Cognitive consequences of expressive suppression : effects of sex and emotional valence

The present research was designed to examine whether sex and/or emotional valence pl aya role in the cognitive consequences (e.g., memory) of expressive suppression. Seventy-two (36 male and 36 female) undergraduates were randomly assigned to either a control or expressive suppression condition, and were asked to watch silent film clips intended to elicit amusement and disgust. While watching each film, participants listened to sixteen nonemotional words. After each film, participants were asked to answer questions about wha t they had seen in the film (visual memory), to recall as many words as they could (auditory recall memory), and to select from a list any words that they had heard during the previous film clip (auditory recognition memory). With regard to the effects of expressive suppression on visual memory, results indicated a 3-way interaction between condition, sex and film emotion: Men performed more poorly than women on the visual memory test after watching both the amusing and disgusting films in the control condition, and when watching the amusing film in the expressive suppression condition. However, men in the expressive suppression condition performed better than women after watching the disgusting film. In terms of the effects of expressive suppression on auditory memory (recognition and recall), a condition x film emotion interaction indicated that there was no difference in auditory memory for the expressive suppression and control conditions when watching the amusing film, but that the expressive suppression group showed poorer auditory memory than the control group for words presented during the disgusting film. Moreover, a ma in effect of sex on auditory memory suggested that men recalled and recognized more words than women across conditions. Taken together, these findings suggest that both sex and the emotional valence of films may influence the effects of expressive suppression on memory. Results will be discussed in the context of previous literature concerning the effects of expressive suppression on cognition.

The Struggle of Giving Up Personal Goals – Affective, Physiological, and Cognitive Consequences of an Action Crisis.

A critical phase in goal striving occurs when setbacks accumulate and goal disengagement becomes an issue. This critical phase is conceptualized as an action crisis and assumed to be characterized by an intrapsychic conflict in which the individual becomes torn between further goal pursuit and goal disengagement. Our theorizing converges with Klinger’s conceptualization of goal disengagement as a process, rather than a discrete event. Two longitudinal field studies tested and found support for the hypothesis that an action crisis not only compromises an individual’s psychological and physiological well-being, but also dampens the cognitive evaluation of the respective goal. In Study 3, marathon runners experiencing an action crisis in their goal of running marathons showed a stronger cortisol secretion and a lower performance in the race 2 weeks later. Results are interpreted in terms of action-phase–specific mindsets with a focus on self-regulatory processes in goal disengagement.

Cognitive Adaptation to the Experience of Social and Cultural Diversity

Diversity is a defining characteristic of modern society, yet there remains considerable debate over the benefits that it brings. The authors argue that positive psychological and behavioral outcomes will be observed only when social and cultural diversity is experienced in a way that challenges stereotypical expectations and that when this precondition is met, the experience has cognitive consequences that resonate across multiple domains. A model, rooted in social categorization theory and research, outlines the preconditions and processes through which people cognitively adapt to the experience of social and cultural diversity and the resulting cross-domain benefits that this brings. Evidence is drawn from a range of literatures to support this model, including work on biculturalism, minority influence, cognitive development, stereotype threat, work group productivity, creativity, and political ideology. The authors bring together a range of differing diversity experiences and explicitly draw parallels between programs of research that have focused on both perceiving others who are multicultural and being multicultural oneself. The findings from this integrative review suggest that experiencing diversity that challenges expectations may not only encourage greater tolerance but also have benefits beyond intergroup relations to varied aspects of psychological functioning.

Impact du genre et du modèle sur les mécanismes d’épileptogénèse dans le cerveau immature

Les modèles kainate et pentylènetétrazole représentent deux modèles d’épilepsie du lobe temporal dont les conséquences à long terme sont différentes. Le premier est un modèle classique d’épileptogénèse avec crises récurrentes spontanées tandis que le second se limite aux crises aigües. Nous avons d’abord caractérisé les différents changements survenant dans les circuits excitateurs et inhibiteurs de l’hippocampe adulte de rats ayant subi des crises à l’âge immature. Ensuite, ayant observé dans le modèle fébrile une différence du pronostic lié au genre, nous avons voulu savoir si cette différence était aussi présente dans des modèles utilisant des neurotoxines. L’étude électrophysiologique a démontré que les rats KA et PTZ, mâles comme femelles, présentaient une hyperactivité des récepteurs NMDA au niveau des cellules pyramidales du CA1, CA3 et DG. Les modifications anatomiques sous-tendant cette hyperexcitabilité ont été étudiées et les résultats ont montré une perte sélective des interneurones GABAergiques contenant la parvalbumine dans les couches O/A du CA1 des mâles KA et PTZ. Chez les femelles, seul le DG était légèrement affecté pour les PTZ tandis que les KA présentaient, en plus du DG, des pertes importantes au niveau de la couche O/A. Les évaluations cognitives ont démontré que seuls les rats PTZ accusaient un déficit spatial puisque les rats KA présentaient un apprentissage comparable aux rats normaux. Cependant, encore une fois, cette différence n’était présente que chez les mâles. Ainsi, nos résultats confirment qu’il y a des différences liées au genre dans les conséquences des convulsions lorsqu’elles surviennent chez l’animal immature.

