Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) across 37 Languages.

Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg's 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale-the TLS-15-comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test-retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components-either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure.

Intramedullary implant stability affects patterns of fracture healing in mice with morphologically different bone phenotypes.

Almost all prior mouse fracture healing models have used needles or K-wires for fixation, unwittingly providing inadequate mechanical stability during the healing process. Our contention is that the reported outcomes have predominantly reflected this instability, rather than the impact of diverse biological conditions, pharmacologic interventions, exogenous growth factors, or genetic considerations. This important issue becomes obvious upon a critical review of the literature. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to demonstrate the significance of mouse-specific implants designed to provide both axial and torsional stability (Screw and IM Nail) compared to conventional pins (Needle and K-wires), even when used in mice with differently sized marrow canals and diverse genetic backgrounds. B6 (large medullary canal), DBA, and C3H (smaller medullary canals) mice were employed, all of which have different bone morphologies. Closed femoral fractures were created and stabilized with intramedullary implants that provide different mechanical conditions during the healing process. The most important finding of this study was that appropriately designed mouse-specific implants, providing both axial and torsional stability, had the greatest influence on bone healing outcomes regardless of the different bone morphologies encountered. For instance, unstable implants in the B6 strain (largest medullary canal) resulted in significantly greater callus, with a fracture region mainly comprising trabecular bone along with the presence of cartilage 28 days after surgery. The DBA and C3H strains (with smaller medullary canals) instead formed significantly less callus, and only had a small amount of intracortical trabeculation remaining. Moreover, with more stable fracture fixation a higher BV/TV was observed and cortices were largely restored to their original dimensions and structure, indicating an accelerated healing and remodeling process. These observations reveal that the diaphyseal cortical thickness, influenced by the genetic background of each strain, played a pivotal role in determining the amount of bone formation in response to the fracture. These findings are highly important, indicating the rate and type of tissue formed is a direct result of mechanical instability, and this most likely would mask the true contribution of the tested genes, genetic backgrounds, or various therapeutic agents administered during the bone healing process.

Exploring Attitudes Toward "Sugar Relationships" Across 87 Countries: A Global Perspective on Exchanges of Resources for Sex and Companionship.

The current study investigates attitudes toward one form of sex for resources: the so-called sugar relationships, which often involve exchanges of resources for sex and/or companionship. The present study examined associations among attitudes toward sugar relationships and relevant variables (e.g., sex, sociosexuality, gender inequality, parasitic exposure) in 69,924 participants across 87 countries. Two self-report measures of Acceptance of Sugar Relationships (ASR) developed for younger companion providers (ASR-YWMS) and older resource providers (ASR-OMWS) were translated into 37 languages. We tested cross-sex and cross-linguistic construct equivalence, cross-cultural invariance in sex differences, and the importance of the hypothetical predictors of ASR. Both measures showed adequate psychometric properties in all languages (except the Persian version of ASR-YWMS). Results partially supported our hypotheses and were consistent with previous theoretical considerations and empirical evidence on human mating. For example, at the individual level, sociosexual orientation, traditional gender roles, and pathogen prevalence were significant predictors of both ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS. At the country level, gender inequality and parasite stress positively predicted the ASR-YWMS. However, being a woman negatively predicted the ASR-OMWS, but positively predicted the ASR-YWMS. At country-level, ingroup favoritism and parasite stress positively predicted the ASR-OMWS. Furthermore, significant cross-subregional differences were found in the openness to sugar relationships (both ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS scores) across subregions. Finally, significant differences were found between ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS when compared in each subregion. The ASR-YWMS was significantly higher than the ASR-OMWS in all subregions, except for Northern Africa and Western Asia.

Reverse Dynamization Accelerates Regenerate Bone Formation and Remodeling in a Goat Distraction Osteogenesis Model.

UPDATE: This article was updated on December 20, 2023, because of previous errors, which were discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. Figure 4 has been replaced with a figure that presents different p values. Also, on page 1943, the text that had read: "Quantitative microCT confirmed that the total volume of the regenerate in the RD group was much smaller compared with the SF (p = 0.06) and DF (p = 0.007) groups, although it was significantly smaller only compared with the DF group (Fig. 4-A). The total volume of the intact bone (contralateral tibia) was significantly smaller in the RD group compared with the other groups, but the RD group had values closest to those for the intact tibia. Similarly, the RD group had less bone volume compared with the SF and DF groups, and this value was significantly different from the DF group (p = 0.034; Fig. 4-B). Of the 3 groups, the RD group had vBMD that was the closest to that of intact bone. It also had significantly higher vBMD compared with the SF and DF groups (p < 0.0001 for both; Fig. 4-C).The results of torsional testing (Fig. 4-D) confirmed that the regenerate bone formed under conditions of RD was significantly stronger than that formed under SF or DF (p < 0.001 versus SF group, and p = 0.0493 versus DF group)."now reads: "Quantitative microCT confirmed that the total volume of the regenerate in the RD group was significantly smaller compared with the SF and DF groups (p < 0.01 for both groups; Fig. 4-A). The total volume of the intact bone (contralateral tibia) was significantly smaller compared with the SF and DF groups (p < 0.0001 for both). The RD group had values closest to those for the intact tibia, and this difference was not significant (Fig. 4-A). Similarly, the RD group had less bone volume compared with the SF and DF groups, and this value was significantly different from the DF group (p < 0.01; Fig. 4-B). Of the 3 groups, the RD group had vBMD that was the closest to that of intact bone, but the intact bone was significantly different compared with all of the other groups (p < 0.0001 for all groups). The RD group had significantly higher vBMD compared with the SF and DF groups (p = 0.042 and p = 0.046, respectively; Fig. 4-C).The results of torsional testing (Fig. 4-D) confirmed that the regenerate bone formed under conditions of RD was significantly stronger than that formed under SF or DF (p < 0.0001 versus SF group, and p = 0.0493 versus DF group). The intact group was significantly different compared with the SF group (p < 0.0001)."

