and impulsivity have important associations with psychological well-being. However, studying the internal relationships between such emotional constructs is challenging, largely because of the lack of precise operational definitions and extensively validated measurement tools. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between the above emotional constructs and how they relate to satisfaction with life and perceived negative impact on different life domains. Participants (N = 471) completed a self-report questionnaire online. Correlational analyses showed that higher levels of irritability and trait anger were associated with lower life satisfaction. Impulsivity displayed complex relationships with life satisfaction, with some aspects (sensation seeking) showing a positive relationship and others (urgency, lack of perseverance) showing a negative relationship. A two-factor Confirmatory Factor Analysis treating irritability and anger as separate constructs showed a better fit compared with a one-factor model, indicating that irritability and anger should be treated as separate constructs. An exploratory moderation analysis showed that higher irritability predicted increased anger only for participants scoring average to high on urgency (a facet of impulsivity). Our findings increase the understanding of the relationship between these dispositional constructs and supports the conceptualization of irritability and anger as related but distinct constructs.
Topics: Humans; Anger; Impulsive Behavior; Irritable Mood; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Report
PubMed: 37369760
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37557-4 -
Nature Communications Dec 2022Dust devils (convective vortices loaded with dust) are common at the surface of Mars, particularly at Jezero crater, the landing site of the Perseverance rover. They are...
Dust devils (convective vortices loaded with dust) are common at the surface of Mars, particularly at Jezero crater, the landing site of the Perseverance rover. They are indicators of atmospheric turbulence and are an important lifting mechanism for the Martian dust cycle. Improving our understanding of dust lifting and atmospheric transport is key for accurate simulation of the dust cycle and for the prediction of dust storms, in addition to being important for future space exploration as grain impacts are implicated in the degradation of hardware on the surface of Mars. Here we describe the sound of a Martian dust devil as recorded by the SuperCam instrument on the Perseverance rover. The dust devil encounter was also simultaneously imaged by the Perseverance rover's Navigation Camera and observed by several sensors in the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer instrument. Combining these unique multi-sensorial data with modelling, we show that the dust devil was around 25 m large, at least 118 m tall, and passed directly over the rover travelling at approximately 5 m s. Acoustic signals of grain impacts recorded during the vortex encounter provide quantitative information about the number density of particles in the vortex. The sound of a Martian dust devil was inaccessible until SuperCam microphone recordings. This chance dust devil encounter demonstrates the potential of acoustic data for resolving the rapid wind structure of the Martian atmosphere and for directly quantifying wind-blown grain fluxes on Mars.
Topics: Extraterrestrial Environment; Dust; Mars; Wind; Atmosphere
PubMed: 36513637
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35100-z