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Investigating Relationships Between Musical Reward and Empathy Across the Adult Lifespan
No full textMusic can evoke positive mood and even enhance empathy towards others. Understanding the mechanisms supporting music-based enhancements in emotion are essential for developing interventions for older adults with chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies have primarily focused on younger adults and have shown that trait empathy can modulate responses to music through engaging empathy-related brain networks. However, little is known about the specific relationship between musical reward and trait empathy, especially across the adult lifespan. In the present study, we hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between musical reward and empathy. The sample included healthy adults 19-86 years (N=74; Mage=54.36; 62.2% female; Medu=16.2). Participants completed the Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ), a 20-item questionnaire assessing music reward/appreciation and the Empathy Quotient Inventory (EQ), a 40-item questionnaire measuring multidimensional empathy (i.e., cognitive empathy, emotional reactivity, and social skills). We conducted a linear regression investigating the degree to which empathy predicted significant variance in music reward (age and gender were covariates of no interest). The overall model was significant (p=.007) and there was a significant, positive relationship between the EQ total score and the BMRQ total score (p=.004). Exploratory analyses demonstrated that the BMRQ total had positive correlations with cognitive (p=.006) and emotional empathy (p=.004). In summary, music reward was positively associated with empathy in this adult lifespan sample, adding to the literature focused on younger adulthood. Future research is needed to examine relationships between empathy and other aspects of music experience across the adult lifespan
Skeletal muscle bioenergetics in vivo using combined 31P-1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
No full textIntroduction: Mitochondrial efficiency is a critical functional parameter for metabolic phenotyping with important implications for both exercise tolerance and whole-body physiological function. However, the direct measurement of both oxygen consumption (VO2) and ATP production from the same region of the contracting muscle in vivo remains a great technical challenge. Purpose: Using an innovative approach combining noninvasive phosphorus and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P/1H-MRS), the present study aimed to characterize skeletal muscle ATP synthesis rate and muscle VO2 at rest and during a graded dynamic plantar flexion exercise to determine mitochondrial efficiency in the gastrocnemius muscle. Method: We assessed mitochondrial efficiency in the gastrocnemius muscles of 12 healthy adults (21±1 yrs.). 31P and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was performed using a whole-body 3T MR system (Skyra, Siemens) at rest and during a series of constant workloads coupled to brief transient ischemia to quantify both oxidative ATP synthesis (ATPox) rate and myoglobin-derived oxygen consumption (Mb-derived VO2). The MRS data were acquired with a dual-tuned 31P/1H surface coil with linear polarization positioned over the gastrocnemius muscle. Results: As expected, the end-exercise PCr concentration decreased from 29 ± 2 mM of WRmax to 18 ± 1 mM, and the end-exercise Mb oxygenation level declined linearly with increasing workload. The ATPox synthesis rate increased linearly with exercise workload (r2 = 0.45), whereas there was no significant change in Mb-derived VO2. At rest, the estimated P/O ratio in the gastrocnemius muscle was 1.95 ± 0.68, whereas non-physiological values were obtained during exercise (\u3e3). Conclusion: The results indicate that combined 31P/1H-MRS noninvasive techniques in human gastrocnemius muscle at rest offer a specific approach for accurately quantifying mitochondrial efficiency, thereby emerging as a valuable potential endpoint to evaluate mitochondrial function in vivo. In contrast, Mb-derived VO2 during exercise was likely limited by O2 availability with the methodology employed and the slow recording time resolution, which precluded the quantification of mitochondrial efficiency and required additional technical refinement
Validation and Implementation of Human-specific Multiplex Analysis to Quantify the Inflammatory Response in the Plasma of Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Get PDFValidation and Implementation of Human-specific Multiplex Analysis to Quantify the Inflammatory Response in the Plasma of Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Donald R. Rogers1, Aliyah Jabenis1,2, Mackenzie Conrin, M.S.1,3, Shivdeep Hayer, D.V.M, Ph.D.1, Claudia Rauter Ph.D.1, Noel Johnson, D.V.M., M.P.H.4, Jonathan B. Clayton, D.V.M., Ph.D.1,5,6,7, Paul W. Denton, Ph.D.1,7
1University of Nebraska at Omaha, Department of Biology
2University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Neuroscience
3University of Nebraska Medical Center, Environmental Health and Safety
4University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Comparative Medicine
5University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Food Science and Technology
