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Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Shirin Amini, Houra Mohseni, Behnaz Abiri and Sima Jafarirad

Depression is one of the most overlooked psychiatric disorders among middle-aged and elderly men. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas are a favorite and common spice that is used…

Abstract

Purpose

Depression is one of the most overlooked psychiatric disorders among middle-aged and elderly men. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas are a favorite and common spice that is used as an antidepressant, an anti-inflammatory and a sexual stimulant. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive survey of the effects of saffron on depression in middle-aged and elderly men.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar databases to gather any relevant studies published from 1980 to September 2022. This review included studies that examined the relationship between depression and testosterone concentration (four studies) or saffron’s effects on testosterone and depression (six studies).

Findings

Observational research showed an association between testosterone and depression in middle-aged and elderly men. Furthermore, animal studies have found that saffron increased testosterone levels and decreased depression in males. There is evidence that testosterone may contribute to the mood. Besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this study proposed scientific mechanisms that saffron may also play a protective role against depression through its influence on testosterone, in middle-aged and elderly men. The general use of saffron at high doses or for prolonged periods may cause side effects; therefore, it is important to consult a health-care professional before the recommended dosage and duration of saffron supplementation, especially if a person has any underlying health conditions or is taking medications.

Originality/value

This study provides researchers with an additional perspective for conducting clinical trials on the use of saffron to enhance the mood of elderly men with testosterone deficiency.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 53 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2018

Matthias Woeckener, Danielle L. Boisvert, Eric M. Cooke, Nicholas Kavish, Richard H. Lewis, Jessica Wells, Todd A. Armstrong, Eric J. Connolly and James M. Harper

Research reports a positive relationship between parental rejection and antisocial behavior in adolescents and young adults. Studies also report a positive association between…

Abstract

Purpose

Research reports a positive relationship between parental rejection and antisocial behavior in adolescents and young adults. Studies also report a positive association between testosterone and antisocial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether testosterone moderates the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in a sample of young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study analyzed a sample of undergraduate students (N=322) to examine the interaction between testosterone and parental rejection in the prediction of antisocial behavior. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to explore this association.

Findings

Results from OLS regression models revealed that parental rejection and testosterone were independently associated with antisocial behavior and that the effect of parental rejection on antisocial behavior was stronger at higher levels of testosterone.

Originality/value

This current study is the first to examine how testosterone conditions the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in young adults. Findings from the study add to the growing body of literature examining the interplay between biological and environmental factors.

Details

Journal of Criminal Psychology, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2009-3829

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2022

Jiafeng Gu

The study aims to investigate the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs') prenatal testosterone exposure, absorptive capacity and e-commerce adoption by small and…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs') prenatal testosterone exposure, absorptive capacity and e-commerce adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a study of 1,519 SMEs led by a male CEO in China, the impact of entrepreneur's digital ratio on e-commerce adoption is empirically analyzed through a multivariate logistic model.

Findings

The results show that the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a reverse measurement of prenatal testosterone exposure, is negatively correlated with the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. This evidence suggests that CEOs with high prenatal testosterone exposure have a higher probability of adopting e-commerce. In addition, this research indicates a positive correlation between absorptive capacity, which is defined by market innovation, process innovation and marketing innovation, and the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs.

Originality/value

This research can contribute to the discussion by providing new insights into the antecedents of the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2019

Benjamin G. Serpell, Stephen Larkham and Christian J. Cook

Team effectiveness is often predicated by a group’s ability to communicate. However, the effect of stress response on communication success, particularly nonverbal engagement, and…

Abstract

Purpose

Team effectiveness is often predicated by a group’s ability to communicate. However, the effect of stress response on communication success, particularly nonverbal engagement, and how this might affect team performance, is not clear; a “phenomenon” this study sought to explore.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an observational study in a cohort of professional rugby players. Participants gave presentations to their peers on two separate occasions during a “live-in” camp designed to have psychologically stressful elements. Presentations were video recorded and audience engagement was measured. Testosterone and cortisol were used as biomarkers of stress response, with a high testosterone–cortisol ratio considered positive. A team training session followed the presentations and participants were rated for training quality.

Findings

A small decline in testosterone was observed each day after waking. Conversely, cortisol rose after waking, with the rise being the highest on the first day. A decline in testosterone–cortisol ratio was also seen each day after waking; the decline was greatest on the first day. Presentation duration and audience engagement was greatest for the second presentation; when the testosterone-cortisol ratio decline and the cortisol increase after waking was smaller. Training quality was also better that day. Pooled data revealed a moderate inverse relationship and weak positive relationships for audience engagement with post-meeting cortisol and post-meeting testosterone–cortisol ratio, respectively. Training quality was related to testosterone and testosterone–cortisol ratio, but inversely related to cortisol.

Originality/value

This study suggests that in stressful conditions, as suggested by an awakening hormone response, communication and team performance could become compromised with reduced ability to engage with others.