Análisis de las representaciones sociales de la oposición política en los discursos de Álvaro

El discurso político como mecanismo de persuasión y creador de consenso se ha convertido en algunos contextos, en un eficiente instrumento de violencia estructural que a través de una configuración negativa de las representaciones cognitivas de la disidencia, ha permitido aniquilar simbólicamente a la oposición política generando graves distorsiones en las democracias. Un Análisis Crítico del Discurso de las estrategias comunicativas de Álvaro Uribe Vélez y de Hugo Chávez Frías permite identificar las consecuencias de la criminalización cognitiva de la oposición y sus impactos tanto a nivel institucional como de las mismas estructuras sociales en las democracias colombiana y venezolana. ¿Que valor tiene el consenso democrático donde el disenso es prohibido? y mas aún, ¿Que sucede cuando los gobiernos y las sociedades democráticas entre la opción de tolerar o aniquilar, elijen la segunda como respuesta a los elementos disidentes?

Análisis ecocardiográfico de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo por médicos no cardiólogos con un dispositivo de bolsillo

Se realizó un estudio transversal, se incluyeron 3 residentes no cardiólogos y se les dio formación básica en ecocardiografía (horas teóricas 22, horas prácticas 65), con recomendaciones de la Sociedad Americana de Ecocardiografia y aportes del aprendizaje basado en problemas, con el desarrollo de competencia técnicas y diagnósticas necesarias, se realizó el análisis de concordancia entre residentes y ecocardiografistas expertos, se recolectaron 122 pacientes hospitalizados que cumplieran con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se les realizo un ecocardiograma convencional por el experto y una valoración ecocardiográfica por el residente, se evaluó la ventana acústica, contractilidad, función del ventrículo izquierdo y derrame pericárdico. La hipótesis planteada fue obtener una concordancia moderada. Resultados: Se analizó la concordancia entre observadores para la contractilidad miocárdica (Kappa: 0,57 p=0,000), función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo (Kappa 0,54 p=0.000) siendo esta moderada por estar entre 0,40 – 0,60 y con una alta significancia estadística, para la calidad de la ventana acústica (Kappa: 0,22 p= 0.000) y presencia de derrame pericárdico (Kappa: 0,26 p= 0.000) se encontró una escasa concordancia ubicándose entre 0,20 – 0,40. Se estableció una sensibilidad de 90%, especificidad de 67%, un valor predictivo positivo de 80% y un valor predictivo negativo de 85% para el diagnóstico de disfunción sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo realizado por los residentes.

Efeitos da prática de Yoga na memória e em parâmetros psicológicos e fisiológicos de indivíduos saudáveis

Techniques of mind & body control seem to benefit human organism in general and cognition in particular, because they involve a mindfulness practice. However, there is still a scarcity of studies with well-controlled methods to investigate the possible effects of Yoga practice. In this study, we investigated the effects of regular Yoga practice, based on Yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques, and meditation exercises, on memory and physiologic and psychological parameters related to quality of life. There were significant improvements on performance tasks of short term memory and long term memory. We also observed significant beneficial effects on psychological and physiological parameters such as mood, anxiety, depression, stress, and modulation of the autonomic nervous system in Yoga practitioners group compared to the conventional physical exercises group. The results suggest the possible influences of stress, emotional state and mental training on cognitive effects of yoga practice. Our results support the indication of practice of Yoga for the treatment or prevention of stress, psychological disorders and their possible cognitive consequences

Reflexões sobre a variação terminológica na lexicografia corrente no Brasil e a construção das bases teórico-metodológicas para o dicionário de lexicografia brasileira

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Uma descrição semiótica da metáfora no ensino de biologia: asserções sobre a célula animal

The main objective of this survey is describing signly the metaphor learning resource, with focus on biology education. Our teorical reference is the peircean semiotics, because it means solid heritage to code surveys implicated at science education, it led us to do an explanation about the main lines about that reference, addressed to researchers and lecturers interested in those reasonings. In the description yearned, another objectives appear: demonstrate diferences between metaphor/analogy and pragmatic analogy; to list metaphors, from cell representation analysis, and argue about principals diferences and probable cognitive consequences between the metaphor event in the visual representation and speech sentences. Therefore we analysed the animal cell of a high school first grade studying book – biology – cell biology – used by São Paulo and another state students. The findings demonstrate the undeniable importance of the metaphor as a learning tool in the biology education, and new findings about that, such as its limits in the concept elaboration, gnosiologic consequences for receptioning, the search needs for propositions– pictures between concept relations – in the science speech construction, and other results.