6University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Food for Health Center
7University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Microbiology
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a robust animal model that is used in a variety of research contexts. However, there is a paucity of commercially available immunoassays validated for use in this animal model. Therefore, the ability to validate and implement an immunoassay for common marmosets would be novel and valuable to the field. The first place to start in such an effort is to determine cross-reactivity between an established human-specific assay against marmoset analytes. To quantify immune-related markers produced by marmosets, we began with the MesoScale Diagnostics V-PLEX Human Biomarker 40-Plex Kit (MSD Cat # K15209D). We collected marmoset peripheral blood samples to conduct this study. We stimulated marmoset white blood cells to secrete inflammatory proteins using three different methods to ensure full immune activation. We also tested marmoset plasma to determine whether there were any inherent challenges associated with using this biological matrix in the assay. We used three validation tests, spike recovery, linearity, and parallelism. Of the 40 markers tested with the human-specific kit, we validated 18 as cross reactive for marmoset proteins. Of the 18, we determined that 12 were highly reproducible, 4 were reproducible, and 2 could be detected but with low reproducibility
Assessing Malevolent Creativity in the Workplace
No full textThe fundamental qualities of creativity, novelty and effectiveness, are generally viewed as inherently pro-social. However, creativity can be aimed towards malevolent goals as well. Malevolent creativity (MC), the generation of ideas or products that are both novel and harmful, is not limited to extreme cases (e.g., terrorists and criminals). The same phenomenon can be observed in our workplaces. This study focuses on individual differences in creative potential measured via divergent thinking and an unjust situational context as they relate to the generation of MC ideas. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between creative potential and MC ideation in a workplace context and how this relationship is influenced by the perceptions of organizational injustice. Moreover, we considered the role of counterproductive workplace behaviors (CWBs), another form of workplace deviance, and whether a propensity to engage in CWBs strengthens the relationship between creative potential and MC. 170 working adult participants recruited through Prolific participated in the survey study. Previous studies have used social revenge tasks in which participants are asked to “get back at” others for unfair treatment. However, we focus on unsolicited MC in response to complex, ill-defined problems represented in unfair, workplace-related vignettes. Participants were asked to engage in creative ideation, but not explicitly instructed to cause harm in response to the vignettes. The goal was to create a more realistic situation that may occur in actual workplaces rather than a hypothetical revenge task. Contrary to expectations, creative potential was not related to MC. Unlike the results of previous studies, perceptions of injustice were not related to MC either. Further, CWBs were unrelated to MC, suggesting other variables beyond creative ability alone differentiate between engagement in CWBs versus engagement in MC ideation. However, people who generated more ideas tended to have more malevolent ideas for one problem version. Interestingly, those who had faced a similar experience in real life were more likely to view the problems as unfair
Spring-loaded Shoe Affect Step Characteristics in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
No full textIntermittent claudication is a common symptom observed in peripheral artery disease (PAD) that causes pain or discomfort in the calf muscle during walking. Shoe pitch and support provided to the ankle joint influence the metabolic demands of the calf muscle during walking. This research aims to evaluate spatiotemporal parameters of gait in patients with PAD when walking with regular, carbon fiber, and spring-loaded shoes. We hypothesized that carbon fiber and spring-loaded assistive shoes would improve gait characteristics by assisting the calf muscles during push off. Eight PAD patients engaged in a progressive treadmill test protocol, at a speed of 2 mph, while wearing regular, carbon fiber, and spring-loaded shoes across three conditions in a randomized order. Outcome measurements, step width, stride length, stride time, cadence, and velocity, were recorded for each condition. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to investigate the effect of footwear on gait outcomes within three conditions. The mean percent difference (%difference) was assessed to compare changes in the mean values of the spring-loaded and carbon fiber conditions to the regular condition. No significant differences were seen in the spatiotemporal parameters across any of the conditions. In the spring-loaded condition, the %difference increased in stride length (10.1%), decreased in cadence (14%) and step width (11.4%), and no relevant threshold differences were observed in stride time or velocity. In the carbon fiber condition, %difference increased in stride length (8.3%), decreased in stride time (3.6%) and cadence (10%), and no relevant threshold differences were observed in step width or velocity. Previous studies have reported that selective footwear is not a solution to improving gait in PAD patients. While the statistical analysis did not provide significant differences, %difference changes in the spring-loaded and carbon fiber conditions were observed. The spring-loaded condition outperformed the carbon fiber condition by increasing stride length and inducing a faster gait. Further improvements were noted with a decrease in step width, indicating values closer to healthy individuals. A greater %difference in cadence is seen in the spring-loaded condition, indicating fewer steps were taken to achieve the same pace. The results of this study indicate that assistive shoes may have limited effectiveness for PAD patients upon immediate use. Furthermore, this study offers insights into potential enhancements in gait for PAD patients following a period of adaptation to assistive shoes
Palimpsest
No full textPalimpsest, 2024
performance/installation
wood, sound, and body
Weber Fine Arts Gallery
University of Nebraska at Omaha
pal·imp·sest /ˈpaləm(p)ˌsest/ noun
A manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. Something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form
Palimpsest is a performance inviting the viewer to engage with the artist in a mindful and healing interaction of peaceful meditation practice. Sitting in a hand-made structure, the artist meditates in the installation space, contemplating collective trauma as a result of war and discrimination. Sound and light are then used to allude to the process and creation of the piece. Quick, emphatic, and deliberate marks were made within the walls of the work. However, the evidence of that history is only an abstraction and a recording. Long after its initial creation, the artist returns to the structure having been fundamentally changed in the process. Recurring performances will provide opportunity for the artist to reinforce the work, and provide safe space for the viewer to contemplate our deeper connection to humanity and the nature of collective grief. Of those lives lost, traces remain
Does Lack of Psychological Readiness Influence Reinjury in Athletes at Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery?
No full textDoes Lack of Psychological Readiness Influence Reinjury in Athletes at Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery?
Clinical scenario: Psychological factors are becoming increasingly recognized when it comes to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation. When it comes time for athletes to return to sports, they tend to feel anxious or fear getting hurt again. The purpose of this study is to determine if psychological readiness plays a part in an athlete\u27s reinjury of an ACL after they have returned to sport post-ACLR surgery. Clinical question: Does lack of psychological readiness influence reinjury in athletes at return to play after ACL reconstruction surgery? Summary of key findings: Two high-quality cohort studies and one moderate-quality cross-sectional study were included in the critically appraised topic (CAT). Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) was used to score the articles on methodology and consistency. Clinical bottom line: There is moderate evidence that supports that lower ACL-RSI scores correlate with a decreased readiness to return to sport following an ACL injury. Strength of recommendation: Grades 2 & 3 evidence supports the use of the ACL-RSI due to consistent findings across the three articles, two performed as cohort studies and one as a cross-sectional
The Impact of General Self-Worth on the Effect of Negative Peer Experiences to Barometric Self-Esteem of Early Adolescents
No full textPurpose: Being a victim of negative interpersonal experiences has long been shown to have serious negative consequences, such as low self-esteem (Pollastri et al., 2009). Furthermore, studies have concluded that internalizing factors like rejection sensitivity have caused adolescent victims of bullying to experience even lower self-esteem (Nepon et al., 2021). In this present study using a community-based sample of early adolescents, we are testing whether self-worth can mitigate the relationship between negative peer experiences and self-esteem, in the moment.
Method: A total of 112 (60 boys) grade 5 and 6 English speaking students (Mage = 10.83, S.D. = .77) were recruited from a public school in the greater Montreal metropolitan area. At school, four times per day for four consecutive school days participants completed a daily booklet where they reported about their recent experiences with peers (ex.: feeling low in “support”, alpha = .74) and their self-esteem in the moment (“I feel like I am a good person”, alpha = .93). In addition, participants filled out a self-report measure of general self-worth (“I am very happy being the way I am”, alpha = .72). Hypothesis testing was conducted using multilevel modeling of experiential self-esteem as a function of negative peer experiences. Gender and general self-worth were used as moderators.