Details

Team Performance Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7592

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2017

Stephanie Sloan and Eleanor Brewster

The management of sexual offending is a major challenge, particularly in men who have an intellectual disability. Psychological therapies have been shown beneficial, and…

Abstract

Purpose

The management of sexual offending is a major challenge, particularly in men who have an intellectual disability. Psychological therapies have been shown beneficial, and programmes designed for use in the general population have been adapted for use in offenders who have an intellectual disability. There is also a role for pharmacological management, although the quality of evidence for this is noticeably lacking, most likely associated with the ethical and legal issues encountered in conducting well designed and controlled trials in this area. The purpose of this paper is to look at the pharmacological management options available.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken. Additionally, the references lists for identified papers were examined for any further relevant publications.

Findings

The two main categories of drugs used in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour are the testosterone-lowering drugs and the psychotropic drugs. Most trials were open and utilised self-report measures of drug effectiveness, limiting their usefulness. Most trials noted beneficial effect. Side effect profiles and patient adherence can limit the effectiveness of anti-libidinal medication in practice.

Originality/value

There is very limited evidence available for the use of pharmacological agents in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour, owing to the lack of adequately controlled clinical trials. New studies are therefore required, particularly of larger sample sizes, longer durations, and examining characteristics of those who benefit from pharmacological treatment, although the ethical issues of conducting such studies is duly acknowledged.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8824

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2021

Muhammad Farrukh, Ali Raza, Muhammad Sajid, Muhammad Rafiq, Rizwana Hameed and Tanzila Ali

This paper aims to investigate the role of nature and nurture in students’ entrepreneurial intention (EIs). In doing so, the study examines the relationship between prenatal…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of nature and nurture in students’ entrepreneurial intention (EIs). In doing so, the study examines the relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure (2D:4D), risk-taking propensity, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and EIs. Moreover, the moderating role of entrepreneurial education between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and EI is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with previous studies on EI, the authors tested hypotheses based on quantitative data obtained from university students.

Findings

Data were analyzed with the help of the structural equation modeling technique, and the results revealed that all the hypothesized relationships were supported.

Originality/value

The field of entrepreneurship has become an attractive area of research for practitioners and academics. One tinted area of research in entrepreneurship is the investigation of EI because it is a good predictor of entrepreneurial behavior. Several antecedents of EIs have been recognized in the literature ranging from personality traits to environmental factors. However, less is known about the role of biology in entrepreneurship. Incorporating biological factors in the field of entrepreneurship appears to be theoretically viable and sound. Thus, this study investigates the effect of biological factors in the presence of psychological factors on EIs, which is a unique contribution to the literature on entrepreneurship.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 63 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2021

Khaled M.M. Koriem and Mahmoud S.S. Arbid

This paper aims to design to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E to ameliorate the disturbances in testosterone pathway and sperm quality of male rats induced by the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to design to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E to ameliorate the disturbances in testosterone pathway and sperm quality of male rats induced by the glycosides vicine (V) and convicine (C) of Vicia faba.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty male albino rats were divided into five equal groups; control, paraffin oil, V (400 mg/kg) C (150 mg/kg)-treated group, vitamin E (100 mg/kg) + VC-treated group, and vitamin E (200 mg/kg) + VC-treated groups which injected intraperioneally (IP) with 0.5-ml saline, 0.5-ml paraffin oil,V (400 mg/kg) and C (150 mg/kg) of Vicia faba, vitamin E (100 mg/kg) + VC-treated groups, and Vitamin E(200 mg/kg) + VC-treated groups, respectively. Blood and testicular tissue were obtained after one month of the study. The male genital organs were calculated. Testosterone (Ts), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-SO4), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG),?-glutamyl transpeptidase (?-GT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ßHSD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), spermatozoa concentration, percent of mortality and abnormal sperms were evaluated.

Findings

The VC-treated group showed significant decrease (p < 0.01) in Ts, DHEA-SO4, G6PD, spermatozoa number and mortality percent, as well as, the male genital organs (testes, epidydemis, seminal vesicle, prostate and vasa deferentia) while significant increase (p < 0.01) was found in LH, FSH, SHBG, LDH, ?-GT, sperms monoclonal Ki-67, and abnormal spermatocytes levels compared with control group. Vitamin E co-injection with VC-treated group returned all these parameters to the normal values. The higher dose of vitamin E (200 mg/kg) was more effect than the lower dose (100 mg/kg).

Originality/value

Vicia faba contains V and C glycosides. The V and C glycosides in Vicia faba are hydrolyzed by intestinal microflora to aglycones divicine and isouramil, respectively. Divicine and isouramil are highly reactive compounds generating free radicals where divicine and isouramil are the main factors of favism. The V and C glycosides induced disturbances in testosterone pathway and sperm quality of male rats and vitamin E ameliorates these disturbances.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2013

Emily R. Rosario, Melissa R. Bustos and Colleen Moore

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant public health problem that affect an estimated 1.7 million US residents yearly. TBI patients experience a variety of symptoms…

Abstract

Purpose

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant public health problem that affect an estimated 1.7 million US residents yearly. TBI patients experience a variety of symptoms related to physical functioning, sensory processing, cognition, communication, behavior, and mental health, all of which differ in severity by individual. Recent evidence suggests that hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction may be impacting recovery. The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness about the frequency of hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction following a TBI and its effect on functional recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature regarding hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction following TBI and discusses the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy for individuals with hormone deficiencies.