[Carotid atherosclerosis and white matter hypodensities: a controversial relationship]

INTRODUCTION: White matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin, are recognized as an important cause of morbidity with established clinical and cognitive consequences. Nonetheless, many doubts remain on its physiopathology. Our goal is to clarify the potential role of carotid atherosclerosis and other vascular risk factors in the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients that underwent CT brain scan and neurosonologic evaluation within a one-month period. Full assessment of vascular risks factors was performed. We seek to find independent associations between white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin, carotid intima-media thickness and vascular risk factors. RESULTS: 472 patients were included, mean age was 67.32 (SD: 14.75), 274 (58.1%) were male. The independent predictors of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin were age (OR: 1.067, 95% IC: 1.049 - 1.086, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR: 1.726, 95% IC: 1.097 - 2.715, p = 0.018). No association was found between IMT (OR: 2.613, 95% IC: 0.886 - 7.708, p = 0.082) or carotid artery stenosis (OR: 1.021, 95% IC: 0.785 - 1.328, p = 0.877) and white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. DISCUSSION: Only age and hypertension proved to have an independent association with white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. Carotid atherosclerosis, evaluated by IMT and the degree of carotid artery stenosis, showed no association with white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. Since atherosclerosis is a systemic pathology, these results suggest that alternative mechanisms are responsible for the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. CONCLUSION: Age and hypertension seem to be the main factors in the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. No association was found between carotid atherosclerosis and white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin.

[Carotid atherosclerosis and white matter hypodensities: a controversial relationship]

INTRODUCTION: White matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin, are recognized as an important cause of morbidity with established clinical and cognitive consequences. Nonetheless, many doubts remain on its physiopathology. Our goal is to clarify the potential role of carotid atherosclerosis and other vascular risk factors in the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients that underwent CT brain scan and neurosonologic evaluation within a one-month period. Full assessment of vascular risks factors was performed. We seek to find independent associations between white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin, carotid intima-media thickness and vascular risk factors. RESULTS: 472 patients were included, mean age was 67.32 (SD: 14.75), 274 (58.1%) were male. The independent predictors of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin were age (OR: 1.067, 95% IC: 1.049 - 1.086, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR: 1.726, 95% IC: 1.097 - 2.715, p = 0.018). No association was found between IMT (OR: 2.613, 95% IC: 0.886 - 7.708, p = 0.082) or carotid artery stenosis (OR: 1.021, 95% IC: 0.785 - 1.328, p = 0.877) and white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. DISCUSSION: Only age and hypertension proved to have an independent association with white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. Carotid atherosclerosis, evaluated by IMT and the degree of carotid artery stenosis, showed no association with white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. Since atherosclerosis is a systemic pathology, these results suggest that alternative mechanisms are responsible for the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. CONCLUSION: Age and hypertension seem to be the main factors in the development of white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin. No association was found between carotid atherosclerosis and white matter hypodensities of presumed vascular origin.

The consequences of substance use among gay and bisexual men : a consensual qualitative research analysis

- Background Substance use is common among gay/bisexual men and is associated with significant health risks (e.g. HIV transmission). The consequences of substance use, across the range of substances commonly used, have received little attention. The purpose of this study is to map participant’s beliefs about the effects of substance use to inform prevention, health promotion and clinical interventions. - Methods Participants were interviewed about experiences regarding their substance use and recruited through medical and sexual health clinics. Data were collected though a consumer panel and individual interviews. Responses regarding perceived consequences of substance use were coded using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methodology. - Results Most participants reported lifetime use of alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and amyl nitrite, and recent alcohol and cannabis use. A wide range of themes were identified regarding participant’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours (including sexual behaviours) secondary to substance use, including: cognitive functioning, mood, social interaction, physical effects, sexual activity, sexual risk-taking, perception of sexual experience, arousal, sensation, relaxation, disinhibition, energy/activity level and numbing. Analyses indicated several consequences were consistent across substance types (e.g. cognitive impairment, enhanced mood), whereas others were highly specific to a given substance (e.g. heightened arousal post amyl nitrite use). - Conclusions Prevention and interventions need to consider the variety of effects of substance use in tailoring effective education programs to reduce harms. A diversity of consequences appear to have direct and indirect impacts on decision-making, sexual activity and risk-taking. Findings lend support for the role of specific beliefs (e.g. expectancies) related to substance use on risk-related cognitions, emotions and behaviours.