Results: The unconditional model revealed that 16.65% of the variability in self-esteem was at level 1 (across experiences) with the remaining 83.35% at level 2 (between participants). As previously reported (Adams et al., 2011), negative peer experiences were linked with decreased self-esteem, in the moment (R2 = 19.78%). Not surprisingly, general self-worth was related with higher experiential self-esteem, overall (R2 = 8.29%). More interesting however was that general self-worth buffered the effect of negative peer experiences on experiential self-esteem (R2 = 1.02%; see figure 1). No gender differences emerged.
Discussion: In this study, general self-worth in adolescents weakened the association between negative peer experiences and experiential self-esteem. Adolescents with lower general self-worth tend to think negatively about themselves more than adolescents with higher self-worth. In situations where adolescents tend to feel worse about themselves, like undergoing negative peer experiences, being able to focus on positive attributes and qualities about oneself can protect adolescents against the damage these experiences due to their self-esteem at that moment. Knowing this association, we can further explore how general self-worth buffers the effects that negative experiences in other areas in an adolescent’s life and experiential self-esteem
Hydrogen Sulfide as a Biomarker in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
No full textH2S is a gaseous signaling molecule produced endogenously for a variety of functions. H2S plays roles in angiogenesis, vascular smooth muscle relaxation, endothelial function preservation, and redox balance, therefore, H2S is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and ensuring cellular homeostasis in aging. Several studies have noted that, with the aging process, comes a correlating decline in endogenous H2S levels in many different species including both mice and humans. However, aging mediated changes of H2S in vascular function have not been explored. Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of H2S in vascular and metabolic functions, as well as physical performance across different age groups, focusing on its implications for cardiovascular health in aging populations. Methods: The study involved 24 participants, categorized into three groups: healthy-young adults (YA, n = 10), healthy middle-aged adults (MA, n = 7), and healthy-older adults (OA, n = 7). Assessments included endothelial function with the flow-mediated dilation (FMD), arterial stiffness with pulse-wave velocity (PWV), skeletal muscle oxygen delivery and utilization capacity, the cardio-metabolic responses to graded exercise test, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mitochondrial function. Results: Significant differences were observed in brachial FMD between YA and OA (p \u3c 0.05), and in popliteal artery FMD between YA and MA (p \u3c 0.05), and MA and OA (p \u3c 0.05). Carotid-to-ankle PWV and carotid-to-femoral PWV also showed significant differences between YA and OA (p \u3c 0.05), and between MA and OA (p \u3c 0.05). Skeletal muscle oxygenation and utilization were significantly different between YA and OA (p \u3c 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in PBMC mitochondrial respiration across age groups (p \u3e 0.05). Conclusion: Significant age-related differences were found in endothelial function and arterial stiffness, as well as in muscle reoxygenation and metabolic rates, highlighting the impact of aging on vascular and muscle physiology. However, no significant differences in mitochondrial function across age groups were observed, suggesting either resilience to aging or the need for larger studies
The effects of dual-tasking on multiscale coordination between center of pressure and center of mass in healthy young adults
No full textDexterity encompasses a global, functional coordination involving fundamental interactivity that spans the entire body. Task completion relies on the coordination of diverse anatomical components, ensuring stability in posture on the support surface. Key variables in this context are the bodily center of mass and pressure (CoM and CoP, respectively), serving as critical indicators directly reflecting whole-body coordination and stability on the support surface. The significance of this coordination surpasses that of individual anatomical parts, underscoring its pivotal role in facilitating healthy movement. Comprehending this intricate interactivity is paramount in developing innovative rehabilitative interventions to prevent falls and enhance the quality of life in pathological populations. This project integrates a life-size Trail-Making Test with posturography and whole-body movement tracking alongside cutting-edge fractal regression modeling. The objective is to examine the causal interaction between the bodily CoM and CoP in healthy young adults. Our hypothesis posits that maintaining an upright stance induces causal bidirectional influences between CoM and CoP across multiple timescales. Notably, these influences are expected to intensify when posture is destabilized, especially at shorter timescales related to these perturbations, further strengthening when individuals are burdened with a secondary task alongside destabilized posture. Preliminary results employing fractal regression methods substantiate our hypothesis. Ongoing efforts involve testing more participants and validating these initial findings on a larger cohort of healthy young adults