Findings

The rate of hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction following TBI has been reported as anywhere between 25 and 80 percent. Specifically, abnormal hormone levels, both chronic and acute, are generally estimated to be approximately 5-22 percent for thyroid hormones, 15-33 percent for growth hormone (GH), and 25-80 percent for testosterone. The effect of hypopituitarism has been reported on several aspects cognitive and physical function as well as overall quality of life. In these studies, GH and testosterone deficiencies appear to underlie the observed impairments.

Originality/value

The paper suggests the importance of understanding and screening for hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction as hormone replacement therapy may be a beneficial intervention to promote physical and cognitive rehabilitation.

Details

Social Care and Neurodisability, vol. 4 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0919

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2010

Alyson Blanchard and Minna Lyons

This study investigates whether a higher level of pre‐natal testosterone, as indicated by the 2D: 4D digit ratio, is a correlate of psychopathy and cognitive empathy. The main…

Abstract

This study investigates whether a higher level of pre‐natal testosterone, as indicated by the 2D: 4D digit ratio, is a correlate of psychopathy and cognitive empathy. The main research hypothesis predicts that 2D: 4D digit ratios will correlate negatively with psychopathy scores and positively with cognitive empathy scores. The study facilitates a within‐subjects correlational design, using a quasi‐experimental method consisting of questionnaires and digit measurements. Fifty‐four participants volunteered and were gathered via purposive and convenience sampling. Each participant completed a self‐report psychopathy scale, a cognitive empathy test, a verbal IQ test and a scan of both hands. The scans were later measured and computed for digit ratios. T‐tests, multiple partial correlations and multiple regression found that, contrary to the research hypothesis, a higher level of pre‐natal oestrogen, as indicated by a larger 2D: 4D digit ratio, is a positive correlate of psychopathy in females, and a positive correlate of callous affect (psychopathy sub‐scale) in males, at less than 0.01 probability levels. Gender is also a correlate of psychopathy, as males scored significantly higher than females at 0.01 probability levels. This result sheds an interesting new light on the physiological correlates of psychopathy and the role that pre‐natal oestrogen plays in organisational effects on the brain during pre‐ and post‐natal development.

Details

The British Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6646

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2021

Marcelo Rocha Nasser Hissa and Miguel Nasser Hissa

Competitions in high-performance sports are based on the premise of fairness and the absence of advantages for participants. Therefore, several metrics were created to divide…

Abstract

Purpose

Competitions in high-performance sports are based on the premise of fairness and the absence of advantages for participants. Therefore, several metrics were created to divide participants into categories and neutralize the advantages of some athletes. The division by sex is justified in the face of differences in body development between men and women due to testosterone levels. Faced with the difficulties of determining a single unequivocal criterion for determining sex, major sports entities periodically change the rules that guide the inclusion criteria to compete in the female category. The purpose of this study is to assess whether changes in gender metric rules bring female sports performance closer to male performance, reducing the equality of conditions for female competitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a retrospective study that compared female and male results from the past 5 Olympic games in the 100-metre dash, high jump and javelin throw.

Findings

The performance in the men's category in the 100-metre dash was superior to the women's in the Olympic Games in Sydney by 8.78% (± 0.16), in Athens by 9.88% (± 0.21), in Beijing by 10.11% (± 0.29), in London by 9.25% (± 0.59) and in Rio de Janeiro by 8.6% (± 0.23). The male high jump was higher than the female by 17.24% (± 1.18) in Sydney, 16.61% (± 1.83) in Athens, 17.01% (± 1.79) in Beijing, 15.47% (± 1.96 higher) in London and 19.67% (± 1.09) in Rio de Janeiro. In the javelin throw, the male superiority was 34.87% (± 2.35) in Sydney, 29.88% (± 4.15) in Athens, 31.87% (± 4.15) in Beijing, 29.44% (± 3.24) in London and 32.31% (± 2.69) in Rio de Janeiro.

Research limitations/implications

As limitations of the study, this study mentions the lack of hormonal dosage of the athletes involved, the non-evaluation of other modalities with different dynamics of execution and muscular requirements and the non-evaluation of the rules in sexual metrics during the qualifying stages for the games.

Practical implications

In this manuscript, the authors show that interference of the International Olympic Committee in the sex metric influences the athletic performance of women in some sports. Rules that facilitate participation of transgender athletes, or with sexual differentiation disorder and other forms of hyperandrogenism, improve female athletic performance overall.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this manuscript is appropriate for publication by International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare because it is an original paper that fits the goals of the publication. This manuscript creates a paradigm for future policies that rule the sex determination metrics in competitive sports.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

1 – 10 of 329