The concept of reverse dynamization involves modifying the mechanical environment surrounding a fracture to influence the healing response. Initially, less rigid stabilization is performed to allow micromotion, encouraging cartilaginous callus formation. This is followed by a conversion to more rigid fixation to prevent the disruption of neovascularization, thereby accelerating bone healing and remodeling. The effect of reverse dynamization in distraction osteogenesis has not been studied, to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to determine whether reverse dynamization can accelerate the formation and maturation of regenerate bone in a goat distraction osteogenesis model. Midshaft tibial osteotomies were created in 18 goats and stabilized using circular external fixation. After a 5-day latency period, 4 weeks of limb distraction began to obtain a 2-cm gap; this was followed by 8 weeks of regenerate consolidation. The goats were divided into 3 groups: static (rigid) fixation (SF, n = 6); dynamic fixation (DF, n = 6), consisting of continuous micromotion using dynamizers; and reverse dynamization (RD, n = 6), consisting of initial micromotion during the distraction period using dynamizers followed by rigid fixation during the consolidation period. Healing was assessed using radiographs, micro-computed tomography, histological analysis, and mechanical testing. Radiographic evaluation showed earlier regenerate formation in the DF and RD groups compared with the SF group. After the distraction and consolidation periods were completed, the regenerate formed under the conditions of RD had less trabeculation, higher bone mineral density, and smaller total and bone volumes, and were stronger in torsion compared with the SF and DF groups. This appearance is characteristic of advanced remodeling, returning closest to the values of intact bone. The DF group also had evidence of an interzone (radiolucent fibrous zone) at the end of the consolidation period. Application of the reverse dynamization regimen during distraction osteogenesis accelerated formation, maturation, and remodeling of regenerate bone. The findings of this study have important implications in the clinical setting, as reverse dynamization may lead to shorter treatment times and potentially lower prevalence of complications for patients needing distraction osteogenesis.

Biomimetic hematoma delivers an ultra-low dose of rhBMP-2 to successfully regenerate large femoral bone defects in rats.

Successful repair of large bone defects remains a clinical challenge. Following fractures, a bridging hematoma immediately forms as a crucial step that initiates bone healing. In larger bone defects the micro-architecture and biological properties of this hematoma are compromised, and spontaneous union cannot occur. To address this need, we developed an ex vivo Biomimetic Hematoma that resembles naturally healing fracture hematoma, using whole blood and the natural coagulants calcium and thrombin, as an autologous delivery vehicle for a very reduced dose of rhBMP-2. When implanted into a rat femoral large defect model, complete and consistent bone regeneration with superior bone quality was achieved with 10-20× less rhBMP-2 compared to that required with the collagen sponges currently used. Moreover, calcium and rhBMP-2 demonstrated a synergistic effect enhancing osteogenic differentiation, and fully restored mechanical strength 8 weeks after surgery. Collectively, these findings suggest the Biomimetic Hematoma provides a natural reservoir for rhBMP-2, and that retention of the protein within the scaffold rather than its sustained release might be responsible for more robust and rapid bone healing. Clinically, this new implant, using FDA-approved components, would not only reduce the risk of adverse events associated with BMPs, but also decrease treatment costs and nonunion rates.

Fracture hematoma micro-architecture influences transcriptional profile and plays a crucial role in determining bone healing outcomes.

The hematoma that forms between broken fragments of bone serves as a natural fibrin scaffold, and its removal from the defect site delays bone healing. The hypothesis of this study is that the microarchitectural and mechanical properties of the initially formed hematoma has a significant effect on the regulation of the biological process, which ultimately determines the outcome of bone healing. To mimic three healing conditions in the rat femur (normal, delayed, and non-healing bone defects), three different defect sizes of 0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 mm, are respectively used. The analysis of 3-day-old hematomas demonstrates clear differences in fibrin clot micro-architecture in terms of fiber diameter, fiber density, and porosity of the formed fibrin network, which result in different mechanical properties (stiffness) of the hematoma in each model. Those differences directly affect the biological processes involved. Specifically, RNA-sequencing reveals almost 700 differentially expressed genes between normally healing and non-healing defects, including significantly up-regulated essential osteogenic genes in normally healing defects, also differences in immune cell populations, activated osteogenic transcriptional regulators as well as potential novel marker genes. Most importantly, this study demonstrates that the healing outcome has already been determined during the hematoma phase of bone healing, three days post-surgery.

Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) production in fermentation of enzymatically hydrolyzed cassava flour by Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 and solvent separation.

Cassava constitutes an abundant substrate in tropical regions. The production of butanol in ABE fermentation by Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 using cassava flour (CF) was scaled-up to bioreactor level (5 L). Optimized fermentation conditions were applied; that is, 40℃, 60 g/l CF, and enzymatic pretreatment of the substrate. The batch fermentation profile presented an acidogenic phase for the first 24 h and a solventogenic phase afterwards. An average of 37.01 g/l ABE was produced after 83 h, with a productivity of 0.446 g/l/h. Butanol production was 25.71 g/l with a productivity of 0.310 g/l/h, high or similar to analogous batch processes described for other substrates. Solvent separation by different combinations of fractioned and azeotropic distillation and liquid-liquid separation were assessed to evaluate energetic and economic costs in downstream processing. Results suggest that the use of cassava as a substrate in ABE fermentation could be a cost-effective way of producing butanol in tropical regions.

Consideraciones anatómicas en la parotidectomía: revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Anatomical considerations in parotidectomy: review of the literature and case report

La parotidectomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico habitualmente realizado por Cirujanos Maxilofaciales y Cirujanos de Cabeza y Cuello, en el cual se remueve parcialmente o en su totalidad a la glándula parótida. Las indicaciones más comunes para éste procedimiento son las neoplasias de la glándula. Aproximadamente el 80% del total de los tumores de glándulas salivales ocurren en la parótida. De estos, el 75-80% son de naturaleza benigna. Sin embargo, la parotidectomía es un procedimiento sumamente complejo debido a la anatomía regional y por la íntima relación de la glándula parótida con el nervio facial. Siendo la clave de este procedimiento la preservación funcional de éste nervio y de sus ramos. Por lo tanto el conocimiento acabado de la anatomía de la glándula parótida y de sus estructuras anexas es necesario para el éxito quirúrgico. Esta revisión y reporte de caso discutirá las consideraciones anatómicas que deben tenerse durante la parotidectomía para disminuir la posibilidad de alguna complicación.

Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure usually performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and Head and Neck Surgeons, in which the parotid gland may be removed partially or totally. The most common indications for this procedure are the neoplasms of the gland. Approximately 80% of total salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid gland. Of these, 75-80% are benign. However, the parotidectomy is a highly complex procedure because of the regional anatomy and the close relationship of the parotid gland with the facial nerve. The most important aspect of this procedure is the functional preservation of the facial nerve and its branches. Therefore, the thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the parotid gland and related structures is necessary for surgical success. This review and case report will discuss the anatomical considerations that must be taken during parotidectomy to reduce the possibility of complications.

Gingival metastasis from a testicular choriocarcinoma: an unusual case report and review of the literature / Metástasis gingival desde un coriocarcinoma testicular: un inusual reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Metastasic tumours to the oral cavity are extremely rare lesions that represent 1% of all oral and maxillofacial malignancies. Most reported cases involve the jaw bones than the soft tissues. Metastasis to the oral soft tissues most prevalently affects the gingiva and alveolar mucosa. Gingival metastasis may have an unremarkable clinical appearance and they can be difficult to distinguish from more common hyperplasic or reactive lesions that appear to be benign entities, such as peripheral giant-cell granuloma, pyogenic granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma. We present an unusual case of a testicular choriocarcinoma metastasized to the maxillary gingiva mimicking a reactive lesion. In addition, we also present a literature review of previous reported cases and a brief discussion about the etiopathogeny of testicular germ cell tumors, and how these malignant cells can reach the gingival tissues.

Los tumores metastásicos a la cavidad bucal son lesiones extremadamente raras que representan el 1% de todas las neoplasias malignas bucales y maxilofaciales. La mayoría de los casos reportados afectan más a los huesos maxilares que los tejidos blandos. Las metástasis a los tejidos blandos bucales involucran más prevalentemente a la encía y la mucosa alveolar. Las metástasis gingivales pueden tener un aspecto clínico no característico y suelen ser difíciles de distinguir de otras lesiones hiperplásicas o reactivas que parecen ser entidades benignas, tales como el granuloma periférico de células gigantes, el granuloma piogénico y el fibroma osificante periférico. Presentamos un inusual reporte de caso de un coriocarcinoma testicular metastásico a la encía maxilar simulando una lesión reactiva. Además, también se presenta una revisión de la literatura de los casos previamente publicados y una breve discusión acerca de la etiopatogenia de los tumores testiculares de células germinales, y cómo estas células malignas pueden llegar a los tejidos gingivales.