Magdalena Chęć

Monoamine Oxidase A Promoter Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (MAOA-uVNTR) in Alcoholics According to Lesch Typology

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the MAOA-uVNTR gene polymorphism in a homogeneous subgroups of patients with alcohol dependence categorized according to Lesch’s typology. Methods: DNA was provided from alcohol dependent (AD) patients (n = 370) and healthy control subjects (n = 168) all of Polish descent. The history of alcoholism was obtained using the Polish version of the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA). Samples were genotyped using PCR methods. Results: We found no association between alcohol dependence and MAOA gene polymorphism. Conclusions: Lesch typology is a clinical consequence of the disease and its phenotypic description is too complex for a simple genetic analysis.

Emotions in Decision Making

A blend of research methods applied in psychology, economics and neurology has contributed to deeper understanding of the causes and effects of emotional processes in decision making. New paradigms initiated the studies on the role of emotions and cognitive processes in decision making. When making choices, a human being formulates their cognitive judgments on the basis of their affective experience. The studies point to both the adaptive and nonadaptive effect of emotional experience. Intense emotions moderate or modify the cognitive processes that are a part of decision making. Therefore, in the light of current scientific knowledge, the complexity and importance of emotional processes must be taken into account when analyzing the decision-making processes.

Case control study of ANKK1 Taq 1A polymorphism in patients with alcohol dependence classified according to Lesch's typology.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association between the Taq 1A polymorphism of the ANKK1 gene in homogeneous subgroups of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome divided according to Leschs typology. MATERIAL/METHODS DNA was provided from alcohol-dependent (AD) patients (n = 373) and healthy control subjects (n = 168), all of Polish descent. The history of alcoholism was obtained using the Polish version of the SSAGA (Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism). Samples were genotyped using the PCR method. RESULTS We found no association between alcohol dependence and ANKK1 Taq 1A polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS Leschs typology is a clinical consequence of the disease, and its phenotypic description is too complex for simple genetic analysis.

On-line psychological support in the evaluation of specialists and future specialists in Poland

Abstract In this study we aimed to determine the attitudes of professionals and future professionals towards this type of aid. The study involved 108 professionals and future professionals (mostly women, mean age-33 years) providing psychological support. We used self-designed research tools, i.e. Scale of Attitudes Towards Psychological Support On-line (SPWPPO) and a socio-demographic survey. There was no significant difference between future specialists and specialists. However, the length of work experience correlated negatively with their attitude. The attitudes towards various forms of on-line assistance differed significantly among the investigated subjects. Experienced individuals achieved significantly higher scores. The declared theoretical orientation did not differentiate attitudes. The highest assessed form of assistance was via email, and the lowest through Skype. Both future and present specialists, regardless of their theoretical orientation have the same ambivalent attitude towards on-line psychological assistance. It depends on the experience in providing such assistance, its form, Internet communication channel, and the patients problem. Professionals who have experience in providing such assistance display a more positive attitude towards it.

Correction: Samochowiec, A., et al. Monoamine Oxidase A Promoter Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (MAOA-uVNTR) in Alcoholics According to Lesch Typology. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 3317–3326

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: The author name “Kolodziej Łukasz” should be “Łukasz Kolodziej”. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by these changes.